2013 Elections
On the Virginia LG contest
Count me among those surprised that the Republicans nominated E. W. Jackson for lieutenant governor at their convention last weekend. Based on the last few weeks, I’d have bet money that Pete Snyder, who finished second, was going to pull it off. While I favor primaries, I also recognize that it is a different contest. … Continue reading
ICYMI: Showing up at decision time
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In hindsight, I think it was appropriate in light of yesterday’s firehouse primary in the 14th Senate, won by Del. John Cosgrove. According to VPAP, there are 124,202 registered voters in the 14th. Using the results from 2012, I’d venture to say that roughly 60% … Continue reading
GOP Senate election tonight
Three Republican candidates square off tonight in a primary for the Virginia Senate seat in the 14th district. The retirement of Harry Blevins opened up the seat, which will be contested in a special election on August 6. The three candidates are Del. John Cosgrove, activist Chris Stearns, and former Chesapeake council candidate Bill Haley. … Continue reading
Immigrant prison Cuccinelli helped still looking for escapee
The Immigration Centers of America facility in Farmville was missing two of their detainees earlier this week. As of this writing, there is still one missing. This is the facility that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli bragged about not too long ago at a Chamber of Commerce lunch in Farmville. Instead of being part of the … Continue reading
Cuccinelli brags about “cutting red tape” for Farmville immigrant prison
(Some of the following information comes from a newspaper report in the Farmville Herald.) During remarks to the Farmville Chamber of Commerce recently, candidate for Governor Ken Cuccinelli claimed to have some influence in “cutting red tape” for the immigrant detention center/prison built in Farmville a few years ago. “He went to the head of … Continue reading
VA Guv candidates’ taxes
You know it’s silly season when the gubernatorial candidates for governor are talking about their personal taxes. What relevance, exactly, do personal income tax returns have to the ability to serve as governor? Absolutely none. But if you have nothing to say, I guess it makes for an easy diversion. And that’s exactly what we … Continue reading
Cuccinelli and Star Scientific
The Washington Post has an extensive article on the relationship between Star Scientific and current governor Bob McDonnell. Almost as a sidebar, the Post has an article on the same company and its relationship to AG/gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli. Both articles were reprinted in today’s Virginian-Pilot. The Cuccinelli article points out that he failed – … Continue reading
Quick hits 03/25/13
Just a few articles you may have missed: Port Authority decision tomorrow. The Virginia Port Authority will decide Tuesday on who will run the port. This is big – and has huge implications for Hampton Roads as well as the entire commonwealth. Cuccinelli opines on transportation and Medicaid. Attorney General/gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli offered his … Continue reading
Shad Planking: to go or not
I’ve attended the Shad Planking for a number of years now. With the announcement that Ken Cuccinelli will speak but Terry McAuliffe will not, I’m not sure whether I’ll make the trip. Part of the reason I’ve attended in the past is to reconnect with some of my friends on the right that I rarely … Continue reading
Quick report: Virginia Beach Forum
Last night, I participated in a live political talk show as the season finale of the Virginia Beach Forum. Our part of the program followed a presentation by Larry Sabato, who joined conservative author Kate Obenshain, Richmond Times Dispatch columnist Jeff Schapiro, Virginian-PIlot columnist Kerry Dougherty, radio show host Tony Macrini and myself the panel … Continue reading
Do your homework
Steve Shannon learned it the hard way: you really have to do your homework when running for office. An article in today’s Virginian-Pilot should serve as a wakeup call to Terry McAuliffe as well as other candidates out there. Knowing what the job you’re trying to obtain entails is a requirement. And if you don’t, … Continue reading
Bolling out
To the surprise of, well, no one, LG Bill Bolling announced today that he will not pursue an independent bid for governor. Bolling cited three reasons for not running, with money leading the list. Based on my discussions with key donors over the past three weeks, I was confident I could raise enough money to … Continue reading
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