Goode’s press secretary steps down

U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode announced Monday that press secretary C. Linwood Duncan no longer works for him.

Goode, R-5th, said the move was Duncan’s own decision.

Duncan had been Goode’s press secretary since the Rocky Mount legislator was elected to Congress in 1996.

“He did a good job as press secretary,“ Goode said. “I think he wrote well.“

Duncan, who worked out of the congressman’s Danville office, said he left because of health reasons that have been developing over the past several months. Duncan added that he e-mailed Goode thanking him for having the opportunity to rebuild the economy of Southside Virginia.

Goode said Duncan, a longtime radio announcer for WBTM-WAKG, cared about the needs of the Danville area and worked on several economic development projects in the region.

Former state Sen. Charles R. Hawkins, who once employed Duncan as a legislative aide, said he was one of the most loyal and competent people he’s ever worked with.

Hawkins said Duncan had a gift for taking complicated policy and putting it into words people could readily understand. He said Duncan was a person who worked behind the scenes to help Goode bring funds to help area projects.

“He worked to make sure the lives of people in this area are better,“ Hawkins said. “He was always able to find avenues for information you needed to get your hands on.“

Nick Fowler, chairman of the Danville Republican Committee, said he was sad to hear Duncan had left Goode’s staff. He said Duncan’s local knowledge was an asset to the congressman.

“It’s a loss for Virgil because he was a good press secretary,“ Fowler said.

He said Duncan had talked about being tired, but had not said he was going to leave his post.

Fowler, however, said he doesn’t think Duncan’s departure will impact Goode’s 5th District congressional race against Democrat Tom Perriello.