Va. Beach Dems call 8th Senate District caucus

Democrats may not have anyone to challenge Virginia Beach Sen. Frank Wagner (R) in the 7th District, but the party intends to nomination a candidate to vie for the city's other state senate seat.

Next Saturday, the Beach Democratic Committee has scheduled a caucus to nominate a candidate to run against Republican Sen. Jeff McWaters.

Local Democratic sources offered few hints about potential nominees.

One person mentioned is Bill Fleming, whom McWaters defeated in a special election last year.

Fleming recently said he isn't certain he'll run, adding that if he does it could be as an independent rather than a Democrat.

Former state Finance Secretary Jody Wagner lives in the 8th District, but said she doesn't plan to seek election to the Senate this year.

In related political news, we're hearing attorney Gary West is being encouraged to seek the Democratic nomination for the 94th House District in Newport News.

West lost the 2009 district election to Del. Glenn Oder (R), who is resigning his House seat to take over as executive director of the Fort Monroe Authority.

Local Republicans have scheduled a Thursday evening meeting to select a nominee to replace Oder.

-- Julian Walker

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