Our State Senator (and former George Mason Elementary School pupil) Henry Marsh retired last week after more than 2 decades in the Virginia Senate.
Before his election to the Senate, Marsh served as the City Council 7th District Representative for 15 years. He was also elected mayor in 1977, becoming the first African-American mayor of Richmond.
The RTD says that “Delegates Delores L. McQuinn, D-Richmond, and Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg are among those mentioned as possible successors” to fill out the remainder of Marsh’s term.
[sep]
UPDATE 7/22
Former Richmond Mayor Rudy McCollum and local businessman Preston Brown have announced that they will be seeking the seat as well. (via RTD)
[sep]
UPDATE 7/30
“[Gerry J. Rawlinson, 54, of South Richmond] who owns two home health care businesses in the Richmond area has filed paperwork to run for the 16th District Virginia Senate seat, becoming the fourth Democrat to make the ballot for the party’s firehouse primary next month.”
[sep]
35 comments
Amanda Loraine liked this on Facebook.
Amy Lindell Holler liked this on Facebook.
William Ryan Hamlet liked this on Facebook.
Disappointed. I just moved to this district and was looking forward to being represented by him.
Seems like a lot a of Democrats are leaving, doesn’t it?
This seat is safely democratic, he’s just gotten on in years. It could be nice to have someone younger and more engaged in the seat, with all due respect to the man’s accomplishments.
Oh sure. I do understand. I just always admired him. I’m disappointed in the situation, not him, and the circumstances. I think this is the 3rd or 4th Democrat who’s resigned resigned recently, including Puckett.
Someone younger and more engaged, for sure.
Wasn’t he opposed to the at-large mayoral referendum in 2004? I recall that it put him a bit at odds with Wilder…
Jenee Johnson liked this on Facebook.
The following is an absolutely true story. I was there.
This took place during the 2014 General Assembly session at a meeting of the Senate Finance committee.
While discussing a particular bill, Senator Marsh asked if the bill (which did have a revenue impact) should be referred to Senate Finance.
He has a long and distinguished career in public service, but the time has come…..
Golly, that’s a nicely drawn voting district…good ‘ol gerrymandering. Yeah, it’ll be a “safely Democratic” for a while, but at what cost?
@5 Thank you Mr. Corleone, funny story and I believe it.
However, I read that he’s going to sweeten his retirement package by getting a six figure job with the ABC board, if I remember correctly.
The distinguished career and accomplishments are definitely good, I agree. The machine politics are not so great, and I’m afraid they will linger.
Who does the machine support, crd? McQuinn or Dance?
@8, not sure. If you know, please post.
I support dance!
We KNOW McQuinn…
Would love to have someone outside this political machine appointed.
Ditto to Gordo. We live in a machine politics district, folks – we all should be raising questions regardless of party affiliation. This same machine has maintained the concentrated poverty system.
definitely agree with #12 & #13
Well, y’all could always “write-in” Joe Morrissey?!
I have a sneaking suspicion that the “machine” sidelined Joe for a run at this seat. Either that, or his libido.
(If Patrick Henry were alive in 2014, his name would be Joe Morrissey!)
Wow, G., the “machine” must be REAL powerful if it forced Morrissey to have sex with a 17 year old.
No doubt Patrick Henry just rolled over in his grave.
@10 I just got the joke, thanks!
@15 yea I have the same suspicion. But I don’t think it was his libido, I think his phone really was hacked. Someone saw fit to make sure he stood out this race. Polls had shown several years ago when he talked about running against Marsh that he would win.
Henry Marsh – isn’t he the marvelous politician who sold out the Fulton neighborhood back in the day, leading to its destruction and replacement with the tri-level SuburbWorld that is down there now?
Adios, Henry. Thanks for nothing.
What polls, crd? One’s Morrissey paid for or from an objective polling group?
@17 – No doubt, Patrick Henry would be proud that someone is still carrying the torch.
Let’s set aside the salacious (allegations), and examine the substance: Del. Joe Morrissey on HB2345
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IOGkoVepH4
What’s your point G. , #21?
That since Morrissey is on the correct side on issues that his allegedly illegal behavior should be ignored?
The July 17-19 issue of the Richmond Free Press has a deeper look into this, with some background on McQuinn and Dance
McCollum Announces Intention to Run for Marsh’s Seat
http://www.wric.com/story/26072400/mccollum-announces-intention-to-run-for-marshs-seat
Two more vie to succeed Marsh in state Senate
http://www.timesdispatch.com/latest-news/two-more-vie-to-succeed-marsh-in-state-senate/article_a511b0a8-10f9-11e4-9043-0017a43b2370.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co
I know McQuinn supports Shockoe Stadium, but have the others taken a position?
McCollum, Brown joining McQuinn, Dance in fight for Marsh’s Senate seat http://t.co/B5ctsQsmE0
Isn’t Shirley Harvey running? She is the front runner and will proclaim it from the roof tops. We need someone young like her who is in touch with spirits. Not these old, over the hill politicians like Dance and McQueen. Marsh bless his heart had a hard time staying awake. Lord help him when he gets on ABC board and samples the latest products before they hit the shelves of our state monopolistic shelfs.
@Sunny – she would be running as an Independent.
THere’s a 4th Democrat in this primary now:
“[Gerry J. Rawlinson, 54, of South Richmond] who owns two home health care businesses in the Richmond area has filed paperwork to run for the 16th District Virginia Senate seat, becoming the fourth Democrat to make the ballot for the party’s firehouse primary next month.”
Did anyone notice that the democratic party sprung a $2500 filing fee for this primary on people? McCullom is challenging it because it came a day or 2 before the filing deadline and seemed designed to limit the race to McQUin and Dance since they already have campaign funds lined up
$2500 to run for the seat that pays around $18,000 per year? Do they do it for the money?