Residents of Virginia have been anxiously awaiting Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision on a controversial bill aimed at prohibiting the purchase of specific “assault firearms.” This legislation has been on her desk for a month, with a critical deadline looming at 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
Governor Spanberger faced multiple options regarding the bill: she could sign it into law, veto it, propose amendments for the General Assembly’s consideration, or let it pass into law without her endorsement by taking no action.
Given Spanberger’s prior congressional support for restrictions on assault weapons, many anticipated she would approve the bill without hesitation. However, the upcoming April 21 referendum, which could impact the Democrats’ ability to redraw congressional districts to their advantage, might influence her decision, especially as indicators suggest the vote might not favor the Democrats.
Considering “Grabby Abby” Spanberger had happily voted in favor of assault weapons bans during her time in Congress, it seemed likely that she wound ink this bill into law without a second thought. However, there was one big mitigating factor hanging over her: the April 21 referendum on whether or not to allow Virginia Democrats to gerrymander Republicans out of four of the five congressional seats they currently hold – and some signs are pointing to the vote not going the Democrats’ way.