Joseph Morrissey

Joseph Morrissey

UPDATE: RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Lawmaker Joe Morrissey was able to win a special election because enough voters apparently weren’t bothered by his sex-scandal conviction. But whether he’ll find enough support among his colleagues to remain in the House of Delegates is another matter. Morrissey, who defeated two opponents Tuesday night, will return to a legislative body whose leaders have been researching the process for expelling him.

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Voters in one Richmond-area House of Delegates district are going to the polls to determine whether a jailed lawmaker will retain his seat. Democrat Joe Morrissey resigned after being convicted last month of a misdemeanor in a sex scandal involving a teenage girl. Then he decided to run as an independent in Tuesday’s special election to fill the vacancy. His opponents are Democrat Kevin Sullivan and Republican Matt Walton. Legislators from both parties denounced Morrissey as unfit to serve and probably will try to expel him from the House if he wins. Morrissey says the people, not politicians, should decide who will represent them. Morrissey, a Henrico County lawyer, is serving a six-month jail term for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He has denied any wrongdoing.