Comments on: The Worst Thing the General Assembly Did This Year

By: Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 02:06:31 +0000

John — At least theoretically, either caucus could vote to bind. We might have done that to uphold the Governor\’s vetoes, for example. But we never did — it takes longer (Lord knows) to get consensus, but we have not asked people to vote against their districts.

ZB, apparently the Republicans asked for the ability to appoint people to committees when the Democrats were in charge. Democrats said no (although in part I have heard that was because they were afraid Jim Dillard would be yanked off Education, but face it–having the power to appoint is pretty heady stuff). So when the shoe was on the other foot …

By: ZB

ZB — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:47:17 +0000

How COULD the Democrats have a similar binding vote policy? They are in the minority and in Virginia (I think this is ridiculous) the Speaker picks committee assignments for BOTH his party AND the minority. As such, the ONLY non-Republicans on the conference committee that decided on the budget were an “Independent” who votes with the Republicans and Johnny Joannou, the ONLY Democrat to vote against Governor Warner’s tax reform bill. I hope when the Democrats tax back the House of Delegates, they will be more magninimous and allow Minority Leader Griffith to pick committee assignments for the Republicans.

By: John

John — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:31:34 +0000

Does the Democratic caucus have a similar binding vote policy? (I guess it wouldn’t have much effect until the voters wake up and fire GOP delegates who vote against children and other helpless people)

By: Vivian J. Paige

Vivian J. Paige — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:42:40 +0000

Yes, I guess that would have a way of keeping people in line.

By: Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:08:26 +0000

It’s much easier to be yanked off a committee now. That has a way of enforcing discipline.

By: Vivian J. Paige

Vivian J. Paige — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 02:05:38 +0000

Del. Amundson – can you explain a bit more about the “consequences for breaking with the Caucus after a vote to bind” yo refer to?

By: James E. Martin

James E. Martin — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 01:41:40 +0000

Didnâ€™t they just get rid of the decal tax on cars… maybe reinstate it on an interim basis?

By: Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 01:19:45 +0000

Not sure they can. This happened after the county had adopted its budget for the next fiscal year.

By: James E. Martin

James E. Martin — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:03:30 +0000

Good Lord… I hope the county will just pick up the tab…