DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 36, No. 26 | Richmond Suburban News | November 13, 2019
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Republicans hold control locally as state goes blue Smithson: 53% of voters headed to the polls last Tuesday
By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- If the Commonwealth of Virginia turned blue last Tuesday, a majority of voters in Hanover County didn’t get the message. While Democrats recorded a number of upsets and defeated several Republican incumbents statewide, elections in Hanover County held to a more traditional role with Republicans registering wins in most local contests. “Hanover Republicans did their part on Tuesday by sweeping every single race on the ballot from State Senate to the [Hanover County] Board of Supervisors,” said Nick Collette, chairman of the Hanover Republican Committee. “Each campaign should be proud of the results.” A coordinated effort by GOP candidates, coupled with a strong turnout of Republican base voters, made the difference according to the man at the helm of the county Republican Party.
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor HANOVER – While Democrats swept through the commonwealth on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to regain control of the Senate and House of Delegates in the Virginia General Assembly, Hanover County voters stayed close to their conservative roots. And they headed to the polls
in significant numbers. “Historically, local elections in Hanover have maintained a 25% turnout on average, but this election was closer to a gubernatorial with 53% voter turnout,” Voter Registrar/Director of Elections Teresa “Teri” Smith said. “Hanover, once again, brought out our see VOTERS pg. 8
Denine D’Angelo/The Local
For voters at the Mechanicsville Elementary School precinct, there was a bit of a wait on Election Day. But, Hanover County voters weren't deterred -- they waited to cast their ballots.
“I was particularly impressed with the amount of coordination we saw from the campaigns for General Assembly to the local candidates running for Board of Supervisors,” Collette said. He credited that strong turnout with providing the edge in a closely contested Senate race where chal-
lenger Debra Rodman was barely defeated by incumbent Siobhan Dunnavant. “The strong turnout from conservatives across Hanover resulted in retaining a very tough Senate seat in the 12th District, but the real credit for that goes to Senator Dunnavant herself and the incredible team see CONTROL, pg. 16
Joel Klein for The Local
World War II veteran James Yarbrough, 93, received his honorary high school diploma from Washington Henry School Principal Lisa Thompson and Hanover County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Michael Gill at a Veterans Day program. More photos can be found on page 13.
Jingle & Mingle! Get in the Holiday Spirit and join us for our Annual Holiday Open House • Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
PERSONALIZED GIFTS, DECOR & MORE
You do not want to miss this one! FREE Scout bags to the first 20 shoppers!
15% off the ENTIRE store all day
9502 Chamberlayne Road | Mechanicsville | 804.569.2713 | www.forposhsake.com