Archive for February, 2008
Virginia Politics On-Demand: Feb. 29
In today’s VPOD: Regional Transportation Authorities are ruled unconstitutional by the state supreme court. Audio from Gov. Tim Kaine and an interview with Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.
DLS rules budget unconstitutional
Last week, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling ruled that the Senate Budget was unconstitutional for transferring lottery money, supposedly dedicated for public education, into the General Fund for whatever use. In a straight party-line vote, Democrats over-ruled him 21-19 which brings up why is there a ruling from the chair if a simple majority can overrule [...]
Thelma Drake requests Angelina Jolie to testify before Congress
In a letter to U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO), chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA) has requested that the actress Angelina Jolie testify before the committee.
Regional Transportation Authorities: Unconstitutional
Breaking — the State Supreme Court just ruled that regional transportation authorities cannot levy taxes for transportation. “The ruling means that we don’t have an authority,” said Art Collins, acting executive director of the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. “We just went back 12 years in planning. We now have no valid transportation plan. It’s just [...]
McCain under scrutiny: Hagee endorsement and gaffe in Texas
Evangelist John Hagee endorsed Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain Wednesday. Should anyone care? Well, the Catholic League does. And so do many others. McCain gladly received the endorsement of the preacher who once called the Catholic Church “The Great Whore”, but now calls McCain, a “man of principle.” Personally, I find Hagee to be [...]
Virginia Politics On-Demand, Feb. 28
Tonight’s VPOD includes: Planned Parenthood Budget Amendment, Ronald Reagan Day, the “Job Savings Bill”, DMV exams, and Del. Moran’s Blogger Day.
McDonnell starting a national trend on immigration?
In Cal Thomas’ column today, Attorney General McDonnell is highlighted as a leader in the fight to secure our borders and promote lawful immigration.
Bloomberg not running for president
“I am not — and will not be — a candidate for president,” wrote Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City in today’s New York Times. “…[But] if a candidate takes an independent, nonpartisan approach — and embraces practical solutions that challenge party orthodoxy — I’ll join others in helping that candidate win the White [...]
Cuccinelli for Attorney General?
So states the Washington Times. The Times also lists Sens. Mark Obenshain and Ryan McDougle, as well as Dels. Rob Bell and Terry Kilgore as interested in the job.
Bolling tie-breaking vote eliminates state funding for Planned Parenthood
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling cast a tie-breaking vote today in the Senate, the first of this session, on an amendment that would have sent state funding to Planned Parenthood.
Virginia Politics On-Demand (VPOD)
Grab your iPod and download this week’s VPOD. This is a great show with Sen. Northam and Sen. Cuccinelli discussing the Homestead Exemption amendment, Ana Gamonal of the Gilmore Campaign and a statement from former Gov. Mark Warner on illegal immigration, news on the Mark Tate scandal and the bloggers involved, a report on the [...]
Sens. Northam and Cuccinelli, Ana Gamanol of the Gilmore Campaign and Brian Kirwin -- Feb. 27, 2008 [33:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (722)William F. Buckley has been called home
It is a very sad day for the conservative movement. Our intellectual giant and standard-bearer for so many years, William F. Buckley, has passed away at 82. I was blessed to meet him a few years ago and will never forget his charm, candor and conservatism. He will be missed, but his legacy will long [...]
Washington Post begrudgingly acknowledges the Dems shifting positions
In today’s Washington Post, buried in the front section on page A04, is a short article that brings up the numerous shifting positions of Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama. However, instead of holding the candidates accountable for their “changes of heart”, the article talks about how tough it is for politicians to stay [...]
Bolling has an editorial up now too
Interesting how on the same day AG McDonnell writes the first op-ed by a statewide official on a blog, LG Bolling a few hours later has one penned on Reagan’s GOP. While McDonnell’s column focuses on campaign promises and legislative accomplishments, Bolling hammers Democrats for what he calls an “unconstitutionally passed” budget.
Stalemate in Richmond
The Homestead exemption failed in the Senate… Smoking bans were killed in the House…. Bi-partisan redistricting never left committee in the House… Pay-day lending might not even get to conference… The triggerman bill will probably get vetoed by the governor… The gas tax was just defeated by a House committee… What will get accomplished this [...]
Gilmore asks a good question
In a press release yesterday, Jim Gilmore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, asks his would-be opponent, Democrat Mark Warner, if he sides with Gov. Tim Kaine or Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell when it comes to getting an agreement between Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Virginia State Police. The agreement, long advocated by McDonnell, [...]
Virginian Federalist exclusively carries McDonnell editorial
Early this morning, the Virginian Federalist will have a new contributor on their already popular blog: Attorney General Bob McDonnell!
Say what, Senate GOP? Homestead exemption dead
Why would Senate Republicans recommit something that breezed through the House, sailed through the Senate committee on Privileges and Elections, and was proposed by Del. Dave Albo (R-Fairfax)?
Extreme Mortman Super-Delegate Series
If you haven’t seen Extreme Mortman’s insightful look into Democratic super-delegates and who they are likely supporting, then you truly aren’t getting a full appreciation for the electoral process.
Cantor helps Drake kick-off campaign
U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake motivates supporters at her 2008 campaign kick-off today. Despite MoveOn.org spending $1.7 million against her last campaign, Rep. Drake narrowly defeated her opponent, Democrat Phil Kellam, by three points.
Strippers, cigarettes, and education
If it weren’t for the General Assembly, the time between college football and spring training would be so boring.
Hager receives sweeping endorsement
Current RPV Chairman John Hager has received the endorsement of all 11 congressional district chairs and others in his bid to remain RPV chairman. In their letter, supporters stated:
McCain “scandal” strikes of pride
Pride and vanity can bring out the worst in all of us…and if you look carefully at three key figures in the recent McCain “scandal”, pride is strongly at work.
Webb is still on the radar
Back in September of 2006, I wrote that Sen. Webb needed to commit for the full six years in office because he would make a good choice for VP, yet a lot of folks dismissed the idea. Well, fast-forward to today when Brian Kirwin writes on Reagan’s GOP that the Boston Globe is reporting that [...]
Happy Birthday, GOP!
On Feb. 22, 1856, the Republican National Committee was born. Grand Old Partisan has the details. Of course, folks from Wisconsin and Michigan might beg to differ on the actual date of establishment.
John Miller for raising taxes?
In today’s Daily Press, Hugh Lessig and Kimball Payne report on the 5-cent gas tax increase that Virginia Senate Democrats have been quick to support but that Governor Tim Kaine has called DOA in the House. However, their column focuses on the political conundrum that Democrat State Sen. John Miller faces based on his campaign [...]











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