Virginia
updated
11:26 a.m.
Contains only posts that are ID'd as local content. An explanation. Want to help improve our local content filter? Add keywords here.
I've never been a fan of WalMart, although in recent years I thought it was improving in some ways. But then, they do s like this . ...Wal-Mart wants to build a "supercenter" shopping mall on the ground where the Union and Confederate armies clashed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War. Here is a disheartening update: A courageous and wise public official has been fired for sugg...
Blue Virginia - 11:19 a.m.
The Danville Register & Bee nails it on Tom Perriello's courageous vote the other day for clean energy, green jobs, an end to our Saudi oil addiction, and a livable planet. Here's an excerpt: But anyone who thinks Perriello — a man who has worked in this community’s soup kitchens — would blindly support a bill that would add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to our energy bills just doesn’...
Blue Virginia - 11:19 a.m.
Congressional Quarterly's got year-to-date voting scores for all members of Congress. Here are the results for the Virginia delegation. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-1) : 46% presidential support, 88% party unity Glenn Nye (D-2) : 81% presidential support, 75% party unity Bobby Scott (D-3) : 92% presidential support, 99% party unity Randy Forbes (R-4) : 35% presidential support, 90% part...
Blue Virginia - 11:19 a.m.
I’m taking a few days off but that doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention to what’s going on. Today’s Virginian-Pilot brought to light the continuing saga of Arthur Whitfield, who was wrongfully convicted of rape and served 22 years in prison before DNA evidence exonerated him and he was released. He was finally pardoned by [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - 11:19 a.m.
This morning I thought of Carole Kass, longtime movie critic at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who died at the age of 73 in 2000. To read the obituary I wrote then for Richmond.com, click here . During my nearly 12-year stint as the manager of the Biograph Theatre I spoke with Carole nearly every week, often more than once. She came to the theater regularly to review first run pictures and...
SLANTblog - 11:19 a.m.
On the 4th of July last year I spoke with Steve Shannon at the Vienna Festival for a long time about various topics facing the local community and the Commonwealth as a whole. At that point, it was rumored that he would be the Democratic nominee for Attorney General but he was still concentrating his efforts on representing his district in the House of Delegates. As people were continuously sto...
Left of the Hill - 8:42 a.m. - 2 clicks 
Our Commonwealth’s Attorney is easily swayed from prosecutorial responsibility by favor. Our constitutional officers flagrantly violate the letter and spirit of the law. We have elected officials who believe their offices confer them immunity from accountability. And it all seems to bewilder our local media. We desperately need outside assistance. State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) spent a lot of ...
Blue Virginia - 6:20 a.m.
Our Commonwealth's Attorney is easily swayed from prosecutorial responsibility by favor. Our constitutional officers flagrantly violate the letter and spirit of the law. We have elected officials who believe their offices confer them immunity from accountability. And it all seems to bewilder our local media. We desperately need outside assistance. State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) spent a lot of ...
VB Dems - 6:20 a.m.
Over at Joe My God , Joe has his usual Monday "This Week In Holy Crimes" that looks at the sexual and monetary misdeeds of clergy and various church ministry folks. As usual, the hypocrisy meter goes off the charts. My own personal favorite of the week is that of Roman Catholic Bishop Francisco Domingo Barbosa Da Silveira who has stepped down from his ministry amid a gay sex scandal. It...
Michael in Norfolk - 5:52 a.m. - 3 clicks
Thanks as always to Tom Whipple for pulling these together every day! 1. CENTRAL VA. LIKELY TO RECORD MORE HOMICIDES THIS YEAR THAN IN 2008 2. NO REST FOR CREW AS THEY RESTORE CARRIER CARL VINSON 3. FOR NORFOLK MAN WRONGFULLY JAILED, A LONG WAIT FOR RESTITUTION 4. GUNS: SHOOTING STRAIGHT 5. WAR ON DRUGS: MILITARIZE THE BORDER? 6. ARMY CORPS RAISES HURDLE FOR JORDAN BRIDGE TOO HIGH 7. ...
Blue Virginia - 3:40 a.m.
