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From today's paper

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MAX MEADOWS -- State Del. Morgan Griffith of Salem claimed the Republican nomination Saturday to take on U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher of Abingdon, arguing that he can better represent the sprawling 9th District even though he lives just beyond its borders and can't vote there.

Griffith, the majority leader in the House of Delegates, defeated five opponents at a spirited GOP convention in a jam-packed Fort Chiswell High School auditorium. After winning a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot, the feisty conservative lawmaker vowed to wage a "relentless" fight to topple Boucher, a Democrat who has held the seat for 28 years.

"Our country is headed in the wrong direction," Griffith said in his acceptance speech. "It is essential that we win this election and begin the process of repairing the damage that has been done."

Griffith was the favorite going into the convention, having been encouraged to run by Republican congressional leaders looking for a viable challenger to Boucher. He had lined up support from prominent GOP leaders in the district before formally entering the race in late February.

Griffith's toughest competition came from David Moore of Tazewell County, a retired U.S. Army officer whose support was largely concentrated in Tazewell and Washington counties. Moore won nearly one-third of the delegate votes, then asked for Griffith's nomination to be made unanimous by acclimation.

Griffith lives just outside the 9th District, which extends from the Tennessee and Kentucky borders to Roanoke County and includes portions of the Alleghany Highlands. Griffith faces no legal requirement to live in the district; the Constitution merely requires a candidate to live in the state he or she represents. Griffith said his Salem property backs up to the district line and that he is a lifelong Southwest Virginian who understands the entire region.

Griffith moved quickly to answer likely attacks, telling delegates that Boucher and the Democrats want to make the election about "where I sleep." He said his home likely will be in the 9th District after the General Assembly reapportions congressional districts next year.

"It's not about where you sleep, it's about where you stand on the issues," Griffith said.

Boucher was first elected in 1982 and has been considered virtually unbeatable for much of his tenure. But anxieties about the economy and President Obama's unpopularity in the district could make the political climate more turbulent this year. And Griffith, with 17 years of experience in the state legislature, could be the most formidable challenger Boucher has faced. The National Republican Congressional Committee has made the district an early target and pledged support to Griffith.

Griffith portrayed Boucher as a loyal ally of Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and decried mounting debt, bailouts of banks and auto companies and illegal immigration as sins of the federal government. He reserved his harshest criticism for Boucher's support of legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions, saying a cap-and-trade system would devastate the coal industry and have ripple effects on Southwest Virginia's economy.

Boucher played a role in crafting a House version of the legislation last year, securing some concessions for the coal industry that he said would protect it from more restrictive federal regulation and preserve it as an energy source. Griffith argued that Boucher should have worked to defeat the bill.

"The congressman from one of America's top coal-producing regions should be fighting for coal, not apologizing for it," Griffith said.

Boucher has set himself apart from national Democrats on some issues. He has the endorsement of the National Rifle Association. And he voted against the federal health care reform bill, despite the fact that Obama held a town hall meeting in his district last year to sell it.

But Southwest Virginia Republicans said the cap-and-trade legislation, which has stalled in the U.S. Senate, has stirred anger in the region.

"It's basically a fight for our way of life down here," said Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott County, who introduced Griffith to the convention.

State Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, also blasted the proposal, saying he has "never seen a policy that is as bad for the coal industry." Wampler's father, William Wampler Sr., held the 9th District seat before Boucher.

Through a spokeswoman, Boucher declined to comment on the Republican convention. But state and regional Democratic leaders portrayed Griffith as an interloper.

"I think he's going to be perceived as a carpetbagger," said state Democratic Party Chairman Richard Cranwell of Vinton, who grew up in Tazewell County.

"Griffith does not share the values or the residency of families living in Southwest Virginia," said Tom Brewster of Tazewell County, the Democratic chairman in the 9th District. "Today's convention was won by Republicans in Washington, but voters in November will clearly choose the candidate who has a proven record of standing up for this district."

Jeremiah Heaton of Washington County, who is running as an independent candidate, said Griffith's refusal to move into the district this year raises questions about his commitment to voters.

Kilgore said Griffith's conservative philosophy will appeal to voters, but added the Republican challenger will need to spend significant time in far Southwest Virginia.

Griffith has served in the House of Delegates since 1994 and became the majority leader when Republicans gained control of the chamber after the 1999 elections. He has been his party's point man in some major legislative battles, including fights over tax increases proposed by Democratic Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

Boucher starts the race with significant advantages in fundraising and name recognition. But Griffith voiced confidence that he can close both gaps.

"I would say it's a fairly steep hill; but it can be climbed," he said.