Reprinted from The Roanoke Times — By Sarah Rankin, Associated Press — The Democratic contenders in a three-way primary on Tuesday, June 13 for the state’s lieutenant governor are Justin Fairfax, Susan Platt and Gene Rossi. —
RICHMOND — Six candidates are in the final days of campaigning for their party’s nomination to be Virginia’s next lieutenant governor.
Democrats and Republicans both have a three-way primary for the state’s No. 2 job on Tuesday.
Campaigns for the part-time, largely ceremonial position that pays around $36,000 a year typically draw little attention or voter interest. But it’s an important job.
In addition to serving on various boards and ruling on parliamentary matters in the state Senate, the lieutenant governor also breaks tie votes in the closely divided upper chamber and is next in the line of succession to the governor. The position is also often a stepping stone to higher office.
Professor Toni-Michelle Travis, who’s been studying Virginia politics for more than 20 years at George Mason University, said Virginia has an “escalator” system, where politicians are expected to pay their dues to the party before moving up.
“The assumption is that … you might have served in the General Assembly and then you become lieutenant governor and then you move up to governor,” she said.
Seven lieutenant governors have gone on to become governor, according to the official website of the state office, and current Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam is hoping to become the eighth. Others have gone on to serve in Congress.
Click to read bios of the six candidates.