Unless another Republican governor besmirches his/her office and brings embarrassment to his/her state, this week’s posts will be devoted to local issues. Last week, The Washington Post reported that Fairfax County executive Anthony Griffin has suggested that it could be tactically beneficial to change our orientation. He recommends that we transform ourselves Fairfax City...
The 28th Amendment - Sun 9:52 p.m. - 6 clicks
“If you don’t have much soul left and you know it, you still got soul.” — Charles Bukowski – Bukowski illustration: F.T. Rea ...
SLANTblog - Sun 9:52 p.m. - 2 clicks
I snapped this the other day in Woodbridge: Hopefully this means that the car is in such immaculate condition, that it doesn’t need to be inspected again until 2099. Wait a minute…. the last time this thing was inspected, Jim Gilmore was Governor. And look! No decal! NO CAR TAX! We did it baby, we did it! [...] ...
Fred2Blue - Sun 8:22 p.m. - 4 clicks
1. HMMM. SO YOU SAY THAT HOW? 2. GOP VISITS BATH 3. VIRGINIA’S GAY DEMOCRATS WARMING TO SEN. DEEDS 4. SUROVELL OFFICIALLY NOMINATED 5. PERRIELLO RESPONDS TO GOP ATTACK ON GREEN BILL VOTE 6. GOODE WILL DECIDE SOON ON 2010 RACE 7. ANALYST SAYS PALIN COULD BE DONE WITH POLITICS 8. EFFECTS OF THE STORM STILL BEING FELT; BOTH LANES OF HRBT TO OPEN 9 A.M. SATURDAY 9. MORE WORK NEEDED AT...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 2 clicks
The Sunday morning Whipple Clips, courtesy of Del. Bob Brink. 1. FALL RACES FOR HOUSE EXPECTED TO BE CLOSE 2. ELECTIONS KEY TO HOWELL'S FUTURE 3. STAKES HIGH FOR KAINE’S DNC DUTIES 4. DEEDS, MCDONNELL THINK PORT PRIVATIZATION OFFER NEEDS TO BE STRONGER 5. BOB RAYNER: POLITICAL DISPATCHES 6. HAMILTON PREPS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGE 7. MCAULIFFE URGING DONATIONS TO DEEDS 8. DEMOCRATIC...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 3 clicks
Fireworks on the National Mall earlier this evening; video shot from near the Netherlands Carillon and Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia. P.S. We live about 2 miles away from the Iwo Jima Memorial, so we parked about a mile away and walked the rest of the way (and back after the fireworks). Good exercise, beautiful weather, crowds in a great mood, no traffic at all...did I mentio...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m.
Where do Virginia's two U.S. Senators, Jim Webb and Mark Warner, stand on health care reform - and specifically a "public option" as part of that reform - and on a clean energy/climate change bill? First, here's where they stand on the public option , according to the Virginian-Pilot (June 25, 2009). Sen. Jim Webb also likes the idea of a competitive public plan because it may be the only way...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 4 clicks
Here's a report and photos ( Flickr album ) from the ever-amazing Mary Lee Cerillo (Sully Democratic Committee Chair). Thanks! I just returned from the Fairfax City Parade. What an amazing turnout the Democrats showed this morning. We had 175 plus people show up to give their support to Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon. There were also supporters for those running for delegate ...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 3 clicks
Needless to say, this is not good (nor something we see very frequently in Arlington): An unidentified man fired at least one shot at the Apple Store Clarendon in Arlington, Virginia shortly after the store opened Friday morning, wounding at least one... For more, see DCist and the Washington Post . An Arlington police dispatcher said the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Hel...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 2 clicks
The Green Miles is spending Independence Day weekend in Rhode Island visiting family and remembering what life is like outside the Beltway. Thanks to my (not so much successful) campaign for House of Delegates, this is my first trip outside the DC area since December. Right now, I'm sitting on a curb in Cumberland, RI as The Green Girlfriend and a couple of my cousins run the Arnold Mills Fou...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m.
The conditions were clear enough to Virginia Beach Democrats. No yard signs inside the Red Wing city park and remove those outside after the celebration. Those conditions apparently did and do not apply to Republicans. The city has yet to take to task the McDonnell, Cuccinelli, or Iaquinto campaigns on their failure to follow those guidelines even a day after and turned a blind eye to the Stolle,...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m.
