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By DAN LOWREY
Capital Newt Service
Gov. George Allen wanted Tuesday’s election to be a referendum on his policies. Tuesday night, Democrats said voters gave it to him.
“They didn’t want to give that man a blank check,” House Speaker Thomas Moss announced to a jubilant crowd at the Richmond Mariott. “They wanted somebody looking over his shoulder, and let me tell you, we will be there to do it.”
Earlier this year, Democrats successfully thwarted Gov. Allen’s attempt to cut $92 million from the state education budget and cut other state programs. Gov. Allen called Democrats “obstructionists” and asked the voters for a Republican majority to pass his policies.
But the voters chose otherwise.
Democrats maintained a 53 to 46 lead over Republicans for control of the House of Delegates but lost several seats in the state Senate. There, Republicans finished in a dead heat with Democrats with 20 seats apiece.
Lt. Gov. Don Beyer will be the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
Mr. Beyer, appearing optimistic early on, resounded a conciliatory tone towards Republicans. No matter what the outcome, he said, “the best legislation is made with Democrats and Republicans together.”
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