House warming

Lewis Medlin, a Bedford businessman and chair of the Bedford County Democratic Committee announced he'll challenge independent Delegate Lacey Putney for the 19th House District. Putney, who has been in the House of Delegates since 1962, is 81 and often sides with conservatives in the House GOP.

Medlin ran against Putney in 2007. He is 59, married with four children, and runs E-Z Mount Bracket Co. which he founded with his father in 1978. He will kick off his campaign this week focusing on reducing the real estate tax for seniors, employment, and education. The 19th includes the city of Bedford and much of Bedford and Botetourt counties. More.

In the 24th House District we've known for months that Jeff Price would be taking on Ben Cline. He has been visiting local Democratic committees and joining Democrats at a variety of events. Price will formally announce his candidacy at Noon on May 8 in front of the Amherst County Courthouse. Walking tours of Buena Vista (1:00-2:30 pm) and Lexington (3:00 to 3:45 pm) will be followed by another announcement in front of the Rockbridge County Courthouse at 4:00 pm. More info at Jeff's website.

A couple years ago many of the incumbent delegates in the Shenandoah Valley got an E-Z Pass to reelection. This time the Democrats are stepping up with good candidates in nearly every district. The "just say NO" GOP has some 'splainin' to do. Voters will be all ears.