Go Scott! July 3, 2009 For immediate release Today, Scott A. Surovell became the Democratic nominee for state delegate in the 44th District in the Mount Vernon and U. S. 1 area of Fairfax County. Surovell, age 37, is seeking the seat held by Delegate Kristen Amundson, who recently announced that she is retiring. No other candidate filed today to replace Amundson, allowing Surovell to...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m. - 3 clicks
Report and photos ( more here ) by Mary Lee Cerillo from the Clifton 4th of July parade. We held our own in Clifton today. Great turn out of Democrats with a whole lot of spirit and enthusiasm. We had people playing drums, pot lids for cymbals, and a boom box. What a great group of Democrats from the Democratic Women of Clifton et al. Senator George Barker, Chairman Sharon Bulova and C...
Blue Virginia - Sun 5:25 p.m.
The conditions were clear enough to Virginia Beach Democrats. No yard signs inside the Red Wing city park and remove those outside after the celebration. Those conditions apparently did and do not apply to Republicans. The city has yet to take to task the McDonnell, Cuccinelli, or Iaquinto campaigns on their failure to follow those guidelines even a day after and turned a blind eye to the Stolle,...
VB Dems - Sun 1:45 p.m. - 6 clicks
Wow! Great op-ed in today's Daily Press ! And, don't forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25 when Dr. Chris Llewellyn will present on the Surry coal plant at the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee breakfast. Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, which is seeking approval for a massive, coal-burning power plant in Surry County, serves fewer than 300,000 homes in Virginia. Tho...
VB Dems - Sun 8:51 a.m. - 6 clicks
As several bloggers have noted, a number of the leading anti-democracy, Christian Right organizations that seek political and worldly power rather than honestly preaching the Gospel message have joined together to form the inappropriately named the " Freedom Federation ." This group, which the Washington Post as describes as a direct descendant of the Moral Majority, the Christian Coal...
Michael in Norfolk - Sun 7:21 a.m. - 9 clicks
Screams from the "Cap and trade", and "National Energy Tax", buffoons are answered in this opinion piece in today's Danville Register & Bee . Critics of Congressman Tom Perriello would do well to read this opinion piece and then do a little research. Listening to people like Bradley Rees, Danny Marshall or Virgil Goode is a bit like drinking sterno. But anyone who thinks Perriello — a man who ...
What IS Right for Virginia - Sun 7:21 a.m. - 8 clicks
Guest post from Newport News' Pat Murphy. Pat is a political adviser who worked on John Miller's Senate campaign and is currently working on Gary West's Delegate campaign. It is with a great deal of sadness and disappointment that I write about this. When I quit the Virginia News Source, (4-days ago) I had hoped that we would cut ties and that would be the end of it. When they started postin...
VB Dems - Sun 6:31 a.m. - 5 clicks
For more than three centuries, long before bridges became common, Americans crossed rivers by pole-driven ferry. The fate of the last such ferry in the United States will be decided at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) today by a vote of the Albemarle County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors. You have a chance to change its fate. ...
DailyKos (Virginia) - Sun 4:23 a.m.
Cross posted at Blue Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello (D-5th, Virginia) is featured in an article by E.J. Dionne in today's Washington Post on "the new energy politics." Here's an excerpt: Hours before the House passed its cap-and-trade bill last week, freshman Democrats Tom Perriello and Frank Kratovil were pondering the political fallout of the votes they were about to cast in...
DailyKos (Virginia) - Sun 4:23 a.m. - 6 clicks
Birthdays are important in my family. Our nation's birthday is no exception. No doubt, today, millions of Americans will think about what Thomas Jefferson considered to be his biggest accomplishment, authoring the Declaration of Independence. But as we pause to remember the events in Philadelphia 233 years ago, we must not forget the contributions of another less famous Virginian, George Mason...
DailyKos (Virginia) - Sun 4:23 a.m. - 6 clicks
I was able to hit three Fourth of July parades in my area of Fairfax County. Photos above are from Lorton, where over 60 supporters of Greg Werkheiser (plus 3 motorcycles, 1 truck, and 1 convertible) crushed the crowd of Dave Albo. Later in the day, I dropped by my home neighborhood in Orange Hunt, where Delegate Dave Marsden's group of about 20 beat out Kerry Bolognese's group of.....
