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Vivian J. Paige

  • Blogs United wrapup

    It has been two years since bloggers from around the Commonwealth gathered. This past Saturday, Blogs United held another conference. The number of bloggers was much smaller than in years past but the number of non-bloggers in attendance was larger. Most of the non-bloggers in attendance held positions within the [...]
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    Posted: November 23, 2009, 8:42am EST
    by vjp

  • Opinion, please: “Black Fur-iday”

    Number of comments: 18
    It seems that animal shelters find black cats and dogs difficult to be adopted. In a play on words, the Norfolk Animal Care Center is holding a “sale” on the animals, to coincide with Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. The “sale” provides for adoption fees [...]
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    Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:46am EST
    by vjp

  • How we did in Hampton Roads in November

    Number of comments: 1
    The Virginia Public Access Project today updated their website with the party performance data for statewide candidates for the House of Delegates and Senate districts. A lot of red on that house map to the left (click to enlarge). I took a look at the contested races in Hampton Roads where [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 8:56pm EST
    by vjp

  • Nye community discussion Saturday

    Number of comments: 7
    I won’t be able to make this (because I’ll be at the Blogs United conference) but here’s your chance to talk to Rep. Glenn Nye. [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:34am EST
    by vjp

  • Reminder: Blogs United Saturday

    Number of comments: 2
    Just a quick reminder that the Blogs United conference is coming up this Saturday, November 21. The event will be held from 9am-4pm at the David Student Union Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Among the media personnel scheduled to attend are Anita Kumar of [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:25am EST
    by vjp

  • Hamilton latest: subpoenas, ethics rules overhaul

    The Virginian-Pilot has been all over the latest information on the Phil Hamilton situation. In an article on the front page of Tuesday’s paper (strangely buried on the website here), the cancellation of the ethics probe is causing concern. Frustrated by the halt to the inquiry, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, [...]
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    Posted: November 18, 2009, 6:01pm EST
    by vjp

  • Democracy in action in Norfolk

    Number of comments: 2
    “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” — Margaret Mead The quote above is one of my favorites. And Tuesday, we got an opportunity to see it happen. It started with a phone call that I received [...]
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    Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:45am EST
    by vjp

  • Council backs off charter changes

    Number of comments: 1
    I’m sitting in the Norfolk City Council meeting. After the informal session, council had already decided to vote down the charter changes. Thanks to all who called, emailed and otherwise contacted our council members. This is Democracy in action, folks! [...]
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    Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:25pm EST
    by vjp

  • Powerful testimony on equality

    Number of comments: 16
    h/t Left of the Hill [...]
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    Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:40am EST
    by vjp

  • NORFOLK ALERT: Proposed charter changes

    Number of comments: 13
    City Council will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17, at 2:30pm. The council agenda is here. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on charter changes, which have to be approved by the General Assembly. You can read the proposed changes in this pdf. Of particular concern to me is the [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 11:53am EST
    by vjp

  • Hamilton resigns, what of probe?

    Number of comments: 6
    I have just received confirmation that Phil Hamilton did indeed resign effective midnight last night, as reported by Bearing Drift.  The question now is what happens to the ethics probe. Some are saying that as a part of the deal, the probe will cease. I don’t know that such action is [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 11:15am EST
    by vjp

  • Monday this and that: open thread

    Number of comments: 2
    Seems both the Democrats and the Republicans kept their House leadership intact, with the exception of the addition of David Englin as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. Funniest thing: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell spoke at the meeting of the Democrats but not the Republicans. ~ The Norfolk Council races are starting to [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:01am EST
    by vjp

  • Redskins win

    Number of comments: 4
    It’s been a long time since the last one but today the Denver Broncos played worse than the Washington Redskins. A win is a win – I’ll take it. Still think Dan Snyder needs to go, though. [...]
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    Posted: November 15, 2009, 4:06pm EST
    by vjp

  • Let there be light!

