A proposed redistricting plan may have accomplished what Virginia Republican leaders had vowed they would do to gain seats in both the House and Senate and for Halifax County, their work has produced a familiar face in the person of State Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr.
Under the Senate redistricting plan that would divide 38 counties and cities, State Senator Frank Ruff (R ­ Mecklenburg Co.) has inherited Halifax County, thus ousting State Senator Louise L. Lucas (D ­ Portsmouth) and moving Halifax County from the 18th to the 15th Senate district.
Ruff was elected to the Virginia Senate in a special election last November to fill the 15th District seat left vacant by the death of Richard Holland.
The junior Senator from Clarksville was first elected to the House in 1992 when he staged a major political upset by defeating veteran lawmaker Lewis Parker of South Hill. Because it was a three-way race, some political observers figured the outcome might have been different in a one-on-one contest.
Two years later, Parker challenged and lost to Ruff by a more decisive margin.
"I'm delighted to have the opportunity to serve Halifax County," Ruff said yesterday from Richmond where lawmakers were addressing redistricting in a series of meetings. Their decisions included the scheduling of a redistricting public hearing in South Boston on Monday at Halifax County High School Auditorium starting at 7:00 p.m.
Halifax and Mecklenburg would become the two largest jurisdictions in the proposed 15th Senatorial District that also includes the counties of Charlotte, Appomattox, Buckingham, Fluvana, Prince Edward and portions of Brunswick, Lunenburg and Albermarle.
"Between the two (Halifax and Mecklenburg), they'll have the strongest voice in the district," said Ruff who was less than pleased that portions of the 15th Senatorial District stretched north to near Charlottesville.
Equally disappointing for Ruff would be the loss of portions of Lunenburg and Brunswick counties where the 51-year-old senator has established voter loyalty.
Ruff said that he was attempting to have adjustments made to the proposed district but was less than optimistic that any significant changes are likely given the circumstances.
Ruff serves on the Senate Committees of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Education and Health, General Laws, and Local Government.
He and his wife, the former Jessie Bowne, a Mecklenburg County public school teacher, have three sons and a daughter.

Retiring Del. W.W. "Ted" Bennett, D-Halifax, and two GOP contenders for the 60th District House seat agree, there are positives in the proposed district's new boundaries.
Legislative districts throughout the state are being redrawn to reflect population shifts tabulated in the 2000 census.
The new 60th District would reflect a total population of 69,503 and would include all of Halifax and Charlotte counties, over half of Prince Edward County and a slice of Nottoway County.
"One very positive thing about it in terms of good government," said Del. Bennett in a telephone interview yesterday, "is that it puts Longwood College in with us, which is a powerful connection."
GOP contender Clarke Hogan agrees. "I am very pleased to have Longwood in the 60th District because of the educational interests and common goals we have with Longwood and the CEC (Continuing Education Center)."
Overall, Hogan, a South Boston resident and Keysville businessman, is happy with the district, describing it as one "that is contiguous" and one whose common interests can be well represented by a delegate.
Nancy Carwile, the retiring executive director of the Governor's School in Keysville, described the new district as "pretty much what I anticipated."
"I announced early so the district would not disappear," said the candidate, whose August announcement last year let Republicans know there was a contender.
"It is ironic now that Ted has announced that he is not running, he has a more Democratic district than before. Prince Edward went for Gore in the last election," she noted.
"It is clear if I were still in, Halifax County would be split about three ways," Bennett said of the GOP-dominated redistricting process. "Because I opted out before the redistricting session, that created a local seat. That was the deal that was struck," he added.
"If I had not retired, look at what they did in Martinsville. Three Democrats lumped together. I was determined not to have that happen. The only way I could do that was to announce my retirement before the redistricting session.
"In many areas of Virginia the redistricting plan, if it holds up, is going to be a massacre for some of the best Democrats we have in the House. But for the 60th District, it probably has the best district that could be drawn for Halifax."
60th House District
The proposed district must be approved by both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. The statewide redistricting plan then goes to Governor James Gilmore for approval. The redistricting plan also must pass a U.S. Justice Department review.

