Archive for November 2010
Clinton on Spruill
I attended Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr.’s annual fall event last night. It was a very nice gathering in Chesapeake with many legislators and local elected officials in attendance. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Portsmouth Del. Johnny Joannou – we had a long off-the-record conversation Norfolk Del. Kenny Alexander served as Master of … Continue reading
In need of a civic renaissance
The above is the title of my latest column, which appeared in Wednesday’s Virginian-Pilot. As noted in the article, the transcripts of the House hearings can be found on the state’s redistricting website. (Just so happens that when I attended the Norfolk hearing, I noticed that there was a court reporter there. I then asked … Continue reading
Veterans Day 2010
From History of Veterans Day: In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the … Continue reading
Transparency
Or not. Norfolk hired a new city manager just two weeks after the current manager announced her retirement and without any interviews of other candidates or input from the public. Portsmouth appointed a new council member just a week after the special election for mayor, also without interviews of other candidates or input from the … Continue reading
Women’s legislative roundtable
WOMEN’S LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE PRE-SESSION FORUM Moderated by the League of Women Voters of Virginia Wednesday, December 1, 2010 9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. House Room 1, underground section of the Capitol addition Entrance on Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia Google: “Parking in Richmond Capitol Square” for options Speakers will provide information on the upcoming … Continue reading
Brian Moran for DPVA chair
If I had a vote in the race for Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, I’d cast it for Brian Moran. I’m sure that is no surprise to many – after all, I supported Brian for governor in 2009. Those of you who know me, though, know that I don’t let friendship or loyalty … Continue reading
Opinion, please: Olbermann suspension
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you know of the suspension of Keith Olbermann from MSNBC, the result of his making three contributions to Democratic candidates. NBC has a policy prohibiting such donations without prior approval, which Olbermann did not seek. Regardless of whether you like the man – and his politics – or not, … Continue reading
Opportunity lost
Over the past two years, Democrats had the opportunity to effect real change and they punted. Paul Krugman says it better than I could: So, we’re already getting the expected punditry: Obama needs to end his leftist policies, which consist of … well, there weren’t any, but he should stop them anyway. What actually happened, … Continue reading
Bloggers panel at Civics Summit
The Virginia Civics Summit is being held in Richmond today, November 8, from 9am to 3:30pm. Kicking things off will be a blogger’s panel comprised of Virginia bloggers and moderated by yours truly. (Yeah – it will be like herding cats ) You can watch the entire summit live, including the panel, at the link … Continue reading
One year ago today
I wrote a post about a potential challenger to Bobby Scott in the 3rd Congressional District. I said: So while I would never tell someone not to run, I would encourage young Mr. Dillard to look hard at the reality of the district – once Tuesday’s euphoria wears off – and recognize what an uphill … Continue reading
Friday fun: what Wizard of Oz character are you?
I have to admit: The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen it. You Are Dorothy You are a little lost right now, but you are slowly finding your way home. You are a kind and loyal person. You are the truest friend anyone … Continue reading
Why Rigell won
Scott Rigell won election to Congress with more than 53% of the vote in a three-way race. He became the Republican nominee after winning a six-way primary in June with less than 40% of the vote. Despite early objections to his campaign by members of both the Republican Party and the Tea Party, his win … Continue reading
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