    Number of comments: 4
    The storm came through Hampton Roads Thursday and I had no problem with my power. Overnight, the power went out (not sure for how long) but it was working again when I got up this morning. Then around 10:30am, it blinked a couple of times and then went out for [...]
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    Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:48pm EST
    by vjp

  • Register for Blogs United

    Number of comments: 3
    It’s that time again. Bloggers from all over the Commonwealth will be coming together on Saturday, November 21, for Blogs United, a day of fun, food, and, of course, a little politics The event this year is being held at the David Student Union on the campus of  Christopher Newport [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 4:03pm EST
    by vjp

  • First thoughts on VB special election

    Number of comments: 17
    For months now, Republicans in Virginia Beach have been campaigning for the seat currently occupied by now Sheriff-elect Ken Stolle. Jeff McWaters jumped out early: he’s been all over the place (I’ve run into him a number of times) and a drive through Virginia Beach prior to the November election [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 1:14pm EST
    by vjp

  • Mathieson statement on election

    Number of comments: 10
    By now, you’ve probably heard that the votes in the 21st House of Delegates district have been counted and that Republican Ron Villanueva has been declared the winner by a scant 13 votes. I received the following statement from the campaign of Bobby Mathieson: Yesterday, more votes got counted in the 21st [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 7:07pm EST
    by vjp

  • Veterans Day 2009

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 3
    As our nation is engaged in two wars, I was saddened to see that the front page of our local paper paid more attention to the death of a sniper than to those who serve and who have served. There was a single front page story – and it was [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:24am EST
    by vjp

  • Sniper to be executed tonight

    Number of comments: 14
    John Allen Muhammad, known as the Beltway sniper, will be put to death tonight. The only one who can save him is Governor Tim Kaine. I will be surprised if the governor steps in. I have to admit: I don’t hold a very strong stance on the death penalty. I find [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 11:02am EST
    by vjp

  • The high cost of VA’s tax expenditures

    Number of comments: 24
    The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis released a report (pdf) this morning which assesses the cost of Virginia’s tax expenditures. Calling it a $2.5 billion drain on revenue, the Institute says that these expenditures – tax exemptions, exclusions, deferrals, credits, or preferential rates in the tax code – are implemented [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 12:23pm EST
    by vjp

  • Nye voted no on healthcare

    Number of comments: 31
    The emails from Saturday night’s votes are flowing into my inbox. Most of them are congratulatory ones – for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Congressman Tom Perriello (D-5th), Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) – thanking them for their support of healthcare reform. Some of them are critical of [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 8:37am EST
    by vjp

  • A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts

    Number of comments: 24
    In my earlier post, I mentioned some consultants who should never work in politics again. I’m not generally one to name names, but since he’s been outed, David Petts is one of those guys. Told by Petts that his convincing primary win positioned him well with the Democratic base – core [...]
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    Posted: November 07, 2009, 1:14pm EST
    by vjp

  • Choo Choo!

    Number of comments: 1
    Get’em John UPDATE: The video has been removed. Below the fold is a transcript that I’ve seen in a number of places around the internet. JAMES BROWN: John, you have been pretty doggone outspoken on the Washington Redskins and what is not working. Maybe it is an obvious question, but why [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 12:15pm EST
    by vjp

  • Friday fun: I’m sweet potatoes

    Number of comments: 1
    Probably my all-time favorite food You Are Sweet Potatoes You love comfort foods, and for you, there’s nothing more comforting than Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, you’ve been known to have Thanksgiving favorites all fall… and possibly all year. You’ve got to have your sweet potatoes. There’s no one who cooked as well as [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 9:58am EST
    by vjp

  • Potential challenger for Bobby Scott

    Number of comments: 27
    The Virginian-Pilot political blog posted a blurb yesterday about a potential challenger for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd).  Seems the original tip came from United Conservatives that Coby Dillard, who worked on the McDonnell for Governor campaign as Deputy Coalition Director (Veterans/African Americans), is considering a run. Dillard runs a blog [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 12:42pm EST
    by vjp

  • A bloodbath

    Number of comments: 23
    The map to the left, which I got from The Washington Post, pretty much says it all: yesterday was a bloodbath. While the map only shows the gubernatorial race, the other two statewide races maps don’t look much different. The added loss of a net of six House of Delegates [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 2:25pm EST
    by vjp

  • Congratulations and condolences

    Number of comments: 21
    The margin was greater than I expected, the result being the loss the number of House seats at the top of the range I anticipated. My congratulations to Gov-elect Bo McDonnell, LG Bill Bolling, and AG-elect Ken Cuccinelli. My condolences to Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon. Congratulations to new Democratic [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 9:01am EST
    by vjp

  • Vote today

    Number of comments: 5
    The polls are open from 6am to 7pm. If you are unsure of your voting place, you can check it here. Unlike prior elections, I will be casting my ballot at the polls today. I will be voting for the people who most closely represent my best interests, even though there [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2009, 12:05am EST
    by vjp

