wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-redistricting-moves-armstrong-now-poindexters-opponent-20110602,0,7220239.story
Justin Ward
Reporter
6:32 PM EDT, June 2, 2011
FRANKLIN CO., Va.
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Virginia House of Delegates minority leader Ward Armstrong began his campaign for an 11th term today.
This comes as no big surprise, but where he has to run may be.
Delegate Armstrong's district was moved to northern Virginia.
And now he's having to move his family to a new district to run against Republican Delegate Charles Poindexter.
Standing with supporters in front of the business his father once managed in Franklin County, Delegate Ward Armstrong confirmed he isn't retiring.
But he is moving and isn't happy.
"Redistricting, the way it's done in Virginia is terrible," Armstrong said.
The 10th district he currently represents will soon be broken into new districts.
A big portion filling in the redesigned ninth district, comprised of portions of Henry, Patrick and Carroll Counties once represented by Armstrong.
Now he's running against four year veteran Delegate Charles Poindexter, his plan to stay familiar with voters.
News 7 was first to tell Poindexter of his new opponent.
"Well, that's an interesting development. You know politicians don't reserve a place in the House of Delegates voters will decide," Poindexter said.
Armstrong is certain this was a plan by house republicans. His 10th district, moved to in Loudon County, was only two in Virginia relocated to other portions of the state.
"We need a non partisan commission to draw the lines. Franklin County was split, Henry County was split, you're dividing up communities of interest," Armstrong said.
Division was necessary following the 2010 census.
"The house plan I think was a good plan. We didn't receive much criticism across the state, it passed 87-8," Poindexter said.
Delegate Poindexter says his four year experience will help him keep his seat in the conservatively based district.
Virginia law requires state lawmakers to live in the district they're representing.
Delegate Armstrong will be moving into the ninth district this summer to begin campaigning.
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