Small Wins Court Clerk Race in Landslide

Jeff Small will be Fredericksburg's next Clerk of the Circuit Court.

With five of six precincts reporting, Small holds a commanding 73 to 25 percent lead over his opponent, Fredericksburg lawyer Dennis Ahearn. Small took 2,800 votes to Ahearn's 984.

At his campaign party at the Colonial Tavern in downtown Fredericksburg, Small attributed his success to dogged campaigning. He said he had been campaigning since Labor Day.

"I worked hard. I ran the best campaign I could run and I think the hard work paid off," said Small. "When I was attacked, me and my supporters kept positive and didn't respond to the negativity."

"I believe that the the city of Fredericksburg supported me because of my experience, my record and my hard work," continued Small.

Small says he plans to immediately resign his position as a part time prosecutor with the Fredericksburg Commonwealth Attorney's Office.

"I lost," said a dejected Ahearn at a small gathering at his house on Cornell Street. "We came late to the game, I'm not a politician, and we tried our best."

"I wish Jeff the best," said Ahearn.

Ahearn thanked his supporters and said that "they are absolutely wonderful"

When asked if he planned to make another run at elected office, Ahearn's answer was quick.

"Never," said Ahearn. "I have no political desires and I did not approach this as a political opportunity."