  • 32% increase in health insurance premiums

    Number of comments: 16
    Just opened up my premium increase notice from Anthem. Mind you, I’ve got a sizable deductible with a health savings account. With virtually no costs to my insurance company this year (heck – I’ve not met my deductible yet – only $803 out of pocket), I’m facing a 32% increase [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 2:00pm EST
    by vjp

  • New governor to face at least $1bil shortfall

    Number of comments: 13
    While the conversation in this gubernatorial election has been focused on transportation and social issues, little attention has been paid to the looming budget deficit that the new governor is likely to face. According to a Virginian-Pilot article today, the budget deficit is expected to be $1 billion – and [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 11:08am EST
    by vjp

  • For the Redskins fans among us

    Number of comments: 2
    In honor of the Redskins’ bye week (wait for the image to change) The original pdf is here. h/t to Maria for emailing it to me. [...]
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    Posted: November 01, 2009, 9:33am EST
    by vjp

  • Norfolk Commissioner taken to task by Treasurer

    Number of comments: 11
    The front page, below the fold story in Saturday’s Virginian-Pilot is a classic example of the inside baseball that Norfolk politics has become. Here we have two ticketmates – the Democratic candidates for Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer – engaging in what amounts to a he said/she said argument. [...]
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    Posted: October 31, 2009, 5:52pm EDT
    by vjp

  • VA Beach Sheriff’s Candidates

    Number of comments: 2
    Recently, the two candidates for sheriff in Virginia Beach were interviewed on WAVY TV 10. Go John Bell! [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 9:28pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Villanueva: “I need your vote … in New Jersey!”

    Number of comments: 8
    Ron Villanueva wants the residents of District 21 to vote for him – in New Jersey! (click to enlarge) Ha! And no, I didn’t make this up. You can see it for yourself here. (UPDATE: Not any more. The state info has been corrected on the website at that link.) To voters [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 7:57pm EDT
    by vjp

  • “Mr. Cuccinelli’s bigotry”

    Number of comments: 1
    So says The Washington Post editorial board. Putting aside what Mr. Cuccinelli has to say about homosexuals when he’s not trying so hard to be polite, let’s call his comments what they are: bigotry. Bigotry is as pernicious today, applied to homosexuals, as it was a century ago or less, when [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
    by vjp

  • LBGT Phonebanking for Bobby & Joe Monday

    The LBGT community is coming together this Monday, November 2, from 6-8pm to phone bank for Delegates Bobby Mathieson and Joe Bouchard. The event will be held at the Coordinated Campaign Headquarters located at 5101 Cleveland St., 3rd Floor. Of course, you don’t have to be LBGT to participate. Come on [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 2:36pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Friday fun: are you black or orange?

    Number of comments: 2
    In the spirit of Halloween, how about this quiz? You Are Black You are a serious and thoughtful person. You spend a lot of time in quiet reflection. You are a friend of the honesty, and you don’t sugar coat anything. You prefer the truth in all its complexity. While you may relate [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 10:39am EDT
    by vjp

  • Videos today

    A number of new videos in the last couple of days for Democratic candidates. From Creigh Deeds: From Jody Wagner: From Steve Shannon: [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:54pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Predictions on Pilot endorsements – local races

    Number of comments: 2
    There are so many localities in this region with local races, mainly constitutional officers, that I can’t begin to keep up. There are a couple of Virginia Beach races that I’ve been aware of – sheriff and Commonwealth’s attorney – but that’s about it. As it turns out, I was [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:45pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Healthcare, medicare bills online

    Number of comments: 4
    The healthcare bills as introduced in the House of Representatives are now available online in pdf format. H.R. 3962 – Affordable Health Care for America Act – is available  here and H.R. 3961 – Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 – is available here. While I consider healthcare a real [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 11:11am EDT
    by vjp

  • “Endorsing corruption”

    Number of comments: 14
    Yeah, I stole that headline from Norman Leahy. Placing a higher value on incumbency than on ethics, the Daily Press and the Virginia Gazette have both endorsed Del. Phil Hamilton for re-election. In other words, he may be a crook but he’s our crook. Honestly, I’m not surprised. As a senior member of [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:47am EDT
    by vjp

  • “The future of our party demands that Mr. Cuccinelli be defeated”

