Since 2001, Republicans in Virginia have controlled both houses of the state legislature. They’ve used that power to full advantage. In a state which is rapidly turning blue, only three of the eleven congressional seats are held by Democrats. In fact, when the GOP redistricted, they diluted African American voting strength so egregiously that voters sued, claiming that the plan violated the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
Their grip on power could be loosening.
Early next month, voters in Virginia will go to the polls to elect members of the State Senate who will draw the lines for Congressional districts after the 2010 Census. Although Republicans hold a solid majority in the House of Delegates, they control the State Senate by only a few seats. Democrats need to defeat only four incumbent Republicans to take control of the chamber.
People For the American Way Action Fund has targeted four State Senate races that will determine the leadership of the upper house of the legislature and change the map for future races. All four are within striking distance of defeating incumbent Republicans and ensuring that the GOP doesn’t hold all the cards when it comes to redistricting.
• In District 6, Dr. Ralph Northam -- a candidate with strong progressive credentials -- is running against right-wing incumbent Senator Nick Rerras, who has reportedly attributed mental illness to demonic possession.
• In District 34 -- a district that voted for the Democratic candidate in the last two gubernatorial elections and Jim Webb for U.S. Senate -- Democrat Chap Peterson is taking on anti-choice, Republican incumbent Jeannemarie Devolites Davis.
• In District 37, Fairfax County School Board Member -- and solid progressive -- Janet Oleszek is trying to unseat Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, a rabid right-winger.
• In District 39, progressive George Barker is working to advance his vision of political change for Virginia by unseating Republican Senator Jay O'Brien.
You may not be able to give a lot, but because State Senate races are fought out door to door and not on the airwaves, it doesn’t take much to make a big difference. (And think of how much money you’ll save when Democrats don’t have to face an uphill battle in big races in 2012!)
Support candidates who can change the map in Virginia!
Whether you live in Virginia or Hawaii, the outcome of these races will affect your government. If we work together, we can’t just win federal races today, we can actually start winning them tomorrow.
Mary Jean Collins is Political Director of the People For the American Way Action Fund.