Joe Morrissey resigns, special election set for January

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Earlier this week on Facebook, I linked to a story (see Morrissey enters plea, sentenced to 12 months with 6 months suspended) about Delegate Joe Morrissey (D) with the following comment:

The hypocrisy is stunning. Bob McDonnell is facing 10-12 years for … what exactly? Joe Morrissey, 57, took an Alford plea to contributing to the delinquency of a 17-year-old minor (who is now pregnant) and gets 1 year with 6 months suspended and work release from jail to go to his day job in the General Assembly. I don’t even know what to say….

Today comes news that Morrissey has finally resigned after pressure from Democrats and Republicans as well as Governor Terry McAuliffe (D).

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell (R) has announced a special election to be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, one day before the official opening of the 2015 General Assembly session:

“Upon receipt of a letter of resignation from Joe Morrissey, I have issued a writ of election for the 74th House of Delegates district for Tuesday, January 13, 2015.

“Mr. Morrissey’s decision to run in this election is deceitful, selfish and disrespectful to this institution and the people he supposedly desires to serve. This is a despicable, arrogant political stunt that should disgust each and every citizen of Virginia. The people of the 74th district deserve better than this and the obligation now rests with them to retire Mr. Morrissey permanently.

“We have spoken with the State Department of Elections and they are confident the election will run smoothly. I appreciate their work and the work of all other local officials and volunteers who will contribute to the democratic process during this already busy season.”

The Speaker’s office added that pursuant to § 24.2-510 of the Code of Virginia, the deadline for political parties to nominate candidates is December 23, 2014.

In an extra turn of drama, Morrissey has announced he plans to run to replace himself in the special election. The latest sad chapter of Morrissey is further example that he does not seem to realize that he has turned into a cartoon caricature of himself.