by Chap Petersen
Two things can be true at once.
Last week, my former Senate colleague Justin Fairfax shot his wife Cerina, an accomplished dentist and loving mother, and then killed himself. It was a malicious and cowardly act, which goes against every principle of his professed identity as a husband, father and Christian. Nothing will ever excuse it.
Seven years ago, Justin was also the subject of one of the most brutal cancellations in Virginia political history, which left him without a public office or even viable employment. That occurred without any “fairness” or “due process.” It was difficult to watch, and I had a front row seat.
Both things are true.
In 2013, Justin was a young attorney (barely thirty-four years old), who wanted to run for Attorney General. He and Cerina lived in the “Camelot” subdivision in the 34th Senate District, and we connected quickly. One the one hand, he was all enthusiasm and no experience; on the other hand, he was a fresh alternative to the “old boy” network that had dominated Virginia Democratic politics for years.
A few years later, Justin wanted to run again – this time for LG. I still remember the phone call: Sharon and I were catching a plane to London. He wanted my endorsement before we left. I gladly gave it. Justin went on to win the nomination, then easily won the 2017 race. He was the heir apparent to the Governor’s mansion – the next big thing.
Then came the 2019 session …
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