Whittington W. Clement

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Whittington Whiteside "Whitt" Clement (born November 15, 1947) is a Virginia lawyer and Democratic politician. He served seven terms in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1988 to 2002, representing part of Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville (the 20th district). He later became Virginia Secretary of Transportation, serving from January 14, 2002, to April 1, 2005, under Governor Mark Warner.

Early life and education: Clement was born in Danville, Virginia. He attended local public schools and Episcopal High School in Alexandria during the Massive Resistance era. He earned both his bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Virginia, earning a distinguished student award in 1970 and a Raven Award. He clerked for U.S. District Judge John A. MacKenzie in Norfolk, then started a private law practice in Danville. He was active in the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, the Danville Estate Planning Council, and the Virginia Bar Association (eventually serving as president). He also served on Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education from 1985 to 1987.

Politics and public service: In 1987, Clement defeated Republican Kenneth E. Calvert to win a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates and was re-elected several times. In 2001, he sought the Democratic nomination for Attorney General of Virginia but finished third in the primary behind Donald McEachin and John Edwards; McEachin later lost the general election to Jerry Kilgore.

Later career: In 2003, the Virginia Bar Association honored him with its Distinguished Service Award. After leaving the legislature, he continued his law practice with Clement & Wheatley, LLC, and later became a special counsel with Hunton Andrews Kurth, focusing on government affairs and lobbying.