New Dominion Project - Sat 5:09 p.m. - 6 clicks
Happy Independence Day to all. As I'm attending many of the events today throughout Northern Virginia, I wanted to take a brief second to give you a few statements from elected officials about the holiday today. Creigh Deeds: "On the 233rd anniversary of the independence of our great nation, let's all give thanks for the liberty and freedoms we enjoy. As I crisscross the commonwealth this week...
Left of the Hill - Sat 5:09 p.m. - 7 clicks
2012 is a long way away and everyday Sarah Palin will become more and more irrelevant. In the meantime, I expect her to be stumping for Bob McDonnell in Virginia with the ol' "Drill Baby Drill" meme. ...
VB Dems - Fri 6:43 p.m. - 8 clicks
Sen. Deeds will be making stops all across the commonwealth for Independence Day tomorrow. Including: 6pm at Yowell Meadow Park Gardner St. and Sperryville Pk. Culpeper, VA ...
Fred2Blue - Fri 6:43 p.m. - 7 clicks
Annual July 4 Picnic & Celebration Jody Wagner will be there. Will you? Fireworks, BBQ and Democrats: three essential ingredients for a fantastic party. Jody Wagner, Virginia's Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, will be attending. You won't want to miss our annual 4th of July celebration, hosted by Bob Zwick at his Dondoric Farm. ......
VirginiaDem - Fri 3:07 p.m. - 7 clicks
A couple of weeks ago I donated $100 to a presumably puzzled Republican Party of Virginia. Why? Last November I offered to make a $100 bet that Jeff Frederick would seek reelection to the House of Delegates after Frederick promised that he wouldn’t do so if he became the chair of the RPV. Shaun Kenney took me [...]...
Waldo Jaquith - Fri 3:07 p.m. - 13 clicks
Columnists routinely remind their readers of when they were right. Sometimes they come right out and say, "I told you so." Other times they disguise their reminders by draping them with clever phrases, turned just so. When a columnist says "I was wrong," it is unusual, but that's exactly what Michael Paul Williams did in Thursday's Richmond Times-Dispatch. In hindsight, my frustration at inacti...
SLANTblog - Fri 10:10 a.m. - 13 clicks
Thus screamed the 2 1/2 inch high front page headline in Friday’s Virginian-Pilot. The accompanying article laid out how a simple malfunction created chaos for Hampton Roads drivers. A severe electrical and rain storm rolled across the bridge-tunnel Wednesday night, causing power outages and power surges. Apparently the power issues damaged a water main pump and [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Fri 9:48 a.m. - 9 clicks
Mickey Powell writes for the Martinsville Bulletin: Former congressman Virgil Goode Jr. said Thursday he plans to decide soon whether to run again for the 5th District U.S. House of Representatives seat. The veteran lawmaker, a Republican from Rocky Mount, said his decision is “not too far off,” but “I haven’t set an iron clad deadline” for [...]...
Waldo Jaquith - Fri 9:00 a.m.
Yesterday this area experienced a major clusterf ck traffic wise because a simple pump failure in the west bound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel - one of the two main connectors between south side Hampton Roads and the Peninsula and Richmond to the west. Virginia increasingly needs major injections of transportation spending to improve its overburdened interstate highways ...
Michael in Norfolk - Fri 7:26 a.m. - 4 clicks
From the Environmental Defense Fund: And as Blue Virginia reports , a Roanoke television station has refused to air a false National Republican Campaign Committee attack ad on Perriello. ...
The Green Miles - Fri 7:26 a.m. - 3 clicks
Another day, another pointless e-mail from the RPV about Creigh Deeds, once again alleging that Creigh is refusing to take a position on several national issues. The e-mail also makes some juvenile allegations about Creigh and Gov. Kaine that are laughably idiotic and internally inconsistent, for example, both accusing Deeds of “keeping mum” about Kaine’s travels for the DNC and “throwing his m...
The Virginia Democrat - Thu 8:52 p.m. - 5 clicks
Apparently Tim Kaine is Creigh Deeds’ mentor. Yeah, it’s news to me too. And not only that but, according to the RPV, Sen. Deeds is “throwing his mentor under a bus” for some reason. Fortunately Bob McDonnell doesn’t have to invent mentors, he has the real thing (emphasis added): In an article discussion suspect donations to McDonnell’s [...] ...
