Election 2009: For the House

Central Virginia covers about 15 districts in the House of Delegates. Over the years, few have proved competitive. Republicans and Democrats enjoy electoral locks in constituencies designed to suit the interests not of citizens but of politicians. The parties seldom challenge each other. When races occur, the general election results are not close. Nomination in the spring usually translates into victory in the fall.

The process reflects reality and cynicism. Despite hazy professions of independence, most citizens cast ballots reliably for one party or the other. Ticket-splitting happens, and uncentered sorts swing from election to election, yet the typical voter marks his ballot in a predictable manner, year in and year out. If the occasional watershed changes or suspends habits, then watersheds are by definition rare. Gerrymandering exploits these tendencies for partisan purposes. Although it would be impossible to draw maps with competitive districts everywhere, Metro Richmond would experience more vigorous campaigns if redistricting were conducted by an independent commission -- not by partisan hacks whipped by a power-besotted leadership. Gerrymandering dates almost to the Founding. It offends nevertheless.

On Nov. 3, Virginians will go to the polls, drawn primarily by statewide races. When they scan their ballots they will see names not only for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general but also for delegate. The delegates elected next Tuesday -- and we use the term "elected" with mirth -- will confront budgetary dilemmas with profound consequences for public policy and for the commonwealth's quality of life. We have not seen a comprehensive agenda from anyone. Central Virginia has not had a sustained debate on substance. One of the birthplaces of the American experiment has grown anemic. The electorate's tendencies toward disengagement (our polite description for civic illiteracy) do not help.

A recurring question regarding representative government asks whether legislators are elected to exercise their personal judgment (which flows from their character and convictions) or to rubber-stamp the district's wishes. Able politicians strike a balance. Both factors ought to inform campaigns. Special stress falls on the judgmental function. Burke and Tocqueville remain good guides. When deciding an endorsement,

The Times-Dispatch considers a candidate's philosophy, as well as his or her ability to translate ideals into day-to-day action. We avoid litmus tests, and are as interested in why as we are interested in what. Character and personality matter. Skill counts. We admire most of those standing for public service and thank them for the effort.

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Now, some specifics:

Republican Sam Nixon is unopposed in the 27th District; his solid record would make him unbeatable in any case. Republican John Cox won the nomination to succeed Frank Hargrove, a virtual institution in the 55th. A longtime figure in Hanover, Cox will preserve Hargrove's pro-business legacy. Republican Bill Janis anticipates another term in the 56th. Republican Riley Ingram and Democrat Rosalyn Dance are unopposed in the 62nd and 63rd respectively. Although Republican Lee Ware lacks Democratic opposition in the 65th, we would like to express our admiration for one of the thinkers in a body few would mistake for a philosophical lyceum. Republican Kirk Cox is a power and is unopposed in the 66th.

Two years ago we endorsed independent Katherine Waddell in the 68th. Republican Manoli Loupassi defeated her, and has earned a second term. Challenger Bill Grogan makes provocative points, as amiable gadflys are prone to do. Betsy Carr probably won the seat in the 69th vacated by Frank Hall's retirement when she prevailed in the Democratic primary. Her service on the Richmond School Board influences her perspective on education. Republican Ernesto Sampson is an engaging opponent eager to move beyond ideological clichés. Gerrymandering raises his hurdle. In the 70th, Democrat Delores McQuinn made the transition from Richmond City Council to state legislature. The 71st's Jennifer McClellan is a Democratic star, and in recent sessions has contributed Op/Ed columns interpreting the Assembly's debates. She is a favorite. In the 72nd, Republican Jimmie Massie has continued the conservatism expressed by his predecessor, Jack Reid.

If yard signs are any indication, then the 73rd enjoys a spirited contest with Democrat Tom Shields' challenge to John O'Bannon, the Republican incumbent. O'Bannon is a good fit for his district. Our major lament relates to his role in spiking redistricting reform. Shields prefers a nonpartisan approach. If the candidates had split 50-50 on the issues, redistricting would have made the difference. Because he takes the preferred approach to economic development and other policies that have made Virginia the leading state for business, O'Bannon has our nod. We also hope Shields stays politically engaged. Democrat Joe Morrissey belongs to the right party for the 74th. Republican Chris Peace similarly is the proper fit in the 97th. Peace has joined McClellan in contributing columns to our pages. The duo sets an example for civility and good cheer.

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Some sweet day we hope to run an editorial that comments on real races in a dozen districts or more. Our patience is running low.