Lumpkins for Commonwealth's Attorney

 

Goochland Deputies secure administration building during 2021 civil unrest

The race for Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney between incumbent Mike Caudill and challenger John Lumpkins has attracted a lot of attention.

Caudill seems to be unwilling to address allegations that he does not work well with the Sheriff’s Office or Clerk of the Circuit Court, contending that his door is always open to law enforcement.

Earlier this year, local attorney John Lumpkins, Jr. who currently represents District 3 on the Goochland Board of Supervisors, decided to run against Caudill to improve relations among the various local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

Civil unrest came to Goochland in early 2021 in the aftermath of the shooting of a young man on I64 by State Troopers, which was eventually ruled justified. Demanding release of the VSP dash camera recordings of the incident, mobs, which Caudill said included violent gang members, blocked roads in Courthouse Village, and besieged his office during angry demonstrations.

Caudill said that after viewing the video, a relative of the deceased, threw a stapler in his office in a fit of rage. Caudill neglected to mention that the swift and skillful actions of the Goochland Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies confronted the enraged mob face to face, prevented the property damage and injuries that characterized riots in other areas. Would it have been so hard for him to mention the outstanding performance of our deputies in that situation?

The lockdown of county schools last spring, due to what thankfully turned out to be a hoax, terrified parents. The Sheriff’s Office worked diligently to find and apprehend the culprit. It would have shown consideration and given comfort to the community had Caudill bothered to issue a brief statement reporting that the perpetrator would face legal consequences for the incident.

During the October 12 forum, Lumpkins, the candidate officially endorsed by the Goochland Republican Committee, rebutted allegations that he is “only” a trust and estate lawyer, by listing his service as a police officer, and extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney, and federal prosecutor.

Lumpkins pledges to work with, not against, all law enforcement agencies, state and local, to vigorously, yet fairly, prosecute criminals.

Restoring positive relationships between the Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office, clerks of all courts, and related agencies has been the focus of his campaign. In addition to technical skills, Lumpkins has the ability and desire to work well with people, a skill vital for the success of any organization.

Please give John Lumpkins your vote for Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney.

John Lumpkins