Va. House Advances Revised Map; Senate Plan in Limbo

The Virginia House of Delegates has advanced a bipartisan plan for new House boundaries as Senate Democrats and Republicans began last-ditch talks toward a compromise on new Senate districts.

Stunned by the death of House Clerk Bruce Jamerson, the House met for about an hour Monday before adjourning until an expected vote Wednesday on a map redrawn a week earlier.

It reflects recommendations Gov. Bob McDonnell made in vetoing the measure to split fewer communities and voting precincts. The changes were endorsed 16-0 by Republicans and Democrats on the Privileges and Elections Committee last week.

The tougher task lies with the Senate, whose plan McDonnell blasted. He said its twisted districts with numerous split communities and voting precincts constituted partisan gerrymandering. Senate Democrats and Republicans hope to reconcile differences by Wednesday.