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Vol. 31, No. 26 | Richmond Suburban News | October 29, 2014
Registrar provides rundown on election By Jodi Deal jdeal@mechlocal.com
SMITHSON
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Hanover County’s voters will head to the polls to choose a United States senator and a member of the House of Representatives for the 7th District, and Hanover County Registrar Teresa “Teri” Smithson said she’s gearing up for an unusually high voter turnout thanks to the high-profile House seat
race. “I think we’ll make national news,” Smithson said, adding that she has ordered enough ballots to handle an 80 percent voter turnout. Usually, according to Smithson, a midterm election like this one would only attract 30 to 40 percent of Hanover County’s 72,000 registered voters.
The House race first gained national attention when former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who had held the seat since 2001, was defeated by challenger Brat in the June Republican primary. He later resigned as House Majority Leader, and ultimately resigned from the now-vacant seat on Aug. 1. The race is made even more interest-
7th District candidates......page 20
ing by the fact that both Brat and his opponent, Democrat Jack Trammell, teach at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Smithson said. “We’ve had a lot of (Randolph-Macon) students come in to register to vote so they can be part of this historic race,” Smithson see REGISTRAR, pg. 4
Tradition humbling to Christmas Mother Ruby Cunningham celebrating 104th today By Jodi Deal jdeal@mechlocal.com
F
or Melanie McElhinney Goodpasture of West Hanover, the best thing about being named the 2014 Hanover Christmas Mother is the opportunity to be part of a massive effort that helps friends and neighbors in the community. “I think it’s so important to be a part of something that gives back,” Goodpasture said during a tea held
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see CHRISTMAS, pg. 16
www.mikesellshouses.net
Jodi Deal/The Local
2014 Hanover Christmas Mother Melanie McElhinney Goodpasture was introduced to the community during a tea held Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Flippo home in Doswell. Goodpasture said she is humbled to be part of a longstanding tradition that has helped thousands of Hanover County families since 1949.
By Jodi Deal jdeal@mechlocal.com
W
hen asked about her plans for her 104th birthday during an interview last week, Ruby Cunningham said she didn’t have any big plans. “I’ll have a good day if I’m well,” Cunningham said.
“That’s what’s important to me.” Cunningham, who lives in the Ashland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, was born Oct. 29, 1910, on her family farm in an area once known as Ellenson. According to her nephew, Andrew Bagby, that area is see 104TH, pg. 7