Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, suggested another factor might be at play: Many of the moderate, Northern Virginia-based Republicans who might be inclined to compromise with Democrats just lost their seats.
“The new Republican caucus with 51 seats is more conservative than the old one was with 66,” Farnsworth said. “Think of the Republicans in Prince William County who would’ve been cross-pressured on transportation or education issues; they’re pretty much gone. It’s a much more rural, conservative caucus now.”
Link to report
Freshmen Democrats struggle for early wins in General Assembly (Inside Nova)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, suggested another factor might be at play: Many of the moderate, Northern Virginia-based Republicans who might be inclined to compromise with Democrats just lost their seats.
“The new Republican caucus with 51 seats is more conservative than the old one was with 66,” Farnsworth said. “Think of the Republicans in Prince William County who would’ve been cross-pressured on transportation or education issues; they’re pretty much gone. It’s a much more rural, conservative caucus now.”
Link to report
