Some print and online versions of this story said that Democrats gained two Senate seats in Hampton Roads by defeating Republican Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and candidate J.K. "Jay" O'Brien. Davis and O'Brien competed for seats in Fairfax.
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Kaine Hails 'Balance' in New Political Landscape
At top, state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and her husband, Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, turn out to vote at a Vienna church. Above, her challenger, J.C. "Chap" Petersen, greets voters outside a polling site. Petersen was leading Davis in early returns.
(Photos By Linda Davidson -- The Washington Post)
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"Nothing's off the table," said Kaine, including repealing the controversial fees on bad drivers.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]The changes in power mean Northern Virginia will gain influence in the General Assembly. At least six Northern Virginia Democrats could become committee chairmen, including Sen. Charles J. Colgan (D-Prince William), who is in line to lead the Finance Committee.
The change in the overall dynamic of the Senate, however, might not be that noticeable. Moderate Republicans have controlled the Senate for the past seven years. And because several conservatives were replaced by Democrats in Tuesday's elections, many analysts predict Senate Democrats and Republicans will work closely together.
But House Republicans now become the party's dominant voice in government and will play a critical role in helping the party develop a plan to attempt a comeback before the 2009 governor's race. "With the House acting as the lead, they can stop bad things and be a firewall, or they can be the one that generates new ideas for Virginia," said Cantor, a former delegate.
Either way, the party will remain divided as moderates and conservatives jockey for power.
"The state Republican Party is not going to change, and I don't think they are going to have a majority in the House after the next election," said John T. "Til" Hazel Jr., a prominent Northern Virginia business leader and Republican who has been disenchanted with the conservative wing of his party for years. "They have completely failed to understand Virginia is changing, and they are destroying it."
Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax), who ran unopposed this year, said he's not worried about losing the House in 2009. "We still have an eight-seat majority," he said. "They will never take the majority. Never."
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