Delaware GOP primary continues, despite Rollins win

Delaware businesswoman Michele Rollins (R) won her party's endorsement for the nomination for the state's open House seat.

The deep-pocketed Rollins was the favorite going into Saturday's convention at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. She was competing with fellow Republicans Glen Urquhart and Kevin Wade for the party's backing.

The winner needed 60 percent support from some 350 delegates to get the party's endorsement. Rollins received more than 50 percent on the first ballot, then won 68 percent on the second, according to the Wilmington News Journal.

"I am thrilled," said Rollins. "You can love your country, you can want to do good and want to go to Washington -- but to be reaffirmed by the people of your party!"

Urquhart reiterated his plan to continue campaigning through the September 14 primary.

"Now the race begins for those 30,000 [primary] votes," he said. "That's where our strength lies -- with the regular people of Delaware. ... Michele just said competition makes us stronger, and we will be a stronger party."

Rep. Mike Castle (R) got the party's backing in the Senate race.