Elections: Yes, Virginia, There Is a G.O.P.

Despite staunch support from Senator Harry Byrd's Democratic machine in Virginia's gubernatorial election last month, Lieutenant Governor Mills Godwin won only after beating down a strong challenge by Republican Candidate A. Linwood Holton, who captured 38% of the votes—and proved that the state could no longer be considered a Byrd sanctuary. Last week brought even more impressive evidence of change in the Old Dominion. The occasion was a special election to fill the state senate seat vacated by Harry F. Byrd Jr., 51, whose appointment to the U.S. Senate last month in place of his ailing father has been...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!