Virginia's Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling came into the spotlight after the election this month left the Virginia Senate equally divided with 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats. As presiding officer of the Senate, Bolling can cast a tiebreaking vote on most legislation. Democrats are threatening a lawsuit over who has control of the chamber - something that has never been tested in court.
Here is a look at the Office of Lieutenant Governor:
Tenure
Unlike the governor who cannot succeed himself, the Section 13 of the Virginia constitution permits the lieutenant governor to seek re-election an unlimited number of times. Bolling has held the position since 2006. He serves as acting governor when the governor is out of the state or incapacitated and would assume the governorship should the holder be removed from office, die or resign.
Presiding Officer
Like most other lieutenant governors in the United States, the Virginia lieutenant governor serves as the presiding officer of the state Senate. Unlike other states, Bolling actually presides over most sessions of the Senate. He may cast a tie-breaking vote, but the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that there is no precedent of a lieutenant governor casting a vote on appropriations or court appointments. Republicans in the new Senate contend they have the majority by counting Bolling's tie-breaking vote. According to a report by the Washington Post, several Virginia Democrats are considering a court challenge to Bolling's ability to determine a majority. At stake are the composition of various Senate committees where Democrats will seek equal representation.
Job Creation
Under the direction of Gov. Bob McDonnell, the task of creating new jobs for Virginians was assigned to the lieutenant governor's office. As the chairman of the Governor's Commission on Economic Development and Job Creation, Bolling works with public and private sector entities to add jobs to the Virginia economy. According his official website, more than 630 economic deals have been closed since January 2010, creating nearly 40,000 new jobs and bringing over $4 billion in capital to the commonwealth.
Governor-in-Training
Because Virginia governors are limited to one term in a row, the lieutenant governor is frequently the leading candidate to replace a sitting governor in the next election. The Washington Post reported that Bolling is interested in running for governor in 2013, but Bolling has made no such announcement. Commonwealth Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli also is rumored to be considering a bid.
Dan McGinnis is a freelance writer, published author and former newspaper publisher. He has been a candidate, campaign manager and press secretary for state and local political campaigns for more than 30 years.
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