Former delegate ponders Davis seat

Black considering run for Davis' seat

Date published: 10/18/2007

BY CHELYEN DAVIS

The list of potential candidates for the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis' 1st congressional district seat just keeps growing.

Former House of Delegates member Dick Black, a Republican from Loudoun, is now a Republican from Fredericksburg.

Black said yesterday he has moved to the area--which is in the 1st District--and is "seriously considering" a run for the seat.

Black lost his House seat in 2005 to Democrat David Poisson. As a delegate, he was best known as an ardent opponent of abortion--he once mailed tiny pink fetus dolls to the entire state Senate to encourage them to support an anti-abortion bill of his--and of gay rights.

Already in the race is Davis' widower, retired firefighter Chuck Davis. He said his wife asked him to run, and that he stands for the same things she did.

But that hasn't discouraged other candidates from considering a bid. Beyond Black, there's Spotsylvania resident Dave Caprara, who has an exploratory committee while he considers a run.

Paul Jost, who lost the 1st District race to Davis in 2001, and also lost a challenge to state Sen. Tommy Norment in 2003, told the Virginia Gazette that he is "looking at it very seriously."

Jim Bowden, the 1st District Republican chairman, is said to be interested in the seat, although he has not made any announcement.

Dels. Tom Gear and Scott Lingamfelter are said to be considering runs as well.

Virtually every other elected or party official in the district is said to be considering entering the race, so it might be more helpful to list those who are out.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has said he won't run, and Dels. Melanie Rapp and Phil Hamilton are supporting Chuck Davis, Davis said.

Republicans will likely pick the nominee at a party convention.

Gov. Tim Kaine has not yet set a date for the special election to fill the seat, although Dec. 11 is the most likely time.

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Date published: 10/18/2007