Former Democratic Delegate Al Pollard has entered the race to replace retiring Senate President Pro Tem John Chichester (R-28).
Al served as Delegate from the 99th District from 2000-2005, he retired then to pursue family life but Chichester's retirement has coaxed him back into the fray. Peggy Evans Garland, former Commonwealth's Attorney from Westmoreland County, who'd previously announced, is stepping aside to support Al. Peggy, if she'd been elected, would have been the first female Attorney to serve in the Virginia legislature, as astounding as that may seem!
Al is clearly positioning himself as the political heir to Chichester, one of the few remaining adults in the Republican caucus who understands the nature of bipartisan legislation and responsible government.
John Van Hoy, endorsed by VCAP, who would have challenged Chichester in any event, is now the only announced Republican in the race. Van Hoy is probably far enough to the right to preclude any challenger from that direction. Chichester's brother Dan, Stafford County Commonwealth's Attorney, may enter but with an actual Democrat in the race he can't count on the support from Democrats and Independents John was accustomed to.
The fight over the Transportation Bill is going to be the big deal in this year's elections. Even Chichester was unable to fix the most odious elements of the bill, which includes mandated tax-raises for counties and localities, massive borrowing, and setting up roads vs. public safety, health, and education from the General Fund. It is a truly awful bill.
Here's the local story on Al Pollard's entry:
http://www.fredericksburg.com/...
If you're a Virginia Kossack, please visit this site and sign the petition and send it along!
http://www.NoRaid.net