With the election of Kenny Alexander as Norfolk’s mayor, the seat in the 5th Senate District of Virginia became vacant. Democrats will choose the nominee in a Firehouse Primary this Saturday, July 9.

For those not familiar, a firehouse primary is an unassembled Caucus. Eligible Voters go to pre-selected voting locations during set hours, not their regular voting locations. Unlike an assembled caucus, which requires voters to stay for the entire process, voters go in, cast a ballot, and leave. The details:

When: Saturday, July 9, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: Two locations in Chesapeake, one in Norfolk, as follows:
Indian River Library, 2320 Old Greenbrier Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23325
Camelot Elementary School, 2901 Guenevere Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23323
The Kroc Center, 1401 Ballentine Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23504

Who: Voters in the 5th Senate District (check you registration here)

The candidates: Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. (77th – Facebook page, website), Del. Joe Lindsay (90th – Facebook page)

The winner of the Democratic nominating contest will be on the ballot in November and may face Republican and/or independent challengers. As of this writing, no other challengers have emerged.

It is no secret that, while I am friends with both, I support Spruill for this seat, as do Governor Terry McAuliffe, who was in town yesterday, AG Mark Herring, and U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. In addition, Spruill has the support of all of the Senate members of the Legislative Black Caucus (Mamie Locke (chair), Rosalyn Dance, Don McEachin (Senate Democratic Caucus chair), and Louise Lucas), as well as the support of more than half of the Senate.

I’ve known Lionell a long time – and I have watched him grow on the issues that are important to me, including redistricting and marriage equality. Longtime readers of this blog know that when he’s been wrong, I’ve not hesitated to call him out. But, as the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I’ve spent a lot of time bringing him around on issues. That he is still a work in progress says a lot for him: he is willing to listen and learn.

(If that sounds a lot like how Hillary has evolved, then you get what I mean.)

I believe Lionell will make a fine Senator and will advocate for the issues that Democrats hold dear. I urge you to vote for my friend, Lionell Spruill, Sr. this Saturday.

Updated same day to correct Roslyn Tyler to Rosalyn Dance.

Filed under: 2016 Elections, Hampton Roads, Local, Mark Warner, Terry McAuliffe