Democrats Savor New Majority Status

"Colgan runs the Finance Committee, but I don't think he wants to run the Senate," Holsworth said. "So Saslaw is charged with being responsible and accountable for the political influences of the majority when he doesn't have the direct influence of the key committee."

For Democrats in economically depressed southwest Virginia, bringing money home for projects is a critical part of their jobs -- and reelection campaigns. Now, some of the newly elected senators from Northern Virginia, including J. Chapman Petersen (D-Fairfax), have said they think too much of Northern Virginia's wealth has been redistributed to other parts of the state.

"Some of us in the rest of Virginia are watching with very attentive interest how Northern Virginia will make their presence felt in the Senate," said Senate Minority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City).

Besides governing, Saslaw and other Senate leaders will have to develop a strategy for maintaining their one-seat majority after the 2011 election. "If Democrats stick together too much, they are going to have a very short majority," said Del. Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott).

Senate Democrats say they are ready for the challenge of governing and holding on to their majority in future elections.

"I don't think we will have any problems putting up 21 votes on the issues that really define the party," said Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Richmond).

K. Clayton Roberts Jr., president and executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education, is not as confident that the various interests among the Senate Democrats won't start clashing.

"I think you will see the beginning of it this year, and next year it will really come to a boil," Roberts said. "I think everyone has made up their minds to try to get through this session without too much animosity."