The Virginia Political Wire's primary predictions were way off. Really it was more of a wish list than true prognostication. However, we are not aware of anyone who completely got it right...there were of course big surprises. There was one surprise in our list...we hit the 74th on the nose...Morrissey over Miles, then Jackson, then Lambert, and then Goodall. We did get seven of the eight Democratic primaries right...I guess that's because we have been involved in Democratic Politics for years. On the Republican side we were only right on 3 out of 8, and that's bad....we must not know diddly about the right wingers...but who does????

PRIMARY PREDICTIONS 2007

House 83rd- Carolyn Weems over Chris Stolle
Senate 1- Marty Williams Romps Pat Stall
Senate 24- Scott Sayre d. Emmett Hanger
Senate 27- Jill Holtzman V. in a landslide over Mark Tate
Senate 22- Brandon Bell handily over Ralph Smith
Senate 12 A victory for Walter Stosch over Blackburn
Senate 13- Fred Quayle pummels his opponent
House 72- Jimmy Wheat rides Stosch to defeat Massie

House 79 Henry Light squeaks by Johnny Joannou
House 3- Danny Bowling defeats McGlothlin
House 34- Margi Vandrehye d. Rip Sullivan
Senate 9- Don McEachin in a landslide over Benny Lambert
Senate 39- Barker over Galligan
House 74- Fightin Joe Morrisey d. Floyd Miles, then Jackson, then Lambert &Goodall
Senate 13- Heretick wins big over Bouchard

Credible Challenger Emerging in the 61st District: Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, and Brunswick Counties: The district was represented by Lew Parker from 1972-1993, Frank Ruff from 1993-2000, and Tommy Wright since 2001. This is a marginally Republican District that supported Mark Warner over Mark Earley 9.258-9,222
DEVELOPING...........................

RETIREMENT WATCH...Casualty List
Announcements so far:
Del. Melanie Rapp
Del. Leo Wardrup
Del. Donald McEachin- running for Senate
Del. Robert Hurt- running for Senate
Del. Jack Reid
Del. Allen Dudley
Del. Vince Callahan
Del. Michele McQuigg
Sen. Russ Potts
Sen. John Chichester
Sen. Charles Hawkins
5% Retiring so far and all are Republicans

Legislators to watch...reason why
Del. Robert Hurt, running for Senate if Hawkins retires UPDATE- Running for Senate
Del, Jack Reid, gun shy, UPDATE RETIRING
Del. Dave Marsden, constant needling from Not Larry Sabato
Del. Allen Dudley, bruising re-election campaign UPDATE- RETIRING
Del. Tom Gear, on-going financial troubles
Del. Frank Hall, lost leadership position
Del. Phil Hamilton, time to retire, difficult re-election
Del. Frank Hargrove, age & controversial comments
Del. Don McEachin, running for senate- UPDATE- Running for Senate
Del. Harry Purkey, age
Del. Lacy Putney, age
Del. Jim Scott, age
Del. Bob Tata, age
Del. Leo Wardrup, age- health UPDATE- RETIRING
Del. John Welch, financial woes, difficult re-election
Sen. John Chichester, age- difficult primary challenge UPDATE- RETIRING
Sen. Chuck Colgan age UPDATE- He's running again
Sen. Charles Hawkins, time to retire UPDATE- RETIRING
Sen. Benny Lambert, difficult primary challenge
Sen. Fred Quayle, age-health
Sen. Frank Ruff, run for const. office, retire-collect pension (McQuigg)
Sen. Patsy Ticer, age

What will be the major Issue in 2007? Are we done with Transportation?

Wardrup RETIRES (maybe)
The most controversial member of the Virginia Beach Delegation is retiring after 15 years. Democrats have strong chance at winning this seat in November with former commanding officer of the Norfolk Naval Station Joe Bouchard

The 74th House District Democratic Primary- tantamount to election- OPEN Don McEachin is challenging Sen. Benny Lambert. The race seems to be a free for all and will be incredibly interesting
People interested in McEachin's seat so far:

• Former Richmond City Councilwomen Jackie Jackson who was defeated in the last election by Reva Trammell
• - Benny Lambert's son, David Lambert
• - Former Commonwealth's Attorney, Joe Morrissey, a colorful character
• - Former Delegate Floyd Miles, lost to McEachin in the 05 Primary

The district includes Charles City County and parts of Richmond, Hopewell and Henrico and Prince George counties.