Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the Winchester Star reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The Star included an abundance of historical background about this man who, at the age of 98, is unknown to many Virginians but is firmly planted in the Commonwealth's history.

Another former U.S. Senator and Governor George Allen remembered this Southern gentleman in a press release on Tuesday:

“Virginia and America mourn the passing of one of the most influential, respected and principled leaders of the 20th Century, Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

“I will always remember his distinctive laugh and remarkably sharp perspectives throughout his long, meaningful life. The lasting legacy of Senator Byrd is his consistent, sound and unflinching leadership in working to achieve the ideal of a wise and frugal government. Senator Byrd was an independent, cheerful and amazingly insightful friend. I shall treasure his encouragement and counsel through the ups and downs of public service. Indeed, we emulated Senator Byrd’s example by returning unused Senate office funds every year.

“Above all, Harry Byrd, Jr. was a gentleman of impeccable integrity in all aspects of his life.

“Susan’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his children Harry III, Tom and Beverly, and the whole Byrd family, including grandson John who worked with me in the U.S. Senate. They are a wonderful, honorable family.”

It is, indeed, the passing of an era in the Old Dominion.

Tuesday is Primary Day in Virginia

Tuesday, June 11, 2013, is Primary Day in Virginia. Voting takes place at your regular polling place between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Identification will be required, just as last year's November General Election. Changes to the law related to photo ID requirements to vote will not be effective until July 2014.

For Democrats, Tuesday is the opportunity to vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General candidates. The gubernatorial choice is already in place -- Terry McAuliffe -- because no one stepped up to challenge him.

That leaves two choices for lieutenant governor: State Senator Ralph Northam (D-6th Senate District) and Aneesh Chopra who is a techie guy out of the Obama administration.

Also two choices for attorney general: State Senator Mark Herring (D-33rd Senate District), and former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax.

If you're a Republican, the Top Three candidates were chosen for you at the recent Republican Party of Virginia convention in Richmond: Ken Cuccinelli for Governor, E.W. Jackson for Lieutenant Governor, and Mark Obenshain for Attorney General.

Republicans have eight contested House of Delegates races:
- 15th District: Incumbent Todd Gilbert versus Mark Prince
- 16th District - Open Seat: Les Adams versus Ken Bowman
- 28th District: Incumbent Speaker of the House Bill Howell versus Craig Ennis
- 29th District: Incumbent Beverly Sherwood versus Mark Berg
- 33rd District: Incumbent Joe May versus David LaRock
- 54th District: Incumbent Bobby Orrock versus Dustin Curtis
- 6th District: Jeffrey Campbell versus Jack Weaver
- 85th District: Scott Taylor vs Gary Byler vs Jeremy Waters

Democrats have three contested House of Delegates races:
- 63rd District: Evandra Thompson versus Rosalyn Dance
- 86th District: Jennifer Boysko versus Herbert Kemp
- 90th District: Rick James versus Algie Howell, Jr.

For more information, check out the State Board of Elections website.