Convicted Virginia Legislator Wins Seat Back From Prison
Joseph D. Morrissey, a former Democrat, won as an Independent.
A Virginia legislator who is serving a six-month jail sentence for a misdemeanor was re-elected by his Richmond-area district constituents Tuesday, and sworn in Wednesday. The Democrat-turned Independent will be able to serve on a work-release.
Joseph D. Morrissey, who resigned his seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates last month as a Democrat, won his seat again – this time as an Independent – with 42 percent of the vote, CBS News reported. He defeated Democrat Kevin Sullivan and Republican Matt Walton, who mustered 33 and 24 percent of the vote respectively.
Morrissey left the House of Delegates in December after pleading guilty to the delinquency of a minor, according to The Washington Post. CNN noted the reason Morrissey entered the plea was to avoid a felony conviction for an alleged affair with his underage secretary at this law firm.
The woman, 17, is now an expectant mother. She would not say if the newly re-elected Delegate is the father. Prosecutors have said the child is “perhaps” Morrissey’s, The Post pointed out, who will be able to serve on a work-release–though he must check into his jail cell at 7:30 PM each evening.
Morrissey learned of the result while sitting in jail from his law partner, Paul Goldman. “This is a victory for the people,” Goldman said. “The people have spoken. This is our system. Joe respected the voters. He treated them with respect.”
Even before Morrissey could resettle into his former role – which he began Wednesday as the House of Delegates started a six week session – both Republicans and Democrats are finding ways not only to distance themselves from the Richmond-based lawmaker, but to possibly censure or expel him.
House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell said in a statement Tuesday: “Mr. Morrissey’s election tonight does not change the fact that his actions fall grievously short of the standards of a public servant in the House of Delegates.”
As Speaker, I have an obligation to faithfully and impartially discharge my duties as presiding officer and a responsibility to protect the honor and integrity of the House of Delegates as an institution. There are a number of options available to the body to address questions of conduct regarding its members.
State Democratic leaders also took the proverbial hills to run from Morrissey. Virginia House Minority Leader David Toscano and and Caucus Chairman Scott Surovell pointed out in a joint statement that “Joe Morrissey chose to run as an Independent; he is not a member of the Democratic Party, nor is he a member of the House Democratic Caucus.”
“His conviction and actions over the past two months were reprehensible, and we will be exploring every avenue in regard to his status as a member of the House of Delegates.”
State Senator J. Chapman Petersen told The Post any efforts to expel Morrissey from office could result in a lawsuit. “I don’t think they can expel him based on crimes he committed prior to being elected,” Pertersen contended, noting his election “does have meaning, both legally and politically.”
Morrissey has served in the Commonwealth’s General Assembly since 2007, according to The Richmond Times Dispatch.
h/t: CBS News
Read more at
http://www.westernjournalism.com/convicted-virginia-legislator-wins-seat-back-prison/#VlU9Zi405ow6C4Xx.99
