McMurtrie departure leaves three-way State Senate race
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Martin

Democrat Alex McMurtrie's name will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot for the 11th District State Senate race, but he dropped out of the race last week. That leaves incumbent Republican Steve Martin, Independent Roger Habeck and Independent T. Hank Cook as contenders.

Martin, who has held the post since 1994, wrote in an e-mail, "I respect his decision but it has no effect on our campaign."

"I admire Alex for realizing his candidacy was not going to be successful," responded Habeck. "Virtually none of the Democratic vote will go to Steve. More independent Democrats will now vote for me while other Democrats will likely choose not to vote."

As a successful attorney, McMurtrie was able to finance his own campaign putting in at least $55,000. McMurtrie acknowledged last spring that he had polled likely voters before entering the race, but the speculation now is that more recent polling showed Martin significantly ahead.

Martin has served in the state legislature since 1988 and that tenure has connected him with major political contributors. His primary business is with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a financial planner and insurance agent. But a number of Chesterfield Republicans have distanced themselves from Martin because of what they consider to be his meddling in county matters.

Habeck

According to earlier polling by McMurtrie, 46 percent of the district, which includes most of Chesterfield County and all of Colonial Heights, is Republican and the remainder is split between Democrats and Independents. Candidates usually start out with a party base of votes and then target other voters based on personal contact or crossover issues.

Some Republican business leaders in the county are endorsing Habeck, a Chester businessman who founded the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce in 1999. He is also a former member of the Chesterfield County Republican Committee and has pledged, if elected, to caucus with Republican senators.

Unable to raise enough contributions, Habeck set up a "kitchen cabinet" of close friends to help guide his campaign several months ago. They include businessmen Bob Schrum and Randy Powers, restaurateur Chris Andreano and human resources executive Debi Girvin. Andreano and Girvin took over the reins of the county chamber after Habeck left his active role with the group.

Aware that Habeck is gathering endorsements of Republicans, Martin pointed out that most elected Republicans are standing with him.

Cook has been unable to raise money to increase his awareness to voters. As of Sept. 30, he reported he had only $49 left in his account.