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Where will Republicans and Democrats find common ground in the 2016 General Assembly session?

Posted at 7:50 AM, Jan 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-13 07:50:45-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- The 2016 General Assembly legislative session begins in Richmond Wednesday. Social issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and gun laws would likely be at the root of some heated debates this year, according to political experts.

However, the debates may not lead to major changes in law because of the way the General Assembly is divided. Republicans have the majority, but they are not veto-proof. That could lead to a lot of political gridlock.

While change may not happen in 2016, CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth said those social issues would still be discussed because they carried a lot of weight ahead of November's national election.

"What is important to Virginia lawmakers right now is to take those stances with which they can mobilize their voters, their party's voters both in the primary and then come November," Holsworth explained.

He also said Virginia would be a state everyone looked to in November, and those same social issues would be major issues during the presidential election.

While there will likely be great divide on some hot button issues, CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth said there would be issues on which both Democrats and Republicans would agree.

"They will agree in some economic development issues, increased funding for education, and Veteran affairs in Virginia," Holsworth said.

Visit the WTVR Politics page for updates on the 2016 General Assembly session.