Virginia House Delegate quits in mid-term for lobbying job

By Jeff E. Schapiro
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: September 9, 2008

member of the House Republican leadership is quitting in mid-term to become a lobbyist.

Legislators and lobbyists in both political parties reported this morning that Del. Terrie L. Suit, R-Virginia Beach, plans to resign from the General Assembly next month to join the government relations team of Richmond-based law firm Williams Mullen.

Suit is the head of the General Laws Committee, and has been an outspoken advocate for one of Williams Mullen’s major clients, payday lenders.

Suit was not immediately available for comment this morning. A message was left at her district office.

Former Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, head of the Williams Mullen lobbying arm, said he and Suit first discussed her shift to the private sector about two months ago.

State law prohibits Suit for one year from lobbying the legislature. However, Suit is expected to lobby the federal and local governments in the Hampton Roads area.

Word of Suit’s pending departure raised eyebrows among legislators and lobbyists.

Del. Samuel A. Nixon Jr., R-Chesterfield, said, “I understand the appearances and that questions are going to be raised.“

However, Nixon and Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, said the public should be reassured by the state’s disclosure laws and the yearlong prohibition on legislative lobbying by Suit.

“Even if it’s a revolving door, it’s a very transparent one,“ said McClellan. “People can make up their own minds.“

Legislators and lobbyists said they could not recall a Virginia lawmaker leaving office in mid-term to become a lobbyist.

The lobbying corps includes at least two former legislators—Ralph L. Axselle, an ex-Henrico delegate and partner at Williams Mullen, and former state Sen. Jane Wood of Fairfax.

Suit’s seat will be filled in a special election called by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.