ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 1997 TAG: 9701300071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER
Citing a lack of political support, Harriet Dorsey has withdrawn her name as a candidate for the 27th Judicial District's judgeship.
Dorsey, a Blacksburg attorney, was endorsed by one of the district's six bar associations to replace retiring Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge J. Patrick Graybeal.
Graybeal, on the bench since 1989, will retire April 30.
Bob Viar, a Christiansburg lawyer, received backing from the other five bar associations, including the largest, the Montgomery-Floyd-Radford Bar Association, which has almost 100 members.
The Giles County Bar Association, with nine members, endorsed Dorsey.
Both Dorsey and Viar have practiced in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court extensively and served as substitute judges in Graybeal's absence.
Dorsey issued the following statement Wednesday: "It has become apparent that I do not have the political support in the General Assembly to be elected as the new Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge .... I am therefore ceasing any active efforts to obtain this position."
Dorsey offered her support of Viar's bid.
"Robert Viar is well qualified to serve the community in this capacity, and he will have my full support," she wrote.
Aside from Dorsey, there were three other early contenders. Peggy Frank, Montgomery County assistant commonwealth's attorney, sought the judgeship only until the Montgomery-Floyd-Radford Bar Association cast its vote. She withdrew her name when she did not win that endorsement.
Gail DeVilbiss, a Radford attorney, and Victoria Robison, Pulaski public defender, also vied for the job.
Viar will interview with the Courts of Justice Committees for the House and Senate next month and a vote by the General Assembly will be before the session ends Feb. 22. No date has been set for Viar's interviews.
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