Virgil Goode
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Virgil Hamlin Goode, Jr. (born October 17 1946), American politician, is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the Fifth Congressional District of Virginia (map (http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/va05_109.gif)), which takes in the Southside region and extends north to Charlottesville.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, he attended the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia graduating with a degree in Law. He also served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1979. Goode served in the Virginia State Senate from 1973 to 1997 as a Democrat representing much of Southside. He ran for the Senate in [[1982] and 1994 and was defeated in the Democratic primary both times.
When Congressman L. F. Payne retired in 1996, Goode was the Democratic candidate. He won election easily, as his state senate district was virtually coextensive with the congressional district. Goode was an old-style "Byrd Democrat," as the political machine of Harry Byrd had its base in Southside. Consequently, his voting record was very conservative, even by Southern Democratic standards.
He came under considerable fire in 1998, when he voted for three of the four articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton. In January 2000, he declared himself an independent. He was handily reelected that November, touting himself as a congressman who was "as independent as the people he serves." However, he began caucusing with the Republicans once the 107th Congress reconvened. In 2002, the Republicans promised him a seat on the Appropriations Committee if he became a Republican. He did so in August just in time for the primary, making him the first Republican to represent this district since Reconstruction. He won his first full term as a Republican in November with 64% of the vote. He won reelection just as easily in 2004.
External link
- Official website (http://www.house.gov/goode/)
| Preceded by: Lewis F. Payne, Jr. | U.S. Representative for Virginia's 5th Congressional District 1997—present | Succeeded by: Incumbent |