Fred2Blue - Thu 8:52 p.m. - 3 clicks
The Deeds campaign is letting no moss grow under their feet in these lazy days of summer... At a mid-day media event, earlier today in NoVa, US Senator Mark Warner pulled out some big guns from the Virginia business community, in a powerful show of support for Creigh Deeds, from a sector that has traditionally been seen as a solidly Republican base. Not so much anymore. After successive pro-b...
Blue Ridge Data - Thu 6:30 p.m. - 14 clicks
Just when you think the NRCC can't stoop any lower, they out do themselves. This one has already begun to backfire. WDBJ-TV in Roanoke has already refused to air the blatantly false ad. The NRCC ad credits a Washington Times editorial for its claim that the Waxman-Markey bill would make electricity prices “ skyrocket ,” costing families $1,870 a year. But the NRCC is wrong. The W...
What IS Right for Virginia - Thu 5:47 p.m. - 5 clicks
The NRCC is really pleased with themselves for getting a television ad up on the air attacking Rep. Tom Perriello, just days after he voted in favor of the Climate & Energy bill. But if this legislation is really that bad, can’t you just let the facts speak for themselves? Factcheck.org: The ad says the bill will [...] ...
Fred2Blue - Thu 4:39 p.m. - 5 clicks
Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Va 2nd) is at this moment hosting his First Annual Hampton Roads Veterans Job Fair in Norfolk bringing together local employers, job counselors, and veterans who are looking for work. The response has greatly exceeded expectations in a region that is faring better than most during this economic downturn. One of Nye's focuses in Washington has been bills to help cr...
VB Dems - Thu 12:25 p.m. - 4 clicks
Mr. Baseball on the Boulevard, himself, Charlie Diradour, now wants reconciliation. Today Charlie Diradour extended his hand in peace to those in the opposite dugout at a press conference he called. Connecticut, the giant Indian sculpture, looked down over the scene, a thick layer of pollen dusted over its head and shoulders. Click here to read the story by Al Harris at Richmond BizSense. ...
SLANTblog - Thu 12:25 p.m. - 4 clicks
Senator Mark Warner joined Creigh Deeds today to announce the formation of “Business Leaders for Deeds,” a bipartisan group which will be lead by Ted Leonsis of McLean. Leonsis is the owner of the Washington Capitals. The press release (below the fold) includes the names of members – so far – of this steering committee. The [...] ...
Vivian J. Paige - Thu 10:03 a.m. - 11 clicks
To Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner Re: Healthcare Gentlemen, First and foremost, I believe two things. One, that my health, your health, and the health of our fellow Virginians should not merely be a line item to a for-profit industry. Operating for profit always creates an “in-group” and an “out-group”, in which the corporation need only [...] ...
The 28th Amendment - Thu 8:42 a.m. - 8 clicks
To pay the bills between blog posts, The Green Miles works at the National Wildlife Federation. NWF's Reston office sits next to Lake Fairfax Park, so we get everything from deer to groundhogs to snakes in our backyard. During these hot summer months, every once in a while an all-staff email will go out saying, "There are turtles keeping cool in the shade under cars in the parking lot, check unde...
The Green Miles - Thu 6:37 a.m. - 4 clicks
Virginia has received $285 million in funding for 45 Virginia highway projects, the first installment of nearly $700 million in transportation stimulus funds the state is scheduled to receive over the next year. There is about $25 million for three projects in Rep. Randy Forbes' district in Chesapeake, including the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Rep. Randy Forbes voted against it. ...
VB Dems - Thu 6:21 a.m. - 4 clicks
Yesterday, Bob Holsworth at Virginia Tomorrow detailed the GOP playbook against Creigh Deeds for 2009, namely, tie him to Tim Kaine: Republicans assume that Kaine has little flexibility on issues- his role essentially requires him to defend whatever policies emerge from the White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress over the next four months. Health care reform. Overdue. Cap and trad...
