Augusta County: Tuesday’s special election cost $30,000 for 346 voters

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Tuesday’s special election in Augusta County caught most voters unaware and so there was a tiny turnout for one unopposed candidate. Now we have the numbers of how much that cost.

Here’s what I wrote Tuesday toward the end of the day:

Raise your hand if you didn’t know there was a special election today in Augusta County. Better yet, raise your hand if you did know because that would be far less hands. According to reports, there was a pitiful turnout for the uncontested contest — as in six voters by 6pm in Churchville, according to a source in the area. Six voters since 6am.

Augusta County’s money-wasting ‘special’ election

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Raise your hand if you didn’t know there was a special election today in Augusta County. Better yet, raise your hand if you did know because that would be far less hands. According to reports, there was a pitiful turnout for the uncontested contest — as in six voters by 6pm in Churchville, according to a source in the area. Six voters since 6am.

Augusta County: Carol Brydge wins GOP nod for Clerk of Court special election

By Lynn R. Mitchell

In a specially-called Republican mass meeting Thursday night, Carol Brydge won the party’s nomination to run in the Clerk of Court special election on March 31.

Mrs. Brydge was appointed to the position in December after former Clerk John B. Davis stepped aside one year before the end of his term. The special election is required by state law, and the general election will be held in November.

On Friday Mrs. Brydge thanked her supporters:

Thanks to all who braved the cold and came out to support me at the Republican Mass Meeting. I received the republican nomination. Now I need your support at the special election on March 31.

For background see Augusta County Mass Meeting Thursday for Clerk of Court, Carol Brydge to seek nomination.

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).

Speaker Howell, others congratulate Todd Pillion on election to the Virginia House of Delegates

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Republican Todd Pillion won the special election held Tuesday for Virginia’s 4th House of Delegates District due to the election of Ben Chafin to the State Senate. Unofficial results showed Pillion won with 66 percent of the vote over Democrat Donnie Rife’s 34 percent.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford) congratulated Delegate-elect Pillion: