The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
A deep current of anti-incumbent sentiment among the electorate didn’t keep Democratic U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott from winning his 10th congressional term Tuesday night in a lopsided victory over three other candidates.
Scott, of Newport News, cruised to victory in the 3rd District, dispatching independent John Kelly, Libertarian James Quigley and Republican Chuck Smith.
“I’ve got to tell you, I was hoping I didn’t make news tonight,” Scott said, alluding to the possibility of defeat, as he celebrated with supporters in Hampton.
Few political observers expected an upset – the 3rd District is a majority black district that stretches from Portsmouth to Richmond and includes pieces of Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News, among other localities.
Local party leaders recruited Smith, a longtime GOP activist from Virginia Beach, to run under the Republican banner after he initially declared his candidacy in the region’s 2nd District. But signs of friction between Smith and the GOP emerged in the waning days of the race.
Scott’s victory was an isolated bright spot for Democrats on Tuesday. He will return to Congress facing a partisan landscape much different from the one he served in recently.
Republicans’ electoral gains that brought about that shift should tell President Barack Obama that Americans have grown discontented with his approach and are “tired of joblessness and tired of spending without results,” U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia’s 7th District , the No. 2 Republican in the House, said as polls were closing.
“I’m hopeful that the president will get that message and work with us,” he said.
Finding places to compromise could be tough, however. Among the top priorities for Republicans is extending Bush-era tax cuts, Cantor said. Scott opposes their extension and has said that to reduce the deficit, both new taxes and spending cuts must be considered.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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REP Robert Scott
Let us take a close look at this man's resume. He has been a member of the US House of Representatives since 1992 and what positions of Leadership does he hold? In line for Speaker of the House, Minority Leader, Committee Chairmanship? Not a one. After 18 years and not one. In fact he is only on three committees and his highest position is as a sub-committee Chairmanship (Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security). Ever see MR. Scott on even the local news concerning bills he is sponsoring or important legislations he is part of? I can't recall. Any positions of leadership within his Party? None there. And as far as his work to improve his district, I'm a bit pressed to find evidence of anything I would be proud of.
what's that tell ya
About the voters in that district. Bobby Scott should've been hurried out the door by the collar of his shirt and seat of his pants. Does absolutely nothing for the population of any value. Just another type like former crook/Mayor Holley of Portsmouth.
Chuck Smith 2012
Chuck Smith is a good and decent man of conviction and unquestioned integrity. Can't wait for 2012! Until then, remember, this is not Bobby Scott's seat, it's people of the 3rd District's seat. Nearly a third of the voters opted NOT to send Congressman Scott back to the House.
Go Bobby!
I'm proud to live in an overwhelmingly sane and rational district where good reps like Bobby Scott are supported. We aren't going for slick car dealers or deadpan ideologues.
Not A Smear
If you can prove it! Forbes district is white and Scott's is black. The republicans in Richmond made Scott's district black in 1990 and made it stronger in 2000 and at the same time made Forbes's district whiter.
Just the facts....
What a Shame
Bobby Scott has never preformed a service that was good for the country only himself and his party. I tried to contact his office once on a problem and was treated like a inconvenience to his staff and him I contacted Glenn Nye's office and was treated with respect and helped. Funny isn't it the one that should have been re-elected was not and the one that should have gotten the boot was. I guess it help if you vote for every free spending entitlement that give the moocher class money with out responsibility or work. I guess I can only hope that Rigell will cross district lines to help someone if I ever need help again.
PS. His initials show what Bobby Scott is full of.
You weren't in the district
If Congressman Nye helped you, that meant you weren't in the district. Due to Congressional Courtesy, you have to refer the person to their Congressman!
Nye did refer me back to Scott
but after taking the time to hear my problem he graciously made one phone call to the party the problem concerned and got the ball rolling. BTW I live in the 34th precinct of P-town. Scott is my Rep and he is as helpful as a cement life jacket...
Scotts re-election is a sure sign of complacency.
What a pity that citizens will moan and groan about the current condition and the path that our leaders have taken. Yet when given an opportunity to make a change, we make the same mistakes again. The election and re-election of Bobby Scott is also an indication of how little we know about our politicians. Scott is a long term member of the Democratic SOCIALIST of America. It's sad that people do not do a little research before voting.
I agree
I agree with you, it's a shame we let these republicans back in office, after they mess our country up!