Spending in Virginia state Senate races increased 5 percent this year compared with the previous election
cycle as Republicans ended Demorats' four-year control of the chamber.
An analysis by the Virginia Public Access Project released Monday says spending on state Senate races rose to $38.6 million.
Republicans were able to pick up two seats to give the Senate a 20-20 split between Republicans and Democrats. With Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling holding the tie-breaking vote in the case of a tie, Republicans are now effectively in control of the Senate.
Republicans already controlled the House and were in no danger of losing it this election cycle. Financial figures in House races reflect that, with total spending decreasing about 39 percent to about $23.4 million this cycle.
