Kaine pushes voting, redistricting bills

By: Tyler Whitley | Times-Dispatch
Published: February 03, 2009

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine renewed his push yesterday for no-excuse absentee voting and for bipartisan redistricting.

Flanked by members of the business community and legislators from both parties, Kaine said he hoped strong votes in the Senate would provide momentum to change the House of Delegates' opposition to the two proposals.

"Pressure is building," Kaine said.

The Senate voted 39-0 yesterday for a bill to create a bipartisan panel to redraw legislative districts after the 2010 census. It voted 31-8 for a bill to extend absentee-voting privileges to people 65 or older.

More than 320,000 people, using 17 excuses listed in state law, voted early on Nov. 4.

A Republican-dominated House of Delegates subcommittee has recommended against no-excuse absentee voting and bipartisan redistricting. The matter still can be brought up before the full House Committee on Privileges and Elections, but the GOP-dominated committee is not likely to do so.

Del. Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry County, the House Democratic leader, suggested the bills could be sent to the House floor for a vote by way of the Rules Committee. Because districts have been drawn in such partisan fashion, legislators have trouble getting anything done, he said, citing transportation.

At a news conference, Kaine devoted most of his attention to bipartisan redistricting.

By the end of the year, after elections for governor and the House of Delegates, the two parties will know which party will be in control of redistricting in 2011, he said. Now, when there is uncertainty, is the best time to act, he added.

Currently, Democrats control the Senate 21-19, so they will be in charge of redistricting in that body. Republicans control the House 53-45 with two independents who usually vote with the GOP. But the party's hold is tenuous, and all 100 seats will be filled this fall.

Kaine pointed out that whoever is governor in 2011 will have great powers, including veto authority, over the redistricting process.

"With the next redistricting just around the corner, my proposal ensures that the electorate chooses their elected leaders; not the other way around," said Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, sponsor of the redistricting bill the Senate passed.

Deeds, one of three Democrats seeking the nomination to run for governor, promised that if he is elected he would adopt bipartisan redistricting.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.