Flocking around II

As predicted, the candidates are starting to gather at the grist of an open seat in 17th District House of Delegates. You'll recall that William Fralin surprised everyone by announcing he'd be stepping down.

Yesterday, a couple birds of different colors announced they'd be running. Gwen Mason, a Roanoke City Councilwoman, formally announced what everyone knew - she'd be a candidate for the Democratic nomination. She called for "sound investment of public money" and promised to forge a close relationship between state and local officials. Her announcement apparently preempted fellow member of city council, David Trinkle, who said it would be distracting to have two members running at the same time. Eric Thomas, a realtor, said he'd make a decision about running soon.

On the GOP side, lawyer Melvin Williams became the first to enter the race. Pulling a well worn page from the Republican playbook, Williams called himself business-friendly and a solid conservative who believes in family values. Cluck, Cluck, Cluck. Perhaps most important - where does he stand on Jeff Frederick as State GOP Chair? Roanoke County Supervisor, Mike Wray, is also mulling a run.

Flocking around

When Republican William Fralin announced he'd be stepping down from his 17th District House of Delegates seat, everyone knew candidates from both parties would flock to this open seat. The first to announce is Gwen Mason, who currently serves on the Roanoke City Council.

The district was gerrymandered after the 2000 Census to make it even friendlier to the GOP - hence, the optimism of Delegate Morgan Griffith, a Salem Republican and House majority leader. But, Mason, who may get strong support from The Farm Team, notes the demographics and times have changed:

"I think when you have an economy like this, people are looking to the Democrats for leadership to turn the country around. Someone rooted in the community who has basic understanding of local government, who's prepared to fight for southwestern Virginia in a state chamber tilted heavily toward Northern Virginia. We need those voices. We need that presence."

Other Democrats said to be mulling a run are David Trinkle, who also serves on Roanoke City Council, and Eric Thomas, a realtor and the son of former Delegate Vic Thomas.

The Republicans haven't announced any names, but Griffith said there are good candidates "floating out there." I know lots of people who think most Republicans are increasingly "floating out there." One name that gets frequent mention is Mike Wray, a former Roanoke County supervisor. Wray says the speculation is "premature."

Fralin threw out some fresh cracked corn with his announcement - you can be sure the number of birds flocking around will quickly grow.

Will birds flock to an open seat?

Delegate William Fralin (R-Roanoke) announced he will not seek reelection this November. He said the demands of his job as general counsel and VP of Medical Facilities of Virginia, a nursing home company, were forcing him to give up his political career, at least for now.

Fralin was seen as a moderate who occasionally angered GOP leadership, especially when he broke ranks and supported Governor Mark Warner's tax increase. He represents a district that includes parts of Roanoke, Roanoke Co., and Botetourt Co. While the district leans Republican, this open seat is certainly winnable by the right Democrat, especially as the state and region has trended blue. No candidates have yet announced, but Democratic Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason said she'd "think long and hard" about running. For his part, Fralin said he would not be part of the search for a Republican candidate.

This is one more sign that the GOP may have trouble holding on to the House of Delegates. And Fralin may not be the last to step aside. As more Republicans, who have had years of unopposed elections and now face the prospect of serious opposition, we may see one or two more decide now is the time to exit stage right. We'll know over the next few months.