This announcement appears to clear the Democratic field for
Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason to run for the 17th House of Delegate district seat being vacated by Del. William Fralin (R). Fralin was re-elected in 2007 with 75% of the vote over independent Alexander Ballin. In November 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain in Roanoke City (61%-38%), while losing Roanoke County (60%-39%) and Botetourt County (65.9%-32.7%). Mason announced her candidacy on March 9 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center.
Sam Rasoul Will Not Seek Nomination, Supports Mason
Today, 2008 Democratic Nominee for the 6th United States Congressional District Sam Rasoul announced he will not be seeking the Democratic Nomination for the 17th Virginia House of Delegates seat being vacated by the Honorable Delegate William Fralin. Rasoul took the opportunity to endorse Gwen Mason who has already announced her intentions for the seat.
Rasoul, who grew up in the Roanoke Valley, talked about his strong ties to the community and how he believed Mason was the right person to help ease the gridlock in Richmond with her centrist approach to the issues.
"Gwen will represent the people of our area well," Rasoul stated, "I hope we can begin to put our partisan hats aside in Richmond and Washington and begin to work for the common good especially in these tough economic times. As a small business owner myself, I know people are hurting and we need results."
Rasoul did not speculate about his political future, but he continues to be active in the community and a vocal critic of government corruption.
