Now I know you said “Peninsula’s colleges” but you left out one that has a presence on the Peninsula. And you did try to make sure that that university got its “fair share of state support,” right?
(To be honest, I think it takes a brass pair to even mention higher ed in an ad, but, hey, that’s me. )
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I guess the question is, what did CNU, W&M and TNCC give Phil in return for his earmarks for them??
Of course, Tommy Norment is doing the quid pro quo and pay to play for W&M.
Different side of the same line your own pockets coin for Peninsula Republicans.
Newport News Dem_ and the difference between Norment serving in the Senate will teaching at W&M and George Grayson representing Williamsburg in the House for 27 years will teaching at the collge is what?
The Hamilton situation and the Norment situation aren’t all that similar.
In Phil’s case, there appears to have been a quid pro quo, or at leas the possiblity of such, not so in Tommy’s case.
Now, should professors at the state’s college be considered state employees under Article IV, section 4 of the state constitution and barred from serving in the General Assembly or running for statewide elective office?
Possibly, but they haven’t been for years.
should be “while teaching” of course.
I bet Grayson was not making 160K for 2 classes, for one. Second, was Grayson teaching THEN ran and was elected as opposed to providing a sweetheart deal TO GET a job.
I agree they are different, but Norment’s “deal” stinks no matter how much you want to spin it. The obvious similarities are both are lining their pockets becase of who they are and the positions the voters placed in them.
Joe Bouchard is director of Governmental Sales for Cox…no conflict of interest?
Do you have any information that says he is dealing with the state government? Honestly, I’ve not seen anything that says just what government he’s selling to.
I’m looking into it. Waiting for Cox to respond.
If it was local government, while Bouchard is voting on funding for local government, he’s got his “government sales” for Cox to manage the rest of the year.
Norment’s salary and course load are comparable with that of other law school professors. He’s not teaching two courses. He’s teaching two courses per semester. Typical law school course load is three one semester classes per year. Average salary for full-time law school professor is $169,000. To take the job Norment gave up his partnership at Kaufman & Canoles. He seems qualified for the job. Not like he’s going to do special favors for W&M because,as Williamsburg’s state senator, he’s always been trying to get them as much money as possible anyway.
I sort of agree with Steve here. Even though I do not support Norment – as a Dem or a consumer advocate – he has a tone to teach law students taking classes on how VA Govt operates. He would certainly be a draw for the school. Plus, he has been carrying W&M issues for a long time.
I think the larger problem highlighted in ALL of these discussions is the one Steve and Vivian disagree about – the citizen legislature. In reality, serving in the Senate or House IS NOT a part time job. To much work and then to much campaigning. We need an alternative.
Len
ton
Mr. Bennett-
Since everyone on this blog appears to know one another and you claim to take the high ground, why don’t you tell Newport News Dem that his postings are offensive, foul mouth and that it should stop.
Len…. pistols at 20 paces!
Actually, I am a possible thread hijacker!
This was about the HUGE cahones of Hamilton’s mailer extolling his bringing home funding for Colleges with, being kind, a cloud over his head on the very same subject.
LOL NND. In hindsight, it was more than teaching. And add in the AG opinion. I would have lost in our duel. You were correct.
Len
His huge CAHONES have taken care of his local schools: CNU, W and M, and TNCC.
As an employee, Hamilton never put in any legislation or budget amendments for ODU.
Someone else, with less CAHONES, would have wilted and cared about the hate mongers after the 93rd seat.He, and his CAHONES, will be in Richmond in January because his district knows he will protect it!!
Give me a break…Hamilton was caught lining his own pockets and violating the trust of the people. You are delusional if you think taking out this ethically challenged Delegate because of HIS ACTIONS is hate mongering.
Your boy is going to hope to stay out of jail, much less return to Richmond.
And yes, he has huge cahones because he still is too arrogant to know he did this to himself with his greed and corruption! The only ones sad at at his leaving will be his lemming supports and the bartenders along Broad Street who will now miss their fist quarter sales quotas.