    Number of comments: 9
    Ken Cuccinelli has run the most disciplined campaign of all the candidates, keeping teh crazy – his own and that of his supporters – under wraps. If you don’t follow politics closely – and let’s face it, few do – then you’d have no idea just how far out he [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • GOTV swing with Kaine, Deeds, Shannon, Wagner

    Number of comments: 5
    Click to enlarge. Print out and distribute. On the Peninsula Hampton Meet & Greet 5pm YH Thomas Youth Center 1300 Thomas St Hampton, VA Newport News Event 6pm Newport News Campaign Office 11838 Cannon Blvd, Suite 100 [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Spruill fundraiser with Mayor Dwight Jones

    Number of comments: 2
    About 350 people gathered at the Greenbrier Marriot Tuesday evening for a fundraiser for Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. Kicking things off was 3rd district Congressman Bobby Scott. The Congressman, who had appeared earlier in the day at the Obama/Deeds rally, was unable to stay for dinner. Following him was Sheriff John Newhart, [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 6:45pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Wrap up: Obama in Norfolk for Deeds

    Number of comments: 5
    The line snaked around the building when I arrived at the ODU Ted Constant Center for the rally with Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds and President Barack Obama. Inside, the facility was already filling up. Although the arena seats 7,319, the area behind the stage was curtained off. Approximately one-half of the [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 10:51am EDT
    by vjp

  • Pilot endorsements in the rest of Southside HR

    Number of comments: 3
    Wednesday’s Virginian-Pilot contained the endorsements of the rest of the South Hampton Roads endorsements. As it turns out, they did issue an endorsement in the 64th. Counting that race – on which I offered my opinion in the comments on this post – I was five out of six in [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • Villanueva supported release of sex offender

    Number of comments: 4
    Ron Villaneuva, the Republican candidate in the 21st district, has decided to attack Democratic Delegate Bobby Mathieson for a vote on a failed bill that would have allowed certain nonviolent felons to work on school property. The quote you see to the left comes from a mail piece that Villanueva [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 8:10am EDT
    by vjp

  • Pilot endores 2Ds, 2Rs in Virginia Beach

    Number of comments: 2
    The Virginian-Pilot endorsements in the Virginia Beach House of Delegates races has been published. In the three races in which I predicted an endorsement, the Pilot endorsed just as I thought they would: Democratic incumbent Bobby Mathieson in the 21st, Republican incumbent Bob Purkey in the 82nd, and Democratic incumbent [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 11:17pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Obama/Deeds rally ticket winners

    Number of comments: 14
    The winners of the five tickets for Tuesday’s rally with our next governor, Creigh Deeds, and President Barack Obama are: Louis Eisenberg spotter Barbara Hatton-Hall Carl Johansen Teresa Eisenberg Congratulations! Check your email! And if you didn’t win, you can still get a ticket through the campaign website here. Just make sure that you show up in [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 6:03pm EDT
    by vjp

  • “How can we trust Chris Stolle?”

    Number of comments: 6
    We can’t. As if that weren’t enough, both The Virginian-Pilot (not available online) and the Richmond Times Dispatch had articles on Stolle’s primary source of funds for this campaign. Stolle, brother of the state senator who is likely Virginia Beach’s next sheriff, has received $326,000. That puts him at the top of the [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 2:24pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Forum for 80th district candidates Wednesday

    The ODU College Democrats and College Republicans will host a forum this Wednesday, October 28, for the candidates in the 80th House of Delegates District. The event will be held from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building, Room 102. The event is free and open to [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 1:48pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Pilot endorses Shannon, no endorsement for LG

    Number of comments: 3
    In a strongly worded endorsement today, The Virginian-Pilot editorial board endorsed Steve Shannon for Attorney General. Much of the endorsement laid bare how bad it would be for Republican Ken Cuccinelli to win next week’s election. The Pilot concluded: To put it politely, Cuccinelli’s election would bring embarrassment to Virginia, instability [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 1:08pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Virginian-Pilot endorses Deeds

    Number of comments: 27
    Sometimes, I don’t mind being wrong In an editorial for the Sunday paper, The Virginian-Pilot endorsed Democrat Creigh Deeds for governor.  And, as I suspected, the issue in the forefront of the board’s mind was transportation. He offers a political strategy rather than a substantive plan for solving the state’s most [...]
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    Posted: October 25, 2009, 12:51am EDT
    by vjp

