Norman Leahy
Norm Leahy is a Washington Post columnist, and comments on Virginia politics for WRVA and the Virginia Talk Radio Network
Leahy: When Truth Intrudes on Virginia Politics
There are rare occasions when Virginia politicians drop their partisan talking points and speak the truth. It’s not intentional. Elected officials saying on the record what they really think can be dangerous.
Leahy: Virginia Gets a Dose of Political Theater
Virginia politicians trying to grab a piece of the attention focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and interest groups coming out of the woodwork to support a lawsuit demanding that a federal court call legislative elections this November
Leahy: Good News in Virginia on School Construction and Parole Board Reform
As the General Assembly and the Youngkin administration begin the real work of the 2022 session — dickering over the fine details and political flash points of Virginia’s budget — there are two items that deserve a little more attention.
Leahy: The Virginia General Assembly Reaches Halftime
It means a lot to the denizens of Capitol Square, because that’s when House-approved bills go on to the Senate and vice versa, and the real horse trading on legislation begins.
Leahy: Virginia May Be Losing Its Love for Mask Mandates, but It Remains Enamored of Its Grocery Tax
A swift change of partisan hearts on mask mandates in public schools, a renewed dedication to corporate welfare and an ingrained aversion to eliminating the tax on groceries.
Leahy: Constitutional Issues Arise with a Dominion Contribution Ban
In 2020, a federal appeals court upheld a lower-court ruling that overturned a Pennsylvania ban on political contributions from individuals who held state gaming licenses. In 2017, a U.S. District Court overturned an Illinois law banning political contributions from “cannabis cultivation centers and dispensaries,” ruling the law violated the First Amendment.
Leahy: Youngkin’s Biggest Issue is Abortion, Not Masks
Masks and abortions? Or abortions and masks?
Leahy: Youngkin’s Tip Line Bumble Should Be a Lesson to the New Governor
A ripe for parody email tip line where the concerned, aggrieved, bored, and others can air their concerns about parents’ rights and allegedly ‘divisive’ school practices
Leahy: Glenn Youngkin’s Edifice Complex
Never fear, those of you who may be worried about such things as corporate welfare (when not worried about the creeping menace of critical race theory or some other hobgoblin intended to keep the base agitated through the midterm elections).
Leahy: Virginia Politicians Have Already Had a Rough Start to 2022
The new year has started off badly for a number of Virginia politicians.
