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May 29, 2019 | Vol. 18, No. 22 | www.princewilliamtimes.com | 50¢ Covering Prince William County and surrounding communities, including Gainesville, Haymarket, Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Loudoun supervisors vie for GOP nod for state senate Race to replace Sen. Dick Black among hottest in Va. By James Ivancic Times Staff Writer
State Sen. Dick Black’s decision not to run for re-election sparked such a flurry of interest in the 13th District state senate seat that at one point three Republicans and six Democrats were vying for their parties’ nods in the contest. In the closely divided Virginia Senate, the race for the 13th District is one of the hottest in the state. The GOP likely must hold onto the post
to retain their two-seat majority in the commonwealth’s upper chamber. Meanwhile, Democrats hope to flip the seat in their quest to take control of the Virginia General Assembly. The district, which includes parts of Loudoun and Prince William counties, is one of only two in Northern Virginia that remain in GOP hands. Republicans hold 21 of 40 seats in the state Senate and 49 of 51 seats in the House of Delegates. “There’s no doubt the 13th District is crucial to Republicans who
are hoping to keep the state senate in their majority,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington in GEARY HIGGINS Fredericksburg. “This strikes me as one of the top two turnaround districts” for Democrats, Farnsworth said. The Virginia Beach-area 7th District seat, held by retiring Sen. Frank Wagner, a Republican, will be the other closely
watched race this fall. “When the incumbent, Dick Black, decided not to run for re-election, the Republican Party had to scramble to RON MEYER find a candidate,” Farnsworth said. “Name recognition matters a lot.” Two Republicans, Loudon Supervisor Geary Higgins and Ron Meyer, are seeking their party’s nominaSee PRIMARY, page 4
‘Let’s ride’ ‘Last’ Rolling Thunder draws more than 300 motorcyclists to Marine Corps museum Sunday By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
More than 300 motorcyclists gathered outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps early Sunday morning ahead of what organizers said would be the last Rolling Thunder to descend upon the nation’s capital in a loud show of support for U.S. veterans and to call attention to those who never came home. The number was almost twice the 150 to 175 riders who usually stage outside Triangle museum ahead of the big ride, which has happened annually on Memorial Day weekend for the past 31 years. Bill Watson, a retired Marine who helped direct the action, said it was the largest turnout since local riding groups began gathering in the museum parking lot several years ago for a pre-event ceremony and police escort up See THUNDER, page 2 86 WARRENTON, VA
Done and done.
PHOTO BY DELIA ENGSTROM
Members of the “Band of Brothers” motorcycle club, based in Stafford, gathered for a short ceremony Sunday, May 26, outside the National Museum of the Marine Corps for what has been billed as the last Rolling Thunder ride to Washington, D.C. The group said the pledge, sang the national anthem, bowed their heads in prayer and then sang the club song, “Goodnight Saigon,” before leaving for the Pentagon, the main staging area for Rolling Thunder.
INSIDE Calendar.............................................13 Classified............................................15 Library................................................12 Lifestyle..............................................11
Opinion.................................................6 Puzzle Page..........................................8 Real Estate..........................................14 Sports...................................................9
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