By Bob Gibson
Daily Progress political blogger

While Northern Virginia Republicans Jay O’Brien of Clifton and Corey Stewart of Prince William County are off and running for the GOP nod for lieutenant governor in 2009, Manassas resident Paul Harris has decided not to seek any statewide office next year.

Harris, a Republican who served in the House of Delegates from Albemarle County, sent the following email today to friends describing his decision:

“Dear Friend,
After much prayer and meditation, I have decided not to be a candidate for public office in 2009.  Over the past several months I have been called upon by party activists and leaders to consider seeking public office again next year.  Indeed, I have been humbled by the many words of encouragement and support from good Republicans (and a few Democrats) from all regions of the Commonwealth.  But now is not the time. 

“I remain confident in the Republican Party’s philosophical durability.  Our Party’s philosophy is based upon boundless optimism.  We believe that life is God’s most precious gift to humankind.  Each person deserves the opportunity to achieve her God-given talents.  Government’s principal role is to empower individuals to succeed while providing a safety net (and not a hammock) to those who are weak or frail.  Government requires vigilant restraint, every day, to ensure that it does not take a dime more from the personal sweat and aspirations of ordinary people and does not infringe their civil liberties any more than absolutely necessary to provide ordered liberty.  The free market is the most productive and efficient provider of economic opportunity and prosperity – both individually and collectively.  We are committed to equal opportunity for all people from all backgrounds and walks of life.  We respect each individual’s faith in God and seek to preserve God’s providence in the life of our families and communities.

“These beliefs compelled me to become a Republican over two decades ago.  I embraced these beliefs in my successful campaigns for the House of Delegates.  This was the message I delivered in my keynote speech before the Republican National Convention in 2000.  And this is the philosophy that we as a Party must articulate compellingly to the people of Virginia today and in the challenging years to come.

“In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to serve the cause in which I believe as Chairman, Americans for Prosperity-Virginia.  When the time is right, and God so moves me, I may once again seek His blessing and ask His help to lead an optimistic crusade of positive ideas based upon our conservative ideals.  The Republican Party must offer the people of Virginia a compelling vision and practical solutions to give wings to their dreams and flight to the aspirations they have for themselves, their families and their communities.  That is our challenge; we must make it our destiny. 

“I am grateful for your counsel and guidance, and am honored to call you friend. 

With warm personal regards,
Paul.“