Virginia Republicans keep control of state Senate

[Paladin]

Another positive story arising out of today's elections.

"Republicans have retained their majority in the Virginia Senate on Tuesday and dealt Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe an electoral blow with a legislature solidly controlled by the GOP heading into his final two years in office.

The Associated Press called the race for the Richmond-area 10th Senate District seat for Republican Glen Sturtevant shortly after 9 p.m. Mr. Sturtevant battled Democrat Dan Gecker in a hotly contested and expensive contest to replace retiring Republican Sen. John C. Watkins in a race that was crucial to Democrats’ chances of retaking control of the upper chamber."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/3/virginia-republicans-keep-control-of-state-senate/

[Formerly Once-Ler]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/mcauliffes-hopes-for-senate-majority-dashed/2015/11/03/95400f9c-826a-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html

The outcome was a blunt rebuke to McAuliffe (D), who had barnstormed the state with 24 events over the past four days and who portrayed the elections as a make-or-break moment for his progressive agenda.

...

Democrats could have taken control by picking up just one seat because of the tie-breaking authority of Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D). But Republicans held all of their seats.

[Paladin]

A different perspective on the VA election: the gun control angle.

"Bloomberg was hoping to capitalize on the tragic shooting of two Virginia TV reporters by a disgruntled newsman earlier this Summer. He pumped millions into the race for two critical state Senate seats. As a result, both Democrats were able to dramatically outspend their Republican rivals.

Bloomberg and his SuperPAC, Everytown for Gun Safety, hoped to show that Democrats could win on the issue of gun control. Also, Gov. McAuliffe had made enacting new restrictions on gun ownership a centerpiece of his campaigning for Democrats around the state.

McAuliffe also campaigned aggressively for expanding Medicaid through ObamaCare and implementing universal preschool. All three issues have been top priorities for McAuliffe’s tenure as governor. Barred from running for reelection, McAuliffe will now face a united Republican legislature for his final two years in office.

His policy agenda, and Bloomberg’s push for gun control, are dead in Richmond. McAuliffe’s inability to deliver the closely divided Senate for Democrats also raises questions of how effective he can be for Hillary Clinton next year. In many ways, this legislative election turned on issues central to her campaign."

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/11/03/bloomberg-mcauliffe-fail-take-virginia-senate/