x
Breaking News
More () »

Political crisis in Virginia expanding after Gov. Northam's racist 1984 yearbook photo surfaces

Governor Northam also signed off on legislation giving Amazon millions in incentives.

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is still hunkered down in the Executive Mansion and his office in Richmond, avoiding the public since his apology Saturday.

His calendar hasn't been updated in days and some of his public events for the week were cancelled. 

RELATED: Va. capital thrown into disarray over a racist photo in Gov. Northam's yearbook

On Tuesday, the governor did send out a statement issuing condolences to the family of a state trooper killed in the line of duty.

Governor Northam also signed off on legislation giving Amazon millions in incentives.

Sources in Richmond told WUSA9,  the governor's wife, First Lady Pam Northam is urging him to hold out and keep fighting, despite the persistent calls to step down.

State lawmakers on both sides are not backing away, including former ally, Democratic State Senator, Louise Lucas. “I can’t tell you why he hasn't resigned, but, I am praying he would do that and get it behind us,” she said.

“We've called for the resignation. We hope that's what the governor does,” said Republican House Speaker, Kirk Cox. 

RELATED: EVMS hires law firm to investigate Virginia Gov. Northam's 1984 racist yearbook photo

Adding to the political crisis in Virginia, is a sex assault allegation dating back to 2004 against Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.

His accuser hired the law firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford in her claims against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.  

“I think it's obvious what it is. It's obvious it's a smear,” said Fairfax after Monday’s General Assembly session.
 
Lawmakers want to see how it plays out.

“We don't have all the information, but we take any allegation of sexual harassment or abuse very seriously,” said Senator Lucas.

Before You Leave, Check This Out