Youngkin says gubernatorial appointments rejected by the General Assembly can still serve 

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A fight is now brewing between Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Democratic-controlled Virginia General Assembly. 

That’s because Youngkin is arguing that eight of his picks to serve on the board of visitors at various universities can continue to serve, despite their nominations being rejected by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on June 9. 

In a statement, Youngkin’s offices said, “Make no mistake, these highly qualified appointees will continue to serve in their posts as the Constitution of Virginia affords.”

Per Virginia law, the eight individuals have been serving on an interim basis until their nominations were considered by the General Assembly. 

Youngkin’s office believes that should continue because they believe the Virginia Constitution requires the entire General Assembly to reject an appointment, not just one committee. 

“It’s a really pathetic argument,” Democratic Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell told 8News. 

Democrats and Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar disagree. In a letter obtained by 8News, Schaar said the actions taken by the Privileges and Elections Committee are “effective immediately.” 

Surovell said it’s Schaar who has it right, and not Youngkin. 

“We kill bills in committee all the time," Surovell said. "Things happen in committee all the time that don't get to the floor, and the Constitution doesn’t say that governors' nominees, that we authorized in the code for him to make, are treated any differently than a bill.” 

It’s unclear where things actually go from here, however, Surovell said any board members who allow a rejected nominee to serve could be guilty of malfeasance.