  • Redistricting is VA’s Supreme Court

    Number of comments: 18
    Last year, when I dared question the support of Barack Obama for president, I was told repeatedly that the Supreme Court appointments were what mattered. Well Virginia, redistricting is our Supreme Court. I’ve always been clear that the closer government is to me, the more it affects me.  At stake in [...]
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    Posted: October 24, 2009, 11:32am EDT
    by vjp

  • The Pilot’s policy on endorsements

    Number of comments: 1
    In an op-ed piece today, editorial page editor Don Luzzatto explained the policy of The Virginian-Pilot on endorsements. Theoretically, the article is about why they endorse: What we hope to do, with all of our editorials, is encourage substantive debate on the issues of the day, the kind of conversation that [...]
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    Posted: October 23, 2009, 11:19am EDT
    by vjp

  • Capt. John Bell garners endorsements

    Capt. John Bell, the Democratic candidate for Sheriff in Virginia Beach, has been picking up some endorsements. The Virginia Police Benevolent Association, a statewide group who represents law enforcement officers,  has endorsed his candidacy. We will ask our members, their friends and families, and all citizens who respect the strong and efficient [...]
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    Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:15am EDT
    by vjp

  • Win a ticket to Obama/Deeds rally!

    Number of comments: 25
    I’ve got five tickets for the Obama/Deeds rally coming up in Norfolk at the Ted Constant Convocation Center this coming Tuesday. These aren’t the general admission tickets. These are the guaranteed admission tickets. With these tickets, you will get in. And you can win one. Here’s how: In the comments below, tell [...]
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    Posted: October 23, 2009, 7:45am EDT
    by vjp

  • Two ways to get tickets for Norfolk Obama rally

    The Deeds campaign today released more details on the tickets for the Obama rally. Guaranteed admission: volunteer! Volunteers who complete a shift this weekend anywhere in the Commonwealth will be guaranteed admission to the rally. To sign up to volunteer this weekend, click here. General admission General admission to the rally will be on [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 7:02pm EDT
    by vjp

  • “Blatantly misleading” McDonnell black radio ad

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 9
    So says Sen. Louise Lucas and Del. Lionell Spruill. Via The Washington Post blog, we learned that Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has released a radio ad targeted at the black community. The ad, which is being aired in Hampton Roads,  mentions both former governor Doug Wilder and President Barack [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 6:08pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Predictions on Pilot endorsements – statewide races

    Number of comments: 4
    Having two of the three candidates with ties to Hampton Roads is, no doubt, causing a bit of heartburn for the members of editorial board of The Virginian-Pilot.  Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell lived in Virginia Beach and represented part of it in the House of Delegates (84th district). Democratic [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 5:10pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Fact check: Mathieson ad on Villanueva

    Except one small problem: when given the opportunity to cut his pay, Virginia Beach Councilman, now the Republican challenger to incumbent Democrat Bobby Mathieson, basically punted. Last February, fellow council member Bill Steph proposed a 25% pay cut for the region’s highest paid council. “It’s not like we’re phoning it in,” said [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 3:26pm EDT
    by vjp

  • AG debate today, 1:15pm

    Number of comments: 3
    The last debate between the candidates for Attorney General, Democrat Steve Shannon and Republican Ken Cuccinelli, will take place at 1:15pm today in at the Omni in Richmond. The debate will be streamed live here. In the meantime, take a look at this video Is this the guy you want for AG? [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 12:35pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Kaine rallies HQ staff

    Governor Tim Kaine stopped by the campaign headquarters earlier today, bringing pizza and rallying the troops. I was sent a few photos, below. As always, click to enlarge. [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Obama coming to ODU for Deeds

    Number of comments: 18
    According to PilotOnline, the Deeds campaign has confirmed a visit from President Obama next Tuesday, October 27. The event will be held at ODU’s Ted Constant Center. Although the time has not been set, I understand it will be an afternoon rally. You can RSVP for the event by clicking [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 11:44am EDT
    by vjp

  • Predictions on Pilot endorsements – part one

    Number of comments: 11
    The Virginian-Pilot editorial board has been busier than a one-armed paper hanger over the last few weeks, interviewing candidates for possible endorsement. This year, trying to figure out who they will endorse has been a bit more difficult than in the past, for a couple of reasons. First, the makeup of [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 10:55am EDT
    by vjp

  • Fact check: Stolle ad on Bouchard

    Number of comments: 15
    With the charges and counter-charges flying fast and furiously between the various candidates, it is hard to keep up. One thing caught my eye in a recent ad by Republican challenger Chris Stolle was his intimation that incumbent Democrat Joe Bouchard supported the transfer of transit funds from Hampton Roads [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • And then there were two

