By Chelyen Davis
RICHMOND—In Del. Mark Dudenhefer’s office, his aide slotted newly arrived business cards into a holder.
Del. Margaret Ransone of Kinsale had an office crowded with family and friends, and the corridor outside Sen. Bryce Reeves’ office was filled with dozens of supporters having a pre-session reception.
The Fredericksburg area’s new legislators were formally sworn in Wednesday on the opening day of the General Assembly’s 2012 session, along with all other lawmakers.
The House of Delegates also officially re-elected Bill Howell of Stafford as speaker of the House, with no opposition. And it voted to give his former aide, Paul Nardo, a full term as House clerk.
Dudenhefer, R–Stafford, said Wednesday morning that he did “absolutely not” feel prepared for the session.
He said he’d been rushing to get bills filed before the deadline. His family was in Richmond for the swearing-in, although Dudenhefer said House members are having ceremonial swearing-ins on Sunday and he’ll also host a reception then.
In Ransone’s office, her parents, children, in-laws and other family members had arrived for the swearing-in, and were taking pictures of the new delegate in her new office.
Outside Reeves’ office was a party, with supporters and family members mingling over coffee.
Reeves, of Spotsylvania, said supporters had come from all over the 17th District, as well as his parents from Houston and other relatives.
He has already decorated his office with memorabilia ranging from challenge coins from his military days to an eighteenth-century tomahawk and powder horn.
Dudenhefer got assigned to the House Transportation Committee as he wanted, plus the Education and Science and Technology committees.
Ransone, a Republican, was appointed to the Privileges and Elections; Health, Welfare and Institutions; and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources committees.
New 56th District Del. Peter Farrell, a Republican who represents Louisa and part of Spotsylvania, was put on the General Laws and Courts of Justice committees.
Some other changes in committee assignments in the House include Del. Bobby Orrock, R–Caroline, being added to the House Rules Committee, and Del. Ed Scott, R–Madison, going on the House Appropriations Committee.
In the Senate, Reeves was appointed to the Courts of Justice, General Laws and Technology, Privileges and Elections, and Rehabilitation and Social Services committees.
Republican Sen. Tom Garrett of Louisa, new to the 22nd Senate District, was appointed to the Education and Health, General Laws and Technology, Privileges and Elections, and Courts of Justice committees.
In other committee moves, Sen. Richard Stuart, R–Stafford, was added to the Commerce and Labor Committee, and removed from the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee.
Chelyen Davis: 804/343-2245
cdavis@freelancestar.com
