Northern Virginia’s longest-serving representative in Richmond has decided against seeking another term in the General Assembly.
Del. Vincent Callahan, R-McLean, a legislator since 1968, told The Examiner he will step down to focus on other interests he neglected as he fulfilled his legislative obligations.
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“There are things I would like to do that do not involve spending winters in Richmond,” the 75-year-old said. “My wife and I have a farm in Pennsylvania where I like to hunt and fish, there’s traveling I want to do, and there are a lot of books on history I want to read.”
Callahan rose from a member of the powerless minority when he was first elected to become the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the powerful panel that crafts the state budget. As a lead budget writer, Callahan brought millions in state funding to Northern Virginia for George Mason University, the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts and other regional causes.
He also unsuccessfully ran for statewide office twice , for lieutenant governor in 1965 and Congress in 1976.
Only Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, has served more terms than Callahan in the General Assembly’s 400-year history.
“He’s got six years on me,” Callahan said of Putney, who is seeking a 24th term this year.
No Republican has announced a campaign to succeed Callahan. On the Democratic side, lawyer Richard Sullivan and activist Margaret Vanderhye are competing for their party’s nomination.