    Number of comments: 8
    In less than two weeks, we’ve gone from a four-cat household to two. Sweetness died overnight. It seems as if once Samantha died, Sweetness just gave up. Over the last ten days, she stopped yelling at me for milk in the morning. Then she stopped eating. The last couple of [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 6:56pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Another campaign finance loophole

    Number of comments: 6
    Virginia’s campaign finance structure is based on one thing: transparency. Of course, such transparency supposes that the reports are true and accurate, something I question fairly regularly. I’m from the old “trust but verify” school of thought and wish there were an audit requirement for the reports. But today’s Virginian-Pilot mentions [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 9:01am EDT
    by vjp

  • Only LG debate tonight at 7pm

    Number of comments: 23
    The only debate of the election season between Bill Bolling, the incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor, and his Democratic opponent, Jody Wagner, will take place tonight at 7pm at Roanoke College. The event will be streamed live over the internet here. Consider this an open thread to discuss the debate. [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 5:46pm EDT
    by vjp

  • About the budget process

    Number of comments: 1
    Adam Rhew of NBC29 sat down with five Virginia governors and talked about a number of issues. (The video is available here.)  Participating were current governor Tim Kaine and former governors Linwood Holton, Doug Wilder, George Allen and Jim Gilmore. The entire interview is worth a watch. One point that Wilder [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 7:35am EDT
    by vjp

  • Norment: exhibit 9,999,999 for FT legislature

    Number of comments: 50
    “It’s just an inherent situation when you have a part-time citizen legislature where people are coming from a diversity of backgrounds and employment experiences. And I don’t think there’s anything inherently insidious about that. The amount of money that you are paid as a part-time legislator, unless you’re independently wealthy, [...]
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    Posted: October 17, 2009, 11:23am EDT
    by vjp

  • To wed or not to wed

    Number of comments: 2
    There was an article in the local newspaper the other day about the ministers at the Norfolk Unitarian Church. The newly arrived ministers at Unitarian Church of Norfolk are happy to officiate over the ceremonies where couples say, “I do.” But when it comes to signing marriage licenses, the Revs. Phyllis L. [...]
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    Posted: October 16, 2009, 4:39pm EDT
    by vjp

  • 10/15/09 Financial Reports – local House races

    Number of comments: 2
    Financial reports covering the period 9/1-9/30 were due by 5pm today. Some of the reports are not yet available on Virginia Public Access Project but are on the State Board of Elections website. As before, continue below the fold for the details. (Note: * indicates incumbent.) 21st Bobby Mathieson (D)* – raised $119,832, [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 9:23pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Did you forget something, Phil?

    Number of comments: 38
    Now I know you said “Peninsula’s colleges” but you left out one that has a presence on the Peninsula. And you did try to make sure that that university got its “fair share of state support,” right? (To be honest, I think it takes a brass pair to even mention higher [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • 89th House candidate bio raises questions

    Number of comments: 4
    The Virginian-Pilot profiled the candidates in the 89th House district race Friday. Incumbent Democrat Kenny Alexander faces the challenge of independent candidate Anthony J. Triplin. The Pilot raised some issues of judgments being rendered against Triplin, who is making his first run for office. But it appears that there are [...]
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    Posted: October 14, 2009, 9:57am EDT
    by vjp

  • Deeds v McDonnell: and the winner is

    Number of comments: 6
    … no one, really. I traveled to Richmond last night to watch the only televised debate between Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell. I was in the studio, which prohibited me from blogging or tweeting but gave me a glimpse of the candidates that the camera is incapable of capturing. The two men [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 9:39am EDT
    by vjp

  • Norfolk City Attorney tries to swat a gnat – and it swats back

    Number of comments: 14
    Reading Christina Nuckols column in Sunday’s Virginian-Pilot, I found a kindred spirit who also thinks that campaigns spend way too much time paying attention to blogs. She even used the same terminology as I: Blogs have real value, whether they’re generated by amateur political buffs or mainstream media. They can and [...]
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    Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:11am EDT
    by vjp

  • Bouchard event 10/24

    Meet and Greet for Delegate Joe Bouchard! Hosted by: Georgia Allen     -     Louisa Strayhorn Beatriz Amberman     –      Sylvia Nery Strickland Jyoti Pal – Joanne Truong Jenny Wong-Slaughter – Shewling Moy Wong Food, Silent Auction, and Conversation! Followed by a Ballroom Dancing demonstration Special Guest: [...] [...]
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    Posted: October 12, 2009, 7:45am EDT
    by vjp

