State Sen. Ralph Northam to Run for LG After All?

Back in February, I spoke with State Senator Ralph Northam (D) and he told me he was not planning on running for statewide office in 2013. Well, it now appears that something may have changed his thinking.

In June, state Sen. Ralph Northam said he wouldn’t run for lieutenant governor next year.

Fast forward four months and it appears the former military man now is on the verge of an about face.

Northam, a Norfolk Democrat one year into his second legislative term, Friday told The Virginian-Pilot he’s reconsidering his plans to run for the state’s number two elected office.

“We are looking into that possibility,” he told a reporter, adding he’ll likely decide in the next two weeks but will hold off on a formal announcement until after the Nov. 6 election.

A physician, Northam is an intriguing candidate for Democrats.

I agree, Sen. Northam would be an intriguing candidate for Democrats next year, but I had assumed he was off the list. It will be interesting to see if Northam decides to run (personally, I hope he does), and also if more Democrats consider throwing their hats in the 2013 ring in coming months. Now, back to focusing 100% on the elections coming up this November 6th! 🙂

P.S. By the way, Northam’s already endorsed Sen. Mark Herring for Attorney General, and Terry McAuliffe for Governor, so assuming both of those guys are the Democratic nominees next year, the ticket would certainly be a harmonious one! 🙂

P.P.S. According to Project Vote Smart, Northam is rated 100% by NARAL, 87% by the Chamber of Commerce, 6% by the Family Foundation, 43% by the Virginia Education Association, 91% by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters (2008 rating), 8% by the NRA, and 100% by the Virginia AFL-CIO (2010 rating).