Kaine Sets Special Election

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has set Jan. 6 as the date for voters to go to the polls to elect a replacement for Del. Terrie Lynne Suit (R-Virginia Beach) who resigned to become a lobbyist.

"It is important that we have a delegate in place when the session begins on January 14th," Kaine said. "Holding the special election on January 6th will allow the new delegate to participate in the legislative session and to represent the interests of citizens of the district."

State law prohibits special elections 30 days after a general election. The last date to file to run for the seat is Dec. 8.

The 81st House District includes parts of the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake .

Suit resigned to run Williams Mullen's Hampton Roads lobbying operation. Her last day was Oct. 12. Her 1999 election led to Virginia's first-ever Republican majority in the House.