SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT:

ANOTHER GAIN – FROM AP:   RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democratic leaders in Virginia conceded Friday that Republicans have won control of the House of Delegates.  The Associated Press has not called all of the races yet.  But House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn issued a statement acknowledging the GOP majority shortly after Democratic Del. Martha Mugler conceded defeat in a tight race against Republican challenger A.C. Cordoza in the 91st House district, located in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region. WIth Mugler’s concession, Republicans now expect control over 51 seats in the 100-member chamber.  The concession means Republicans would complete an elections sweep in which they also reclaimed the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. The GOP victory is being seen as a backlash against a Democratic majority that has pushed through a series of progressive reforms over the past two years.  The General Assembly is now split, with Democrats holding a slim 21-19 majority in the Senate. Senators are not up for reelection until 2023.  State legislatures are critically important.  Not only can they enact or reject major programs, they also preside over redistricting, reshaping congressional districts to favor one side or another.  We're halfway there in Virginia.  Now we must work toward a GOP takeover of the Virginia Senate.

November 5,  2021