The Hunt for Blue November Begins
Posted by Chap at 6/13/2007 3:54 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
With yesterday's primary defeats of Senators Brandon Bell (R-Roanoke) and Marty Williams (R-Newport News) and the retirement of John Chichester (R-Stafford), it is clear that the Virginia State Senate will be a far different animal in 2008 -- no matter what happens in November.
The only real question is this: who will hold the upper hand?
When I served in the House of Delegates, there was a very clear division between the two bodies. The House was more partisan, more conservative and had a harder edge. The Senate was a calmer, gentler presence. (I'm not saying that to disrespect my friends and former colleagues; it's the truth).
Now the dynamic is changing. That increases the opportunity of the Democrats to take control of the Senate and make it their own.
Elections turn on answers to simple questions. Here's one for 2007 ....
Is it time for new leadership in the legislature?
The only real question is this: who will hold the upper hand?
When I served in the House of Delegates, there was a very clear division between the two bodies. The House was more partisan, more conservative and had a harder edge. The Senate was a calmer, gentler presence. (I'm not saying that to disrespect my friends and former colleagues; it's the truth).
Now the dynamic is changing. That increases the opportunity of the Democrats to take control of the Senate and make it their own.
Elections turn on answers to simple questions. Here's one for 2007 ....
Is it time for new leadership in the legislature?
The primary defeat of moderate Republican Senators signals a change in the Senate. It may become more like the partisan House. On the other hand, Democratic leadership in the Senate does not mean a radical shift in the way the Senate works. I hope that your victory will help keep the Senate a calm, practical and less partisan chamber.
Mr. Petersen- I attended your Lt. Governor debates in 2005 at the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and worked on your Lt. Gubernatorial campaign. I would be interested in getting a few friends together to aid your fight against Mrs. Davis. Please contact us. My email is douglassmic@gmail.com, and I will be here for most of the summer. You made an enormous splash (as I'm sure you remember) at the Governor's school, and there are (I should think) a variety of people who'd be interested in helping.
Michael: Great to hear from you. I remember that '05 Maggie Walker debate very well. It was a packed house with lots of press. I especially remember having a "green room" to prepare (which was a history classroom) and some very bright HS students who waited there with me til the show began. I think they were more nervous than I was. Thanks again for your help.