This article is another instant classic.
The new 22nd district includes part of Louisa County. Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Garrett wanted to run for that seat, but lived in the part of Louisa that isn't in the 22nd.
So he moved in with his ex-wife.
Seriously.
Meanwhile, Garrett's home was "unoccupied" after that. So Rusty McGuire moved from Hanover County into Garrett's house to run for Commonwealth's Attorney in Louisa.
Someone needs to call the Commonwealth's Attorney office in Louisa to prosecute this crap... uh... nevermind.
They could possibly win that seat if they put in the resources.
Posted by: Andrew | October 26, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Maybe the residency law needs to be changed so that one needs to have established residency in a district/locality one year before an election to run in it. From Marsden, to Smith and Stanley, to Armstrong, Robin Abbott, and now this-its getting ridiculous.
Posted by: SE VA MWC Alum | October 26, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Not saying that any of these are otherwise bad folks-just that the "moving to run" is getting out of hand
Posted by: SE VA MWC Alum | October 26, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Wish something was wrong with Armstrong's candidacy so some money could be cleared up on the House side.
Posted by: Andrew | October 26, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Once again, I call on Marsden (et., al) to have the courage of their convictions (huh? weird use of that word. . . ) and patron a bill calling for the REPEAL of any and all resdiency requirements connected with running for office. WHat the heck?! If you 2 GREAT candidates that live in one district, and none living in another, why not just "spread the wealth around" - to coin a phrase.
Posted by: 'us sayin' | October 26, 2011 at 12:09 PM
remind me: one does not have to live in a Congressional District in order to run for Congress there.
though I don't like that law (if I remember correctly), it sure makes residency reqmt moot.
Posted by: kelley in virginia | October 26, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Right Kelley. Congressional districts are covered in the constitution and any resident of the state can run in any Congressional district.
Posted by: Not Larry Sabato | October 26, 2011 at 02:11 PM
thanks Ben.
OK, then the Commonwealth should adopt the Congressional residency rule or enforce the law that is presently in our Code.
Posted by: kelley in virginia | October 26, 2011 at 02:42 PM
The residency provision for Virginia state offices is in the Virginia Constitution, I believe.
Posted by: E Pluribus | October 26, 2011 at 04:14 PM
If you move in with your ex do you also regain “benefits”?
I may run next time around…
Posted by: change | October 26, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Don't forget Loudoun County, where we have Ron "Penis Photo Sender" Speakman running for Sheriff when he lives in Potomac, Maryland! You would at least think state residency would be required. A complain was filed about this over a month ago. What a surprise, no action yet.
Either enforce these damn laws or get rid of them, don't let people make a mockery of them.
Posted by: Loudoun Insider | October 26, 2011 at 06:37 PM
And Garrett claims to be a "strict constructionist"? He interprets laws applying to himself about as strictly as Ken Cuccinelli does for fraudulent veterans groups trying to scam Virginians that have contributed to his election campaign
Posted by: truthteller | October 26, 2011 at 09:47 PM
This is definitely a blog worth following. You’ve got a great deal to say about this subject, and you can also tell that by the huge number of comments!
Posted by: louis vuitton outlet | October 26, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Let me get this straight... when candidates are possibly violating the law regarding residency, Ben is outraged.
And now, when candidates are complying with the law regarding residency, Ben is outraged.
What a doofus.
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Posted by: ugg boots sale | October 26, 2011 at 11:44 PM
> the Commonwealth should adopt the Congressional residency rule
Then you lose all the fun of redistricting, which is to redistrict an incumbent you don't like out of his district.
Posted by: Jack | October 27, 2011 at 03:47 PM
so Ben, what do your sources tell you about this race? & the Bill Stanley v. Roscoe Reynolds race?
Southern Virginians want to know.
Posted by: kelley in virginia | October 27, 2011 at 04:22 PM
forget Stanley/Reynolds snoozefest... southside really wants to know how Ben can stay away from ex-gay conservatives and republican criminals in the 59th HOD race!
Posted by: matt fariss kicked down my door | October 27, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Reynolds' and Toddy's seats flip, maybe Houck's too. Connie in a HOD 59 walk.
Posted by: vhdoa | October 28, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Houck will win....I gave him $20 and think I will give some more.
Posted by: Not Frank Hargrove | November 04, 2011 at 06:56 AM