"Republican Delegate Paul C. Harris a rising star in Virginia politics who garnered national attention earlier this month when he addressed the GOP convention in Philadelphia, is opting out of next year's race for lieutenant governor.

'I have decided that it is in the best interest of my family that I not seek statewide office in 2001,' Harris, R-Albemarle, told a standing-room-only crowd of Republicans on Saturday at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging office on Hillsdale Drive in Albemarle County.

Recalling that he grew up without a father, Harris said, 'As a child, I would have given anything for a father to take me fishing ... to read me a book at night. Those are the important things. Those are the things that sustain you when the crowds go home.'
...
The estimated 125 Republicans, eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts and sipping coffee, rose to their feet in support of Harris, clapping and, in some cases, cheering for the two-term delegate.

'It is an honor for me to know that so many fans and supporters have ... urged me to seek statewide office next year,' Harris said.

'I have been astounded by, the enthusiastic and broad support for my candidacy.'
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Many of Harris' supporters, sporting 'It Won't be Long Now' buttons (a now-popular refrain lifted from GOP presidential nominee George W. Bush's convention speech), sympathized with Harris' decision to stay home.

But, these same supporters stressed, Harris has a big, campaign-filled future in Virginia and possibly the national stage." (Peter Savodnick, The Daily Progress, August 13, 2000).