There have been a lot of laughs amidst the hot topics this year at the Virginia General Assembly. The respected institution has generated plenty of comedy in 2012, some by accident, and others on purpose.
The Virginia General Assembly is the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere. It has survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and counts presidents among its alumni.
It makes you wonder what has happened in 2012.
You’ve seen the late-night jabs taken at Virginia’s expense.
“I love transvaginal. It’s my favorite airline,” said Amy Poehler on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, referring to the heated debate over Virginia requiring ultrasounds before abortions.
But as groups like Saturday Night Live use the Commonwealth as a comedic punching bag, members of General Assembly have decided to make jokes of their own.
“The boys (are) in bed, wife’s here,” said Del. Dave Albo (R-Fairfax) from the House floor. “TV, check.”
Late last week, Albo regaled his colleagues with a story of romancing his wife. It was something that was interrupted by the national coverage of the Virginia legislature.
“The gentleman from Alexandria’s face as big as my wall going ‘trans-ve buh bu buh,” he said in reference to fellow Del. Dave Englin (D-Alexandria).
Note, the use of the word “gentleman.”
On February 8, Del. Scott Surovell, a Democrat from Northern Virginia, stepped to the microphone to debate against the “castle” doctrine, which would allow someone to use deadly force to protect their home.
“I’m a delegate running for office,” he said while describing walking door-to-door during his campaign. Another unidentified member of the House yelled, “SHOOT HIM!”
The back-and-forth led to hearty laughs from both Republicans and Democrats.
Watch both videos below:
More from Ryan Nobles:
- Buying a Voice: U.S. Chamber Attacks Kaine
- Virginia Senate Democrats Poised for Budget Showdown
- McAuliffe Hammers GOP General Assembly
Ryan Nobles, an anchor at NBC12 in Richmond, Va., moderates the Decision Virginia blog. Nobles has been named one of America’s “Best State-Based Political Reporters” by the Washington Post. Politico recognized him as one of the “50 to Watch” political players in the U.S. You can read more from his blog by clicking here.