  • Friday notes and open thread

    Number of comments: 11
    Well, Thursday afternoon brought us the latest poll in the Virginia statewide races.  (Details are here if you want to look.) Have to say I’m not feeling too confident about now. Reminder: Pancake breakfast for Bobby Mathieson and Joe Bouchard is tomorrow morning. Details are here. The Virginian-Pilot continues its profile of [...]
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    Posted: October 09, 2009, 11:49am EDT
    by vjp

  • NARAL weighs in on O’Bannon, Shields fight

    Number of comments: 11
    In a letter to the editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Tarina Keene, the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and former resident of Norfolk, takes Del. John O’Bannon (R-73rd) to task for his statements regarding . Below is the unedited version of the letter (links added for clarity). To the Editor, In [...]
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    Posted: October 09, 2009, 11:21am EDT
    by vjp

  • Thursday update: TV ads, the Obama meme

    Number of comments: 5
    Tuesday, Del. Bobby Mathieson (D-21) released the first campaign ad of his re-election campaign. The Deeds campaign released a new TV ad today as well. And ICYMI, there is a new meme about the Deeds campaign: that Obama won’t be back in the state to campaign for Deeds.  And Gov Kaine can’t [...]
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    Posted: October 08, 2009, 4:41pm EDT
    by vjp

  • 10/23 higher speed rail town meeting

    Number of comments: 9
    Save the Date! Friday, October 23 9:45 – Noon Future of Hampton Roads presents a Town Meeting at Old Dominion University on High-Speed Rail for Hampton Roads What are the Alternatives? It’s a decision that will affect our economy for the next 50 years ! Free and Open to the Public Informed speakers with [...]
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    Posted: October 08, 2009, 1:24pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Mathieson event with Governor October 14

    Please join us for a Reception with special guest Governor Tim Kaine to benefit Robert “Bobby” Mathieson Virginia House of Delegates 21st District Wednesday, October 14th Steinhilber’s Restaurant 653 Thalia Road Virginia Beach 6:00-8:00 pm Come enjoy fine local seafood in one of Virginia’s oldest local restaurants! $2000 Host                           $1000 Supporter $500 Friend                          $250 Individual Please send checks, payable to Mathieson for Delegate Post Office Box 8021 Virginia [...]
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    Posted: October 08, 2009, 9:44am EDT
    by vjp

  • Wednesday roundup: not much happening out there

    Number of comments: 9
    ICYMI the gubernatorial candidates appeared on Battleground Virginia last night, taking questions from the moderators as well as those submitted by Virginia voters. The video is here. ~ The candidates for AG square off in a debate tonight at the Verizon Auditorium of Mason’s Prince William campus. Doors open at 7pm, with [...]
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    Posted: October 07, 2009, 5:54pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Tax amnesty starts today

    The Virginia Department of Taxation has launched a website to inform taxpayers of the new tax amnesty program, which starts today and runs through December 5.  The program applies to taxes administered by the Department; however, not all tax periods are eligible. For example, only individual income taxes for the [...]
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    Posted: October 07, 2009, 11:47am EDT
    by vjp

  • FTC takes on bloggers, time for FEC to do same

    Number of comments: 12
    Much has been written about the FTC’s upcoming oversight of blogs. As I said a while back … the FTC does not appear to be trying to regulate political blogging. Bloggers are free to mislead and mis-inform the public without fear of Big Brother watching. I have become convinced that it is [...]
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    Posted: October 07, 2009, 10:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • Pilot profiles 80th, 64th HoD races

    With the retirement of longtime Del. Ken Melvin (who was appointed to the bench), there is no incumbent in the 80th House of Delegates district. Matthew James became the Democratic nominee in this district after winning the June primary. He faces Republican Jennifer Lee. Both candidates are, as The Virginian-Pilot [...]
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    Posted: October 06, 2009, 9:49pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Tuesday roundup

    Number of comments: 4
    Bill Bolling is up 17 points in the latest SurveyUSA poll. So why did he release an attack ad? Could it be that SurveyUSA’s numbers aren’t accurate and Bolling’s own internal polling is showing a tightening of the race? ~ There is a Battleground Virginia program airing this evening at 7pm featuring [...]
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    Posted: October 06, 2009, 5:09pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Bouchard on the air

