Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cleaveland, Johnson tie in race for top ballot spot
General Assembly 2011
Among the major issues: The state's continuing efforts to provide services with fewer dollars and Gov. McDonnell's plan to privatize liquor stores. Session ends Feb. 26.
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- Va. Senate votes to restrict local government land grabs
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- 'Personhood' bill set for vote today
- Eminent domain bill passes in Virginia Senate
- General Assembly Notebook: House advances capital punishment bill
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State elections provide that the first candidate to file with their district party's legislative chair will be listed at the top of the ballot in the primary.
Republicans Bill Cleaveland and Josh Johnson turned in their paperwork for the Republican nomination in the 17th House District at the same time.
That means the question of who's listed first will be resolved through a drawing by the state board of elections.
"I think statistically in all races there is a slight, slight numerical benefit to being first," said Salem Republican Chairman Greg Habeeb, but he says it may provide a greater advantage in the 17th. "It may be uniquely important in a race like this, where you don't have the incumbent running and you have five people battling for name recognition."
-- Mason Adams