The Virginia Democrat - Wed 8:38 p.m. - 2 clicks
As I've mentioned before, Rep. Gerry Connolly will be holding a telephone town hall this evening to discuss health care reform. This is after he held a media availability on the topic earlier this week and President Barack Obama held a town hall at a campus of the Northern Virginia Community College in Connolly's district. I've taken part in several of these town hall calls with Gerry before a...
Left of the Hill - Wed 1:53 p.m. - 3 clicks
If you're looking for something to do on the 4th of July, there are several things to do in the area which would also include helping some of the local Democratic candidates. I have based this list off of information I received from the Springfield Magisterial District Committee as well as a few other sources. Fairfax City Parade When: July 4. Line up at 9 am. Where: Meet in the C...
Left of the Hill - Wed 7:28 a.m. - 2 clicks
The above map from the Bureau of Labor Statistics isn't particularly news. Unemployment has shot up across the state, but roughly in proportion to the amount of unemployment already existing before the recession began. That is to say, well-off areas (Fairfax) are continuing to be relatively fine. The city of Martinsville isn't so lucky, leading the state with an astonishing 21.9% unemploym...
New Dominion Project - Tue 9:26 p.m. - 6 clicks
City Dems Celebrate Independence Day "Hand in Hand, United We Stand" is the slogan for this year's Independence Day parade in the City of Fairfax. We are doing our part to stand United by featuring outstanding Democrats from the past and the future. Joining us for this year's parade with be Creigh Deeds - Governor Candidate, Jody Wagner - Lt. Governor C...
FairfaxBlue - Tue 8:26 p.m. - 18 clicks
Peter Schmidt wants to move Virginia forward in a reasonable way, and I think that's something everyone can agree with. Peter Schmidt may well be the kind of bipartisan progressive who can win in the business minded, typically conservative, 82nd district. Related posts: Peter Schmidt announces candidacy for 82nd House district Peter Schmidt launches campaign in Virginia Beach Del. Purkey...
Virginia Beach Progressives - Tue 8:26 p.m. - 3 clicks
As the debate over health care has heated up in recent weeks, I think it's good to have a reminder of how the discussion can impact individual people. In this video, Russell Axelson from Alexandria tells his story about how after he was laid off he couldn't even afford to pay for COBRA which is the option that is supposed to be the affordable for people who are in between jobs. Earlie...
Left of the Hill - Tue 8:26 p.m. - 4 clicks
The city of Martinsville continues to claim Virginia’s top jobless rate — 21.9 percent. Twenty-four jurisdictions reported double-digit unemployment in May. Thus sayeth the Danville Register & Bee. I'd throw a BBQ like you wouldn't believe if our unemployment rate was 8 percent! ...
What IS Right for Virginia - Tue 6:04 p.m. - 5 clicks
Could your campaign use some help identifying and prioritizing community engagement goals? Does your candidate need coaching to find her most expressive, effective leadership voice? Then this workshop is for you! THE FARM TEAM and Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus announce LYNCHBURG, VA BOOT CAMP: A HALF-DAY TRAINING FOR WOMEN INTERESTED IN POLITICAL ACTIVISM Dawn McCoy Flourish Leadership Group ...
The Farm Team - Tue 12:10 p.m. - 7 clicks
Virginia Democrats have made amazing progress in recent years. Last year's election showed once again that Virginians want strong leaders who focus on results - not ideology - and who are willing to make tough choices based on what's best for the Commonwealth. With your support we've kept Virginia moving ......
VirginiaDem - Tue 8:05 a.m. - 5 clicks
In Richmond there's a problem most people don't even know exists. Understanding it isn't so easy because it's about what isn't happening. How many cool night clubs didn’t open? How many big trade shows chose a city other than Richmond? How many touring rock ‘n’ roll acts skipped Richmond? How many companies didn’t move here? How many jobs never materialized? While no one can answer those thorny ...
SLANTblog - Tue 8:04 a.m. - 3 clicks
As expected, Scott Surovell announces his candidacy for the seat being vacated by Kris Amundson An excerpt: To truly solve the state's problems, we still need to bring change to the Virginia House of Delegates. Todays House turns down and obstructs virtually every reasonable measure to move Virginia forward. Each year, it sends scores bills focused on divisive social issues or scoring politi...
The Virginia Democrat - Tue 6:19 a.m.
