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By JOHN GOOLRICK
Rappahannock New* Special Writer
Even in its present state of division and low finances, the Virginia Republican Party has its best opportunity for a comeback since its downhill slide started in the late 1970s.
The Great Political God Demographics and the fiscal shambles wreaked by Democrats and the recession give the GOP a fighting chance to take control of the House of Delegates within the next few elections and a good shot at statewide offices in 1993.
But there are shadows still hovering over the rays of sunshine glimpsed by Republicans - the shadows of redistricting, internal bickering and up to now a dearth of viable candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general two years hence.
Quite naturally, Republicans in general and GOP state legislators in particular are giving first priority to legislative redistricting that takes place in April. The new House of Delegates and Senate boundaries will make and break careers and determine what, if any, chance the party has of making further inroads in the General Assembly. While Democrats control the process and can gerrymander to their heart’s content, the continuing shift of population and power away from inner cities and rural areas to the suburbs should favor Republicans.
It is unrealistic to suppose the GOP could somehow get a majority in the House of Delegates this year. But if it can maintain its present strength or increase it by one or two delegates, that chance will remain alive for the 1990s, particularly if the party can once again find a statewide ticket with broad voter appeal.
That task, however, won’t be an easy one. Unlike the last few times around, there are no strong GOP contenders beating the bushes and eating rubber chicken around the state in search of a statewide nomination in 1993.
Even those who have expressed some interest in running, such as Del. George Allen Jr. for attorney general, are taking a wait and see what develops attitude. That is understandable since Allen must first retain his legislative seat before beginning any intense effort to expand his horizons.
Marshall Coleman, who has lost twice as the party’s gubernatorial standard bearer, probably couldn’t
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