General Assembly convenes

Their numbers bolstered by November's elections, Republicans in the General Assembly are ready to flex their muscle.

Their first test comes today when Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling plans to vote with Republicans to break a 20-20 tie to organize the Senate, giving the GOP control of all the committees.

With Republicans turning a deaf ear to Democratic appeals to share power, by evenly dividing committee seats and naming co-chairmen, the Democrats may resort to a lawsuit questioning Bolling's powers. A judge last month declined to rule on the matter, claiming it was premature until the lieutenant governor acts. Yet he might still decline to intervene in the actions of a legislative chamber.

The showdown in the Senate won't be duplicated in the House of Delegates, where Republicans hold 68 of the 100 seats. That staunchly conservative body will undoubtedly be emboldened to press social issues, such as abortion, school prayer and gun control, all of which faced a cool reception in the Senate when Democrats were in control.

The centerpiece of the session, though, is Gov. Bob McDonnell's $85 billion budget. It includes $2.2 billion to shore up the Virginia Retirement System, $100 million more for higher education and diverts to transportation $110 million in sales tax revenue. Critics fault it for taking $800 million in funds for public schools, social services and Medicaid to pay for the pension fix.

While the fight over lifting the moratorium on uranium mining has attracted heavy lobbying, the issue is likely to be tabled until next year.

Although the Democrats are resigned to minority status -- and potential irrelevancy -- they retain a crucial role in adopting the budget, which Bolling admits he is barred from breaking a tie.

The Republicans have pledged to press their advantage in the session. Yet if they overreach, they risk a backlash that could adversely affect former Sen. George F. Allen's Senate quest.