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Delegate candidates compete for Republican backing
Manoli Loupassi began seeking backing at least six months ago, raising more than $125,000 so far. Many local Republicans in the state legislature have endorsed his candidacy, and some attended Loupassi's breakfast at Ruth's Chris Steak House to show their support and hear from the featured speaker, Attorney General Bob McDonnell. Loupassi backers include State Senator Steve Martin, Delegate Sam Nixon, Clover Hill Supervisor Art Warren, Chesterfield Commonwealth's Attorney Billy Davenport, Clerk to the Court Judy Worthington and Commissioner of the Revenue Joe Horbal. First elected to the Richmond City Council in 2000, Loupassi represents the First District and is now council president. After serving as an assistant commonwealth's attorney in the city and also in Hanover County, he is now in private practice.
Loupassi said he wants limited government and low taxes so business can flourish "unshackled by government." Supporters of Will Shewmake- another Republican who announced he was running for delegate in the 68th District last week-also congregated for breakfast last Wednesday at Joe's Inn in Bon Air. Shewmake stressed his Midlothian address, saying, "Chesterfield County has been underrepresented in the General Assembly. We need someone who will vigorously support Chesterfield's interests." Only three of Chesterfield's 11 legislators live in the county. Both Loupassi and Independent Katherine Waddell, who currently represents the 68th, live in Richmond. Most of the voters in the district live in Chesterfield. Nixon said the legislature was split among so many districts in Chesterfield to help Republicans hold more legislative seats since the county votes heavily Republican. "It's an advantage to having so many legislators represent Chesterfield," he argued. Many who serve on Chesterfield's Board of Supervisors seem to disagree and have endorsed Shewmake because they want changes in how the state interfaces with local governments. Much of the disagreement is focused on unfunded mandates and the smaller role the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is taking in building and maintaining roads. As state road funding dries up, counties anticipate having to build and maintain their own roads. Supervisors Dickie King, Kelly Miller and Renny Humphrey see Shewmake as a stronger advocate for Chesterfield, particularly for keeping VDOT's traditional role. In addition to those current supervisors, former supervisors Harry Daniel and Sonny Currin are also endorsing Shewmake. "The General Assembly is going to have to work hard to resolve funding transportation," acknowledged Loupassi. "There are several political options, and it hasn't been resolved yet because there isn't an easy answer. We Republicans have to get together on this challenge. My guess is that it will be a combination of funding more state revenue and turning over a larger role to the counties." Chesterfield officials point to large state budget increases and want to know why the state hasn't allocated more money to signifi- cant issues like transportation. Meanwhile, a number of Chesterfield legislators say the county has also hiked its budget significantly and can afford to spend more of its money on roads. In recent years, Chesterfield has turned over more new roads for VDOT to maintain than any other locality in the state. Two Republicans - State Senator John Watkins and Midlothian Supervisor Don Sowder - are staying neutral in the race. When Sowder ran for supervisor this fall, Loupassi walked some of the neighborhoods with him, canvassing for votes. "I'll support the party nominee," said Sowder. Where the Chesterfield legislators live
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