Virginian-Pilot: Blind or just covering their eyes

More fun from the editorial pages of the Virginian-Pilot. Christina Nuckols, whom I like by the way, wrote another transportation piece for the VP which didn’t even hint at the Republican plan that passed the House. She gets the Democrats right, lining up sales tax increases for Moran, gas tax increases for Deeds.
But […]

Editorialists blast Republicans over transportation session

Mainstream media still doesn’t get it.
In three editorials today from the Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Virginian-Pilot, the writers woefully lament how House Republicans “rejected any real attempt at raising revenue statewide”.
Damn right. And when the MSM is angry about what Republicans have done on principle, that’s usually a good sign.

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McDonnell’s chances improve with House actions on transportation

While Democrats Del. Brian Moran and Sen. Creigh Deeds voted in favor of massive tax increases to fund transportation and Gov. Tim Kaine’s transportation bill failed to muster even a single vote, it would appear that Republicans have solid ground in 2009 to demonstrate why they are the party of ideas and Democrats are mired […]

Episode 31. Virginia Politics On-Demand. July 10, 2008.

In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:

Special guest D.J. McGuire and a discussion of why last night’s transportation effort by House Republicans was both politically and policy-wise a great move

Brian gives the back-story as to how Del. Oder’s […]

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It’s over…thank God the Virginia special transportation session is over!

More than two weeks and several thousands of wasted taxpayer dollars later, the General Assembly has adjourned, accomplshing…nothing!
Governor Kaine’s transportation bill was twice introduced to the floor of the House, and twice, not only did it fail, but members of his own party defected. The plan the House Democratic caucus did support contained massive […]

The lines are clearly drawn

Today’s actions in the General Assembly have clearly defined the differences between the Parties in funding transportation. With Del. Glenn Oder’s substitute of HB 6055 (I told y’all not to worry), the Republicans have sided with reprioritizing existing and future revenues to address the crisis in transportation.
Democrats demand tax increases, arguing that every existing […]

Hamilton wonders if Dems are serious about transportation

HB 3202 passed. It was signed into law by the governor. It was found unconstitutional. The only thing unconstitutional about it was how regional taxes and fees were imposed.
Enter HB 6055. Del. Dave Albo and Del. Phil Hamilton of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads respectively crafted this bill to ensure that […]

Tertium Quids: Podcast with RPV Chair Del. Jeff Frederick

The folks at TQ had a chance to catch up with Del. Jeff Frederick this past weekend and talk politics, transportation, and more.

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Offshore drilling bill to be voted on Wednesday

Del. Chris Saxman’s bill to encourage the exploration for natural resources in U.S. waters off the coast of Virginia, and then dedicate future revenues and royalties from offshore drilling to Virginia’s Transportation Trust Fund appears well on its way to passage.
Sailing through the rules committee in a bi-partisan manner (12-3), the vote on HB 6006 […]

Transportation session? I’m off to Paris!

So, despite a never-ending special session that appears to be lasting until at least next Wednesday…and is sure to see HB 6055 fail (as well as Saslaw’s Senate bill), the Majority Leader in the Senate, Dick Saslaw, has decided to take a trip to Paris, assuring that the session will continue until he gets back.
So, […]

Unelected regional authorities: how is that not the conservative answer?

A common thread among the transportation debate is this unwillingness of some conservatives to support the so-called “unelected” regional authority. While I believe the government that governs best is the one that governs least, I also believe that the most accountable form of government is the one that is closest to you. Which […]

Democrats double-tax Hampton Roads

Sen. John Miller, Sen. Ralph Northam, Sen. Yvonne Miller, Sen. Louise Lucas.
These Democrats think fuel prices are so low that we in Hampton Roads should pay, not one, but TWO tax increases on gas!
SB 6009, which the Senate Democrats happily approved yesterday, raises taxes on gasoline statewide every year for the next six years […]

Chap Petersen and his blooming dogwoods

Sen. Chap Petersen (D-NoVA), wrote a memo to the folks back home that started:

“It’s June in Richmond. The dogwoods are blooming in Capitol Square. We should be back bome [sic], but we’re here instead.”
I would LOVE to have seen a blooming dogwood yesterday during my visit, but don’t seem to recall seeing any.
Of […]

Prudent and responsible action on transportation special session by House Republicans

With the governor calling for statewide tax increases to fund transportation, it makes sense that the House of Delegates would want to see how the governor’s bill actually turns out from the Democratically-controlled Senate before taking any action.
Unfortunately, the governor can’t find anyone in the Senate to patron his bill. The Senate Majority Leader, […]

VPOD. Episode 29. Interview: Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is calling for extensive VDOT reforms before raising any taxes commonwealth-wide. I had the opportunity to catch-up with him at his Richmond office to discuss his ideas on this special session and possible outcomes.

VPOD: Attorney General Bob McDonnell [13:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (125)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your […]

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