Putney wins 25th term in House

Del. Lacey E. Putney, Virginia’s longest-serving legislator, was elected to his 25th term in the House of Delegates on Tuesday to represent the northern parts of Bedford and Botetourt counties.

Putney, I-Bedford, easily turned back challenges from Democrat Lewis Medlin Jr. of Vinton and William H. Smith II of Buchanan, a Constitution Party candidate.

Medlin, who ran against Putney two years ago, received 20 percent of the vote.

Smith, who reported spending just $1,500 on his campaign as of Oct. 21, received 15 percent of the vote.

Putney collected 64 percent of the 19th House District’s votes.

When he finishes the two-year term, Putney, 81, will have served half a century in the oldest legislative body in the United States.

As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and of the conference committee that ultimately balances and signs off on the state budget every year, Putney is one of Virginia’s most influential legislators.

Putney was first elected in 1961.