Virginia Senate Democrats poised for budget showdown

Social issues have dominated the headlines in Virginia for this General Assembly session, but the budget is quickly expected to become a serious and perhaps damaging fight. Here is my preview of what could go down Friday at the State Capitol:

Thursday night, we reported on the Democrats plan to block the budget process in an attempt to get more power in the Virginia Senate. Here is my story from NBC12.com:

 

RICHMOND (WWBT)- After weeks of toxic social issues dominating the headlines, a behind the scenes budget battle has bubbled to the surface, and with it, threatening claims about what it could lead to.

Think back to your high school civics class.

It takes three parts of government to pass legislation: the house, the senate and the governor. Thursday senate democrats made a bold move, voting down the budget, thereby stalling the spending plan. If a compromise is not struck, Virginia’s government could be shut down.

It came after a day of rowdy protests, which had nothing to do with budget. Democrats made a tactical move, voting down the senate spending plan.

Afterward, shocked republicans, one by one called the move historic, but not in a good way.

“So it’s a sad day for the senate in my judgment,” said Sen. Walter Stosch (R-Hanover), the senate republican’s chief budget architect.

“To then have them vote against the budget for no justifiable reason is an incredible act of political hypocrisy,” said Lt. Governor Bill Bolling (R-Virginia)

Republicans see the move as blatantly political, designed to force the GOP’s hand and get them to agree to share power.

read and see the full story on NBC12.com.

I will be at the Capitol today for the fireworks. Keep an eye on my twitter feed and for updates here on Decision Virginia.