Republicans Shake Up Senate, Petersen

Last Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly convened for its 2012 legislative session. Though much of the first week is routine — swearing in legislators, assigning lawmakers to committees — this year's start had a spark to it, as the Republicans used Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's role as Senate president to seize control in an evenly split chamber, despite protestations from the Democrats.

The Republicans, led by majority leader Thomas Norment (R-3rd District), stacked the Senate committees with legislators of their own party, giving them not just all the chairmanships but also majorities in 10 of the 11 committees — despite Senate rules that call for committees to reflect the party proportions.

The committee shakeup had a direct effect on one of Fairfax City's representatives: Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th District) lost his seat on the Courts of Justice committee.

Virginia's Senate has 11 committees that consider bills of a specific nature. The Courts of Justice committee looks at civil, criminal and immigration related legislation. 

Petersen, a lawyer for 18 years and equity partner at Surovell, Petersen, Isaacs & Levy PLC, had served on the committee for the past two sessions.

"Obviously I would have liked to stay on the Courts of Justice committee, where my experience and legal analysis could be best utilized," Petersen said in a statement. "I will continue my efforts to represent the people of Virginia in my other committee assignments."

Petersen's assignments are now the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, General Laws and Technology Committee and Privileges and Elections Committee. He has previously served on all three committees.

Each chamber's committees will begin consideration of proposed legislation today. Click here to see Petersen-proposed legislation.