Shewmake runs for delegate
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Shewmake

Will Shewmake, a former Midlothian planning commissioner who is active in the Midlothian Rotary and county little leagues, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to run for the House of Delegates seat in the 68th District next November.

About 60 percent of the district is in Chesterfield County, and the remainder includes the western part of the city of Richmond. Last year, Independent Katherine Waddell took the seat away from Republican Brad Marrs in a close race. Waddell, who lives in Richmond and doesn't caucus with either party, intends to run again.

"Most of this district is in Chesterfield including Bon Air and the Robious Road corridor, and whoever represents it should live in Chesterfield and represent us," said Shewmake. "We need a strong voice to confront a number of issues in the General Assembly affecting Chesterfield."

Most of the county board believes Chesterfield will have to build its own roads and take over more of the road maintenance traditionally performed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. "The state shouldn't be doing to local governments what it complains the federal government does to the state," insisted Shewmake.

Raised in Stratford Hills, Shewmake lives in Midlothian. He has a law practice, Shewmake & Baronian, P.C., on Patterson Avenue that he co-founded in 1994.

Shewmake joined the Chesterfield Republican Committee earlier this year and ran for the Republican nomination for Midlothian supervisor, but was edged out by Don Sowder.

"I am extraordinarily concerned about what the General Assembly has planned for Chesterfield and other local governments as it continues to foist unfunded mandates on us and dodge its responsibilities," Shewmake added.

Manoli Loupassi, president of the Richmond City Council, is also about to announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination. Loupassi said he has raised at least $100,000 for the race and will hold a fundraiser at Ruth's Chris Steak House this week.

"Loupassi sees the 68th District as a steppingstone for statewide office," said Shewmake.

"My only vision is to run for delegate," countered Loupassi who is also an attorney. "I am known for being responsive to my constituents [in his city council district] and returning all phone calls." He said he has been endorsed by a number of Chesterfield Republicans including State Senators John Watkins and Steve Martin and Delegates Kirk Cox, Riley Ingram and Sam Nixon.

Matoaca Supervisor Renny Humphrey, who recently announced she would not run for supervisor next year, is endorsing Shewmake, saying he'll better represent Chesterfield. A number of county leaders have complained that many state legislators don't understand Chesterfield because they live elsewhere. Most districts for Chesterfield's representation crossover to other jurisdictions.

Humphrey has pledged to give part of her remaining campaign funds to help elect Shewmake.