The results of yesterday's General Assembly elections proved bittersweet for Republican State Senate candidate Jane Maddux.
Although Maddux lost the election to incumbent State Sen. Emily Couric (D-25th), 66 percent to 34 percent, there was an air of celebration at the Boar's Head Inn Republican victory party. For the first time in Virginia's history, the modern Republican Party will have a majority in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate as well as a Republican Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General. Maddux also celebrated the victory of fellow campaigner Paul Harris (R-58th), who won re-election to the House of Delegates.
Maddux ran a joint campaign with Harris, sharing fundraising and advertising responsibilities.
"Paul is hugely popular and that helps Maddux's campaign," Maddux campaign manager Alicia Ward said.
Despite her defeat, Maddux told the crowd of about 200 people, "There's nothing I would change" about the campaign.
Maddux's campaign was "positive and issue-oriented" and she did not resort to mudslinging, said Dale McGlothlin, Chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party. "I think it's one of the best campaigns I've ever been involved with."
Maddux ran a "five star plan" that focused on education, the economy, healthcare, the environment and technology, Ward said.
However, this plan was not enough to oust Couric, who has served in the Senate for the past four years.
McGlothlin said Maddux's campaign could have been more successful "had the state Republican Party been more involved in the compare and contrast" of the two candidates.
He also said the state Republican Party should have questioned the validity of some of Couric's claims; McGlothlin said Couric incorrectly said she voted to repeal the car tax.
Although Maddux ran against an incumbent who showed strong support in her constituency, she nonetheless said "going to Richmond was the fulfillment of what I wanted to do."
Maddux's aides said her political career is far from over.
"I'm pretty sure she'll run again," Ward said. "Things are swinging the Republican way."
Maddux said should she decide to run again, a Republican-dominated General Assembly could help her chances for victory.
McGlothlin said he anticipates Maddux will be in another race for State Senate before Couric's four-year term is up.
"My prediction is Emily Couric will run for Lt Governor in 2001 and it would be the honorable thing for her to step down from the Senate," McGlothlin said.
Should this situation happen, a special election will be held to fill the vacant seat.
"I will do everything in my power to encourage [Maddux] to run for that special election," he said.
As for her future plans to run again for state senate, Maddux simply said, "I'll let you know."
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