The Sam Adams Alliance - Building a network for liberty

Virginia Resource Guide

November 13, 2007

Sam Adams State Resource Guides are designed to help citizens get involved in their home state.

Do you have additional information that you'd like to see on this list? Please email your tips to resources@samadamsalliance.org.

Background

Virginia is considered a conservative, low tax, limited government state. The state has consistently voted for the Republican presidential candidate in the last few decades. However, voters also routinely elect Democrats to the Governor’s office. Since 1977, the Governor of Virginia has been of the opposite political party of the President. The state’s U.S. Senate representation is split and there are 8 Republicans and 3 Democrats in the U.S. House.

The General Assembly is the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. It is divided into the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates. There are 100 members of the house who serve 2 yr. terms and 40 member of the Senate who serve 4 yr. terms. As of November 2007, the Democrats gained control of the Senate with a 21-19 majority, which is the first time they have had control in a decade. The Republicans still control the House 54-44 (does not include Independents). There are no term limits on members of the Assembly.

Virginia has a few unique characteristics to its election process. It is one of only 5 states that elect state officials in odd number years—the years following the presidential elections. The Governor can also not be elected to consecutive terms. The Governor can serve multiple times, but may not succeed himself in office.

Issues

Initiative and Referendum

Virginia state law does not allow for citizen or legislative initiative and referendum. There are also no recall provisions for state or local elected officials.

Think Tanks

Virginia Institute for Public Policy
http://www.virginiainstitute.org/

Thomas Jefferson Institute
http://www.thomasjeffersoninst.org/main/main.php

Action Groups

Americans for Prosperity – Virginia
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?state=va

Alexandria Taxpayers United
http://www.atuonline.org/

Arlington County Taxpayer’s Association
http://www.acta.us/

Fairfax County Taxpayer’s Alliance
http://www.fcta.org/

Forward Fairfax
http://www.forwardfairfax.com/

Portsmouth Taxpayer’s Alliance
http://www.portsmouthvatax.org/

Taxpayers for Accountable Government
http://www.loudountaxpayer.com/index.html

Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance
http://www.vbtaxpayer.com/