    Number of comments: 3
    Del. Joe Bouchard is on the air with his first campaign ad. Given that his RSLC is trying to buy the seat in the 83rd, won’t you contribute a few bucks and help Joe continue getting out his message to voters? [...]
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    Posted: October 06, 2009, 12:39pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Update on People’s Debate October 12

    Number of comments: 2
    The People’s Debate is rapidly approaching, coming up next Monday, October 12. And what would a people’s debate be without the ability of the people to ask questions? Click on the  picture on the left to email your written questions to be asked of the candidates. You can also submit [...]
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    Posted: October 06, 2009, 11:07am EDT
    by vjp

  • Politics and football

    Number of comments: 13
    Sometimes, I’m amazed at how much politics and football are alike. Yes, they are both contact sports, although sometimes politics is more like boxing – with all the bobbing and weaving going on. Both require a fan base for each team. I’m a Redskins fan – which pretty much means my [...]
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    Posted: October 06, 2009, 8:42am EDT
    by vjp

  • Pilot profiles 21st HoD race

    Number of comments: 7
    Saturday, The Virginian-Pilot profiled the two candidates vying to represent the 21st House district in Virginia Beach: incumbent Democrat Bobby Mathieson and Republican challenger Ron Villaneuva. While there are differences in their approaches, both candidates agree that transportation is a challenging issue for the General Assembly. Much of the article focuses [...]
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    Posted: October 05, 2009, 10:50pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Monday roundup: video edition

    Number of comments: 6
    Creigh Deeds released a new ad today House Dems released an update on the state of the races Sheila Johnson visited Hampton Roads recently on behalf of Bob McDonnell. According to my sources, her visit included a luncheon at the Westin, a town hall meeting and a meet and greet at McCormick [...]
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    Posted: October 05, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Wagner on the air

    Democratic LG candidate Jody Wagner has released her first ad of the general election.  Titled “Best,” the ad will air in the Hampton Roads, Richmond and Roanoke media markets. [...]
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    Posted: October 05, 2009, 9:11am EDT
    by vjp

  • More RSLC money for Chris Stolle

    Number of comments: 4
    Friday, the Virginia Public Access Project recorded another $160,000 contribution from the Republican State Leadership Committee to 83rd House district challenger Chris Stolle. This brings the total contributed to Stolle by the RSLC to almost $250,000. Still think the RSLC isn’t trying to buy this seat? No other candidate has received [...]
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    Posted: October 05, 2009, 8:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • Bob’s world: family policy proposal #9

    Number of comments: 2
    A look at one of the fifteen policy proposals put forth by Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell in his thesis and the extent to which he attempted to implement the proposal during his career as a legislator and attorney general. Fight the use of federal funds for state sex-education programs or [...]
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    Posted: October 05, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • Mathieson, Bouchard Pancake Breakfast

    Second Annual Pancake Breakfast Honoring Our Delegates Bobby Mathieson & Joe Bouchard Hosted by The Honorable Lionell Spruill When: Saturday, Oct. 10th, from 8am to 10am Where: New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church 5549 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach Cost: $5 Per Attendee Questions? Call 226-0427 or 226-0435. [...]
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    Posted: October 03, 2009, 9:58am EDT
    by vjp

  • Jeff’s Notes: On Wilder

    Number of comments: 1
    Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times Dispatch takes on former Governor Doug Wilder in the latest version of Jeff’s Notes. [...]
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    Posted: October 02, 2009, 7:44pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Deeds, Kaine to attend Norfolk NAACP dinner

    Number of comments: 7
    The Norfolk branch of the NAACP will hold its 52nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet tomorrow. The event will be held at The Murray Center, 455 E. Brambleton Avenue. The speaker for this year’s dinner will be Rev. Dr. James W. Webb II, pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Among the many [...]
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    Posted: October 02, 2009, 12:29pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Abbott Day of Action rally Saturday

    Number of comments: 2
    You’re Invited to Robin Abbott’s DAY OF ACTION RALLY!! With Special Guest Governor Tim Kaine When: Saturday, October 3rd 4:00-5:30pm Where: Little Italy, Italian Restaurant 13175 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA (In Greenwood, 1 mile east of Newport News Regional Park) All Are Welcome Come out, meet the Governor and support Robin for Delegate in the [...]
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    Posted: October 02, 2009, 11:53am EDT
    by vjp
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