Lt. Governor Bill Bolling cast the tie vote giving the Republicans control of the Virginia State Senate. Actually there is a 20-20 split in the Senate. However the tie breaker is the Lt. Governor who happens to be a Republican. Democrats had better take cover. This is a very conservative bunch of Republicans and they have been waiting a long time for this day. All sorts of things that have been held up in committee are going to be coming out, very rapidly.
What changes do you expect to see? Reproductive issues and gun rights are expected to head the list.
I think one of the real hot buttons will be the House & Senate bills for the Constitutional amendment regarding property rights & emminent domain will have a big fight. Both VaCO and VML are opposed to the language of both versions.
Gun rights have two at the moment: one is related to gun buy-back programs which will basically kill that program if run by a locality. There is also one which would allow City/County Treasurers to carry gun in a courthouse while on official duties.
@Ray, do you see anything about the one handgun a month sales coming up?
I don’t think it will be as bad as the Democrats want to make it out to be, and the way the committee assignments were made does reflect some consideration toward the Democrats on social issues. Whereas the GOP has clear majorities on those committees that deal with taxation, spending and education, the committees that deal with abortion and gun laws were assigned 8 GOP, 7 Democrat. I think this reflects the emphasis the McDonnell Admin has on the economy and education, over the social agenda:
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/jan/12/tdmain01-bollings-vote-gives-gop-control-of-senate-ar-1605008/
@Steve, I think that begs the question why the R’s wouldn’t take what they could and run with it.
I really hope McDonnell leaves education alone. I have a post ready to go up later today on this subject.
Steve, keep us posted on all this, even if there isn’t a specific thread. I know you keep an eye on things.
I am not sure what else they could even do after that abortion clinic end run. I am keeping an eye on VRS. I am so pleased that Diana Cantor is not like Eric. I owe Punchak and Moe and big thank you for calling attention to her.
I quote from the anointed one, Barrack Obama…..”Well, that’s what elections are for!” So true!…..So true!!
I don’t have a problem with gun buyback programs….as long as I can stand out there with a sign offering more $ for the same guns…… 😉
This happens in other locales. Quite a few collectors items have been saved from the crusher.
I still don’t know what the point of said buyback are for. Go buy a crappy gun at a pawnbroker and sell it to the cops for more money or get rid of a crime gun for money.