How do we nominate people in this state

[mastein]

I went to vote in the Democratic Primary back in early March and I noticed it was a single office ticket. That lead me to ask how do we nominate the rest of the slate. I know that State offices are held in off years here, but at the least we have to nominate someone for the House in each district. Can someone please explain the system to me?

Thanks,

[cmayer]

1. Nominations are either by primary, caucus or convention.

This was the first year for Virginia to hold an early presidential primary. For other offices, if there is a Democratic incumbent, that person can decide whether he or she wants a convention or a primary.

A (U.S.) Senate seat would be decided at the State convention, if there was no primary. For House of Representatives it would be decided at a District convention, if no primary. The choice between convention and primary is made by the District Committee, if there is no incumbent.

If there is no controversy the choice is often made to go with a convention, as that does not require public expense.

[mastein]

2. So, it's the incumant's choice?

Thanks for the reply. Any knowledge is good knowledge.

Let me see if I have this right. If I were an incumbant, I could say, "I don't want a challenge, so I am going to hold a convention for my seat"? It doesn't seem like a very open process, and one ripe for corruption.