By The Lynchburg News & Advance on August 18, 2010

We have hit an amazing milestone! More than 10,000 people have donated to our campaign. The $5 and $10 donations have come from all corners of the 5th district, showing our incredible grassroots support. But we can't take our foot off the gas now.

The lucky 10,000th donor is Thomas Terry, a forester from Appomattox. When asked why he chose to give to the campaign, he said:

From The Daily Progress on August 15, 2010

Organizers probably were hoping until the last minute that Republican 5th District candidate Robert Hurt would show up at the first debate of the season, held here in Albemarle by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

But, no, Mr. Hurt stuck to his intention to avoid any debate that also featured independent candidate Jeff Clark.

He was the first candidate ever to skip a Senior Statesmen of Virginia debate, which has come to be an important fixture of the campaign season.

From: The Daily Progress on August 14, 2010

Fifth District GOP nominee Robert Hurt, who has served in the General Assembly since 2002, has a record of seeking state budget amendments, which serve essentially the same purpose as earmarks do in Congress.

As a GOP candidate for Congress, Robert Hurt has taken a stance squarely against earmarks, but as a member of the General Assembly he sought to attach more than $150 million worth of spending items to Virginia’s budget.

Hurt, who is challenging freshman Democrat Tom Perriello for the 5th District seat in Congress, has pledged to “end the earmark process.” He further promised to “vote against any bill with earmarks in it” and “not request earmarks” if elected to Congress, according to his Aug. 5 endorsement by former GOP primary opponent Jim McKelvey.

Yet Hurt, who has served in the General Assembly since 2002, has a record of seeking state budget amendments, which serve essentially the same purpose as earmarks do in Congress. Earmarks are funding requests that congressmen seek to attach to appropriations bills to pay for a specific project, often in their own district. In Virginia, lawmakers introduce budget amendments to finance programs or projects — often in their district — that were not included in the governor’s original budget proposal.

From: Newsplex on August 11, 2010

Two of the three candidates in the race for the 5th District Congressional seat attended Wednesday's Senior Statesman ofVirginia candidate forum in Albemarle County. Incumbent Tom Perriello (D) and Jeff Clark (I) addressed around 300 constituents at the Senior Center, however the seat saved for challenger Robert Hurt (R) was left vacant.

Hurt has said in the past that he believes Jeff Clark is not a true candidate and would not appear in any forum or debate that included Clark.

"Because of my participation, one of the other candidates couldn't be here. I think it's important that everyone be able to hear from all the candidates," said Clark.

"No one is entitled to this seat. No one gets it for free. You have to fight for it, and make the case to the voters," said Perriello.

The Senior Statesman says Wednesday's event was their eighth candidate forum, and the first where a major candidate declined an invitation. Some 5th District voters believe Hurt made the wrong choice.

"It can't help him. It's got to hurt. He's got to face Tom [Perriello] at some point, and I just don't understand why he wouldn't," said Vito Cetta.

Despite Hurt's absence, the candidates still debated the important issues in this election. Perriello defended his vote for President Barack Obama's stimulus bill, and Clark told the audience he does not consider himself the Tea Partycandidate.