by James A. Bacon
First, it was the Republicans’ turn to alienate voters by pushing abortion-related legislation far more radical than a majority of the Virginia electorate was prepared to accept. Now it’s the Democrats’ turn to piss off the public by blocking passage of a state budget. If there was ever a year in which “clown show” was an accurate depiction of the General Assembly, this was it.
In a straight party-line vote, Democrats deprived Republicans of the 21 votes they need to pass a budget. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who was allowed to cast tie-breaking votes on measures to organize the Senate and pass other legislation, is not permitted to vote on the budget. Now, with no budget bill to work from, there is no way for the Senate to engage in a budget reconciliation process with the House of Delegates, which not only passed a budget but did so with an overwhelming majority. (Eleven Ds joined the Rs in a 29 to 21 vote.)
Senate Dems are furious about their shabby treatment by Senate Republicans. “Anyone who can count knows that we deserve respect and consideration for the 20 votes we have in the Senate — and we are asking for that — no more, and no less,” said Sen. Phillip P. Picket, D-Russell, in a statement that pretty well sums up the sentiments animating the Democrats.
Let’s be candid: The Dems were treated shabbily. The Republicans stiffed the Dems on Senate committees and subcommittees. But that’s politics. That’s the way the game is played. Waaaah. It’s time to be big boys and girls and concede that you were outmaneuvered instead of subjecting the electorate to a temper tantrum.
Last time there was a 20-20 split in the Senate, the Dems, who held the Lieutenant Governor’s position back then, were fully prepared to organize the Senate in exactly the same manner that the Republicans did this year. The reason they did not is not that they were overwhelmed by a sense of justice and fair play but that then-Senator Virgil Goode threatened to bolt the party. To turn around and accuse the Republicans of abusing their power is the height of hypocrisy.
But the Dems don’t stop there. They say they “deserve” equal treatment because they won 20 seats. And how did they win 20 seats? By gerrymandering the heck out of the Senate districts. When it came to actual votes in state Senate races, 57% were cast for Republican candidates and 41% for the Democrats. If the Dems expect the public to feel cheated, they’re kidding themselves.
Here’s the truly remarkable thing: Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, has dropped his lawsuit challenging Bolling’s right to cast tie-breaking votes in Senate and seeking a temporary injunction preventing him from voting on organization of the Senate. “I think it’s an unnecessary distraction both for the caucus and the AG’s office,” said McEachin when withdrawing the suit. Yeah, that and the fact he didn’t have a legal leg to stand on.
The Senate Dems are throwing a hissy fit, pure and simple. If they stick with it, they will lose the considerable public sympathy they gained from opposing Republican over-reach on Culture War issues.
Third party, anyone?
