Fred2Blue

Four freshman Senators, Richard Stuart, Jill Vogel, John Miller, and Ralph Northam, have formed the Commonwealth Caucus in the State Senate.

Here’s an excerpt from their press release, courtesy of Vivian Paige:

“We have seen what happens in Washington, D.C., and we see Richmond becoming more like it everyday.  While I firmly believe in the values and principles of the Republican Party, I was elected to serve all the people of the 28th district.  Doing so requires reforming the redistricting process, changing how we elect judges, and then taking this bipartisan spirit to specific issues such as restoring the Chesapeake Bay and protecting our environment,” said  Senator Stuart.  ”These are specific areas where we can and will work together. After all, the most important thing is that we all work together for good government without regard to partisan interests.”

So they’re championing 3 issues: Redistricting, Judical appointments, and Protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Cool.

The address on the Commonwealth Caucus’ logo is P.O. Box 1146 Montross, VA 22520. Yes, that’s in Stuart’s 28th Senate District. Literally in his backyard. I’m sure this is exactly what local Republicans had in mind when they called an emergency meeting back in 2007¹ to figure out how to get rid of John Chichester. Bwahahahahaha!!!

This all sounds great, but let’s be honest…this is a very political move. Stuart and the other 3 Senators here are trying to brand themselves as moderate, post-partisan, problem solvers. That’s the type of image that can get you re-elected in a swing district, or set you up for a run at a higher office.

This is also about power. The Senate is 21-19 in favor of Democrats. Even a group as small as 4 Senators, if they vote as a block, can single-handidly decide whether or not a bill gets passed.

1 The Washington Times, Feb. 7, 2007