BUCKINGHAM – The Democratic Caucus held at Buckingham Middle School on July 6 included one challenge-the nomination for sheriff. Two candidates, Gerald K. Washington and the incumbent, William G. Kidd, Jr., vied for the party's endorsement.

After the secret ballots were cast and counted, the committee officially nominated Washington as the Democratic candidate for sheriff.

According to Rozalyn B. Goin, chair of the county's Democratic Committee, 274 people registered to participate in the caucus.

When asked about the actual ballot count, Goin explained that in adherence to the provisions of the Virginia Democratic Party Plan, those numbers are released to the candidates, who may or may not make them public.

Along with Washington's nomination for sheriff, Goin said the caucus also resulted in the nominations of three uncontested candidates, all incumbents, who plan to run for re-election on November 8.

They include Christy Christian, seeking her third term as treasurer; Stephanie Midkiff, running for her second term as commissioner of revenue; and, Joe N. Chambers, who wants to continue representing District 6, Slate River Precinct, on the board of supervisors. Chambers has served in that capacity since 1990.

Goin shared, “We were pleased with the turnout and that things went very smoothly.” She added, “The candidates were very interested in being correct and courteous.”

Noting that with the help of volunteers they completed the caucus, cleaned-up the area, and were out of the building a few minutes after 8 p.m., Goin concluded, “It really did go well.”

After the caucus, Kidd told The Herald that he plans to run as an independent candidate.