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VOL. 60, NO. 19 FEBRUARY 6, 2019
In a state of turmoil Illustration by Sammy Newman
How Northam’s political career unraveled Friday, 6:15 p.m.
11:02 p.m.
9:50 a.m.
At about 6:15 p.m., Northam issued a statement saying, “I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now. This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today.”
Former governor Terry McAuliffe called for Northam’s resignation: “The situation that he has put himself and the Commonwealth of Virginia in is untenable. It’s time for Ralph to step down, and for the Commonwealth to move forward.”
6:47 p.m.
11:06 p.m.
The Senate Republican leadership reiterated that call: “The confidence of the people is essential to a governor being able to serve effectively. It is clear to us that Governor Northam no longer holds that confidence … The time has come for him to fulfill his duty and act in the best interests of Virginia by stepping down.”
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney issued a response: “Governor Northam has a long and distinguished career history of service to our Commonwealth and nation, but he should do the honorable thing and step down.”
The Democratic leadership in the Senate called on Northam to resign: “The racism engendered by these images was real then and resurrected by these images today … it is with heavy hearts that we have respectfully asked him to step down.”
9:00 p.m. Northam issued a video apology on social media, but stated that he intended to finish his term: “I’m deeply sorry. I cannot change the decisions I made, nor can I undo the harm my behavior caused then and today. I accept responsibility for my past actions and I am ready to do the hard work of regaining your trust.”
11:00 p.m. The Legislative Black Caucus called for Northam’s resignation: “Given what was revealed today, it is clear that he can no longer effectively serve as Governor. It is time for him to resign, so that Virginia can begin the process of healing.”
NEWS Stolen corpses 4
11:15 p.m. Virginia House Democratic Caucus reiterated that statement: “We regret to say that we are no longer confident in the Governor’s representation of Virginians. Though it brings us no joy to do so, we must call for Governor Northam’s resignation.”
Saturday, 9:04 a.m. House Speaker Kirk Cox called for Northam’s resignation: “We agree with the powerful words of our colleagues in the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and believe that because of this photo the Governor has lost the confidence of the citizens he serves.”
SPORTS Rams in D.C. 8
2:30 p.m. Northam held a press conference and said that he “reflected with my family and classmates and came to the conclusion that I am not the person in the photo.” He apologized again, but refused to step down as Governor: He said resignation would be too “easy” and he is prepared for the “difficult path that lies ahead.” “I want to apologize to the many people who have been hurt by this episode...I am ready to earn your forgiveness.”
4:48 p.m. Attorney General Mark Herring called for Northam to resign: “It is no longer possible for Governor Northam to lead our Commonwealth and it is time for him to step down.” DANIEL BERTI Capital News Service
Virginia government slips into chaos as scandals shroud political leaders FADEL ALLASSAN News Editor Inside the country’s oldest occupied governor’s mansion stays the besieged Ralph Northam — the Virginia executive around whom the walls of the dwelling are rapidly closing amid the fallout from a racist yearbook photo. The photo, from Northam’s page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook, shows a man in blackface standing next to another in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood. Northam initially said he was one of the people depicted, but he reversed his story the next day. At a press conference Saturday, Northam denied being in the photo, but admitted he once “darkened” his face to compete as Michael Jackson in a dance competition. The admission did nothing to stop calls for his resignation coming from every direction, including from some of his closest Democratic political allies. Some protesters, who were once enthusiastic about Northam’s potential removal, now have reason to be apprehensive about his would-be successor. See NORTHAM on page 3
Infographic by Andrew Caress
SPECTRUM Black photographers 13
OPINIONS Blackface 16