Governor Baliles, Lt. Governor Wilder, and Attorney General Mary Sue Terry
Virginia Gov. Gerald Baliles, right, shares the podium with Lt. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and Attorney General Mary Sue Terry after the three were sworn in at the Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 11, 1986. (Steve Helber/AP)

Jerry Baliles and I go back a ways. 

I was in the Senate when he was first elected to the House. We both ran on subsequent tickets afterward and were always successful. We served together, leading the state from 1986-1990 and had a good working relationship. He was understated and very disciplined and measured. He, along with Governor Robb, opened doors for women and African Americans, and my being elected Governor was the result of our working together to enlarge the electoral process and to promote inclusiveness. 

I join my fellow Virginians in mourning the loss of a former Governor who was clearly so dedicated to our Commonwealth.

My reflections with WRIC’s Sara McCloskey can be found here.

My comments to WWBT’s Enzo Domingo can be found here.

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