Virginia Democrats are turning to the courts to stop Republicans from claiming outright control of an evenly divided state Senate, an early indication that lawmakers are in for a contentious legislative session following Republican gains in this month’s statehouse elections. At issue is whether Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who presides over the Senate, has the authority to break all tie votes, including matters related to how the Senate sets up its committees. Following the Nov. 8 elections, in which the GOP gained two Senate seats to create a 20-20 split in the chamber, Bolling adamantly declared that Republicans would rule as if they have an outright majority.
Virginia’s top Senate Democrats called it a “power grab” and threatened Monday to take legal action. Democrats said Republicans should share chairmanships and majorities on committees — the gatekeepers that decide which bills make it the full Senate for a vote — citing constitutional requirements that only elected members of the Senate determine the chamber’s rules and organization. Democrats said the state constitution does not allow the lieutenant governor to vote on the budget, constitutional amendments, taxes or judgeships.
