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From The Roanoke Times

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RICHMOND -- State Sen. Emmett Hanger of Augusta County survived a strong challenge from within his own party Tuesday, a day when two of his Republican colleagues fell in primary elections that highlighted fissures within the GOP.

Hanger defeated R. Scott Sayre of Rockbridge County to win the Republican nomination in the 24th Senate District, which covers Augusta, Greene and Highland counties; parts of Rockbridge, Rockingham and Albemarle counties; and the cities of Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro.

The veteran senator withstood fierce criticism from Sayre and some GOP activists over his support for a 2004 tax increase and for sponsoring legislation that would allow some illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges.

Hanger said the campaign gave him opportunity to defend his record. Even in victory, he said he remains concerned that intraparty squabbling could affect the party's ability to govern.

"I think, having survived the onslaught, it allows me to work on the broader picture," Hanger said. "Some of the interest groups who are behind this are not helping the party."

Hanger, who has served in the Senate for 12 years, will face Democrat David Cox and Libertarian Arin Sime in the November general election.

Sayre said he will support Hanger in the fall but believes his own campaign sent "a real strong message" about adhering to the Republican principle of limited government.

"I'd say the party has gotten a clear signal that it's got to stop this out-of-control spending that's going on," Sayre said.

Hanger was one of five GOP senators who faced primary contests that reflected an ongoing clash between moderate and conservative factions in the party, largely over tax policy. Losses Tuesday by Republican incumbents Brandon Bell of Roanoke County and Marty Williams of Newport News, and the already announced retirements of three GOP moderates, could help conservatives gain a stronger foothold in the 40-member chamber next year if Republicans keep control of the chamber.

Republicans hold a 23-17 majority in the Senate. All 40 seats are up for election this fall.

Perhaps the biggest surprise Tuesday came in Eastern Virginia, where Williams lost to challenger Tricia Stall of Newport News. Williams, who has served in the Senate for 12 years, chairs the transportation committee and has been a vocal advocate for pumping new money into the state's highway system.

In the Richmond area, Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch of Henrico County barely beat back an aggressive challenge from Joseph Blackburn. Sen. Fred Quayle of Chesapeake was the only GOP incumbent who won by a comfortable margin.

Democrats also saw an incumbent senator fall Tuesday. Benjamin Lambert of Richmond was soundly defeated by Del. Donald McEachin of Henrico County in a contest teeming with lingering hostilities from the 2006 U.S. Senate race.

Lambert riled Democrats last year by endorsing Republican George Allen, even though Allen was battling questions about his sensitivity on racial issues. McEachin was an early and avid supporter of Democrat Jim Webb, who defeated Allen in a close race. Webb campaigned for McEachin during his primary campaign.

Two Democratic incumbents in the House of Delegates won primaries. First-term Del. Dan Bowling of Tazewell defeated Grundy lawyer Mickey McGlothlin. And Del. Johnny Joannou of Portsmouth easily defeated Norfolk lawyer Henry Light, even though former Gov. Mark Warner publicly supported the challenger.

Bowling was endorsed by Gov. Tim Kaine, who stayed neutral in all but two of Tuesday's primaries. Bowling lost Buchanan County by a wide margin but ran up solid majorities in Russell and Tazewell counties.