Local Democrats Prevail on Election Day

The biggest news of Election Day 2011: Democrats and incumbents were re-elected including a hard-won race by Democratic state Sen. , who fought off a challenge from former Del. in the closest race among Route 1 area political representatives Tuesday.

Incumbents were returned to office in Tuesday's elections, with former Del. taking the Senate seat of Patsy Ticer, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Also see:

• : See results from the key races across southern Fairfax County.
• : Election Day in Northern Virginia
• See our full election coverage at bellehaven.patch.com/topics/participate

Here are the local results, according to the State Board of Elections' website, as of 6 a.m. Wednesday:

36th Senate District

Incumbent Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller (D): 55.30 percent

Former Del. Jeff Frederick (R): 44.54 percent

44th House District

Incumbent Del. (D): 58.22 percent

Republican : 40.22 percent

Independent : 1.53 percent

30th Senate District

Democrat Adam Ebbin: 64.76 percent

Republican : 34.99 percent

Mount Vernon District Supervisor

Incumbent Supervisor Gerald Hyland (D): 72.09 percent

Independent : 27.63 percent

Fairfax County School Board, Mount Vernon District

Incumbent (D): 58.43 percent

Republican: : 41.52 percent 

Fairfax County Sheriff

Incumbent Democrat Stan Barry: 54.40 percent

Republican Bill Cooper: 45.53 percent

36th Senate District

In one of the most-watched races in southern Fairfax County, Republican Jeff Frederick challenged Democrat incumbent Linda "Toddy" Puller in the 36th District, which covers parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties. Ultimately, Puller pulled out a win with about 55 percent of the votes. In Fairfax County, Puller's support was stronger—about two-thirds of voters chose her over Frederick. But Frederick's supporters turned out in Prince William County, where Frederick and Puller were just about even, and in Stafford County, where Frederick won.

Whereas Puller pushed for funding for a major Rte. 1 corridor study, Frederick “thinks it is time to stop studying and get on with it,” according to his campaign Web site. Puller served in the House of Delegates from 1991 to 1999 and in the State Senate from 2000 to now. Frederick served in the House of Delegates for three terms from 2003 to 2009, when he became chair of the Republican Party of Virginia. "I'm glad it ended on a really happy note and I thank all of you for making it possible," Puller told supporters Tuesday night gathered in Lorton at the restaurant.  

30th Senate District

Republican Timothy T.C. McGhee and former Del. Adam Ebbin, who won a three-way battle in a Democratic primary in August, were vying for Patricia Ticer’s seat in the 30th District for state Senate. Ticer announced her retirement earlier this year.

McGhee works in church administration and took some heat during the campaign for comments some believed were anti-gay. McGhee told Patch he’s tried to be the kind of candidate he would want to elect—somebody who is not taking pledges, who is listening to voters and running on a fundamental principle. “And, as far as I am concerned, there’s only one promise to make: That’s to uphold the constitutions of the United States and of Virginia as revised in 1971,” he said.

Ebbin was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates who won the Democratic party nomination after defeating Arlington School Board member Elizabeth Garvey and Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka in the August primaries. 

Transportation is a central concern of his campaign. Ebbin told Patch earlier this year: "I'm going to fight for a lot of things, but quality of life suffers when transportation suffers," he said. "That's the key issue for the 30th District whether it's transit or BRAC improvements." 

Ebbin’s accomplishment’s in the House of Delegates include passing a bill to protect seniors and disabled Virginians. Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) endorsed his human trafficking package, which added protection for victims and intensified penalties for perpetrators. Ebbin has also been a champion for LGBT issues. He worked with Democratic governors Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to end discrimination in state employment and increase life insurance benefits for domestic partnerships.

44th House District

In the 44th District, Republican John Barsa and Independent Joseph A. "Joe" Glean challenged Democrat incumbent Del. Scott Surovell, who has served in the House of Delegates since 2010. Surovell, a lifelong Fort Hunt-area resident, has focused on transportation and development improvements along the Rte. 1 corridor and he has helped close some legal loopholes to better protect consumers in the courts.

