Race is under way for open Beach spot in Senate

VIRGINIA BEACH

While Election Day marked the end of this year's political season, it represented the official start of one last contest: the race for state Sen. Ken Stolle's 8th District seat.

Stolle was elected Beach sheriff Tuesday, beating Democratic opponent John Bell and opening up the office Stolle's held since 1991.

Two Republicans, assuming Stolle would win, have been angling for the seat for six months. Democrats now find themselves playing catch-up without a definite candidate and a special election that probably will happen within 60 days.

"Our position up until Tuesday night was there wasn't going to be a special election because John Bell was going to be the next sheriff," said Ollie Bates, Beach Democratic Committee chairman.

With Democrats holding a 21-19 edge in the senate, Republicans are eager to keep the 8th District, which encompasses eastern Virginia Beach.

"It's a seat we can't afford to lose," Republican state Sen. Frank Wagner told a cheering crowd Tuesday night at a the local party's victory celebration.

Republicans Jeffrey McWaters, former CEO of Amerigroup Corp. and City Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson are vying for the spot. For months, McWaters and Wilson have had campaign signs up.

They will face each other in a primary, or "canvas," that could happen in early December. A general election, still to be set by the governor, would follow, probably in early January.

The only possible Democratic candidate discussed openly Wednesday was Beach lawyer Sonny Stallings. Stallings, who held the 8th District seat from 1987 until 1991 before losing to Stolle, said he'll decide whether he's running by Monday.

"Money is always the big issue," he said. "If you're going to compete in a short election cycle, you've got to be a player. You can't just say, 'Vote for me.' "

McWaters has attracted $166,000 in campaign contributions, which includes $50,000 of his own money. Wilson has raised $30,500, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign contributions.

Stolle said he'd like to see only Republican candidates in the race to avoid a primary. He said he is not supporting either one at this time.

"It's counterproductive to have a fight within the party," he said.

McWaters was the largest donor to Stolle's campaign for sheriff. He gave Stolle almost $17,000, according to campaign records.

Bates said Democrats are determined to field a candidate. "We'll see who comes forward," he said. "We're going to kick it into high gear right away."

Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122. aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com