Update: Apparently Toscano was talked out of resigning as leader and was re-elected unanimously over the weekend.
Delegate David Toscano, House of Delegates Democratic Leader, announced to his Democratic peers that he is resigning as leader late last evening. According to the progressive web site, Blue Virginia, Toscano released the following letter detailing his reasons for stepping down:
Dear colleagues,
I write to inform you that I will resign my position as Democratic Leader at such time as a successor has been elected by the caucus. It has been an honor to serve as Leader and to argue for our Democratic values, both during session and throughout the campaigns. But I no longer have the time and energy to commit to the job in a way necessary to perform it. My family and my work have often been forced to take a back seat over the last four years, and I want to spend more time with Nancy and Matthew, the loves of my life.During my stint as Leader, I have met many committed individuals and groups who are fighting for our Commonwealth with their time, talent, and funds. I fully expect them to remain engaged in the process and I have every confidence that the person who succeeds me will continue to work with them and others toward building a Democratic majority in the House. In conclusion, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to serve and look forward to working with new leadership to accomplish our goals.
The 33 Democrats in the House caucus are expected to make a new choice for leader possibly as soon as tomorrow. Rumored names, according to BV, include Delegates Mark Sickles, Eileen Filler-Corn, Charniele Herring, Rip Sullivan, and Alfonso Lopez.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Toscano’s wife was attacked early last year at home by a “former family friend” (since sentenced to four years in jail).
