The Fairfax Democratic Senator and the Fairfax Democratic Delegate that authored the respective assault weapon ban legislation have both announced for the Democratic nomination in the proposed lobster-shaped 7th District. The two chief patrons of the assault weapons ban legislation have already been joined by an Arlington Democratic Delegate and a former Democratic First Lady of the Commonwealth in the district that would twist and turn from the Pentagon along the Potomac all the way to the Rockbridge County line.
Voters have until Tuesday, April 21 to vote on the proposed “10-1” gerrymander maps that authors say will guarantee 10-1 Democratic delegation, but the assault weapon ban authors and other Democrats are already eagerly pursuing their golden tickets to Congress. Voters may cast their vote at the local registrar’s office Monday Saturday until April 18 or at their regular precinct on Tuesday, April 21.
Budget Stalemate Continues
The budget stalemate between Virginia Senate Democrats and the Virginia House Democrats continues. The budget was supposed to pass by March 14, but General Assembly Democratic leaders decided to wait until after their referendum to consider a possible compromise on schools and law enforcement spending decisions. The entire General Assembly is scheduled to meet for a budget special session on April 23, but as of this column, there has been no announcement of any actual compromise.
April 22 Reconvene Session
Although Governor Spanberger has not yet announced her decisions on the gun legislation or any amendments for the other 1,121 bills on her desk, the General Assembly is also planning to meet on April 22 to consider any amendments or vetoes. Governor Spanberger campaigned on a platform of bipartisanship and now has 238 bills on her desk that passed the Virginia Senate on strict party line votes. Hopefully she will be willing to use her amendment and veto pen to put some of the bipartisan rhetoric into practice.
In addition to casting their ballots in the April 21 referendum, it’s critical that Virginians share their views on all the legislation that is being considered. As always, calling 540-302-8486 and emailing David@Suetterlein.com are great ways to reach me.
