Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter is backing off her concern that her office would not have enough money to cover the expense of the special election for the 9th District state Senate seat to be held next Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Two weeks ago, Ms. Showalter indicated she would need the city to provide extra funds to handle the cost of the election contest between Richmond Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan, a Democrat, and rap artist and Libertarian Party member Corey E. Fauconier.

The two are vying for the Senate seat vacated by 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin.

In a statement to the Free Press on Dec. 28, Ms. Showalter stated that she found the estimated $75,000 she said her office needs for the special election when she went through her budget to prepare a forecast for the first six months of 2017 for city budget officials.

“I realized we had cost savings from voting equipment purchases that could be diverted to cover the special election,” she stated. “I also will have to give up some software that would be very nice but is not essential.”

However, she noted that if Delegate McClellan wins, as anticipated, “I will have absolutely no (money) to absorb the costs of a second special election” to fill her seat in the House of Delegates.

Ms. Showalter indicated she would have to seek at least $75,000 in additional funds to handle the cost of a second special election.

Former School Board Chairman Jeff M. Bourne already has indicated that he plans to run for Delegate McClellan’s seat. Lisa Speller-Davis, who is chairing Mayor Levar Stoney’s inaugural committee, also has expressed interest.