Barsa, who works in business development for General Dynamics Information Technology, has lived in the Mount Vernon area for 15 years.

"Today, turnout was heavy compared to what it usually is during what we call an off year," Surovell noted. "Forty-three to 44 percent of voters in Stratford precinct...I haven't seen those kinds of numbers in 10 years," he said. "It was great to see a lot of people energized...and exercising their right to vote. I spent a lot of time on Route 1, talking to people who don't usually vote. I focused on precincts a lot of campaigns ignore, and they really appreciate it when you take the time to talk to people, inform them, get them energized to vote."

"I believe in grassroots campaigning," Surovell said. "I can't tell you how many people remember I was there knocking doors two years ago in these Route 1 apartments."

"It's been a pretty good night and you all have a lot to be proud of," said Janet Myhre, chair of the Mount Vernon District Democrats. "The Democratic committee is pleased that our elected representatives go back to Richmond and locally with Gerry Hyland and Dan Storck representing us on the school board. They will represent the Mount Vernon District like they've done in the last 10 years to provide a community where all citizens are valued."

Mount Vernon District, Fairfax County School Board

Dan Storck, the incumbent school board member who represents the Mount Vernon District, defeated a strong challenge from Michele Nellenbach. Nellenbach, a Stratford Landing PTA president, was an early and active advocate for full-day kindergarten at all Fairfax County schools. Nellenbach is especially focused on ensuring the school board is listening more to parents, which she said didn’t happen enough with issues surrounding disciplinary procedures. 

Nellenbach’s campaign promised “increasing accountability to parents and students, restoring honors classes to our schools, reducing class sizes, focusing FCPS on the needs of Mt. Vernon District schools and eliminating wasteful spending,” according to her candidacy website.

Storck has served on the Fairfax County Public Schools board since 2004. His goals included bringing back a full-day Monday at all schools. The next few years may bring some boundary realignment around South County Secondary School, as well as for West Potomac, Hayfield and Mount Vernon. He was a key player in getting the middle school at South County built. ""I think the grades for Mount Vernon voters are in. I'm pleased with the marks they've given me. I look forward to being at the top of the class," he said.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Race

In the Board of Supervisors chairperson’s race, incumbent Democrat Sharon Bulova retained her seat, defeating Republican Michael “Spike” Williams, Independent candidate Will Radle and Independent candidate Christopher DeCarlo.

In reference to both her own race and that of other Board of Supervisors candidates, Bulova said Tuesday night: “I’m very pleased with the results.”
Bulova received 59.40 percent of the votes; Williams received 35.59 percent; DeCarlo received 3.40 and Radle received 1.53 percent.

Michael "Spike" Williams thanked his wife and supporters as he acknowledged his loss to Sharon Bulova at the Fairfax GOP party in Falls Church.

Last time DeCarlo ran he only received 1 percent of the vote, and he told Patch he attributes his new success to his rap campaign video. "I'll run every year," DeCarlo said, hinting that he might run for Congress in 2012.

Sheriff's Race

Current Fairfax County Sheriff Stan Barry, a Democrat, prevailed in a race against Republican Bill A. Cooper III. In the Fairfax County sheriff’s race, Republican William Cooper challenged current Sheriff Stan Barry in a race that was fairly close throughout the evening. Barry won with 54.4 percent, crediting his experience for the win.

"Honestly, I think I had a long record that people could look at," Barry said. Cooper is a former deputy sheriff lieutenant.  Barry has been Fairfax County Sheriff for 12 years, though there was a bit of controversy over Barry's participation in the DROP program.Barry said the DROP attacks hurt his opponent, because people in Fairfax want a positive campaign."All of that stuff was just very negative."

Commonwealth's Attorney

Current Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh, a Democrat, ran unopposed. Morrogh has been CA since 2007.

Soil and Water Conservation

Five candidates ran for three open positions for Fairfax County Soil and Water Conservation director in the Northern Virginia District. The agency's goal, according to its web site, "is to promote clean streams and protected natural resources."  It is not a regulatory agency, but provides technical expertise in soils, conservation engineering, water quality and erosion control.

Winners were Johna Good Gagnon, George W. Lamb and John W. Peterson.