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A group of Republicans and independents in the 99th House District have formed a political action committee to help re-elect Del. Albert Pollard, a Democrat.
Colonial Beach Treasurer Bobby Duke Jr., the group's chairman, said Republicans and independents will raise money, print bumper stickers and otherwise help Pollard's campaign.
A news release from Duke said group members include White Stone Mayor Lloyd B. Hubbard; Clerk of the King George Circuit Court Victor Mason; Richmond County Commonwealth's Attorney Wayne Emery; and Colonial Beach Councilwoman Linda Crandell.
Duke also named several area businessmen and Lancaster County Republican activists.
A search of the Virginia Public Access Project, which compiles campaign finance data, shows that several of the people listed have contributed money to Democratic candidates in the past. Others have contributed to both Democrats and Republicans.
Duke, who described himself as a former campaign manager and aide to Republican candidates, said he has always voted Republican but now feels that the party has moved too far to the right. He is supporting Pollard "because of his strong record of independence, working with both parties, and his dedication to putting the Northern Neck first."
Duke also said the group is meant to give a voice to non-Democrats who want to support Pollard.
"It's very flattering," Pollard said. "What I try to do is put the Northern Neck first. While I'm a Democrat, I vote along regional lines."
Duke said the group's formation was not intended as a slap at Pollard's Republican opponent, Shawn Donahue.
"It has nothing to do with Mr. Donahue or the type of person he is," Duke said.
Donahue seems to be accepting the group in the spirit in which it was intended.
"It's a reflection of the people of the Northern Neck," Donahue said. "Most of the voters of the Northern Neck vote as independents. The party affiliation is not as important. I have friends backing me who are normally independents or Democrats. The friendship weighs more than the [political affiliation]. That's the beauty of the Northern Neck."
Donahue noted that several people on the list probably have close business relationships with Pollard, and said that's understandable. One person listed, Arthur Roberts, is president of Bay Specialties, of which Pollard is chairman of the board.
"I would be disappointed if I had a good business friend who wasn't backing me even though he was a Democrat," Donahue said.