2001 General Assembly — Legislators to Watch

Delegate C. Richard Cranwell,
D-Vinton,
dethroned as the Democratic majority leader in the 1999 Republican takeover of the House of Delegates, has been reduced to minority status but remains the party's tactical and spiritual force. Cranwell, with a seat on the influential Finance Committee and nearly three decades of legislative experience, usually has a game plan in a party that suffers from a statewide leader. "A lot of people continue to look to Dickie for leadership," says House Democratic Caucus Director Baker Ellett. Because of his bruising legislative hustling and ability to overcome Republican opposition in his district, Cranwell remains the House Democratic Caucus' Most Valuable Player. That also means that he tops the list of legislators Republicans will target for elimination when they redraw legislative districts. Look for Republicans to consider casting Cranwell into a district that includes one or more neighboring Democratic delegates.