I see you guys had a good time chatting today while I had my head down finishing up some tax returns 😉
Um, NND – yes, you are a hijacker 😆 (Although I do need to post about the Norment thing at some point)
Vivian, Len and Steve V. (If you have nerve to post which to date you have not):
Where was Abbott at the SCLC forum Thursday night? She is into lip service about higher ed, the underpriveledged and she refuses to follow through with a 6 month commitment. The SCLC has been a national, and local Peninsula leader, in advancing issues important to a large portion of the 93rd District. She snubbed Andrew Shannon and the citizens of the 93rd district. Where is the outrage Vivian?
She also snubbed the Insight Enterprises forum for citizens with disabilities on Thursday. Thought Robin was a disability advocate??
How much does Len Bennett pay you to go after Hamilton and ignore postings negative of Abbott. This website is a Joke!
Doesn’t matter. Voters, activists in the 93rd know their advocate. It is Not Robin Abbott, Len Bennett or you.
elizabeth phillips/carolyn miller – I answered your earlier comment that you posted here.
Perhaps you are unaware that I am a CPA and the tax filing deadline was October 15. If you read my blog regularly, you would know that I have been very busy and, as I responded earlier, that I was unaware of the forum.
No one pays me, elizabeth/carolyn – if either of those are your real name. How much is Hamilton paying you?
“Elizabeth Phillips”, I commend you on your ability to remain anonymous. Why post with a real identity when you can just make up nonsense and accuse and insult me and others upon no other basis than that I give to political candidates. You don’t know me. I am not in Robin’s campaign. And I have never been to any of these events you describe (and do not make any of the decisions regarding them or anything else in the campaign. I work and take care of my toddler son).
AND you either ignore or are just did not know what else we do with our dollars – for example 50k in July to Achievable Dream; 20k in August to Living Museum; the “anonymous” added 10k reward for finding the murderer of a Hardee’s employee; and a ton of other efforts. See – I worked at Hardees growing up, put myself through school, lived on modest means as a kid; was adopted near birth and married a great person grew up poorer than poor, never knew her father and is now a self-made Dr.
THAT is why we give to candidates who care about persons other than themselves (I am not arguing that any particular candidate that you support is otherwise) including the occassional Republican. We lived challenges that gave us heavy empathy. Most conservatives espouse a belief in Christ. If you do as well, please, on that foundation stop attacking a stranger you have never met and certainly do not know.
And re: Vivian – Some would say she leans progressive, just as some other good blogs lean conservative. But I am CERTAIN that she would criticize anyone who she believed deserving. For example, do a site search for Clinton/Obama supporter James Holey. You have criticized Vivian who runs a not for profit blog while a CPA. And myself because my firm, and my wife and I give to candidates who we think will help the weaker and less empowered in our world. I am actually DOING something – even if you disagree with who I support. I want the world better when I leave than when I came in. If you disagree with my political choices, explain a policy position on such blog posts that helps your argument that your candidate is a better choice than mine. But leave the personal attacks on me alone – at least until you have met me and have actual reason to dislike me so.
Now, if you REALLY want a dialogue, please call my office and I will be glad to have a reasonable talk.
She is getting a bit hysterical. It is understandable since her guy Phil is a few weeks away from needing to find even more income to support his retirement. First was the 40k ODU kickback and soon 20k Delegate pay.
BTW Elizabeth, the voters of the 93rd will not send this ethically challanged individual to Richmond. We will not prostitute ourselves like some in NN because of a couple of earmarks he brings home. There are big issues facing this Commonwealth and they will not be addressed with Republican in charge of anything. It is our job as the Democratic Party to clean up after huge catastrophe’s and needs left behind when the GOP take control then driven back out after the voters realize the GOP can’t govern.
elizabeth/carolyn – from my comment policy:
If you read comments on this and other blogs, the thing is to go after Abott by Hamilton paid bloggers.
One just needs to reminded there are actual emails out there where Hamilton said he would get funding for ODU, asked to get $40000 a year. All of this on NNews Public schools email, where he tried to hide them. Also this is a violation of school policy, so why is he still on their payroll.
