Spark It Up!!!: John Brownlee Campaigns in Richlands

RICHLANDS – Former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee brought his campaign for the Republican nomination for attorney general to southwest Virginia Jan. 31.
Brownlee, who is battling Ken Cucinelli for the nomination was upbeat about his chances during a meeting with county Republicans. State Republicans are preparing to select a full slate of candidates at a convention May 30 in Richmond.
Brownlee is no stranger to southwest Virginia having served the western district for seven years during his time with the U.S. Attorney’s office. He resigned that post last May 16 to devote all of his time to the quest for attorney general.
Bob McDonnell, who currently holds the seat, is expected to be the party’s candidate for Governor in the fall. Brownlee may be best known for suing Purdue Pharmaceuticals for fraud in marketing oxycontin.
That case resulted in millions of dollars being paid to the government and a part of that money was given to Tazewell County for use in its war on drugs. Brownlee’s campaign visit came one day after the presentation of $650,000 of the oxycontin settlement money to local officials for use in several drug prevention programs.
He prosecuted a federal inmate from the prison in Lee County for murder and obtained a death penalty verdict. Brownlee’s office also prosecuted several elected officials in Buchanan County for their role in a fraud and corruption scandal known as Big Coondog. The project drew its name from the fact a coon dog was one of the items traded for a construction contract. Brownlee believes his seven years as federal prosecutor in western Virginia coupled with his time as a state prosecutor in northern Virginia and a military background will serve him well in the race. READ ALL

Brownlee's wife campaigned here in Wise over the weekend so it is clear the Brownlee campaign is reaching SWVA. I am not sure the other candidates know where SWVA is located.