Bert Dodson Comes Up Short in Virginia Senate Campaign

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Bert Dodson, owner of Dodson Pest Control, Lynchburg, Va., lost his bid for a Virginia State Senate seat (22nd district) to Republican Tom Garrett.

Dodson, a Democrat, had 41.7% of the vote to Garrett’s 58.3%, with 99% of precincts reporting last night.

In an article from Hampton Roads, Dodson commented on his campaign in a concession speech that “I think we ran a very good campaign. I have no regrets. The bottom line is that there are some headwinds at the national level, and that’s what participated in our loss,” Dodson said, referring to the nation’s economy, President Barack Obama’s low ratings in Virginia, and Garrett’s advertising that connected Dodson to them.

 “Sometimes people vote national issues,” Dodson said.

The former Lynchburg city councilman said this was his first election defeat, and although he was both disappointed and heartbroken, “The sun comes up tomorrow.”

Then, quietly, he added, “I’m out of politics.”