Democratic voters to pick Del. Jones’ likely successor

McQuinn Brown

Democrats in parts of Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield counties will pick their nominee today to replace Richmond Mayor-elect Dwight Clinton Jones in the House of Delegates.

The primary campaign season was short -- a couple of weeks -- because the party's nomination is tantamount to victory in the heavily Democratic district.

Both candidates on the ballot hit the pavement soon after Gov. Timothy M. Kaine set a special election date for the 70th House district seat. Delores L. McQuinn, the longest-serving member on Richmond's City Council, elected in 1999; and Carlos Brown, senior counsel for Dominion Resources Services, have knocked on doors and visited churches.

Brown has tried to boost his profile at a basketball game in eastern Henrico, where he lives, and through radio interviews. McQuinn has sent automated phone calls and a mailer to voters in the 70th.

It will, after all, come down to turnout, which could be especially light in a primary scheduled less than a week ago.

All district voters will vote from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at one of two polling locations. Richmond and Chesterfield residents will vote at 31st Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st St., and Henrico residents will vote at the MathScience Innovation Center, 2401 Hartman St.

McQuinn said she's had a team of people working hard in the short time frame and that she will visit both polling places today.

"We've really had a full-fledged campaign going," she said.

Brown, who now lives in the district, noted how hard McQuinn is campaigning against a political newcomer.

"There's something going on here for [McQuinn's camp] to go to the lengths here," he said. "I think there's still a possibility. I'm staying optimistic."

A special election will be held Jan. 6 to fill the vacancy. No Republican candidate has announced for the seat.
Contact Olympia Meola at (804) 649-6812 or .