Is Beach Sen. Wagner (R) angling to challenge Newport News Sen. Miller (D)?

That's the word circulating in political circles.

Even though Virginia Beach would retain two Senate seats in the redistricting map recently approved by the legislature, Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, is pondering a change of scenery.

An earlier version of the Senate plan placed Wagner and Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, into one district. Had that map been upheld, Wagner said relocating to the Peninsula was an option.

Apparently, it still is.

When reached by phone Wednesday, Wagner said he hadn't made a final decision but would arrive at one soon.

Planting roots in the Peninsula, where Wagner's ship repair business is located, would set up a potential face-off with Sen. John Miller, D-Newport News.

Republicans feel they have to challenge incumbent Democrats they consider vulnerable if they are to regain the majority in the Senate, where Democrats currently have a 22-18 membership advantage.

The early favorite to succeed Wagner if he moves is first-term Del. Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach.

Stolle said Thursday he and Wagner have discussed that scenario, but the delegate said he is waiting for the senator to "state what his intentions are for the future" before deciding whether to enter the race.

The presence of Stolle in the race is interesting because his brother Ken, now Beach Sheriff, once represented the city in the Senate and recently told us he may yet seek a future return to the legislature.

UPDATE: Wagner is staying put.

In a phone conversation this morning, the senator said he carfully considered a move, but upon further reflection "ultimately decided I love the Beach, I've been in the Beach, I'm going to represent them."

-- Julian Walker

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