Apparently Senator Ralph Northam had agreed with Minority Leader Tommy Norment to vote to give Republicans power sharing in the Virginia Senate today.
Before it was announced on the floor and finalized, RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick tweeted about it.
Majority Leader Dick Saslaw adjourned before it could happen.
The Democrats got into a room and pounded into Northam what would happen if he did this.
Northam backed down. (Now everyone hates him, idiot).
JEFF FREDERICK COSTS REPUBLICANS CONTROL OF THE SENATE!
Jeff Frederick: Truly the very best Republican Chairman that Democrats have ever had. It wouldn't shock me if he turns out to be the Kim Philby (there's a reference that should send you kids scurrying to Wikipedia) of Virginia politics. It's hard to conceive that someone could be so incompetent without meaning to be.
Posted by: Larry Sabato's Hairpiece | February 10, 2009 at 03:43 PM
I don't get it...why was Northam even considering doing this?
Posted by: RicJohn | February 10, 2009 at 03:46 PM
It was a dispute with Yvonne Miller over judges in Norfolk.
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 03:47 PM
"Not much debate today. Session adjourned."
Wow. Outsmarted by an intern and Dick Saslaw.
Well done Del Frederick....
Posted by: RacerX | February 10, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Minutes from Senate:
"On motion of Senator Saslaw, the Senate recessed at 10:48 a.m. to reconvene at 11:56 a.m.
The Senate reconvened at 11:56 a.m.
Motion to stand in recess agreed to (21-Y 19-N)
On motion of Senator Saslaw, the Senate recessed at 12:03 p.m. to reconvene at 1:15 p.m.
The Senate reconvened at 1:15 p.m.
On motion of Senator Saslaw, the Senate recessed at 1:16 p.m. to reconvene at 2:15 p.m.
The Senate reconvened at 2:15 p.m.
Republican committee reports withdrawn"
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 03:50 PM
NLS
You are wrong about everybody hating Northam. The Caucus still loves him.
Posted by: The Rule of 21 | February 10, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Yeah, I am sure they LOVE him for cutting a deal with Republicans and then getting scared and backing down. He will be the must trusted member of the caucus now. (end snark).
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 03:59 PM
anon 3:53 pm
don't speak too soon
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:05 PM
From what I'm hearing, it doesn't seem that Northam was actually looking to leave the caucus. It's a more specific issue.
Posted by: Joel McDonald | February 10, 2009 at 04:18 PM
I've heard the same as Joel. That Northam was never leaving. So, Ben..good story you broke.
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:21 PM
The "First Democrat to be Primaried Award" goes to...
Posted by: Kevin | February 10, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Word is Frederick did NOT screw this up and it was public in GA before he posted. Kaine simply made him offer he coudln't refuse and he changed his mind. Frederick will get blamed though and I can't say I mind.
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Ben:
Saslaw knew of the possibility of Northam not leaving the caucus, but of Northam voting for certain chairmanships to change Partisan hands while still remaining in the Dem Senate Caucus. During today's emergency Dem Caucus meeting, Saslaw brought in our Part Time Governor Kaine to cut the deal with Northam to not vote to change certain Committee Chairmanships. My reports indicate that Yvonne Miller has been way, way out line on several judgship issues and that was mainly the source of consternation within Northam. It appears that it is Yvonne Miller that is actually causing the Dems problems, not Northam. Kaine didn't threaten Northam or else Northam would already be caucuing with the GOP. So a deal was cut with Northam, the Caucus Majority, and Kaine to box in Yvonne Miller on certain issues. That is the best Intel I have....
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I love stupid mistakes, they make the day that much more enjoyable. The weirdest thing about this is: What democratic operative noticed J. Fred's twitter, and got the news to D. Saslaw?
A post demanding removal of J. Fred will be posted by LI at tooconservative within 24 hours . . .
Posted by: Reston Libertarian | February 10, 2009 at 04:33 PM
Saslaw knew ahead of today, so this NOT happening was NOT as a result of leakage from J-FRED...though I would love for him to take a smack for it, it is not accurate. Saslaw got the jump either a week or more ago.
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Rumors of this had gone around for a while, but it was Frederick's tweet that alerted Saslaw that it was happening today.
Look at the minutes above. Republicans thought this was so done, they had filed new committee reports, with an additional GOP member on every committee. They had to withdraw it.
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Here's the truth.
http://roanokevalleyrepublicans.blogspot.com/2009/02/did-jeff-frederick-cost-republicans.html
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Ben:
Saslaw chose today to act because he knew it was going to go down today. Saslaw had advance knowledge of the act, a few weeks advance notice at that.
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:41 PM
OK Jeff. Thanks.
Here's what others think:
http://coldfury.com/?p=13024
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 04:48 PM
National Review blames it on Jeff also:
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZDgxZjYwMGNmNjlmNmE0ZTI1MDVmNDFlZmQ0M2IxYWE=
Posted by: notlarrysabato | February 10, 2009 at 04:49 PM
What offer did Northam get that he couldn't refuse????
Posted by: Mack | February 10, 2009 at 04:51 PM
The whole thing arose out of judgeships and the management of a couple of committees. Northam's concerns have been resolved.
Posted by: | February 10, 2009 at 04:59 PM
The comments blaming Yvonne are way out of line and just shows ignornce on the part of those commenting. There is peace in thee Caucus. I am sure its fun for you all to gossip. But you have no clue as to what you are talking about
Posted by: The Rule of 21 | February 10, 2009 at 05:13 PM
This whole thing is still odd to me. Random sources on here claim that judgeship issues created this conflict? However, it has to be more than that. I have never heard of any public friction between Northam and and Y. Miller. What is so contentious that has created this so-called conflict? The vague (and anonymous) insinuations by some of the posters on here are a bit annoying.
Posted by: RicJohn | February 10, 2009 at 05:17 PM
And by the way for those of you who are guessing about a rule change or a change in committee member ship..that calls for a rule change which takes 2/3rds...
Posted by: The Rule of 21 | February 10, 2009 at 05:17 PM