Torian talks education, stumps at Montclair eatery

When you're a political newcomer, it doesn't hurt to get some help from a man with more than a quarter-century in the game.

For the Rev. Luke Torian, that important backer would be Prince William County Supervisor John Jenkins.

"This is the pastor I was telling you about," Jenkins said Monday evening, after separating E.C. Rushing Jr. from his supper at the Montclair Family Restaurant.

Torian, who's running for the Democratic nomination for the 52nd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, shook hands with Rushing, and then made his way around the dining room led by Jenkins and accompanied by Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, who has endorsed his candidacy.

There were fewer than 25 folks in the place, including employees - it was doubtless too early for many commuters to have made it back to Prince William for dinner - but everyone certainly learned about Torian, pastor of nearby First Mount Zion Baptist Church.

His campaign manager, Danny Friedman, even stumped in Spanish to reach some restaurant workers in their native tongue.

The efforts weren't surprising. With the primary election only a few days away - it's Tuesday - it was time for Torian to hustle in his battle with former Secret Service agent Mike Hodge, who lives in Montclair.

They are vying to replace Del. Jeff Frederick, who did not seek re-election in the district, which includes Southbridge, Quantico, Dumfries, Triangle, Montclair and most of Woodbridge. The winner faces Republican nominee Rafael Lopez, a former Dumfries town councilman.

Torian had a full schedule Monday. He would leave the eatery off Va. 234 to head to a fundraiser at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge.

And, earlier, he and Scott, a Newport News Democrat, met with Sam Hill, provost at Northern Virginia Community College's Woodbridge campus, to discuss educational issues.

Two of them made a big impression on Torian. One is a constant struggle, especially in today's poor economy.

"Obviously funding is going to be a big deal," Torian said.

The other is one of respect, Hill said. Four-year schools don't accept many credits from students who achieve associate of applied science degrees, designed for those who will enter the work force upon graduation instead of going on to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Hill said he wasn't sure that lawmakers could address this issue, but he wanted to bring it up while he had a captive audience of a congressman and a political candidate.

"Give him a call in January," Scott replied, referring to Torian. "He's going to be in the House of Delegates."

Staff writer Jonathan Hunley can be reached at 703-369-5738.