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Gov. Ralph Northam pledges to ‘lead Virginia forward’ in email to state workers

Posted at 5:40 PM, Feb 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-08 18:16:48-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Embattled Gov. Ralph Northam apologized to state workers and pledged to lead Virginia forward in an email Friday one week after addressing a racist photo that surfaced from his 1984 medical school yearbook.

"It has been a painful week for all Virginians, and I am deeply sorry for causing this distraction from your important work. Our Commonwealth is in uncharted waters, and many of you are undoubtedly left confused and uncertain about what the future holds.

I want to assure you that the business of the Commonwealth and our duty as public servants will continue. You are doing that work well and I know that will not change. You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward—and I plan to do that.

Pam and I are grateful for the hard work of every employee in this Commonwealth. You have been in our hearts and thoughts, and we are reminded each day that there is no better place to live and work.

Thank you, Governor Northam"

The email comes after the top three Democrats in Virginia’s state government are currently contending with various controversies, including Northam and state Attorney General Mark Herring admitting to having worn blackface in the 1980s. Additionally, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is facing two sexual assault allegations, which he denies and has prompted the lawmaker to call for a "full investigation." The trio of controversies has thrown Virginia politics into chaos, as state Democrats look for the best way to move past the swirling issues.

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