Democrats win control of the Virginia Senate (probably)

[hfojvt]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/democrats-win-state-senate-seat-in-northern-virginia--and-perhaps-control-of-the-chamber/2014/01/21/6a0eecac-829a-11e3-8099-9181471f7aaf_story.html

"Democrats remained on course to take control of the Virginia Senate after winning a key special election Tuesday, as thousands of Northern Virginia voters braved snow and bitter winds to cast ballots in an unusual, three-way contest."

Kinda surprised at this though

"new Gov. Terry McAuliffe, as the Democrat pursues an agenda, particularly the expansion of Medicaid, that Republicans strongly oppose."

McAuliffe pursuing an agenda of expanding Medicaid.

And it sure did help that Republicans were split. Too bad there wasn't a tea party candidate in Norfolk.

[Mass]

1. Was the recount adjudicated?

[elleng]

3. Sounds like still uncertain.

'The race to replace Northam in his former Senate district, which is based in Norfolk and also leans Democratic, remains undecided. Del. Lynwood W. Lewis (D-Accomack) was certified the winner of a special election by just nine votes, prompting Republican Wayne Coleman on Thursday to request a recount.'

Headline misleading. This, from article, more accurate: Democrats win state Senate seat in Northern Virginia — and perhaps control of the chamber.

[Mass]

6. Thanks...

[FSogol]

4. This was another special election held yesterday in a snow storm in Loudon and parts of Fairfax Cnty

The democrat, Jennifer Wexton kicked butt over a Repub and a Repub running as an independent.

Republicans claimed Wexton was a tax and spend liberal and "not a natural blonde" (not kidding).

[Mass]

5. I know, but as elleng said, the title is misleading.

In order to win the Senate, Dems have to win the seat that is being recounted. It would be great, obviously, but it is not yet certain.

[FSogol]

7. We will win the recount, since there were no paper ballots in that area.

They will only recount the totals from each precinct.

[jeff47]

11. Not really.

Lose the recount and the senate is split 20-20, with the Democratic Lt. Gov. casting the tie breaking vote.

[hfojvt]

12. that's what I thought at first too

but I think I misread that.

That it will only be 20-20 if we win the recount, otherwise it will be 19-21.

[hrmjustin]

2. Good news!

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. Isn't there a recount underway to determine control? Your headline doesn't account for that.

[hfojvt]

9. true, I misread the article

I thought that even losing the recount would leave things tied 20-20, but I guess we need to win the recount as well.

Dang, if only there was a 3rd party candidate in Norfolk.

9 votes is too darned close.

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. I couldn't agree more. However, even if it's two votes, I think the recount will give us control.