(D-Henrico) Joseph D. Morrissey announced on Thursday during a news conference that he will resign from the Virginia House of Delegates. Morrissey had been serving the 74th district since 2008. He also mentioned during the new conference that he will run for the same House seat during a special election on January 13, one day before the Virginia General Assembly convenes.
Morrissey resigns, becomes a candidate for the 74th district and gets arrested. Apparently, Morrissey wanted to get a jumpstart on his re-election campaign by distributing literature at a supermarket in Henrico County. However, he did not get the approval of Sheriff Michael Wade which means he violated the terms of his work release. Morrissey was arrested and must remain in jail until an administrative hearing before a judge on January 6, 2015.
Morrissey reported to Henrico Jail-East last week for 6-months on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The teen worked at Morrissey’s Highland Springs law office. The teen and Morrissey deny any sexual relationship.
Political parties have until December 23rd to select candidates for the special election in January.
Could Delegate Joe Morrissey win the special election from jail? His colleagues in the Virginia General Assembly want him to resign and give someone else a chance to respresent the 74th district.
Additional details courtesy of NBC29.com
