Governor Bob McDonnell on Delegate Watkins Abbitt's decision not to run for re-election:
“Watt Abbitt has dedicated his life to public service, following in the footsteps of his father who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. For over 25 years, Watt has devotedly served the people of Appomattox and Virginia. A public servant with keen political instincts, Watt always worked with both parties to get things accomplished for his district and the Commonwealth. He served on the House budget where he has been a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and restraint. He was also an outspoken advocate for wildlife and conservation issues – that was his passion. I will truly miss working with Watt. He’s a longtime friend and he will be missed in the General Assembly. I wish him and his family all the best as he retires from 25 successful, accomplished years serving the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
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RICHMOND, Va. (AP)
Del. Watkins Abbitt, a conservative who bolted the Democratic Party a decade ago to be one of two independents in the Virginia House of Delegates, is retiring.
Abbitt, who lives in Appomattox and represents a sprawling south-central Virginia district, announced Wednesday he won't seek a 14th term in the House.
The 66-year-old has caucused with the Republicans since he left the Democratic Party.
He is a senior member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee and was known in the House as an advocate for police and sheriffs department funding.
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Appomattox Delegate Watkins Abbitt Jr. has apparently decided not to run for reelection after 13 terms in the General Assembly.
In a news release Wednesday afternoon, House Speaker Bill Howell described Abbitt as a strong and effective legislator whose leadership will be missed in his district and around Capitol Square. "His knowledge, experience and strategic understanding of the legislative process are underscored by so many accomplishments that have strengthened Virginia's economy, enhanced agricultural production, improved educational achievement and benefited law enforcement and constitutional officers," Howell said.
Abbitt, an Independent who caucuses with Republicans, has served in the House of Delegates since 1986.
Here is the full text of Howell's news release:
Statement of Speaker William J. Howell -- on Delegate Watkins Abbits's Decision Not to Seek Re-election -- |
RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement by Delegate Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr. (R-Appomattox) that he has decided not to seek re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates for a 14th term in November 2011:
"Delegate Abbitt has been a strong and highly effective legislator for more than two decades. His leadership and vision will be missed in the 59th District and around Capitol Square in Richmond. His knowledge, experience and strategic understanding of the legislative process are underscored by so many accomplishments that have strengthened Virginia's economy, enhanced agricultural production, improved educational achievement and benefited law enforcement and constitutional officers. "Watkins ably has represented an extremely large and diverse constituency encompassing parts of Albemarle, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Nelson and Prince Edward counties. He always recognized the first and fundamental role of any elected lawmaker -- represent and serve those who elected him. That he did without fail and without seeking attention or accolades for himself. Because of his hard work, he improved the quality of life for his constituents and all Virginians through such achievements as the development of High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville. As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Watkins has been a stalwart advocate for the law enforcement community. Indeed, his leadership and many talents are widely recognized with him having received a number of awards and distinctions, including being chosen as "Legislator of the Year" by the Fraternal Order of Police. "Like so many, I join in congratulating Delegate Abbitt for his many years of commendable service to our Commonwealth. Now, he and his wife Madeline can enjoy other pursuits - including a wide variety of outdoors activities - beyond Capitol Square. I wish him continued happiness and success for many more years to come."
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