2001 General Assembly — Legislators to Watch

House Speaker C. Vance Wilkins, R-Amherst,
will manage the House in what has the makings of a tempestuous year. Legislators face a sea of challenges in an election year for the House of Delegates and statewide offices: a projected budget shortfall and pressures from businesses and localities to help fund roads and schools. Wilkins also will have an influential voice in the spring redistricting exercise that will give Republicans the opportunity to lock in their power for years to come. The former minority leader who helped lead Republicans to a majority in the House is all steak and no sizzle, but he gets strong marks for his leadership in his first year. Many privately describe his performance — his persistence, steady hand and deliberate pace — as "exceeding expectations." Last year legislators finished up work a day earlier than usual. Wilkins gets grudging respect from traditionally Democratic lobbies for his more merciful treatment of out-of-power Democrats.