Saturday, April 04, 2009
Campaign notebook: Republican Bird in race for seat occupied by Ware
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From The Roanoke Times
Graphic designer and Christian rock band singer Troy Bird, 26, announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for the 11th House District seat at a news conference Friday morning at Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke.
Bird said it's time for change. He said he will bring "a core set of moral values" and "common-sense problem solving" to the House of Delegates.
"He is not your typical candidate," said Mike Bailey, a Roanoke County Republican and a 6th Congressional District committee vice chairman. "Look at me then look at Troy."
Bird's ponytail, goatee and gauge earrings do help set him apart from other politicians -- along with his background.
He said he has worked as an assistant pastor, a contractor and a tattoo artist apprentice. He is married with three daughters, and the family soon will move to a home they bought in Southeast Roanoke.
Sandi Bird, his mother and campaign manager, said her son has lived the life of "the working poor."
Bailey and city Republican Committee Chairman Adam Boitnott attended Troy Bird's announcement, along with a number of Bird's family members.
If Bird secures the GOP's nomination, he will face the Democratic Party's nominee.
As of now, there are two Democratic candidates vying for that party's nomination: incumbent Del. Onzlee Ware, D-Roanoke, and community activist Martin Jeffrey.
That race will be decided in a June 9 primary.
Lawyer likely to announce bid for Fralin's seat
Botetourt County-based lawyer Bill Cleaveland has set a news conference for Monday at noon at his law office, which is across the street from the Botetourt Athletic Club on Virginia 604.
It's expected Cleaveland will officially announce that he will join four others in the race for the Republican nomination in the 17th House District.
The seat is being vacated by Del. William Fralin, R-Roanoke.
Edwards opts to pursue federal judgeship
State Sen. John Edwards of Roanoke has ruled out a bid for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, deciding instead to pursue a federal judgeship.
Edwards had considered making a run for attorney general, but said Friday that he never took any meaningful steps toward organizing a campaign. To get on the ballot for the June 9 primary, he would have to submit 10,000 petition signatures from registered voters -- including 400 from each congressional district -- by Friday.
"I never pursued it," Edwards said.
Edwards apparently is on a short list of candidates for a seat on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and his interest in the vacancy led him to abandon thoughts of running a statewide campaign.
"It would have been very difficult to do both," Edwards said.
Edwards' decision leaves state Del. Steve Shannon of Fairfax County as the lone Democratic candidate for attorney general.
Three Republicans -- former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee of Roanoke, Sen. Ken Cuccinelli of Fairfax County and David Foster of Arlington -- are vying for their party's nomination, which will be decided at a May 30 convention.
Edwards, a former federal prosecutor, has served in the Senate since 1996. He finished second in a four-way Democratic primary for attorney general in 2001.
