The Republican Party of Virginia is in a state of transition. Several of its local leaders have resigned, and the party is currently looking for a new chairman.
Ever since Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart won the statewide primary for U.S. Senate, the Republican Party of Virginia has been in a state of transition. Now two warring factions of the party are trying to seize control. Republican analyst Dan Scandling says the conflict is nothing new.
“You had the same battle with Oliver North. You had the same battle with Ken Cuccinelli. It’s a long-standing, long-running arch-conservative versus the quote-unquote establishment conservative.”
Democrats are also having a battle for power right now, as a faction of the House Democratic Caucus is trying to install a new minority leader. But Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett says there’s a big difference between the two.
“The Democrats are definitely in a state of transition. I think you are seeing the activists, the next generation, move in. But it’s always easier to be in transition when you’re winning elections.”
Republicans haven’t won a statewide election since Bob McDonnell was elected governor in 2009. And last year, the party lost 15 seats in the House of Delegates.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
