In tonight’s VPOD, State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli begins to outline his case to become Virginia’s next Attorney General. The Senator discusses his record, personal property rights, the conservative movement, voter trends and much more.

You can listen to Virginia Politics On-Demand on PodShow, download our feed to iTunes or other podcatchers, or stream it here:

 

 Sen. Ken Cuccinelli -- Mar. 31, 2008 [24:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (803)

In today’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, Attorney General Bob McDonnell gives his first blog interview since last week’s announcement by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling that he would be seeking re-election. McDonnell discusses HB3202 and his role, the importance of a united ticket, the U.S. Senate race, State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli’s announcement that he is running for Attorney General, the legislative session, illegal immigration, and more!

You can listen to Virginia Politics On-Demand on PodShow, download our feed to iTunes or other podcatchers, or stream it here:

 

 AG Bob McDonnell [17:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)

Rasmussen released a poll today that shows Sen. John McCain’s lead over both Democratic presidential candidates is growing. McCain leads Obama by 11 and Hillary by 22! More importantly, McCain polls over 50% in both surveys.

Tune in late tonight (11 p.m.) for our exclusive podcast with Sen. Cuccinelli. Here is his official release announcing his intention to run for AG:

U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA11) has decided that Northern Virginia businessman Keith Fimian is the best GOP candidate to replace the retiring congressman. In a letter to constituents, Davis said of Fimian:

Today, Sen. Ken Cuccinelli will be making an announcement on the 2009 state elections. It is widely expected that he will be declaring his candidacy for Virginia Attorney General. We will be joined by him for a podcast later this evening to get the straight scoop.

Also, current attorney general, Bob McDonnell, who is the odds-on favorite to be the GOP nominee for governor now that Lt. Governor Bill Bolling decided to run for re-election, will join us this afternoon to discuss the GOP ticket and the 2008 session of the General Assembly.

Check back here throughout the day for updates on the Cuccinelli announcement and the afternoon for the McDonnell podcast. Our podcasts are always available using this feed.

2:30 pm outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, President Ronald Reagan left a luncheon where he gave a speech at an AFL-CIO conference. His curbside limo wasn’t far from the door, but a smiling Reagan greeted onlookers.

Tonight is “Earth Hour” from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The organizers ask for everyone to turn out their lights for this hour. However, there is an alternative. Below the Beltway has the details.

One of the best posts of the week. Here’s a snippet:

Update: Here’s the ad everyone’s been talking about….

(h/t: Red State)

Original post…

Why should I be surprised that the Democrats are trying to ruin the reputation of one of the bravest and heroic men who has walked the earth this generation?

Oliver Stone announced the leading roles for his 2009 film “W.” They are….

Sen. John McCain is coming to Episcopal High School in Alexandria Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. as part of his “Service to America” tour that he is conducting next week. McCain was a student there.

In a speech he called “The Obama Challenge,” former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich delves into the Obama candidacy and big problems created by some of Obama’s proposals to help all people, especially the poor. Video is here

Three members of Virginia’s congressional delegation have made public their earmark requests in the new federal budget. This is a positive step, and one that all members who truly believe in open government should follow as soon as possible.

One side note: Earlier this week, I heard a former Appropriations Committee Cardinal say that people shouldn’t waste their time on earmarks. Their real ire should be directed at the 1974 Budget Act, which, it seems, is the taproot of evil. Can’t say that I disagree with any effort to scrap that act. But to gloss-over earmarks — which helped bring down a few congressional Republicans before the 2006 elections — strikes me as cavalier (but not unexpected, coming from the mouth of an old appropriator).

Next week offers to be quite a week of podcasts.

Monday: The first blog interview with Attorney General Bob McDonnell since Lt. Gov. Bolling’s announcement to seek re-election
Wednesday: A very candid and informative look at Rep. Thelma Drake, her story, and what compels her to serve
TBD: Del. Bob Marshall and his take on the U.S. Senate race.

Be sure to check back next week or use this feed to get VPod in your iPod!