Thirteen could be a lucky number for State Del. Watkins M. Abbitt Jr.

The 12-term representative of Virginia’s 59th District and owner of Conner-Abbitt Insurance in Appomattox, Va., announced he will seek a 13th term in the state’s General Assembly.

Watkins M. Abbitt Jr.

In announcing his re-election plans, Abbitt, an Independent, said he believes his greatest asset as a state delegate is “my commitment to being a strong voice for rural Virginia.”

Abbitt, 64, currently serves on the House General Laws, Rules and Appropriations committees and is chairman of the General Government subcommittee.

A native of Appomattox County, Va., he and wife Madeline live on a farm near where he grew up.

In addition to Conner-Abbitt Insurance, the delegate is also the owner of land sales company Abbitt Realty, also in Appomattox.

His father, Watkins Abbitt Sr., a Democrat, served Virginia’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1948 until his retirement in 1973.

This story originally appeared in the August 2009 print edition of Insurance & Financial Advisor.