Virginia’s Senate Democrats threw a tantrum today, blocking all business in the upper chamber over a dispute on judicial elections. For a time, all business was brought to a halt. But now, there seems to be at least a bit of movement [1]:
Both house have agreed to postpone consideration of judicial appointments until Thursday. So normal legislative business will resume this afternoon, a little behind schedule.
Senate Democrats haven’t budged from their position on judicial vacancies. They only want to hold a vote on 47 incumbent judges who are up for reappointment. They don’t want to vote on filling two vacant judgeships — posts that would be filled by former House members Clay Athey, R-Front Royal, and Clarence “Bud” Phillips. D-Dickenson County.
We can argue whether the General Assembly should be electing judges (I think not). We can discuss whether slamming the breaks on all Senate business — during a budget year — serves to burnish or tarnish the Democrats’ image.
But one thing that’s beyond doubt? The session is barely underway, and it’s already had more fireworks than any gathering since 2004.