Callahan Set To Retire As N.Va. Delegate

Terrence D. Jones, president and chief executive of Wolf Trap, called Callahan "an extraordinary ally" in helping fund arts education programs. "He's been able to help thousands and thousands of children throughout the commonwealth."

Callahan, a Washington native and Korean War veteran, published a defense industry newsletter during the 1950s before entering public life.

After an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor in 1965, Callahan was elected to the House in 1967.

At the time, he was one of only 14 Republicans in the chamber. In 1982, House Republicans selected Callahan as minority leader, but he was ousted three years later when delegates from rural areas strengthened their influence in the party.

Callahan regained a leadership position in 1998 when he became co-chairman of the Appropriations Committee under a power-sharing agreement with the Democrats, who controlled half the chamber's seats. He became chairman two years later when Republicans gained an outright majority.

In recent years, Callahan has criticized the rising influence of conservatives within the Republican Party. While other party leaders have taken a staunchly anti-tax stand, for instance, he has backed a number of tax increases.

"The Republicans are taking these far right stances, and it's doing them in," he said in a recent interview.

Del. Lacey E. Putney, an independent from Bedford who aligns with Republicans, will probably succeed Callahan as Appropriations Committee chairman if the GOP keeps control of the House.

Putney, vice chairman of the committee, said Callahan has been "extremely beneficial to Northern Virginia."

"It is going to be a tremendous loss, not just for Northern Virginia but the commonwealth," said Putney, who was elected in 1962 and is the only delegate who has been in office longer than Callahan.