GOPHokie mentions the possibility of several retirements being announced tomorrow, a couple of which will affect Hampton Roads races. He says he has confirmed that Leo Wardrup will retire, which should make the race in the 83rd interesting. Joe Bouchard is the Democratic candidate in that race. I understand there is a Republican candidate in the wings.
One which I found surprising is Del. Melanie Rapp (96th), which he has not confirmed. Troy Farlow is the Democratic candidate in that race. A Rapp retirement (she does seem a little young for that) should make things a bit easier for Farlow.
Stay tuned.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I can’t decide if Wardrup retiring would make things easier or harder for Mr. Brouchard, but I’m inclined to say it will make the climb a bit steeper. It’s difficult to challenge an incumbent, but on the other hand it’s a fair bit easier when he’s been delaying action on local transportation for consecutive sessions and was caught abusing his office to get out of a measly moving violation traffic ticket. On the other hand, GA midterms are all about turnout….
VJP I’ve heard rumors about Rummels, Atkinson, and Miles as Republican candidates in the 83rd. What have you heard.
Rummels & Miles are the only two I’ve heard. But if it’s Atkinson – that will make the race extremely difficult.Talk about name recognition!
Anyone who thinks it would be easier to knock off Wardrup than to take an open seat seriously underrates the power of incumbency. Veteran pols, Wardrup included, have survived a lot worse things than traffic tickets.
Correction… the power of REPUBLICAN incumbency.
Well, there was that time that Wardrup tried to assert executive privilege for a relative based on his “silent” partnership. And the many, many people of all political persuasions that he has p—ed off over the years. And his attitude in general, as well as traffic, traffic, traffic. I think Wardrup would have a very hard time getting re-elected. As a Democrat, personally, he would be my first choice for a Republican candidate. Atkinson would be a much tougher opponent.
From the sound of this AP story on the T-D website, it doesn’t appear that Wardrup’s retirement announcement has happened yet, not that it won’t.
What I’m hearing is John Atkinson’s “son-in-law,” not John. I don’t have his name yet.
Also, Carolyn Weems who is currently on the School Board and is close to Leo and a big disciple of his. Rumor has it that Leo has given her his blessing . . . the ol’ Al Pacino – to – Andy Garcia treatment (Godfather III).
eileen — How is Republican incumbency any different from Democratic incumbency? How many Democrats lost their seats last year?
Bullwinkle – thanks for the info. Atkinson’s son-in-law would certainly be a lot easier to beat than Atkinson.
I agree with Randy – knocking off an incumbent is a much tougher task. Heck, look at Allen. He almost pulled it off, even with all the stuff that happened. Incumbency – regardless of party – brings with it a lot of things. That’s why it’s referred to as “the power of incumbency.”