http://www.dailypress.com/dp-newsalert-abbott-hamilton,0,5406368.storyPolitical newcomer Robin Abbott pulled off a stunning upset, ousting veteran Phil Hamilton.
Hamilton, a Newport News Republican and powerful budget negotiator on the House Appropriations Committee, has run unopposed in the Republican-leaning district for more than a decade.
His seat was considered relatively safe until mid-July, when he became embroiled in a scandal. According to e-mails obtained by the Daily Press, Hamilton lobbied for a $40,000-a-year job at Old Dominion University while carrying an amendment that eventually created an educational center at which he was hired.
Hamilton opted to push on with his re-election campaign, despite calls for his resignation from five of the six statewide candidates, including Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bob McDonnell. But Hamilton continued to endure questions about the ODU job after House Speaker William J. Howell instigated a House ethics inquiry into the affair and federal officials began serving subpoenas to ODU officials and leaders at Newport News Public Schools, where Hamilton is a part-time administrator.
On a personal note, Phil Hamilton taught me civics in middle school.
More here:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_elex-house-93_1104nov04,0,2481222.story
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