THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 1996 TAG: 9611120013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 50 lines
As a territory that sits well to the west of Hampton Roads and has its own unique character and philosophy, the 5th Congressional District is rarely a source of vital interest in South Hampton Roads.
But the results of last week's election there could have long-term consequences for all Virginia, including the southeastern metropolises.
The reason is that Democrat Virgil Goode, who was elected to the 5th District seat in Congress, will be giving up a state Senate seat to head for Washington. If his successor is a Democrat, the 20-20 split between Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate will remain intact.
But if a Republican wins, the Senate will tilt to the GOP - a first for either legislative chamber in modern times. The long-anticipated Republican breakthrough in Richmond will have occurred.
If that happens, Democrats who grumbled about Goode's insistence on a power-sharing arrangement between the two parties last winter will be obliged to thank him for his foresight. The plan, which is supposed to be in effect until the next legislative elections in 1999, guarantees each party a certain number of committee chairmanships.
Without that agreement, a Republican victory in the 20th Senatorial District - which includes Martinsville and all or part of the counties of Floyd, Patrick, Franklin, Henry and Carroll - would prompt wholesale revamping of committee chairmanships and memberships.
Of course, Republicans may find some excuse for ditching the power-sharing treaty. Even if they don't, the GOP will get to enjoy an absolute majority on the Senate floor and the knowledge that it has scored a major symbolic advance.
The philosophical bent of the Senate might not change much, since Goode was a conservative who frequently voted with Republicans on issues. But on procedural, party-line votes - which often can affect the outcome of legislation - Republicans will have a clear upper hand.
The result is that far more than average attention and resources will be concentrated by both parties on the upcoming contest. Likely nominees are two state delegates - Republican Allen Dudley, a banker from Rocky Mount, and Democrat Roscoe Reynolds, a lawyer from Ridgeway.
Both men are popular, pro-tobacco, anti-gun-control conservatives. The battle is likely to be more personal than philosophical, fought out precinct by precinct in a region where familial and partisan loyalties are fierce.
Historically, the 20th is Yellow Dawg Democrat territory. But such districts increasingly are in the front lines of the GOP's southern advance.
Virginians elsewhere will have to watch from the sidelines, musing from afar about their relative impotence in an election of historic import. by CNB