John Watkins (Virginia politician, born 1947)

John Chewning Watkins (born March 1, 1947) is a Virginia businessman and politician, who served in the Virginia General Assembly for 34 years. A Republican, Watkins served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1982 to 1998, when he was elected to the Senate of Virginia. He represented the 10th district, situated in part of the city of Richmond and its westerly suburbs, including all of Amelia and Powhatan counties and parts of four others.[1]

John Watkins
Member of the Virginia Senate
from the 10th district
In office
January 16, 1998 – January 13, 2016
Preceded byJoseph B. Benedetti
Succeeded byGlen Sturtevant
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 65th district
In office
January 12, 1983 – January 13, 1998
Preceded byNone (district created)
Succeeded byLee Ware
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 34th district
In office
January 13, 1982 – January 12, 1983
Preceded byBill Axselle
Succeeded byVince Callahan
Personal details
Born
John Chewning Watkins

(1947-03-01) March 1, 1947
Petersburg, Virginia, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Kathy
Children3 sons
ResidenceMidlothian, Virginia
Alma materVirginia Tech (BS)
OccupationNursery owner
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1970–1971

Early and family life

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Watkins graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in horticulture. He served in the U.S. Army 1970–71. He is President of Watkins Nurseries Inc.[2]

Political career

Watkins was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1982 and re-elected twice. He was then elected to the Virginia Senate. He became known for supporting public transit and regional cooperation.[3]

Although he faced no opponent in 2007, and easily defeated Democrat David Meade Bernard in 2011, in November 2014, Watkins announced that he would not run for re-election in 2016. He cited wanting to spend more time with his grandchildren as well as new ethics laws following the conviction of former Governor Bob McDonnell.[4] As legislators work part-time, many have full-time jobs. Watkins owns a nursery, land along Virginia Route 288 coveted by developers (for a shopping mall, among other things) and is Chairman of the Board of Essex Bank. The Richmond Times-Dispatch noted that Watkins was also considered a maverick, more liberal than many in his party.[5] In a hotly contested race to succeed him in the 10th District, Republican Glen Sturtevant defeated Democrat Daniel Gecker.[6]

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gollark: We checked.
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gollark: Yes, due to lyric bad.

References
  1. Senate of Virginia bio
  2. The General Assembly of Virginia 1982-1995, p. 184
  3. Bass, Scott. "The Power List". Style Weekly.
  4. "State Senator John Watkins announces retirement; cites post-McDonnell ethics scrutiny". CBS6. November 25, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  5. Robinson, Mark (November 2, 2015). "The Maverick". richmondmagazine.com.
  6. "Virginia Elections Database » Search Elections". Virginia Elections Database.

Sources


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