Midlothian District Intrigue Thickens…Politics in Chesterfield is getting hot, hot, hot! Friday, July 14, 2006
Posted by Conaway B. Haskins III in Uncategorized.trackback
The race to replace Ed Barber is shaping up to be an interesting affair. Rumors are swirling and grumbling is at hand about both the process for appointing the Midlothian District’s replacement supervisor and elected a new member in November to serve out the remainder of Barber’s term. Thus far, the Richmond Times-Dispatch has identified several interested candidates, including a current planning commissioner, a former planning commissioner, and a failed candidate for supervisor. Though nothing is set in stone, several interesting facets have emerged.
It seems that Mark Tubbs is no longer a candidate…for Midlothian. The eager Republican office-seeker discovered that he actually lives in the Matoaca District. Now he is apparently thinking of tossing his hat in the ring for that district’s spot, one which is currently occupied by Renny Bush Humphrey and coveted by several other candidates. With his unsuccessful run in 2003 against Art Warren in Clover Hill, his initial interest in the Midlothian seat for the special election, and consideration of a 2007 bid for Matoaca, Tubbs may be nearing some kind of record. There is still time for him to move into Bermuda and Dale in order to come full circle…
Though the RTD reported that he will run as an independent, word is that Will Shewmake is considering a switch to the Republican Party in a bid for the Midlothian seat. The former Planning Commissioner for that part of Chesterfield has a significant history with the Democratic Party, as evidenced by his strong financial support for Democrats in past state elections. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Shewmake has made over $4,200 in donations to Democratic candidates for the General Assembly or statewide races since 1996, compared to only $250 in support for only one Republican, state Sen. John Watkins. On the flip side, that donation was his most recent contribution of any type to a state-level candidate, coming in 2005.
In a related but slightly different note, current Midlothian planning commissioner Dan Gecker is listed as an Independent in the RTD article. However, that designation seems to reflect a more practical reality; Gecker, like millions of other Virginians, is not currently a dues-paying member of a political party. Despite this, he apparently does not intend to end his association with Virginia’s Democratic Party.
On top of this, there seems to be quite a family feud brewing among Chesterfield Republicans, with factions forming for and against the current regime of the GOP-dominated Board of Supervisors. Tensions among the 4 remaining supervisors are apparent to BOS-watchers as they each jockey for position on various issues before them. Some local Republicans, including formerly high-ranking party leaders, complain about what they feel is ”interference” from Sen. Steve Martin (the only county resident serving in the Virginia Senate) in county affairs, and they hammer away at the leadership of BOS chairman and vice-chairman, Dickie King and Kelly Miller, respectively.
Against this backdrop, Chesterfield Democrats may be the darkhorse beneficiaries of the goings-on as the political drama in Virginia’s 4th largest locality plays itself out. CCDC quickly and strongly called for Ed Barber’s resignation upon his conviction saying that leaders should be “above reproach in all respects.” Although the seat in question rests in Midlothian, such sentiments reverberate beyond that part of the county. They undoubtedly highlight the loud whispers of skeletons that Chairman King apparently has in his own closet, issues to which he has alluded to himself. On top of that, Democrats are chomping at the bit to challenge Kelly Miller by capitalizing on demographic shifts and Gov. Tim Kaine’s strong performance in winning the Dale district in the November 2005 election. Chesterfield Democrats may be able to capitalize on the combination of GOP dissension, the seemingly widespread citizen dissatisfaction with the Republican-dominated BOS, their own morally solid candidates, and the emerging blurring of clear partisan lines with respect to bread-and-butter, backyard local policy and governance issues.
With the BOS having to appoint a supervisor for Midlothian until a new one is elected and candidates angling for position, all eyes will be on Chesterfield in the coming months. From this writer’s vantage point, it’s about time.
This situation is far more interesting than any soap opera. I am a Republican. I have been a Republican for many years. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to admit it. Jerry Kilgore lost because not many Virginians want to be represented by a Governor that acts like a homosexual. There were many Republicans that voted for Kaine hoping that common sense would unite the divided state.
Senator Martin is making an attempt to control the outcome of the appointment, as you mentioned. I don’t think he has any constituents in the Midlothian district…but he is the perfect definition of a control freak. The question is, how much influence does he have, really. I also think those that are his constituents will remember these things come Election Day.
Senator Watkins should be the Senator to ask for this particular contest.
There is agreement on one issue. The BOS doesn’t want Mr. Gecker to end up in Ed’s seat.
THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT THAT is to appoint someone with the experience and community support to beat him in the election. If they appoint an unknown, Mr. Gecker will be the final voice on all things “Watkins Center” and our economic engine will stall. Whomever they appoint will have four meetings to show the residents of Midlothian what they have. That isn’t anywhere near enough time for even the average voter to form an opinion either way.
Party loyalty isn’t as important as protecting our future. I hope they get the mud off of their glasses and realize that. We are at a crossroad. They only have one chance.
Mr. King isn’t going to win re-election no matter what he does. Appointing a party loyal isn’t going to matter.
Mr. Miller is the only honorable member of the BOS. There are those that don’t like what he says, but he is honest, consistent and cares about the people.
Mrs. Humphrey has said she wasn’t going to run again. Well, if there are 10 people running against her, not only will she run… she will win.
You made mention of “seemingly widespread citizen dissatisfaction” I have to disagree with that. There are 300,000 people in this county. Yes, there are some unhappy citizens but the majority of them are in one district and they wouldn’t amount to ½ of a percent on the whole. To me, that isn’t really widespread.
So, tomorrow is the deadline for applications. Let the games…continue.
