Friday, September 25, 2009
Campaign notebook: Farm Team reveals endorsements
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roanoke.com/politics
Pat Patterson, Democratic candidate for the Vinton District seat on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, had the right party but the wrong gender when it came time for an endorsement from "The Farm Team" on Thursday.
"We don't have anything against Pat," said Charlotte Moore, the Cave Spring District supervisor and a fellow Democrat. But Thursday, Moore was filling her role as chairwoman of the Roanoke Farm Team, an organization devoted to championing campaigns by Democratic women.
The Farm Team was created a year ago by Mary Sue Terry, two times Virginia's attorney general and the only female ever to win statewide office.
Moore announced the Roanoke County board endorsements of Charlene Waybright for the Hollins seat and Sarah Goodman for the Windsor Hills seat.
She also announced the group's endorsement of Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor.
Linda Wyatt, chairwoman of the Lower Valley South Roanoke Farm Team region, announced the House of Delegates endorsements: Shannon Valentine in the 23rd District, Carole Pratt in the 6th, Peggy Frank in the 7th, and Gwen Mason, also an original Farm Team member, in the 17th.
Moore said The Farm Team doesn't have a specific policy against endorsing male candidates.
-- Cody Lowe
Juvenile center draws support from candidates
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has joined the fight to preserve the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center, calling on Gov. Tim Kaine to reverse his decision to close the facility.
In a letter sent Monday, McDonnell told Kaine the closing "will have serious negative consequences for public safety and the people of Rockbridge County."
The Natural Bridge center and two adult correctional facilities are slated to close as part of Kaine's plan to balance a $1.35 billion state budget shortfall. The Natural Bridge center is the only state facility with a unit designed to help juvenile offenders transition back into the community.
Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, has asked General Assembly leaders to call a special session to reverse Kaine's decision. State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, the Democratic candidate for governor, also favors steps to keep the facility open.
A Kaine spokesman said this week that the governor does not intend to reverse his decision.
-- Michael Sluss
GOP ticket gets nod from police order
The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police threw its support behind the Republican statewide ticket Thursday -- Bob McDonnell for governor, incumbent Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, and attorney general candidate Ken Cuccinelli. The FOP has about 8,000 Virginia members and 50 lodges across the state.
FOP President Tommy Edwards said McDonnell "understands that one of the primary functions of government is to keep citizens safe. His record is one of leadership on major public safety initiatives and a steadfast commitment to Virginia's public safety professionals."
-- Michael Sluss
