Russ Potts
Russ Potts | |
---|---|
William A. Truban | |
Succeeded by | Jill Vogel |
Personal details | |
Born | Harry Russell Potts Jr. March 4, 1939 Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
Died | December 19, 2021 Winchester, Virginia, U.S. | (aged 82)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse |
Emily Strite (m. 1965) |
Children | 3 |
University of Maryland | |
Profession |
|
Website | http://www.rppi.net/ |
Harry Russell Potts Jr. (March 4, 1939 – December 19, 2021) was an American businessman, journalist, and politician who served as a
Early life
Born in Richmond, Virginia on March 4, 1939, Potts graduated from the University of Maryland with a major in journalism and a minor in political science. Potts served in the U.S. Army Reserves (1958–64).[1]
Career
A former sports editor for the
Politics
First elected to the
Views
Potts frequently referred to himself as a "moderate Republican," and criticized the Republican Party for being too far right politically to be in touch with the people it represents. Potts' moderate views on abortion and taxes led some Republicans to label him a
Republican opposition to 2005 gubernatorial run
Potts ran as an independent in the
In April 2005, Lieutenant Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine, in his role as president of the Senate, refused to entertain a motion to strip Potts of his committee assignments. His ruling was upheld on a 27–9 vote.[8]
Kilgore refused to debate Russ Potts, a decision which columnist Barnie Day said could strengthen Potts'
In the last week of the campaign, Jerry Kilgore's campaign sent out a direct mail piece contrasting Potts with Tim Kaine and encouraging "progressive" voters to support Potts. The piece was billed as a "2005 Official Democrat and Progressive Voter Guide," but a notice in small print, turned 90 degrees to the rest of the piece and placed next to a picture so as to resemble a photo credit, noted that it was paid for by "Virginians for Jerry Kilgore".[10] The State Board of Elections imposed a $100 fine for the violation.[11]
Personal life and death
Potts married Emily Strite in 1965, and they had three daughters.[12]
After a series of falls, Potts died from viral pneumonia in Winchester on December 19, 2021, aged 82.[12][13]
References
- ^ The General Assembly of Virginia 1982–1995, p. 175
- ^ a b "Russ Potts Productions, Inc". Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ "Virginia Elections Database » Search Elections".
- ^ "Virginia Elections Database » Search Elections".
- ^ "Potts Faces Wrath of Va. GOP". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ Williamson, J. W. "Virginia Republicans Sit On Their Potts".
- ^ http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031782137916&path=!news&s=1045855934842 [dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 14, 2005. Retrieved April 27, 2005.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Augusta Free Press : Politics 101 - People don't pull for the overdog". Archived from the original on January 17, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2005.
- ^ "VA-Gov: GOP dirty tricks". Daily Kos.
- ^ "Fredericksburg.com - Kilgore campaign fined by elections board". fredericksburg.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Fisher, Marc (December 22, 2021). "Russ Potts, Virginia political maverick who pushed for baseball's return to D.C., dies at 82". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- ^ Brehm, Brian (December 19, 2021). "Politician, philanthropist, businessman Russ Potts dies at age 82". Winchester Star. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
Sources
- Russ Potts Vision for Virginia Archived March 1, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
- Day, Barnie: Politics 101 – People don't pull for the overdog: Potts as Pac Man Archived January 17, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, June 23, 2005.
- Edds, Margaret: Russ Potts: A Republican voice from outside the tent Archived April 14, 2005, at the Wayback Machine, The Virginian-Pilot, April 10, 2005.
- Graham, Chris: Potts, Kilgore tear into Kaine roads plan Archived December 30, 2005, at the Wayback Machine, Augusta Free Press, June 29, 2005.
- Helderman, Rosalind S.: Potts Faces Wrath of Va. GOP: Leaders Move to Oust Senator Over Independent Bid, The Washington Post, March 9, 2005.
- Kilgore, Kaine Still About Even In Va. Poll, September 19, 2005.
- Shapiro, Jeff E.: Donor puts $300,000 into Potts Campaign[permanent dead link], Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 14, 2005.