Wealthy State Senator L. Loise Lucas Underwhelming Amount For Legal Defense, Key Political Ally, Gov. Spanberger Declines To Support Her

Last week, Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas announced a legal defense fund, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided her business. The fundraising efforts looks to raise $100,000, but so far has only raised $9,871 from a handful of donors, including $1,000 from prominent liberal activists and failed State Senate candidate Gary McCollum. 

The Blue Ridge Times asked Governor Spanberger’s office if she would support Lucas’ defense fund efforts, since they are close political allies. Spanberger’s office declined to comment.  

The New York Times reports that the investigation started under the Biden administration in relation possible corruption and bribery related to the cannabis dispensaries. Notably, Lucas reports substantial income from several business interests in Portsmouth. Filings available on the Virginia Public Access Project show that Lucas received over $250,000 for two business ventures, and additional rental income from several rental properties.