RICHMOND, VA -- In Richmond's Church Hill -- just blocks from where Patrick Henry declared "give me liberty or give me death" -- a different kind of politician took center stage Wednesday.
Embattled politician Joe Morrissey announced that he has vacated his current House of Delegates seat in the 74th District to announce a state Senate run in 16th District.
"It’s the constituent service that I’ve delivered that I am so proud of," Morrissey said while making the announcement.
Morrissey, who was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of minor in December, had just been re-elected to the 74th District seat in a special election after resigning from it. That special election is estimated to have cost taxpayers nearly $60,000.
The minor at the center of scandal was present at the announcement, standing behind the candidate along with her mother. Myrna Pride, who is now 18, recently gave birth to a child.
Morrissey, who has admitted he was there for the birth, has not yet publicly commented on whether he is the father but promised to do so in about a month.
"I am going to address those issues on my own time," Morrissey said.
Morrissey told reporters he hopes to make this a campaign about police issues, access to healthcare, and constituent service. As well as the record of current State Senator Rosalyn Dance - who called Morrissey's tactics "shameless" in a statement Wednesday.
But CBS 6 has learned that Morrissey's pending felony trial over possible forged documents could derail this campaign.
According to CBS 6 legal analyst Todd Stone, Morrissey would lose his right to vote if convicted.
The State Board of Elections said you must have that in order to run.
"Until you have the right to vote restored by the Governor you'd be ineligble to vote or hold public office," Edgardo Cortes, Commissioner of Virginia's Board of Election's said.
In response to the charges Morrissey said "I'll see them in court."
