Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, defied the state GOP in 2004 by proposing the $984 million budget that eventually broke a historic 115-day General Assembly stalemate.

Jones bucked his party again this year when he voted against resuming the incremental car tax rollback that began in 1998.

Nonetheless, Jones, who is up for re-election this year, isn’t likely to be challenged in the May Republican primaries, said Stephen G. Trent, chairman of the Suffolk GOP. The filing deadline is April 15.

&uot;There were a number of people (in the local party) who were not happy with him, there’s no question about that,&uot; said Trent. &uot;But the General Assembly needed to address the budget impasse and get on with things.&uot;

Jones, unopposed in last run for office, has always won support from Democrats and Republicans alike, Trent said.

&uot;The best way to define Chris Jones is to call him the favorite son of Suffolk,&uot; Trent added.

Jones said he knew his votes on some issues may have jeopardized his political career.

&uot;I was fully aware when I took the stance last year that there might be some political ramifications,&uot; said Jones. &uot;I knew what it could mean when I came up for re-election.

&uot;But I’ve always done what is in the best interest of those who elected me. I will continue to use that approach throughout the tenure of my career.&uot;

Some of Jones’ fellow Republicans aren’t as fortunate.

The Virginia Conservative Action PAC, a leading conservative organization, has endorsed six candidates to challenge incumbents in open races in the House of Delegates.

The VCAP board tapped the candidates who &uot;stand for a conservative philosophy that will reduce taxes, limit government, and will stand for strong traditional family values,&uot; said Robin DeJarnette, the organization’s executive director.

The organization would like to see someone oppose Jones, she said.

&uot;There was not a candidate that came forward to challenge him,&uot; DeJarnette said. &uot;If a candidate stepped up and would have signed a no-tax (increase) pledge, we would have definitely endorsed him.

&uot;Chris Jones had a lead role in raising taxes,&uot; she continued. &uot;I would say his seat will never be safe again.&uot;

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com