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Virginia political observers say state Democrats have a chance of winning control of the Senate next month. One of the key races is between Senate incumbent Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R) (left) and Chap Petersen (D), a former House of Delegates member from Fairfax. (Davis photo by Steve Helber/AP; Peterson photo by Steve Helber/AP)
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HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
By: ELIZABETH PERRY COMMENTS
 
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even the worst homophobes, voted for Del. David Englin’s [D-45] Hospital Visitation Rights Bill,” he said.
Osborne said party affiliation is “extremely important” in this election season, since Democratic candidates tend to be more supportive on gay issues. He said that while Devolites Davis and Petersen may appear similar on gay issues, Devolites Davis voted for the marriage amendment while Petersen voted against it.
“[Devolites Davis] is about the best Republican there is on a lot of the issues,” he said. “But her first vote in the session to put the down-state homophobic Republicans in charge will wipe out the rest of the good she can do.”
Delegate David Englin’s hospital visitation bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support when it passed in February. (Photo courtesy of davidenglin.org) |
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Devolites Davis said if the Democrats win the majority of Senate seats, it will happen by such a slim margin it won’t make a difference. She said voters should pay attention to the individuals being elected, not party affiliation.
“I was happy to serve as the chief sponsor of the bill that would put into the statute what is currently in practice by the governor’s executive order,” she told the Blade this week. “That the state government cannot discriminate in its hiring practices based on sexual orientation. I am happy to sponsor that legislation again in the upcoming session.”
Bipartisan gay group Equality Virginia doesn’t make endorsements but does support candidates its leaders feel will back gay legislation. Director Dyana Mason declined to comment for this story. Equality Virginia donations have favored Democrats over Republicans, though, with 82 percent of its donations since 2005 going to Democrats while GOP candidates got 14 percent.
Petersen said that if his party secures Senate control, Virginians can expect a “climate change” with more progressive legislation making it through, especially around gay issues.
“It means there will be less defense being played and more offense,” he said.
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