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Senate hopefuls get help in race

August 3, 2007 12:35 am

RICHMOND--The 28th state Senate district candidates are rolling out some heavy-hitters as fall approaches.

Democrat Albert Pollard Jr. held a campaign event last week with former Gov. Linwood Holton, who now lives in Lancaster County. And Republican Richard Stuart is having an official campaign kick-off this Saturday with Rep. Tom Davis, the Republican congressman who is rumored to be considering a run for the U.S. Senate if John Warner steps down. It's being held outside a NAPA Auto Parts store just north of the Stafford Courthouse on U.S. 1.

Pollard and Stuart, both of whom are from the Northern Neck, are vying to replace retiring Sen. John Chichester in the 28th District. It's expected to be a competitive race in a year when only a few seats would need to change hands to give power of the state Senate to the Democrats.

Pollard said his event showcased his support from Republicans and independents. Holton was governor from 1970-1974, although in more recent years he has endorsed some Democrats, including his own son-in-law, Gov. Tim Kaine.

Pollard said the event drew about 230 supporters. He was motivated to hold an event for Republican and independents because of "the number of folks that I've been running into that say 'I normally vote Republican but I'm supporting you.'

"What that clearly says is that we have appeal across party lines," Pollard added. "When the Chesapeake Bay is not productive, it doesn't know whether it's a Democrat or a Republican that failed to act. If Virginia loses the AAA bond rating, it's a problem for all Virginians, not just Democrats or Republicans. We're just pleased that our message of bipartisan leadership is breaking through."

Pollard said Holton's endorsement helps, too. Holton contacted him, Pollard said, a few days after Pollard announced his candidacy.

"Ultimately, Governor Holton is one vote like anyone else, but he has a tremendous amount of respect in the community," Pollard said. "His support means it's OK for other independent and Republican-minded folks to say 'yes, my inclination to vote for Pollard was the right one.'"

Stuart also expects his high-profile Republican, Davis, to help boost the campaign.

"I hope it also shows that we are all united in this election," he said.

Stuart's kick-off on Saturday is not just his event, but is for all the Republican candidates in Stafford County. House Speaker Bill Howell, Sheriff Charles Jett, and Del. Mark Cole are also expected to be there.

"We're really working hard for a sweep for Republican candidates in Stafford County," Stuart said.

Both he and Pollard have used the summer--typically a quiet time for campaigns, which wait until fall to really gear up--to make the rounds of summer festivals and meet voters.

"I've been knocking on doors and having fundraisers and meet-and-greets and as much voter contact as I can possibly do," Stuart said. "It's been seven days a week, 12 hours a day."

He described his schedule last Saturday--from a farmers market to an event in Reedville at 11 a.m., then a barbecue in Stafford County, then a Fauquier County fair. He got home at midnight that night.

"The district is so big," Stuart said. "It's a grueling pace."

Pollard said he's been doing the same thing. He also noted that the two candidates are, at least as of their last campaign finance reports, about even when it comes to fundraising.

"This is going to be a very competitive race, but I'm feeling cautious optimism," Pollard said.