An estimated $7,000 in cash, two firearms and a quantity of drugs were seized by authorities early Wednesday afternoon as police swarmed a South Boston residence and arrested three alleged ringleaders of illegal drug and weapons sales in downtown South Boston.
The trio included Steve Larshun Edmonds, 28, of Old Grubby Road, South Boston and Louis Jordan Powell Jr. (also known as "J.J.," "JJ Drama" and "Jerk"), 26 of Chatham Road, Halifax.
Police also arrested 25-year-old Dwight Edward Gomes (also known as "Duke") of Honeytree Apartments, South Boston.
All three were transported to Roanoke where they were to be arraigned yesterday on federal drug and weapons charges in United States Western District Court.
While the arrest of the trio at a South Boston residence by officers of the Halifax-South Boston Regional Narcotic Enforcement task Force, the South Boston Police Department and the Halifax County Sheriff's Department, was hailed as a major arrest, it didn't come without incident.
South Boston Police Capt. J.W. Binner was injured during the arrest of the suspects at a South Boston residence.
He was taken by rescue squad to Halifax Regional Hospital where he was treated for a broken nose and a sprained ankle.
Capt. Binner was released from the hospital following treatment for his injuries.
Task Force Coordinator Maj. Richard S.B. Pulliam said a charge of assaulting a police officer will be sought against Edmonds as a result of the incident.
"Capt. Binner was giving him (Edmonds) instructions to get down and he (Edmonds) reached to grab Capt. Binner's gun and then head butted Capt. Binner," Pulliam said.
Officers in the arrest team quickly assisted Capt. Binner and subdued Edmonds.
Two of the suspects were armed.
Police confiscated two firearms, illegal drugs, large sums of cash and other items.
One of the firearms was a semiautomatic 9mm handgun. The other was an automatic .380 caliber handgun.
Approximately two and a half ounces of crack cocaine, several Ecstacy pills, some marijuana, digital scales, a vehicle, pagers and cellular telephones were seized by police.
Following the arrest of the three suspects, police conducted a search of an apartment at the Honeytree Apartment complex.
Digital scales and some packaging material were seized by police.
The arrest of Edmonds, Powell and Gomes initiated the conclusion of a long-term investigation into a crack cocaine distribution ring that was operating in South Boston as well as the county.
Powell had been sentenced to 28 years in prison in March 1997 for a conviction on a second degree murder charge stemming from the New Year's Day, 1996 shooting death of 17-year-old Jason Lamont Chandler at a Riverdale motel.
However, Powell was set free in late May, 1999 after the Virginia Court of Appeals ruled that he had not been tried within five months of his preliminary hearing as required by law.
Additional charges against additional suspects are anticipated.
Among the agencies participating in the investigation are the U.S. Attorney's Office in Roanoke, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Treasury Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Four Plans Considered By Committee

One of four plans to redefine the county's eight election districts will be recommended by the Halifax County Redistricting Advisory Committee at its upcoming meeting Monday night.
"There does appear to be a focus on four plans at this time," said Halifax County Administrator Joe Morgan, adding that the entire process has been "time consuming and tedious."
"We'll meet again on Monday to select one for the public hearing."
That hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 23, at the meeting room at the Mary Bethune Complex.
According to Morgan, one of the plans under consideration has minimal changes in the current election district structure, with one district located entirely within South Boston, with the remainder of town residents divided among five other election districts.
"A common thread among the other three is that they create three districts in urban areas within and around the towns of South Boston and Halifax, also called the central urban area of the county" said Morgan.
The other five election districts remain predominantly rural.
Any redistricting plan must create election districts that are within the allowed five percent plus or minus minority voting strength tolerances based on 2000 census information.
Another criteria is that, in the case of Halifax County, it maintain two districts with a majority of non-white voters.
Only three of Halifax County's eight election districts are within those five percent tolerances, based on 2000 census information.
Under the Voting Rights Act, the remaining five districts' boundaries would have to be redrawn to prevent voting disadvantages for minorities.
Morgan added that a sub-committee consisting of Judy Meeler, county registrar, Jim Farrington, secretary of the electoral board and Janie Luck, advisory committee representative from District Three, would be studying each plan before the meeting, in order to determine the placement of polling places.
One of the biggest complaints heard from constituents during the redistricting process has been the distance they need to travel in order to vote, along with the inconvenient location of existing polling places.
South Boston Town Council has asked the Advisory Committee to consider a plan with two election districts for town residents as a response to those complaints, as well their feeling that South Boston residents, who make up approximately one-fourth of the county's population, are under-represented on the county board of supervisors.
The advisory committee is also working to have updated census information available for public review on the computer on April 10, according to Morgan.

