The voters didn’t find out a great deal about Sen. Russ Potts in his quest for the governorship in last year’s election. But those people who did manage to learn about him probably knew about his dog, Maggie. Warren Fiske began a profile of Potts in the Virginian-Pilot last October by writing:
The thought of Maggie, his beloved golden retriever, spending her days alone at home is almost more than H. Russell Potts can bear.
“Maggie is not doing well with this,” he said, wiping a tear from behind his glasses. “She’s a very unhappy camper.”
Today, Sen. Russ Potts made an emotional floor speech with the sad announcement that Maggie had passed away. I guess it might seem a little silly to some, but I can relate. It was the talk of the General Assembly today. Everybody who mentioned the speech looked a little sad; nobody thought the less of Potts for it.
You know, with the latest senate win, I don’t look at the senate makeup now as 17-23, but more like 18-22, with Potts voting with Democrats on the many issues that are important to us, such as keeping the wingnut bills passed in the House from going to the governor.
Democrats and Republicans can unite on showing respect for noble canines who treat us far better than we deserve. We would be much impoverished without these animals.