Governor Issues Statement About Legislator Retirements

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the announcements by Senators Patricia Ticer (D-Alexandria) and Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington), and Delegate Albert Pollard (D-Northumberland), that they will not seek re-election this fall.

“I want to thank Patsy, Mary Margaret and Albert for their committed service to our Commonwealth.  All three legislators have served the citizens of Virginia with leadership and dedication. 

Both Patsy and Mary Margaret have held their respective offices for more than 14 years.  

As Chairwoman of the Senate’s Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, Patsy was a leading voice for agricultural interests and a strong proponent of enhancing the quality of Virginia's precious natural resources.

I thank Mary Margaret for her service on our Government Reform Commission, and also for co-patroning important economic development legislation for us last year.  I also want to thank her for her service to the General Assembly as Chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee.

I have also greatly enjoyed working with Albert.  In his nine years of service in the House, he supported Virginia’s small businesses, and has been a strong advocate for the conservation of Virginian’s natural resources. 

Cumulatively, these three legislators have served the people of Virginia for more than 37 years. I commend them for their service, and wish them the very best.”