On January 24, 2006, voters in the 97th District will be going to the polls to elect John Montgomery. This special election is being held to fill the seat formerly held by outgoing Del. Ryan T. McDougle, who was elected to replace Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in the state senate. In 2001, Montgomery challenged Del. McDougle and only lost by around 7%. This year the 97th District seat will be moving to the Democratic column, thanks to the great Democratic candidate vying for the seat.
Here is some background information from Montgomery's website:
Answering President Reagan?s call to young people to win the Cold War and restore pride in our Armed Forces, John earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.. . .
John spent five years on active duty as an Airborne Ranger ? leading men, learning from those he led and who led him, and preparing for any challenge that could arise.
John left active duty to attend law school in 1990, but was asked to return to service during Operation Desert Shield. Putting law school on hold, he joined the National Guard a week before his unit was activated to serve with the 5th Infantry Division.
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A life-long hunter and fisherman, John was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Board of Directors for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in 2003. He has utilized his membership on the board to protect the rights of Virginia sportsmen, as well as our diverse Virginia wildlife and our environment. John also serves Virginia as a military advisor to Governor Warner.
Montgomery is going to be a great Delegate for the 97th District and all of Virginia. First, though, he needs our help to ensure his election and another Democratic pickup in the General Assembly.
As you all know, special elections are often won by the candidate who does the best job getting voters out to the polls. If you have not already volunteered or sent your contribution, remember that this election is just a little over a week away.