As many of you know, I am a member of the volunteer crew for the Inside Scoop series of television shows. We have shows that focus on Virginia politics, national and international politics, the "solidarity soapbox" that focuses on labor related issues, and "the emerald planet" which focuses on environmental issues. "The Emerald Planet" is the latest version as the second episode aired on Sunday ev...
Left of the Hill - Tue 6:19 a.m. - 3 clicks
No matter how many times (I think I'm up to about 7 or 8 times) I have heard VCERC's presentation on Virginia offshore wind, I learn something new. Last night's meeting of VB Mayor Sessoms' "Alternative Energy Task Force" was no exception. Actually, the interesting info came during the Q&A after the presentation. Mayor Sessoms is serious and wants an action plan now! And rightly so! For MMS is...
VB Dems - Tue 6:19 a.m. - 3 clicks
The answer, in short, is maybe. The other night in Lynchburg, Deeds and Bob McDonnell took the stage separately, but at this point in time, as the candidates size each other up, it was as close to a debate as we will get -- at least for the next four weeks. Here was the lede in the RTD coverage of the event : Gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, in their first back-to-back...
The Virginia Democrat - Mon 6:49 p.m. - 7 clicks
After watching the Democratic Party's lackluster performance in addressing the needs of ordinary people during this financial crisis, I have elected to leave the Democratic Party. Many of you know how passionately I have volunteered on behalf of Democratic politicians. I have decided to stop volunteering on behalf of the Democratic Party or identifying myself as a Democrat. Message to Democrati...
The Richmond Democrat - Mon 3:58 p.m. - 9 clicks
How quickly he forgot. This video is from an AFL-CIO event in NOVA on July 4, 2008. So far in 2009, he has leant his ear only to business. I wouldn't give a plug-nickle's chance of him receiving labor's support in the future. ...
What IS Right for Virginia - Mon 2:55 p.m. - 3 clicks
Sen. Creigh Deeds, Democratic nominee for Governor, toured Norfolk businesses today to discuss the challenges that business owners face in the current economic climate. He was joined by Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot, City Treasurer Tom Moss, and Delegate Lionel Spruill (D-Chesapeake) on his first visit to South Hampton Roads since the June 9 primary. "It's a great day to be in Hampton Roa...
VB Dems - Mon 2:44 p.m. - 5 clicks
In Monday's Richmond Times-Dispatch Jeff Sharpiro writes about an investigation that is now underway in the General Assembly. Today, at opposite ends of the Capitol, Senate and House committees are opening inquiries of the VITA-Northrop Grumman partnership, which has been criticized by legislators and state employees as pricey, and, in some cases, unnecessary. Legislative scrutiny of the contr...
SLANTblog - Mon 11:44 a.m. - 3 clicks
Del. Kris Amundson announced last week that she was going to retire from the House of Delegates. With her retirement, I truly believe that the House is losing one of the best public servants that the Commonwealth has had over the past decade. Kris has been tremendously dedicated to improving the lives of all Virginians and was constantly appearing at events to take the opportunity to listen to the...
Left of the Hill - Jun 29 - 4 clicks
When President Clinton admitted his affair with Monica Lewinsky, a backbencher Congressman remarked to CNN in 1999, ““If you undermine trust in our system, you undermine everything.” That Congressman represented Charleston, S.C. at the time. He went on to become the Governor of the Palmetto State. His name: Mark Sanford. Upon hearing of his admitted affair with [...] ...
Fake Virginia - Jun 29 - 3 clicks
It’s not a very well kept secret in journalism circles that the editorial board of the Richmond Times Dispatch is not entirely independent in their thinking. The RTD is free to endorse whomever they want in local and statewide campaigns but the owners at Media General demand that the RTD toe the GOP line when [...] ...
Fake Virginia - Jun 29 - 4 clicks
Courtesy of Off K Street, Shannon Valentine kicks off her re-election campaign . An excerpt: Whenever you say Lynchburg and Democrat, most people think you're joking. The Democratic House of Delegate member from District 23 is no joke. In a part of the state where Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church are the 800 Lb gorilla in the room and the surrounding areas are all represented...
The Virginia Democrat - Jun 29 - 4 clicks
