The Virginian-Pilot Five years ago, Winsome E. Sears was a Republican on the rise. In her first run for office, the Regent University graduate, student and former Marine stunned pundits, ending a political dynasty by defeating Norfolk Del. Billy Robinson Jr. Sears was hailed as the first black Republican woman ever elected to the General Assembly, also the first foreign-born woman and first female military veteran. After one term in Richmond, Sears decided against seeking re-election. Her daughters were still in high . . .