Gingrich sets sights on nonexistent Virginia write-in slot

Having failed to qualify for the Virginia Republican primary, former Republican Congressman Newt Gingrich has announced that he intends to run in that state as a write-in candidate. This could present a significant problem for Gingrich because apparently, the primary ballot in Virginia does not allow for write-ins.

Earlier today, word came that neither Newt Gingrich nor Rick Perry have qualified for the Republican primary in Virginia. The Virginia Republican Party said that in spite of what the campaigns say, neither candidate was able to obtain the necessary number of signatures to qualify for the Virginia primary, which takes place on March 6.

Roll Call reported today that Campaign Director Michael Krull blames "a failed system" for Gingrich's failure to qualify for the contest. "Voters deserve the right to vote for any top contender, especially leading candidates," he said, "We will work with the Republican Party of Virginia to pursue an aggressive write-in campaign to make sure that all the voters of Virginia are able to vote for the candidates of their choice."

Roll Call says that the Commonwealth of Virginia does not allow write-in candidates in party primary elections, a point that was also raised by University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato.

This is the third primary election that the Gingrich team has botched. Earlier this month, Raw Story reported that the campaign missed filing deadlines in Ohio and Missouri.

Roll Call says that the Virginia ballot will feature Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, whose poll numbers remain strong while Newt's have plummeted in recent weeks. President Obama also made the filing deadline to appear on the Virginia ballot in November of 2012.

(image from Gage Skidmore's Flickr photostream)