GOP's Compromise Now Democrats' Dilemma

They sparred for about an hour. On one side were Sens. Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City), Kenneth Stolle (R-Virginia Beach) and Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico). On the other were Del. M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights) and House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem).

Senators described the delegates as always wanting to put politics ahead of policy. The delegates countered that senators were unconcerned with the political impact of their sometimes unpopular tax positions.

"In all fairness, I don't think any of us thought it would work," Griffith said in an interview.

But the exchanges never devolved into a shouting match like the ones that have taken place in the library room of the Appropriations Committee during recent budget negotiations.

By the end of the two-hour meeting, spirits were high, and they scheduled another gathering 10 days later. McDonnell wrapped up the first meeting by suggesting they have a drink to their success. An aide wheeled in a cart with some beer on ice.

But before they left, the attorney general warned them that finding a compromise on transportation would be nearly impossible once the legislative session started in January. There would be too many committee meetings and carping from all sides.

"You have 35 days," McDonnell warned them.

'A Gun to Our Heads'

Finding a compromise was like putting together the pieces to a complicated puzzle.

By early January, the jigsaw was beginning to fall into place. Delegates had agreed to some fee increases. Senators had agreed to some borrowing. Both sides conceded that neither would get everything it wanted. But it seemed like every time one piece stuck, another would fall out. It was driving the lawmakers a bit batty.

"There were lots of moments when I thought it was not going to happen," Griffith said of the deal. "The one thing that didn't ever happen -- no one ever stormed out mad. No one ever said, . . . 'I'm leaving.' "

Chief among the group's concerns were the views of their respective leaders, who had each been invited but had chosen not to attend the negotiations.

The delegates by then included Caucus Chairman Terry Kilgore, twin brother of former Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, who lost the 2005 gubernatorial race to Kaine. They regularly informed House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) of their progress -- or lack of it.