The rise of Ken Cuccinelli to Virginia attorney general sets up a contest for a Fairfax County state Senate seat that Democrats hope will strengthen their flimsy majority in the chamber.
The special election to replace Cuccinelli could be Democrats’ best chance to squeeze out a victory after a brutal Nov. 3 election, in which the GOP picked up seats in the House of Delegates and swept every statewide race. Taking the 37th district would buffer the party’s 21-19 advantage in its remaining redoubt in state government.
And that’s part of Democrats’ pitch – that winning this seat would help preserve a senate majority that serves as the only real check on a new Republican governor – Bob McDonnell – and an expanded Republican House majority. The stakes are especially high because of fears that McDonnell may seek to peel off a Democratic senator in a swing district by offering a spot in his administration.
“I think we need a Senate that can create a balance down there,” said Del. Dave Marsden, a Democrat considering a run for the Senate seat. “Generally speaking, the public likes government that has checks and balances to it. You’re seeing right now how upset people are with the single party government in Washington.”
The 37th district – which encompasses part of central and western Fairfax – was considered a top potential pickup for Democrats in 2007, but Cuccinelli hung on to his seat by a scant 92 votes.
Republicans are expected to hold a primary with limited polling places to choose their nominee, selecting between former Fairfax County School Board member Steve Hunt, retirement community executive Will Nance and Marianne Horinko, who served as acting EPA administrator under President George W. Bush.
It is one of two upcoming special elections, the dates of which have not yet been set. Another contest – to replace Sen. Ken Stolle, who was elected Virginia Beach sheriff – is widely considered safely Republican.
