While the Inauguration of Barack Obama was in full swing, the Republicans of the Virginia State Senate were pulling a fast one on the citizens of the entire Commonwealth. They took this occasion, and with the absence of Democratic senator Henry Marsh, to eliminate the district held by Democratic senator Creigh Deeds and weaken the districts of John Edwards, George Barker, Chuck Colgan and John Miller. The absence of Marsh, who was attending the Inauguration, was particularly key, as the State Senate is currently split 20-20. If these changes do pass the House of Delegates, which is almost guaranteed, they will take effect for the 2015 elections.
More information can be found on Not Larry Sabato, who broke the story, and on Blue Virginia.