CHATHAM — Danville City Councilman Fred Shanks became the second announced candidate for Congressman-elect Robert Hurt’s state Senate seat.
Shanks, 53, formally announced Friday he plans to run as a Republican for Hurt’s soon-to-be-vacant 19th District seat to represent Danville, Pittsylvania County, Franklin County and parts of Campbell County.
Flanked by family and friends in front of the Pittsylvania County Courthouse, Shanks explained his decision to a crowd of about 15, citing his experience as a small businessman and Senate liaison for the Virginia Association of Surveyors as reasons to run.
“I’m a strong proponent of regional cooperation,” he said. “I’ve seen first-hand what can be achieved through cooperation among different municipalities.”
On Tuesday, Hurt defeated incumbent Rep. Tom Perriello for the 5th District congressional seat. After verification of the victory by the State Board of Elections, Hurt will resign his Senate seat.
To replace Hurt, Gov. Bob McDonnell will schedule a special election that has already drawn another Republican candidate — Bill Stanley of Franklin County. Stanley is a lawyer and chairman of the 5th District Republican Party.
Shanks believes his boots-on-the-ground experience with certain regulations will give him a unique and much-needed perspective in the Senate. As a small businessman, he said he knows how these companies operate and what they need to create new jobs.
“People in our area are hurting,” he said. “We need to get the private sector hiring again and get people back to work.”
Shanks is a Danville native and owner of Shanks Associates, P.C., a civil engineering, surveying and planning firm that employs five people in the city.
He is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has held several positions in the Virginia Association of Surveyors, including president. He was elected to the Danville City Council in May 2008, but never expected to run for state senate.
“I’m really surprised,” he said. “I was sure in my lifetime this opportunity wouldn’t present itself.”
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