Virginia: Perriello running for governor. The safe but not-very-exciting prospects of Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) to win his party’s gubernatorial nomination this year took a hit last week. Former US Rep. Tom Perriello (D), who is deemed to be to Northam’s left, could turn the June 13 primary into a repeat of the Hillary Clinton/Bernie Sanders contest ……. Texas: Johnson to retire. US Rep. Sam Johnson (R), announced last week that he will not seek reelection in 2018. Johnson, 86, was a fighter pilot in the Korean and Viet Nam wars and served seven years as a POW in the “Hanoi Hilton.” He has represented the 3rd District (Plano, etc.) for 13 years. A competitive GOP primary is likely, with a Republican favored to hold the seat ……. Alabama: Sessions’ pros & cons: US Sen. Jeff Sessions (R), President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, is “genial, respectful and patient toward colleagues and staff,” reports the Washington Post, but he also has a controversial record, including being turned down for a federal judgeship 30 years ago for allegedly prosecuting black voting rights activists improperly. Stay tuned for his confirmation battle …….