Democrat files in House's 52nd District

It's a little early, but former U.S. Marine and retired Secret Service veteran Mike Hodge, has filed for the House of Delegates 52nd District. The seat isn't up until 2009.

Hodge, a Democrat, apparently wants to stake his claim on the seat while the plans of Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William) are still up in the air. Frederick, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, initially vowed not to seek re-election next year if he was elected chair. But last month he said he may reconsider that pledge.

Hodge, who lives in Montclair, is touting his military and law enforcement background. He oversees the corporate security department at Washington Gas.