It's time to discuss what happens if --IF-- the Virginia House of Delegates ends up split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats.
Because a tie in the VA House isn't looking insane.
#FunFact: A tie last happened in the Virginia House in 1998
Anyway, in the event of a VA House tie, power sharing ensues.
Power sharing is a fancy way of saying that all the major committees are split evenly with co-chairs from each party.
But who becomes House Speaker? That's a tougher question. In 1998, Demorats used some parliamentary maneuvers to elect a Democratic Speaker. Then they did the power-sharing thing.
... after the House's lone Independent began caucusing with Republicans the day after the Democratic Speaker was elected, officially resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber.
Anyway, if there's a split in the VA House after tonight, things are gonna get crazy interesting. Rs might try to elect a Speaker before seating all the Ds.