You can rant all you want about Robin Abbott but she has worked hard for people who have been ripped off in this community.
It is laughable that Hamilton is running ads like this and those who spend their time on the computer rallying to his defense.
Nov. 3, Hamilton will retire from the House by the electors of the 93rd District.
Vivian:
Where are your reminders to Newport News dem or Laura regarding personal aattacks? I feel that there comments are personally attacking to Elizabeth.
Laura, have you looked at Delegate Hamilton’s legally submitted budget amendment? It does not mention ODU. It mentions multiple programs at public secondary schools, public universities or private entites. His amendment was not for $500,000. Senator Harry Blevin’s amendment specifically mentioned only ODU. Phil Hamilton does not sit on the Higher Education sub-committee of House Appropriations. Senator John Chichester and Delegate Vince Callahan decided where the funds would go, and how much spend on the program. He has continually answered questions even when he could have invoked legislative priveledge like others have.
Mr. Bennett, I am sorry you feel you are being portrayed inaccurately. You have obviously had difficulties in your life but neither you or Ms. Abbott are alone in this area. Delegate Hamilton has had severe and painful episodes in his life that have shapped is 21 years of work on behalf of the mentally ill, mentally retarded and health care. Just because he is private about his personal experiences do not mean they do not exists. Like you, Hamilton was adopted at birth. He has a very close relative who is mentally retarded and almost died of Gillean Burre syndrome. He watched as both parents died of long painful illnesses of Alheimers and Parkinson’s diseases.
Many on this, and other postings, have made him out to be something other than the concerned legislator he has been for 21 years. He is not independently wealthy and as a part-time legislator he needs to have outside employment. Noone is perfect and if perfection is what is mandatory to serve in public office there would be no candidates. Am I sorry the ODU situation occurred? Of course. But, I will not let 21 years of good service to my community change my support.
Everyone on both sides of this race should turn down the dialogue and focus on the issues.
Gosh, he needs outside income to support his lifestyle in retirement. Cry me a river!! He and his right wing buddies voted to kick the unemployed in the backside by turning down the 125 mil for the ARRA. What a hypocrite. Phil gets his and screws the unemployed who who are trying to save their homes and families, not pay for his country club dues! What a coincidence that he asked ODU for the exact 37k he required to made sure his retirement income did not go backwards. I guess the extra 3k was icing on the cake.
None of your spin and apologies takes away the reality. He sponsored the creation of the college and got a kick back for it. He should be in jail, not the General Assembly
Okay. Go back and search my postings re: Phil on this site. No insults. In fact an earlier one includes my suggestion that another poster not attack him personally.
Anyhow, if we all kept the arguments fair, our system would work a world better. Regards, len
Len:
I will attempt to adhere to a lack of personal comments as Marilyn and you suggest. I would also ask that you request Newport News Dem from doing the same thing.
Presenting facts as listed in legislative documents and minutes is not spin. The mailers going into the 93rd district have been ugly and personal. You may not be involved in any campaign, and I will take you at your word, your financial contributions have allowed others to practice personal attack politics (last I checked Steve Shannon was not a consumer or civil rights activists).
Newport News Dem accuses Hamilton of kick-backs, country club dues and worse. One of the main tenants of our constitution is “innocence until proven guilty.” Newspaper, blogs and personal accusations do not constitute guilt.
Let me see if I can clear this up for you. I would never wanting to speak for our host, but let me give it a shot.
[content removed]
Pointing our that Phil got caught with his hands in the cookie jar in a pay to play scheme is not a personal attack. Pointing out his hypocrisy on his need to pad his retirement income while sticking those who have been most hurt by the republican great recession with his kick back scheme is not a personal attack. Pointing our that if ones income drops dramatically, one just might have to give up his country club membership is not a personal attack. These are opinions, based on all the evidence before us, and not personal attacks.
