Picking Name Out Of Bowl Might Determine Fate Of Medicaid Expansion In Virginia
A House of Delegates race in Virginia is drawing national attention because the seat determines if Republicans retain power of the state chamber. The outcome will affect how hot-button issues such as Medicaid expansion play out in the state. The winner for the seat -- the Republican candidate -- was selected on Thursday, but the loser will have an option to request a recount.
The New York Times:
Virginia Official Pulls Republican’s Name From Bowl To Pick Winner Of Tied Race
An official of the Virginia State Board of Elections pulled the name of David Yancey from a blue and white stoneware bowl on Thursday, breaking a tied race that is pivotal to control of the state House of Delegates. The outcome in favor of Mr. Yancey, the Republican incumbent, means that the House remains narrowly in his party’s hands, 51 seats to 49, after a Democratic wave in November propelled by anger at President Trump. ...Virginia Democrats had hoped that under Ralph Northam, the governor-elect and a Democrat, thwarted liberal priorities would break through a logjam of Republican control of both houses of the General Assembly. Expanding Medicaid in the state was high on that list. (Gabriel, 1/4)
Politico:
Medicaid Expansion Fight Looms After Virginia Statehouse Drawing
A showdown over Obamacare's Medicaid expansion pitting Republican lawmakers against Virginia's newly elected governor is almost certain following the GOP victory in a drawing to decide control of the state's House of Delegates. The expected fight in a purple state demonstrates the law's staying power even as a Republican president and Congress work to undo it. (Pradhan, 1/4)
