The first blows have been struck in what may be a years-long civil war between the sane and insane factions of the Virginia Republican Party:
A leader of Republican lawmakers who broke with the party to support tax increases this year has been yanked off a prestigious legislative committee.
Del. L. Preston Bryant Jr., R-Lynchburg, said Wednesday that he was notified two weeks ago of his removal from the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees the state budget. He said House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, did not give a reason for his decision.
The action has sparked rumors that Howell is preparing to oust others, including Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, who broke ranks on the tax issue.
Jones and Bryant co- sponsored a compromise tax plan in the spring, ending an impasse over the state budget which had kept the legislature in session 53 days past its deadline.
- “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” -Napoleon Bonaparte
- “When your opponent is drowning, throw the son of a bitch an anvil.” -James Carville
The latter is my preferred approach.