A new job for Jones

Suffolk Republican Del. Chris Jones is one of two legislators expected to be named a House of Delegates budget conferee by Speaker William Howell, according to several legislative sources.

Jones would effectively fill the budget negotiator slot vacated by former Newport News Republican Del. Phil Hamilton, who resigned last year after losing his re-election bid amid an ethics controversy.

The other lawmaker expected to be named a conferee is Del. Steve Landes, R-Augusta. 

Another vacancy was created when former Del. Clarke Hogan, R-Halifax, opted not to seek re-election last year.

The other conferees -- Dels. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford; Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights; Johnny Joannou, D-Portsmouth; and Beverly Sherwood, R-Frederick -- are expected to remain in those roles, sources said.

-- Julian Walker and Deirdre Fernandes

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.