Chris Tallerico

Candidate Chris Tallerico dropped out of the race for Richmond City Council on Oct. 22, citing harsh politics as the primary reason behind the decision.


The decision was sparked by a campaign mailer, in which Tallerico was named, that attributed Richmond's problems to drugs and said the city's problems are due to the fact that, "Drugs come to Richmond from across the Mexican border."


Due to the mailer, Tallerico wrote in an e-mail to his supporters that he had been called a "racist."


The mailer urged voters to support Tallerico and Councilman Nathaniel Bates for election into office.


The Latin population in Richmond took offense to the mailer, saying it inaccurately blamed them for the problems in the city.


They demanded that Tallerico be removed from the Police Commission, where he serves as commissioner, if he does not support the demands that a second mailer be sent as an apology for the first and that money he received for the campaign be refunded.


Tallerico was a challenger for one of the seven candidate positions for Richmond City Council this year.


His announcement to drop from the race comes after the official candidate withdrawal deadline, so Tallerico will still appear on Tuesday's ballot.


If Tallerico somehow becomes the top vote-getter in the election, it will be his decision whether to take his position in office or resign.


Tallerico said in an e-mail to his supporters that he will "more than likely resign from the Police Commission."


"I've had enough," he said, "and I'm truly beaten down and can't take anymore."




—Jeff Carillo