If all goes as planned for Jerry Kilgore, he’ll be the next Republican to live in the governor’s mansion of Virginia.

On Friday afternoon, Kilgore – who stepped down as the state’s attorney general to make a run for governor – made a brief campaign stop at Bennett’s Creek Farm Market.

&uot;It’s great to be in Suffolk!&uot; said Kilgore, meeting and greeting employees and supporters at the Bridge Road business. &uot;This is a happening place for 2:30 on a Friday afternoon!&uot;

The meeting was originally scheduled for the Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy, but owner Del. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, was out of town. Jim Shirley, owner of the market, said he jumped at the opportunity to host it.

&uot;I am the only candidate in the race who is opposed to new taxes,&uot; Kilgore said. &uot;I want to say to local governments to deal fairly with the property tax, but not to let the assessments get out of hand and get a backdoor tax rate.&uot;

Kilgore’s Web site, jerrykilgore.com, tells of his

plans to make the government more open by promoting greater access to government documents and requiring disclosure of civil settlements by state agencies.

It sounded fine to Alex Lynver, who said that he came out to support Kilgore because of his conservative values.

&uot;Eminent domain – something’s got to be done about that,&uot; Lynver said, referring to the recent Supreme Court decision to allow governments to condemn private property and sell it to private developers. &uot;(Current Gov. Mark) Warner increased taxes and we found out it was a mistake.

&uot;Now they are trying to spend every dime we have. We have roads and bridges here in Suffolk that need work. Where will the money come from for that?&uot;

Suffolk Republican Party secretary Eugene Sankey was worried about money as well – at least, until meeting Kilgore.

&uot;We need taxes,&uot; Sankey said, &uot;but they need to be controlled, and I think he will do that. He’s a very down-to-earth person, and I think he has the same values that many people in Virginia have.&uot;

While Kilgore chatted with former Suffolk Mayor Dana Dickens, Kendall Bristow waited for her turn to meet her candidate of choice.

&uot;I actually support everything (Kilgore) stands for,&uot; she said. &uot;I like his health insurance idea – he wants to lower the cost, and I definitely support that.&uot;

Kilgore hopes that more people feel the same after his Sept. 13 debate with Democratic challenger Tim Kaine.

&uot;I want to debate with the people who might win the race,&uot; he said, taking a subtle dig at Rep. Del. Russ Potts, R-Winchester, who is running on an independent ticket. &uot;That’s why it’s between Mr. Kaine and me.&uot;