Halifax County High School's varsity boys soccer team picked up its second win of the season here Wednesday night.
But it took two overtime periods to do it.
The Comets got a goal from Trey Rogers with 2:46 left in the first five-minute overtime period to score a 3-2 win over Roanoke Valley District opponent William Fleming.
"I'm very happy with our performance tonight," said Comets coach Brady Taylor.
"We did a lot of things well. We did a lot of the things we have been working on for the past week or so.
"We spent all last week working on drills to improve our team speed and it showed tonight," added Taylor.
The Comets held a 1-0 lead at halftime thanks to a goal from Taylor Hasty.
Hasty scored off of a give-and-go between he and Judson Collie.
"Taylor and Judson worked that play beautifully," said Taylor, "and it resulted in a goal."
Brandon Crawley scored on a corner kick with 28:37 left in the clock in the second half to put the Comets up 2-0.
William Fleming wasted little time in countering the Comets' scores, punching in a goal within three minutes of the Comets' score to make it a 2-1 game.
Ten minutes later, the visitors added another goal to tie the contest.
The two teams remained in a tense deadlock the rest of the way before Rogers' goal in overtime gave the Comets the win.
Halifax County out shot William Fleming 23-19 in regulation and had a 4-1 edge in shots in the two overtime periods.
The Comets played a good overall contest as evidenced partially by the fact that the Comets received no cards for fouls.
"I thought our guys did a great job," said Taylor.
"And I'm very proud of the fact that we didn't have any cards. I think the overall attitude of the team has improved a great deal."
The Comets returned to action last night, facing E.C. Glass in their Western District opener.'

John Herndon, 67, of Nathalie, died April 3 at The Woodview.
Mr. Herndon was born in Pittsylvania County on October 4, 1933, the son of Johnny Herndon and Odell Payne Herndon. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church.
Survivors include his mother; one sister, Adell Herndon; three brothers, Albert Lee, Frank and Sherman Herndon; one sister-in-law, Nannie Belle Herndon; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Herndon will be held today, April 6 at 2 p.m. at Dunn & Sons Chapel, 540 N. Main St., Halifax with the Rev. L.S. Leigh conducting the service. Burial will take place in Old Second Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery.

Ruth Bray Hudson, 65, of 715 Magnolia Drive, South Boston, died April 4 at her home.
Mrs. Hudson was born in Halifax County on January 4, 1936, the daughter of the late Versie J. Bray and Annie Arrington Bray, and was married to Jefferson "Jeff" Hudson. She was a member of Ash Avenue Baptist Church and was employed as a sales person with U.S. Factory Outlet.
A funeral service will be held April 7 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
Survivors of Mrs. Hudson include her husband; three daughters, Deborah Wheeler and Linda Gail Matze, both of San Diego, Calif., and Cindy Mullins of Leesburg; two sons, Jeffrey Hudson of Mt. Laurel and Barry Hudson of South Boston; three brothers, Clifton Bray of Richmond, Clarence Bray of Lexington, N.C. and Charlie Franklin Bray of South Boston; four sisters, Ina New, Glenda Henderson and Irma Davis, all of South Boston, and Brenda Wilson of Skipwith; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, David, Lewis and Otis Bray.

The family will receive friends this evening between 7:00 and 8:30, at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home. They will also receive friends at Ash Avenue Baptist Church in the fellowship hall following the service on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Debra Watkins Loftis, 43, of Midlothian, died April 4.
She was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Midlothian, the American Dietetic Association, the Richmond Dietetic Association, and the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.
Survivors of Mrs. Loftis include her husband, Dennis M. Loftis; one son, Brian K. Loftis; one brother, Jerry D. Watkins and his wife, Merle of Chesterfield; one sister, Marilyn W. Benson and her husband, James of Richmond; and her parents-in-law, J. Keith and Rebecca M. Loftis of South Boston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry G. and Grace K. Watkins.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 this evening, April 6, at Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home in Midlothian, where a funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on April 7. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Memorial Cemetery in Amelia.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider St. Mark's United Methodist Music Ministry (379-1655), Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center, Johnston-Willis Hospital, (330-2136), or Bon Secours Hospice (287-7700).

Mrs. Lorene Compton Palmer of Richmond and formerly of the Hunting Creek community died Thursday, April 5, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital, Richmond. She was born in Halifax County July 9, 1922 and was 78 years old.
Mrs. Palmer was the daughter of Joseph F. and Emma Layne Compton and was married to James T. Palmer.
She was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church of Richmond.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean P. and Joseph W. Hudgins and Sandra P. and Ray S. Harris, all of Richmond; one son and daughter-in-law, James T. and Susan Palmer of Richmond; one sister, Ellen C. Hammack of Richmond; one brother, Carroll W. Compton of Nathalie; and five grandchildren, Melissa J. Gillette, Joseph W. Hudgins III, Hannah Palmer, Jessica Palmer and Scott Palmer Harris, all of Richmond.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Lewis officiating. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight from 7:00 until 8:30.
For memorials, please consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston, Va. 24592 or the Southside Virginia Alzheimer's Association, 908 Q Hwy. 1, South Hill, Va. 23970.