| Louise Lucas | |
|---|---|
| Louise Lucas at the 2008 Democratic National Convention | |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 18th district |
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| In office 1992 – January 2, 2012 |
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| Succeeded by | Gates |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 22, 1944 Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Profession | Educator |
| Committees | Local Government (chair); Courts of Justice; Education and Health; Finance; Rules |
| Religion | African Methodist Episcopal |
L. Louise Lucas is a Democratic member of the Senate of Virginia, representing the 18th District since 1992. She was defeated by Republican Randy Forbes in the 2001 special election to replace U.S. Congressman Norman Sisisky, who had died in office. In 2008 two companies which she controls applied for Empowerment Zone bonds to build a conference center in Portsmouth, VA. The request for approval was denied by city council on a 3-2 vote with two council members who had a financial interest in the project abstaining. The companies, still controlled by Lucas, later filed a $97.7 million suit against the City of Portsmouth (home of most of her constituents) claiming the companies were discriminated against because they were led and funded mostly by African-Americans. The suit also named those Council members who voted against the original proposal and the CIty Attorney. Council later reconsidered the decision, but nonetheless still denied funding. The suit was dropped after the second denial.[1]
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