Delegate Lohr gets gubernatorial appointment

Delegate Matt Lohr (R-26) will be giving up his seat in the General Assembly to become Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Governor Bob McDonnell's office announced the appointment yesterday. Lohr is a three-term delegate. The 26th district includes Harrisonburg and northern parts of Rockingham County.

So, there will be an open seat and special election in the district. Surely, a part of the governor's calculations in the appointment is the fact the area leans Republican. However, Democrats have been gaining some ground, notably in Harrisonburg. The outcome could turn less on party and more on the strengths or weaknesses of the individual candidates and on their ability to bring out supporters in low-turnout contest. No word on anyone yet expressing interest, but the Democrats have several appealing possibilities. It will be interesting to see who steps up - in both parties. Game on!