NORFOLK -- The election night upset of long-time City Councilman Randy Wright is shaking up more than just Norfolk politics.
Opponents of "The Tide" light rail project hope it proves to be a canary in coal mine for leaders across the region who support light rail.
"He beared the torch for light rail and I think he's died on that sword," said Robert Dean, member of the Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance. "And I think anybody else who picks up that sword and that banner is going to die as well."
Wright lost to newcomer Tommy Smiegel by just 118 votes of the approximately 6,000 cast.
Wright, perhaps the most outspoken supporter of light rail, blamed The Tide for his defeat.
"The project that I will be remembered for, my legacy, is the project that helped bring me down," Wright said after his concession speech Tuesday night.
Councilman Rick West, a supporter of bringing The Tide to Chesapeake, said Norfolk voters likely were more upset about millions of dollars in cost overruns with The Tide than with the concept of light rail.
He said his support of light rail has not shifted since Wright's defeat.
"This could be something people say, you know, there isn't significant support for light rail," West said. "But the people stuck in traffic that have children driving in bad traffic conditions say we need alternative transportation methods."
It's hard to argue the election was a referendum on light rail -- Smiegel, who replaces Wright on July 1, also supports light rail.
