RICHMOND
Virginia Beach Republican Del. Terrie Suit's unexpected announcement Tuesday that she is resigning sent Democrats and the GOP scurrying to figure out plans to contest her soon-to-be vacant seat.
Suit is leaving her legislative duties to work as a lobbyist with a law firm after spending much of her career in the mortgage industry, a profession hard hit by the weak national economy.
Her resignation is effective Oct. 12.
She will join the Williams Mullen law firm in its Virginia Beach office and divide her time between there and Washington, D.C.
Her seat will likely be filled through a special election called by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the timing of which has not been determined.
In a written statement, House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, called Suit one of the legislature's "most highly regarded members" and described her departure as "bittersweet."
House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Henry, conceded that Suit's 81st legislative district, which includes portions of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, leans heavily Republican, but he said Democrats will field a competitive candidate in a special election.
On the Republican side, at least one candidate will be in the race and another is considering a bid.
In an e-mail sent minutes after Suit's Tuesday morning announcement, Virginia Beach planning commissioner Barry D. Knight declared himself a GOP candidate.
Later Tuesday, Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne confirmed his interest during a telephone interview.
"My biggest consideration now is whether I run as a Republican or an independent," said Lanteigne, who was elected sheriff under the GOP banner but held seats on the City Council and the School Board as an independent.
Suit, 43, has endorsed Knight.
Elected in 1999, Suit was among an incoming class of legislators who helped Republicans take control in the House of Delegates.
She said her departure after nine years in the General Assembly was influenced by the retirement of her husband, Tom, from a 27-year military career.
"It wasn't until he made the decision to retire that I began looking at, 'It's time to be home with my guy,' " she said.
Suit was last re-elected in 2007. Her current two-year term doesn't expire until January 2010. But the Williams Mullen overture prompted her to leave office early, she said. "Once they made a financial offer, I thought it would be unethical to continue to serve."
Suit said that in the short term her lobbying work will focus on mortgage industry regulation; she is barred by state law from lobbying the General Assembly or Virginia legislative agencies for one year from the time of her resignation.
The Williams Mullen division she will join is run by former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, the state co-chair of Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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Check the record?
Paul Lanteigne is a great choice. He has experience as a crime fighter(former cop), is the current sheriff, former city council member and a Republican/Independent. Barry Knight seems like a nice guy except he is on the Planning Commission and I’m sick of the sprawl development that is eating up our community. Honestly has the Planning Commission rejected a plan put before them?
Lanteigne seems to be the clear choice. I guess before I pick one of these folks, I’ll have to look at Knight’s record on with planning and developers. I’m still going to miss Terrie in Richmond…
I agree w/ vbfire359. The
I agree w/ vbfire359. The sherriff does an excellent job. He should be a great repalcement.
I should note that I am not sure of his party. It's been a few years since I left the beach. Honestly, he really changed the sherriffs department and the jail. Plus he has worked his way up. He deserves it.
The Right Choice
Paul is the right person for the job, Barry Knight should step out of the picture.
I think the closest thing to
I think the closest thing to getting a D out of this district is Paul Lanteigne as an Independent. The only question is if the GOP and Suit will hop on board and support a moderate repub like the sheriff...
Terrie Suit Resignation
Thanks for your service,Terrie... But bring on Paul Lanteigne! He isn't afraid to be an INDEPENDENT thinker!!How refreshing is that? We need someone in Richmond who will reach across the aisles and do what is right for the people of this great Commonwealth. He should have had Drake's spot years ago but the Repubs messed up on that one...The downside here is that Va Beach would lose him as the Sheriff...but at least then all of VIRGINIA can benefit from his common sense approach! I sure hope he is SERIOUSLY considering this...He has my vote, Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
Finally!
Thank God, Paul Lanteigne is considering running! Virginia Beach really needs someone like him up in Richmond. You know all the talk about McCain being a "maverick?" Virginia Beach has had one, too, and for a long time. This guy looks out for his staff at the jail (consistently fighting for higher salaries and increasing morale), fights for the taxpayer (called out Gov Kaine for 'selling' jail beds to another state, while we in VB have to pay for it), and stands up to those on both sides of the aisle when something isn't right. Terrie, thanks for your service...but I know I'm ready for some fresh air...
Reason
To become a lobbyist ???? I can understand if you want to spend more time with your husband but, to become a LOBBYIST ???? Terrie you are better than that. I guess the pay is better. GO FIGURE !!!
Beau
One good thing
This opens the way for a Democrat to take her place.
Better Replacement
Of the two candidates mentioned in the article Paul Lanteign would be the better choice. He has a strong record of public service, with an emphasis on keeping the citizens safe. In his position he has worked with the General Assembly and has a track record of getting things done. He should be the recommended replacement.
HELP!!! PLEASE!!!
Please give me some relief here. You liberals tell me one day you support a woman's right to choose and the next thing you know you all are on here bashing Terrie Suit for choosing to resign. Which way do you want it? Of course though if you made any sense you wouldn't be liberals. PS: Can't wait to see your smiling faces when Obama gets his walking papers back to Chicago. Cheers.
Terrie Suit
Thank you for your service and good luck to you!
You mean see was not already a lobbyist?
Let's see, so see worked for the mortgage industry right. You mean the group that sold out America! Now that her pockets are lined in silver coins, I guess it is time to leave town. Now she is going to be a lobbyist . You know those guys.The big boy crowd that goes to Washington to pay off politicians. Sounds like the perfect job. Another Jack Abramnolf,but in skirts. Don't worry Ms. Suit your name will not be forgotten. as we will be cleaning up you mess for a long time to come.
As expected
I think everyone has to come to terms that Richmod is every bit as corrupt as Washington. This strikes me as a Tom Delay type move on her part.
"Way to go Uncle Leo, sticking it to the man"
I'm a little disappointed
Although Terry was not my representative, I did have the opportunity to meet and debate her in the course of my job duties. She struck me as very intelligent and principaled, believing in her possition, but willing to listen to and respect opposing views. And I still believe that. However, as those of us that follow politics, we are aware of the fact that most lobbyists wind-up emitting a very foul stench. I hope that does not happen in this case.
Open to Discussion & Ideas
I always liked her and her door was always open to public safety and military folks. Thank you Terrie it has been a great eight year run.
You will be missed.
I expect no less ..........
from a Republican than to "cut and run". They used the phrase against Democrats and yet lived out the phrase themselves. I must not have known the secret handshake as she never returned a call, email, or letter that I wrote to her. Plus, when she first came around politicking the neighborhoods, she lied to me in my own front yard. You don't suppose she timed this with the Republican that wants her job? Hmmmmm, she is right on track to be VP some day?
Good for Everyone
So Terrie gets a high-paid job as a lobbyist and the district may get an elected official that actually wants to pass legislation that matters to every day people and not just special interests. Isn't Williams Mullen the payday lending lobby firm?
Thanks Terrie
She represented me as well. In fact, once after she was elected(I didn't vote for her) I contacted her and she replied. She was very open and inviting by taking the time to answer my questions the best she could. She put me on her mailing list and I read closer everytime I received them. We didn't share the same ideas at times but who does? The real question is why she did not do it sooner? Would you want to represent this:
"...couldn't even finish the job you were elected to do!!! Have fun jumping into someone pocket>>>hey...you look alot like Palin!!!amazing!!!"
Good luck Mrs. Suit. I appreciate the time you offered to us.
hey gertz
and i hope not many democrats will be re elected,as seeing they lie and cheat just as well if not better than the gop's
as I see it
She knows she would not be-relected so she's cutting her losses early. Not many Republicans will be re-elected come election time.