RICHMOND, Va. -- Former Richmond mayor and convicted felon Rev. Leonidas Young announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 74th House of Delegates seat Tuesday. Young made the announcement in the front room of the law office of Joe Morrissey, the man who currently represents the district.
"Everyone deserves another chance," Young said.
"There are some lessons you can only learn through experience," Young added.
Young was convicted in 1999 on four counts of fraud and racketeering, for which he served 15 months in prison.
"I am not a perfect man, but I am a better man that I used to be," Young said.
So, how can a convicted felon run for office? Turns out Young can thank another convicted felon, Bob McDonnell, for the chance at redemption.
According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, you must be able to vote in order to run for office. Young's voting rights were restorered by McDonnell in 2012. Young said he hopes his run and win could show McDonnell there is such a thing as second chances.
Young, as of now, will take on Lamont Bagby in the June Democratic Primary.
Morrissey was not at the event, but since it was held in his law office insiders speculate he is considering another seat -- possibly the state Senate.
Morrissey did allow his presence to be known however -- he left "Georgia" peaches for reporters, hinting at the fact he has been in Georgia where the woman who was at the center of his sex scandal recently delivered a child.
