THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511090112
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Election Night parties Tuesday for the clerk of Circuit Court candidates were similar.
Plates overflowed with ham biscuits and chicken wings, and friends abounded at both Henry C. Murden's house and at Gene T. Strickland's party at Bunny's Restaurant.
But only one person would end the night a victor: veteran Clerk Murden.
In the only local contest, Murden easily survived his challenge as a Constitutional officer from Republican Strickland, 32.
Murden, 76, got 6,867 votes to Strickland's 4,682 votes.
Strickland's campaign focused on giving voters a choice and modernizing the clerk's office and making it more accessible to citizens. Murden, clerk for 28 years, touted his experience and service to citizens.
After accepting a concession telephone call from Strickland, Murden said, ``I'm as happy as can be.''
Murden's wife Catherine, son Cliff and well wishers munched on snacks and teased the clerk about his longevity. Late into the night, neighbors, Circuit Court staffers and other friends flowed into the Lakeside house to wish Murden well.
``He's done it the easy way all along, so we came out to see him work at it,'' said Imogen Klein, Murden's sister.
At the Strickland camp at Bunny's, the mood wasn't as festive.
Speaking before about 150 supporters, who were tense most of the night as precinct tallies were called in, Strickland thanked his family and supporters.
``We set out to make positive change, and I think we've done that,'' he said. ``We've heightened public awareness about record indexing. I hope the issues we did bring to light will flourish and take root.''
He said, ``I think we ran a good race. We ran a good, clean race, and I think that says a lot for both of us.''
Strickland's friend, 76th District Del. Robert Nelms, who ran without opposition, was hopeful. Nelms said he was happy that Strickland's campaign was able to energize a broad, racially diverse base of support.
``My heart is heavy for Gene tonight,'' said Nelms. ``When I said I was going to run, people said the same thing they said to Gene, that there was no chance. I ran against a two-decades incumbent (J. Samuel Glasscock) while Gene ran against a five-decades incumbent.''
Strickland didn't say whether he would run again: ``I'm taking one step at a time.''
Strickland said in campaigning that Suffolk needed a new computer indexing system used by the state Supreme Court. It allows consumers to retrieve deeds and other records via computer instead of leafing through files.
But Murden said the system isn't needed before the clerk's office relocates to the $14 million courthouse facility to be built downtown.
On Election Night, Murden reiterated, ``You've got to look at your budget. I didn't see any need to rush to install any new equipment.''
The clerk's office is responsible for keeping records, including deeds, marriage licenses and divorces. Created by the Virginia Constitution, the Clerk of Courts position is an eight-year-term that has an annual salary of $72,396 and state benefits. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Alice Bridger looks on as Henry C. Murden gets a hug from a
supporter. Murden celebrated his victory in the clerk of Circuit
Court election at his Lakeside home.
76th District Del. Robert Nelms, left, helps Gene Strickland tally
precinct results Tuesday night. Strickland lost his bid for the
clerk of Circuit Court seat.
Charts
Suffolk election results by precinct
Franklin election results by precinct
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK CIRCUIT COURT CLERK RACE ELECTION SUFFOLK ELECTION
FRANKLIN RESULTS by CNB