Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling said today that there are no constitutional limitations on his ability to vote on State Senate organizational matters, including the election of Senate leaders and committee chairs and members.
“I recognize that senators on both sides of the aisle may be disappointed with my conclusions, albeit for entirely different reasons. However, throughout my service as lieutenant governor, I have tried to preside over the Senate in a fair and impartial manner, and I will continue to do so,” said Bolling, announcing that he intends to vote on such matters to break tie votes as necessary.
Senate Democrats have been trying to put public pressure on Bolling to back away from voting on matters involving Senate organization. The November elections left the chamber equally divided with 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats seated in the 40-member legislative chamber.
Democratic leaders are also attempting to deal with the impasse through a legal challenge, though it doesn’t seem likely that the effort to use the courts to resolve the dispute will work in their favor.
“I have taken a solemn oath to uphold the Constitution of Virginia, which allows us to faithfully serve the people who elected us to our offices,” Bolling said. “I believe that what I have outlined above is a correct and impartial interpretation and application of the Constitution of Virginia, and therefore, I will act accordingly on any matters that come before the Senate.”
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