Phil will be first found guilty by the voters of the 93rd, then he will have his constitutionally guaranteed day in court where he will have his presumption of innocence……
then found guilty. BTW, that is another opinion and not a personal attack.
NND – I have edited your post to remove the personal attacks. Please don’t do that.
Marilyn – perhaps I’m missing something but I don’t see any personal attacks in the comments from NND or laura.
All – for the most part, we’ve had a civil discussion of Hamilton on this blog. Have we poked fun at Hamilton? Yes. Have we discussed the facts that have come out in the newspapers? Yes. But that’s what communities do. What we haven’t done – at least until this thread – is attack other commenters. None of us is running for office, so let’s keep the focus where it belongs: on the candidates.
I appreciate you removing part of NND comments however, was remains is still attacking and ugly. “Hand in cookie jar,””pay to play,””kick back scheme.”
These phrases do not poke fun or present facts as presented in newspapers. They are personal and inflammatory. I can only imagine what you took out.
This type of conversation points to someone with a deep personal dislike of Delegate Hamilton and I think it and previous post violate your intent for civil discourse on this post.
elizaeth – there is a difference between opinions of elected officials and personal attacks on fellow commenters. What I removed – and what is against my policy – was a personal attack on a fellow commenter.
I’ve always let stand comments that are opinions about public officials – as long as they don’t contain profanity – because I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even if it is one that I don’t agree with.
For example, your characterization of Abbott’s mailers – which I haven’t seen – is based on your opinion of them. And I believe you are entitled to that opinion, which is why your comments remain.
Does that make sense?
No, not really. But I have learned this blog is like a country club and only the insiders are allowed to libel people (whether they are public officials is irrelevant)and it is acceptable. Describing mail versus describing a person are very different to me. I know you contributed to, and support Abbott, this blog would be far better served if repeatedly personal attacks against candidates was mediated.
Virginia has a lot of problems and ugly, personal attacks against candidates draws attention from what is important.
I think you will find that every blog has a community of people and every one of them has a different tone. Head over, for example, to Bearing Drift, and you’ll find a community of people who express different opinions about the candidates. The bar for defamation of a public official is pretty high, and nothing I’ve seen posted on blogs – whether left-leaning or right-leaning – rises to that. People have strong opinions about candidates – it’s a part of our political process. And the freedom to express those opinions is something we as Americans value.
We don’t have to agree with those opinions, but we all have the right to express them.
I guess when NND called me “hysterical” that was not a personal comment. I do not read the other blog you reference. If you say it has the ugly comments directed at candidates that your’s does then I repudiate it.
One of the main problems with government and our culture is a lack of civility towards others.
Sharing views does not have to rise to the legal definition of libel against a public official. It has to do with how we as citizens participate in an open society with civility.
If this blog, or others, are only for democrats or republicans than the owners should require registration and limit free access. Independents seeking a civil forum to share differing opinions appear not to be welcome.
I will not bother with this blog further. I find it sickening to “talk” to people like NND who so obviously carry partisan hate within them.
Vivian….
You should know that was not a personal attack on Elizabeth. All I was showing was an example as clear as could be to explain the difference which she seems to have difficulty understanding what your policy is. I thought my “let me clear it up for you” was a sufficient introduction to show that I was pointing out the differences, providing both as examples.
Elizabeth, that comment was not directed towards you.
Such things don’t translate well in text without liberal use of smilies – and even then they are difficult. That’s why I took it out.
elizaeth -look back over the posts in this thread. Be honest -who started with the personal charges? Your very first comment in this thread was a threat directed at me, daring me to post your comment! You accused me of being paid to post, an accusation with no basis. This after I responded to your earlier comment about not knowing about the forum and saying I would find out and get back to you.
(And then there is the comment you tried to post last night that I never approved because it was nothing but personal attacks on me and others here.)
This community welcomes anyone and everyone. You are free to leave or stay – that is your choice. But you cannot expect to attack people and them not respond – which is why I don’t allow personal attacks in the first place.
And now I’m going back to my normal Sunday evening stuff – watching football.)