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1998 SESSION
985783320Patrons-- Keating, Armstrong, Barlow, Behm, Bennett, Brink, Councill, Cranwell, Darner, Davies, Day, Deeds, Grayson, Hull, Joannou, Johnson, Moran, Moss, Murphy, Phillips, Plum, Puller, Scott, Shuler, Stump, Van Landingham, Van Yahres, Williams and Woodrum
WHEREAS, February 17, 1998, marks the 50th anniversary of the election of Watkins M. Abbitt, Sr., of Appomattox to the United States House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Appomattox Agricultural High School and the University of Richmond Law School, Watkins Abbitt served for 16 years as Commonwealth's attorney and is a founding member of the Virginia Commonwealth's Attorneys Association; and
WHEREAS, in 1948, in a special election to fill the Fourth Congressional District seat, Watkins Abbitt was elected to Congress, where he served with great distinction for the next 24 years; and
WHEREAS, during his 12 terms in the House of Representatives, Congressman Abbitt was instrumental in the passage of significant legislation, including the first congressional ethics law and campaign finance legislation; and
WHEREAS, upon his retirement, Congressman Abbitt returned to the practice of law in Appomattox, but his influence on Virginia politics remains strong; and
WHEREAS, a longtime leader in the Virginia Democratic Party, including an eight-year term as party chairman, Congressman Abbitt has played a leading role in the election of almost all of Virginia's governors, Democrat and Republican alike, for over four decades; and
WHEREAS, still a practicing attorney in Appomattox, Watkins Abbitt is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; and
WHEREAS, Watkins Abbitt is deacon and treasurer of the Liberty Baptist Church; a member of the Appomattox Moose, Elks, and Lions Clubs; and chairman of the board of the Farmers Bank; and was recognized in 1995 as American Legion Post 104 Citizen of the Year; and
WHEREAS, for 67 years, Watkins Abbitt has served the citizens of his community and the Commonwealth with uncommon integrity, dedication, and effectiveness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Congressman Watkins M. Abbitt, Sr., be hereby commended for his long and meritorious service on behalf of the people of Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Congressman Watkins M. Abbitt, Sr., as an expression of the admiration and gratitude of the members of the House of Delegates for his manifold contributions to the political process in Virginia.