Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - A Virginia political expert says the retirement of several long-time legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax) and Senator Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R-James City), is unlikely to impact compromise at the State Capitol. James Madison University's Robert Roberts says compromise was already very difficult before this latest wave of retirements.
Roberts says the polarization in Richmond now parallels the polarization in Washington and elsewhere. He says the compromise and negotiations of Senators John Chichester (R-Fredericksburg) and Senator Walter Stotsch (R-Henrico) are long-gone. Roberts says the blocs do not want compromise anymore, and with few competitive districts, there is little incentive for it.
Along with Saslaw and Norment, State Senator John Edwards (D-Roanoke) has announced he is not running. Senator Janet Howell (D-Fairfax) may also retire. In the House, Delegate Ken Plum (D-Fairfax), Del. Rob Bell (R-Albemarle) and Del. Kathy Byron (R-Campbell) are all calling it quits.
