Foley gains the nod; Fedele, Griebel can primary

Republican Whit Betts, who's running in the 78th District, talks with Oz Griebel during the convention vote to choose the party's gubernatorial candidate.

Setting up a possible three-way primary for governor on the Republican side, both Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and businessman Oz Griebel secured enough votes at the convention today to allow them to primary by right.
That means they can challenge former Ambassador Tom Foley, who won a slim majority, in an Aug. 10 primary.
Bristol Republicans, who mostly backed Griebel, said they were happy with the result.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley fields questions from the press.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Griebel says he could win nomination for governor

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Oz Griebel said Friday he's not worried about getting enough votes to allow him to primary.
"I haven't ruled out winning the thing," Griebel said.
He said he feels confident about the race and detects a momentum going his way.
Griebel said he knows he'll trail in early voting, where former Ambassador Tom Foley, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and others are going to grab some support.
But, he said, as delegates start to weigh options, his star may rise.
"People are taking this very seriously," Griebel said, and are looking at what's possible.
"A lot can shift" as the voting gets underway, he said.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com