A Democratic political strategist is making the race for lieutenant governor and making education the centerpiece of his campaign.
Rich Savage, 46, of Richmond declared his candidacy yesterday, becoming the third prospect for the party's nomination for the No. 2 office.
"We need look no further than the current worldwide economic crisis for definitive evidence that Virginia's public school students are already competing in a global marketplace for jobs and economic opportunity," said Savage, the father of twin girls.
Savage's education plan -- it's on his Web site, getsavagevirginia.com -- includes a proposal under which graduates of Virginia public colleges and universities who financed their education with loans could have them erased if they teach in public schools for five years.
Savage also wants to end the practice of sending home disruptive students. Savage prefers that students, other than those who are a threat to school safety, serve in-school suspensions coupled with counseling, study aid and testing for learning disabilities.
Savage announced last month that he was considering entering the June 9 primary. The other candidates are businessman Jon Bowerbank of Russell County and former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner of Virginia Beach.
Savage said he decided to run in part because a survey by his pollster, Alan Secrest, shows a wide-open contest for the nomination.
Savage, a campaigns-and-elections consultant for 20 years, 15 in Virginia, said he is not concerned that he begins the race little known.
Referring to the campaign of President-elect Barack Obama, Savage said, "New ideas and optimism can beat political endorsements and early money."
Savage's clients have included Secretary of Administration Viola O. Baskerville, a former delegate from Richmond and unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 2005.
The lieutenant governorship is a part-time job that can be a stepping stone to the governor's office. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine previously was lieutenant governor.
The current lieutenant governor, Republican Bill Bolling of Hanover County, is seeking a second term.
Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com.
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