va_tazdad
Regular Member
http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-state-senate-democrats-lawsuit-20111216,0,2768754.story?track=rss
RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) - A Richmond judge refused to issue an injunction Friday that would take some power away from Republican Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, the Washington Post reported.
State Senator Donald McEachin (D - Henrico) filed the suit claiming while the Lt. Governor did have the power to cast the tie-breaking vote in a deadlocked state Senate, he did not have the power to break ties when deciding the Senate's power structure and committee appointments.
"While I respectfully disagree with the outcome, it was purely a procedural decision," Sen. McEachin said in a statement. "The judge determined that the matter was not ripe for a final determination on the merits. The opinion was not a decision on the merits of whether the Lieutenant Governor can vote on Senate organization."
Sen. McEachin said state Democrats would explore their options and asked Republicans to respect past history.
"The Senate is evenly divided, 20-20 so committees and responsibilities and power should be divided to reflect that even split, just as the Republicans said in 1996. Even then Governor Allen spoke to the need for parity under these same circumstances," Sen. McEachin said.
Well, I guess there is some sanity on the bench after all.
RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) - A Richmond judge refused to issue an injunction Friday that would take some power away from Republican Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, the Washington Post reported.
State Senator Donald McEachin (D - Henrico) filed the suit claiming while the Lt. Governor did have the power to cast the tie-breaking vote in a deadlocked state Senate, he did not have the power to break ties when deciding the Senate's power structure and committee appointments.
"While I respectfully disagree with the outcome, it was purely a procedural decision," Sen. McEachin said in a statement. "The judge determined that the matter was not ripe for a final determination on the merits. The opinion was not a decision on the merits of whether the Lieutenant Governor can vote on Senate organization."
Sen. McEachin said state Democrats would explore their options and asked Republicans to respect past history.
"The Senate is evenly divided, 20-20 so committees and responsibilities and power should be divided to reflect that even split, just as the Republicans said in 1996. Even then Governor Allen spoke to the need for parity under these same circumstances," Sen. McEachin said.
Well, I guess there is some sanity on the bench after all.