Kaine sets special elections for Va. Senate

Special elections for two open seats in the Virginia Senate will be held on January 12.

The seats are currently occupied by Republicans -- Sen. Kenneth Cuccinelli of Fairfax who serves the 37th Senatorial District and Kenneth W. Stolle, of Virginia Beach, who represents the 8th Senatorial District.

Cuccinelli last month convincingly won election as Virginia's Attorney General; Stolle, a former law enforcement officer, was elected sheriff of Virginia Beach.

Democrats currently hold 21 seats in the state Senate, Republicans 19. Democrats are hoping to pick up an additional member by winning in Cuccinelli's district, which is rich in Democrats. Del. David W. Marsden, D-Fairfax, has said he will seek the Senate seat, which is expected draw a number of Republican candidates.

Stolle's district is considered solidly Republican. Two GOP candidates have already indicated they will seek the party nomination to run in the special election.

The deadline for candidates to file to run for either Senate seat is Friday, December 11.

The sitting governor sets the dates for special elections. The General Assembly convenes on January 13. Governor-elect Bob McDonnell is inaugurated on January 16.

"The citizens of these districts deserve to have their interests represented in the upcoming session of the General Assembly," said outgoing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

"Holding these special elections on January 12 will give interested candidates time to introduce themselves to the people they hope to represent, and give voters an opportunity to make an informed decision on their next senator."