Black delegates tempted by Virginia GOP’s Senate map

[Freddie Stubbs]

RICHMOND — At least two black House Democrats say they might vote for the GOP’s surprise Virginia Senate redistricting plan, a move that could make it easier for Republican Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and House Speaker William J. Howell to find their way out of a sticky political quandary.

Dels. Onzlee Ware (Roanoke) and Rosalyn R. Dance (Petersburg) told The Washington Post on Wednesday that they are considering the plan, which would create a new majority-black district in Southside but also disperse black voting power in at least eight other districts.

The likely outcome would be to elect a sixth black senator but also to diminish the overall power of Democrats in the now evenly split Senate.

“Here’s an opportunity where I can actually have a great impact on African Americans, yet at the same time, it doesn’t help the entire Democratic Party,” Ware said. “Should I always have to forgo the interests of black people for the good of the party? .?.?. I have a real dilemma on my hands right now.”

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/black-delegates-tempted-by-gops-senate-map/2013/01/30/7612e074-6b0a-11e2-ada3-d86a4806d5ee_story.html?wprss=rss_politics

[atreides1]

1. Limited Impact is more like it

What good is sixth black senator, if your party will never be able to get anything passed or even considered...someone with connections to both of these senators needs to explain what the definition of the term Pyrrhic Victory is.

They get one senator but lose voting power in eight districts...and no power in the legislature...what a wonderful idea!

[pscot]

2. But if it gives THEM an election lock

who cares. We've seen this play out just this way in other states.

[obxhead]

3. Face

meet palm.

I simply can not believe this. This move will make VA revert to a guaranteed 13 electoral votes in Presidential races for many decades to come.

Why hand over so much power in what would effectively be a permanent nature?