A Republican House Divided?

By: Chris Guy
Published On: 11/12/2007 10:52:55 PM

The GOP may still have control of the House of Delegates; but since William Howell (R-28) has taken over as Speaker, their majority has decreased by 11 seats. That's what Del. Robert Marshall (R-13) will argue when he forces a debate this Sunday on the possibility of replacing Howell.
"There could be some fireworks," Marshall said of the caucus meeting, which is to be held at Republican Party headquarters in Richmond. "I intend to raise questions about the flawed policy that put us in this circumstance."
But even if many in the Republican caucus agree, that new leadership is needed, they need to come up with a much better messenger than Crazy Bob Marshall. That's what an anonymous GOP insider told the Washington Post's Tim Craig, and I'm inclined to agree.

Oh, and while we're on the subject of Marshall...guess who voted for his anti-abortion amendment that (thankfully) went down in defeat last January? Why, none other than "moderate" Del. Rob Wittman (R-99). Forgit for Congress


Comments



Crazy Bob (Eric - 11/12/2007 11:31:25 PM)
Actually, having an extremist like Marshall leading the way might be a good thing for us.  With Democratic control of the Senate and Kaine as Governor it's unlikely that Marshall could do much real damage.  His extremist agenda would further underscore that the GOP represents a minority of theocrats, xenophobes, and big business interests while espousing a hard-line anti-tax stance that defines irresponsible government.  He'd lock in 25% to 30% of the vote but that would be about it.


Oh, I completely agree (Chris Guy - 11/12/2007 11:40:37 PM)
Bob's a trainwreck. But no matter how unhappy they might be with Howell, I just don't think they're dumb enough to replace him with Marshall.


Howell is busy... (CADeminVA - 11/12/2007 11:49:45 PM)
Sticking his nose into School Board elections in Stafford County. First, he lends he endorsement to write-in candidate Price Jett Jr. and helps bankroll Jett's big-budget high-stakes strongarm effort. Then, when Jett falls short at the polls, Howell writes a letter to the State Board of Elections requesting that the canvass be delayed five days! This is so "the will of the people" can be given time to work! When that tack fails, he gets on a conference call with the SBE and the Stafford BE and tries to browbeat them into allowing such an illegal maneuver. When it is pointed out to him that by statute the canvass cannot be delayed, he finally backs down and Patricia Mancini's victory is certified.

WTF is the Speaker of the House of Delegates doing getting involved in a supposedly non-partisan School Board race? I bet if Marshall gets wind of this, it could go surprisingly badly for Mr. Howell.