[Posted Nov. 30, 2007]

Local Delegate Could
Be Tapped For
Lt. Governor’s Job

Leonard E. Colvin
Chief Reporter
New Journal & Guide

       The election for the state’s top three political offices is two years away. But there are some signs of who may run  to replace the current Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General.
 

Del. Kenneth Alexander

       He says  he has not decided to run, but the name of 89th District Delegate Kenneth C. Alexander has been mentioned as a possible contender for the Lt. Governor’s nomination among his fellow pols.
       Alexander, a Democrat who has been in the House since 2002, said it  is much too early to consider undertaking the effort,  but if the political stars align just right, he may seek the state’s second most powerful political post.
    

   “I have been traveling about the state listening to the people about the issues,” said Alexander. “But I have not decided one way or the  other.  A lot has to be done before one undertakes that kind of political operation.”
       Alexander said he must consider the opinion of his family to ensure he has their willingness to endure the political spotlight and intensity of campaigning.
       He said that  Democrats and Republicans who seek one of the top three offices fare best  if they do not endure the rigors of a primary race. Alexander said the cost of a multi-candidate primary race and the battering and exposure a candidate endures make them vulnerable during the general election run.
       Alexander, a funeral home owner in Norfolk, said over the past seven years he believes he has “developed a remarkable record on issues which directly impact the lives of average people.”
       “I am community service-minded more than a politician,” he continued. “I am concerned about helping people fight crime in their communities, passing laws to help ex-convicts and people released from mental institutions to get identification cards.  I understand concerns of parents who  worry about the overemphasis on the Standards of Learning (SOL) because their children are being taught how to take a test rather than training in thinking critically. We have not effectively dealt with  the state transportation needs.”
Alexander, who operates two funeral business locations,  said, “I have been a solid business man in the community creating jobs and opportunity.”

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