RICHMOND, Va. — Some Virginia lawmakers are speaking out against the Governor during one of the busiest days of legislative session.
Others are putting controversies surrounding the state’s top leaders to the side as they mull over bills and the budget.
"I cannot tell you why he hasn't resigned, but I am so praying that he will do that and get it behind us,” said Sen. Louise Lucas. "I'm just hoping he will listen to all of his friends, all of his colleagues and the voices all across the Commonwealth and outside the commonwealth. Just do the right thing.”
Other Democratic lawmakers told 13News Now they are trying to push through the negative attention on Governor Ralph Northam over the recent release of a racist photo in his old medial yearbook.
Northam has stayed quiet ever since publicly denying he is in the photo.
A day after Lieutenant Justin Fairfax spoke out against a sexual assault allegation, he also stayed away from reporters Tuesday. A source inside the State Capitol said he is “frustrated” with having to defend himself.
"My thoughts are that the process will play itself out and the right decisions will be made,” said Delegate Joe Lindsey.
Republican state lawmakers had a similar mindset during Tuesday’s legislative dealings.
"I'm going to keep moving forward with people who are in office and who are duly elected to do their job,” said Delegate Lee Ware.
Senator Richard Stuart came out with a statement Tuesday defending Northam, who is his friend.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to teach our children that when you make a mistake, the right thing to do is face up to it and work to make things right, not run away in shame and disgrace,” he wrote in part.
Many state leaders said they have not heard from Governor Northam since a nationally televised press conference on Saturday.