RICHMOND, Va. (AP) --
Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling says he'll cast a tie-breaking vote in the state Senate in the upcoming
session except in certain cases.
Bolling on Tuesday issued a memo outlining his interpretation of his voting powers based on the state constitution and previous legal opinions.
The Republican will preside over the 40-member Senate that is evenly divided between political parties.
In his memo, Bolling says he believes he can vote on most issues that result in a tie.
However, he believes he cannot vote on final passage of bills such as the budget, tax bills, constitutional amendments, the election of judges and the creation of new offices.
A Richmond judge last month turned aside a Democratic state senator's lawsuit challenging Republican intentions to seize power in the Senate.
