House of Delegates races in Frederick, Warren contested

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By Garren Shipley -- gshipley@nvdaily.com

The race between Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, and Democrat John Lesinski in the 15th House District has eaten the majority of the headlines since summer.

But two of the area's other voices in Richmond face challengers of their own next week.

Del. Beverly Sherwood, R-Winchester, is opposed in the 29th District by independent Aaron Tweedie, a contractor from Star Tannery, while Del. Clifford L. "Clay" Athey, R-Front Royal, is challenged by Todd Jack, the Constitution Party's nominee in the district.

Both challengers have run low-key, low-dollar campaigns focused on issues that haven't collected many headlines.

Tweedie's campaign has been focused on issues of accessibility and accountability -- promising to hold a town hall meeting in each precinct of the district every year, as well as publish his home number for constituents to contact him directly.

He also promises to be a fresh voice.

"I can bring a lot of new passion to the Virginia General Assembly. [Sherwood has] been in office quite a long time, which can lead to a sense of complacency," Tweedie said.

"She has performed some valuable service for the community," he said. But Sherwood also supported House Bill 3202, a measure that created the reviled "abuser fees" to pay for highway work, a law that legislators rushed to repeal.

Sherwood didn't immediately return phone calls on Thursday, but said at a campaign event earlier this year that her experience and record of involvement at the state level were the reasons voters should send her back to Richmond.

"I'm very much involved at the state level, and we're in very challenging times," she said.

Her appointment as a budget conferee gives the region a strong voice for local priorities when major decision are made about how Virginia spends its money, she added.

In the 18th District, Athey has his first challenger since winning his seat in 2001 in the form of challenger Jack, who has focused his campaign on issues of agriculture and property rights.

Virginia farms are disappearing at an alarming rate, according to Jack. Legislators should try to reverse this trend by funding low-interest loans to young farmers willing to purchase land that would otherwise go out of agricultural production, according to the candidate.

The candidate also has called for changes to foreclosure and repossession laws to prevent lien holders from taking property "without warning," as well as the protection of the borrower's equity in the property to be reclaimed.

Jack says he has the experience to do the job in Richmond.

"I have experience with the U.S. Navy, U.S. government, a small business owner," he said.

He also faults Athey for missed votes and not sponsoring enough legislation.

"The incumbent has not been doing his job. He's not voting for the people like he should. He's not sponsoring legislation to assist them with their daily lives," he said. "I think that's very much proof that it's time for sensible change."

Athey disagreed, and said his long-standing support for "Jeffersonian principles, a belief that a smaller government and lower taxes allow people to reach their full potential and it creates jobs" is why he should go back to Richmond.

"That philosophy in my judgment is the only path back to a viable economy. If re-elected, my major focus will continue to be on holding down the size of the government and spurring job growth through tax cuts," he said.

Also on the ballot this year is incumbent Del. Joe May, R-Leesburg, in the 33rd House District, which includes Clarke County.

May is unopposed for a ninth two-year term.

Election Day is Tuesday.