As we told you last week, the 3rd district will be home to a special election next month to replace Jackie Stump. While we get more information together on the candidates, it's a good time to review Jackie's rise to the House, in one of the most original stories in the history of Virginia politics.
The 3rd district was represented by a powerful Democrat, who had long roots in the community, and had become very powerful in Richmond (I've forgotten his name, someone please remind me). The district had been rocked by union strikes in the coal mines over some major labor disputes. The incumbent Delegate's son was the attorney for the coal companies and had been playing serious hardball with the union leaders.
Jackie Stump announced a WRITE IN campaign against the father, and won the election. The community was stunned, the union got what they wanted in the strike and Stump has been Delegate ever since.

The incumbent delegate was Donald McGlothlin, Sr. His son, Jr., was the circuit court judge who handed down millions of dollars in fines against the UMWA during the strike.
Posted by: The Watcher | December 13, 2005 at 12:43 AM
There is a good article in the Bristol Herald Courier here:
http://www.tricities.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/MGArticle/TRI_B
asicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128768685000&path=Variables.path
My back-of-the-envelope analysis is here:
http://www.new-dominion.blogspot.com
Posted by: J. Sarge | December 13, 2005 at 12:53 AM
Let's not forget why Delegate Stump is stepping down, and keep him in in our prayers this holiday season.
Posted by: Bwana | December 13, 2005 at 06:47 AM
The incumbent that Stump defeated was Donald McGlothlin.
Posted by: | December 13, 2005 at 09:27 AM
ooops. didnt read the first post.. sorry....
Posted by: | December 13, 2005 at 09:28 AM