Virginia Senate News

Virginia Republican Rep. Herbert Bateman, 72, a nine-term congressman and strong military supporter who planned to retire at the end the year, died in his sleep on Monday, September 11, according to a spokesman. Bateman, first elected in 1982, had dominated his heavily Republican district in the Tidewater region of Virginia. He used his seat on the House Armed Services Committee to support the military and the area's heavy concentration of defense contractors while building a moderate voting record. The congressman was noted for his steadfast knowledge and experience in dealing with the various challenges that are constantly faced by the U.S. shipbuilding industry today.

Virginia Republican Rep. Herbert Bateman, 72, a nine-term congressman and strong military supporter who planned to retire at the end the year, died in his sleep, reportedly of natural causes on Monday, September 11, according to a spokesman. He had battled a series of health problems in recent years including lung and prostate cancer. First elected in 1982, Congressman Bateman had dominated his heavily Republican district in the Tidewater region of Virginia. He used his seat on the House Armed Services Committee to support the military and the area's heavy concentration of defense contractors while building a moderate voting record.