“Jerry Kilgore lost because not many Virginians want to be represented by a Governor that acts like a homosexual.”
Would the anonymous ‘One Observer’ be so kind as to explain this statement in his/her above comment?
In the months leading up to the election, every single time I heard conversations comparing the candidates the one thing that was repeated over and over was that Mr. Kilgore, while married with a family, had a demeanor that was lacking in masculinity. I do not say this to be critical of homosexuals. I certainly don’t believe we need a redneck Governor. I have dear friends that are homosexual. In my opinion, it is a private matter. However, when in public service, your life isn’t really your own anymore.
Based on the number of people I heard make these remarks, both Republican and Democrat, this was a perception seemingly shared by many. I should have clarified that statement as it wasn’t meant to offend.
Unfortunately, perception is reality to some. My comments were directed, in part, to the fact that if the BOS appoints a Republican loyal to the Midlothian seat over someone with the necessary experience, they will ALL loose their own seats as it will be blatantly obvious they don’t care about what is best for the County.
Come November 2007 Chesterfield citizens should remember Fred Clark of Midlothian who passed away recently. in his obituary he said ” throw the bums out, and don’t hire lawyers” That should be the Rally Cry for the next main BOS election. We cleaned house in 1991 it time to fumigate again.
As for Mark Tubbs, I believe his credibility is shot. He will never be able to live down the “Carpetbagger” label. Only now it would be “Incompetent CarpetBagger” If you were going to move to Midlothian to run in the next election, Wouldn’t common sense mean checking where the district lines are before you by a house.
I love the way you think Oldmanmidlo! I loved that line in the RTD obit!
Just call me the Gadfly as labeled by the Chesterfield Observer…..
By Webster’s definition: a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
Here in Chesterfield: It appears anyone that openly criticsim their open government runs the risk of that label.
Shelly
Shelly: In Chesterfield wear the Gadfly pin proudly. What it means is you are aware of whats going on and are not afraid to point out their mistakes. What we need is more people like you who will have long memories come November 2007. You can think about this when sitting in traffic on 360 between Brandermill and Woodlake. Remember Rennie promised to have that third lane paved by now!
For those who read the morning birdcage liner. Will Shewmake has joined the Republican party after having helped in at least six Democratic Midlothian campaigns, and a member of the Chesterfield Democratic Committee for years. Maybe he should put a for sale sign in his front yard. Not for his house but for his character, or lack there of. A political that is for sale to the highest bidder to get elected is a price too high for Midlothian voters to pay! What’s to say he doesn’t sell us out to the developers he has promoted for the last eight years, after he’s elected. If he’s nominated by the BOS on the 26th then we will really know the fix is in. Stay Tuned for Act 2
Hey Oldman…
What is the axe your grinding here? Did we see you among the applicants last night? Or, are you worried for some reason? Why the hostility?
No axe to grind just pointing out the inconsistencies of one of the candidates. First Mr Shewmake works on only democratic causes, then in the first TD article he tells the reporter he’s an independent, Then this mornings paper has him listed as a Republican. Where are his values or are they for sale to who ever will pay his price. May be he’s something new a mercenary candidate?
Mr. Shewmake should not be considered. The democrat he so lovingly referred to as “one of the greatest men I have ever known” was Ed Barber, after pleading guilty to molesting his stepdaughter. His unending support of a registered sex offender should prevent his appointment. To any position. Ever.
If you want a comparison, use Shewmake vs Hening
Hening- Runs in special election for Cantor’s old seat in 73rd Va District as Independent(Republican) losses big moves to Chesterfield changes to Republican natural progression. Political Contributions $1823 to himself as independent relative throws in another 1000 listed as independent.
Shewmake- campaign treasurer for Democrat Barber 1995 campaign involved in three other Chesterfield Barber Campaigns 1991,1999,2003. Runs Democrat Barber campaign special election 1998 Barber loses big
Shewmake runs Democrat Barber campaign for House 2001 Barber doesn’t even win Chesterfield
Political Contributions
Barber, Edward B Democrat $1,538-1998,2001
Beyer for Governor Democrat $375-1997
Hall, Franklin P Democrat $250-2004
Kirtley, Bruce W Democrat$200-1997
McEachin for Attorney General Democrat $450-2000,2001
McEachin, A Donald Democrat $200-1999
Va Senate Democrat Caucus $500-1996,1997
Warner for Governor Democrat $250-2001
Watkins, John C Republican $250-2005
Wheaton, James J Democrat $500-1997
Contributions as Shewmake & Baronin
McEachin for Attorney General (D-ATTGEN) $500 2001
Barber, Edward B (D-H068) $720 2001
$220 2001 8/31/2001 In kind Postage & Secretarial Services from Shewmake office
$500 cash 2001
$200 1998 For Barber special election
Commonwealth Victory Fund 1996 Democratic PAC $150
Results:Henning political contributions $2,823 to (Independent/Republican) 2001
Shewmake Political contributions $6453
$6203 To Democratic causes 1996-2005 including $220 for the use of his own secretary
$250 to Republican John Watkins Oct 2005
You make the call
Will Shewmake is a good guy. Plain and simple. Independent and forthright, something missing from most politicians.
If you look at the candidates bios for the republican primary, it’s no contest. Shewmake has more expereince than the rest combined.
Just one reader’s view.
I’ve never voted for a republican before, but this time I will vote for Will.
Dave,
As someone who has never voted for a Republican before, of course you will vote for Shewmake- he is a former Democrat and best friend of Ed Barber.
Well I guess the parties over for Will Shewmake. He got chewed-up by the CRC. There’s no going back, Now Will have fun in Never-Never land