I attended a candidates’ forum earlier this evening hosted by the Norfolk division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Norfolk is represented in the General Assembly by two Senators – Yvonne B. Miller (D-5th) and Nick Rerras (R-6th) and six delegates – Kenny Alexander (D-89th), Paula Miller (D-87th), Algie Howell (D-90th), Johnny Joannou (D-79th), Lynwood Lewis (D-100th) and Ken Melvin (D-80th). Joannou, Lewis and Melvin each have very small portions of the city, while Howell’s district also includes portions of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Of the eight representatives for Norfolk, only two have challengers: Hank Giffin (R) in the 87th and Ralph Northam (D) in the 6th. All candidates and challengers were invited to the event. Unfortunately, some were not able to attend. Not present were Joannou, Lewis, Melvin and Northam.
Moderating the event was former Congressman G. William Whitehurst. Dr. Whitehurst had to leave early, and candidates’ forum chair Mason Andrews ably took over for him.
The six candidates were each given two minutes for an opening statement, followed by a question and answer session. The Q&A portion of the event started with three questions from the HRCC which were asked of each of candidate – questions which I understand had been provided to the candidates in advance. Now, I’m all for candidates being prepared but honestly, giving the candidates the questions in advance was a bad move. The answers were obviously rehearsed and, as the result, standard boilerplate campaign fare. I like to hear candidates unscripted because it gives me a better sense of their grasp of the issues.
So I looked forward to the audience-submitted questions. I was surprised that there were only a few of these, as I had expected more from this particular audience. One of the requirements was that the questions had to be directed specifically to a candidate – a requirement I was unaware of when I submitted my question 😉
As it turns out, they did use my question and it was the last one of the night. The candidates were requested to answer a simple yes or no. I asked whether they supported nonpartisan redistricting – and got two surprising answers: Rerras said yes, and Yvonne Miller said no.
Surprising because when this issue passed the Senate this year, Rerras voted against it and Miller voted for it. (Of course, I had chatted earlier with House P&E member, Del. Alexander, on their dismissal of the bill.) Perhaps Rerras has had a change of heart. Good for him, if that is the case. But I need to have a chat with Senator Miller 😉
One thing not discussed as a part of the forum but which was mentioned to me during the wonderful reception which preceded it was the formation of a new PAC, HRBizPAC – Hampton Roads Business Political Action Committee. It will be interesting to see the endorsements coming from this entity.
All in all, it was a good event with good turnout.
I have to admit that the most fun for me at the event was the opportunity to pick on the Virginian Pilot. (They make it so easy 😀 ) Editorial page editor Dennis Hartig was there, no doubt picking up information to be used down the road in their endorsement process.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Mason Andrews took over the forum debate??? Please tell me we are talking about a Mason Andrews, JR. Otherwise, I have to believe the questions and answers were overlooked by an even bigger feat. Easter in June . . . .
What’s next — the ol’ fishes and loaves trick?
Actually, I’m not sure if she is a JR but she definitely is Dr. Andrews’ daughter.
I see. A lot of us non-Norfolkians did not realize there is another Mason Andrews roaming around. Thanks for clearing that up.
Vivian, I agree with you about questions-in-advance, but seriously. Those 3 questions from the Chamber weren’t exactly leaps of unpredictability.
That said, don’t you think this is a serious mistep for Northam to blow this event off?
I hope you had a chance to ask Dennis Hartig to explain this one:
Click to access 1061505.pdf
The Virginian-Pilot: Sure It Was False, But There Was No Actual Malice
Brian – as a political consultant, you know that scheduling conflicts occur. In a perfect world, there would be some big calendar out there that could be accessed by all to see what has been scheduled so as not to have multiple events scheduled on the same night. Until and unless that takes place, there will always be conflicts. I’m sure there will be numerous opportunities between now and November 6 for Ralph and Nick to appear together.
VAB – I wasn’t aware of that; otherwise, I would have asked.
Scheduling conflicts in June? It’s just weird to me that if you want to be hired for a job that you’d no-show the first interview. If Nick didn’t show, I’m sure the Democrats would have a banner blog post about it.
Maybe some Democrats would but not this one. Outside of political junkies, no one is paying attention to the races right now.
And yes, scheduling conflicts exist in June.
I’d love to know what was more important.
Brian. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Northam dissed the Chamber Candidates Forum. The campaign manager said he knew nothing about it. I know for fact that he was contacted. I also know his campaign manager was contacted. For some secret reason, he choose not be at last night’s event. Paula Miller had a far more important confict in Northern Virginia to raise funds. She saw the importance of being present.
I agree with Brian. Northam should have gone; it would have been nice if Northam could have been there to point out that Rerras was flip-flopping on redistricting because his voting record on the matter is politically inconvenient.
god joannou didnt show up for something in Norfolk, what are the odds. I feel bad for the poor people in the norfolk part of the 79th. Hopefully redistricting will remove you all from the most incompetant delegate.