Author: Vivian J. Paige

A former candidate, I've learned a lot about politics, both good and bad. I'd prefer more of the former and a lot less of the latter and I'm trying to do my part!

Tax cuts vote off the table until after election

Senate Democrats have decided to delay any vote on the expiring Bush tax cuts until after the election.  Meanwhile, my own Congressional representative, Glenn Nye, has signed a letter asking for all of the tax cuts to be extended. Over a year ago, I raised the issue of the expiring tax cuts with Sen. Mark … Continue reading Tax cuts vote off the table until after election →

Ds are bad, Rs are worse but vote for them anyway

I should have put this in the Friday Fun category. Except it is just too sad to be funny. In a poll released earlier this week (toplines pdf), 60% disapprove of the way Democrats in Congress are handling their jobs. But 68% disapprove of the way that Republicans in Congress are handling their jobs.  So … Continue reading Ds are bad, Rs are worse but vote for them anyway →

Friday fun: are you a hippie?

Have to admit that this article on hippie punching inspired today's choice of quiz. (Of course, I had to have somebody explain to me what "hippie punching" is 😦 ) You're Not Exactly a Hippie... While you're not a hippie, you've got the spirit of one. Like most hippies, you have deep beliefs and unusual … Continue reading Friday fun: are you a hippie? →

Redistricting hearing in Norfolk

The redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections held a public hearing in Norfolk last night. Nearly 80 people showed up for the hearing, more than double, I'm told, that of the earlier hearing in Roanoke. Members of the committee in attendance were Delegates Chris Jones (chair), Jackson Miller, Rosalyn … Continue reading Redistricting hearing in Norfolk →

Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As you might expect, I'm once again banging on the Dillon Rule. But I'm not alone in doing so. An article in the Richmond Times Dispatch drew my attention to the fact that the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform & Restructuring … Continue reading Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures →

Provisions of health care law go into effect today

Today marks the six-month anniversary of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Among the provisions taking effect: No pre-existing condition exclusions for children under age 19. No arbitrary rescissions of insurance coverage. No lifetime limits on coverage. Restricted annual dollar limits on coverage. Children under 26 will be allowed to stay … Continue reading Provisions of health care law go into effect today →

Help the Foodbank

Yes, I've written about this on numerous occasions. And I even mentioned it at my civic league last night. Bottom line: the economy is tough and people are hungry. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is reporting a "critical shortage in donations." Help if you can. Thanks! UPDATE: I'd like to join Brian Kirwin in calling … Continue reading Help the Foodbank →

Portsmouth mayor financial reports in

The financial reports for the upcoming special election for Portsmouth Mayor have been posted on the Virginia Public Access website.  Eight candidates are vying for the seat, which became open as the result of the recall of James Holley. D Stefan Adams - $368 raised ($25 in cash), $25 on hand William C Baker - … Continue reading Portsmouth mayor financial reports in →

Reminder: Redistricting hearing Wednesday night

Just a quick reminder that the redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections will be holding a public hearing in Norfolk Wednesday evening, September 22 at the Roper Performing Arts Center, Tidewater Community College in Norfolk. The hearing starts at 7pm.

DADT repeal blocked

The dysfunctional Senate voted 56-43, thus failing to advance legislation that would have repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That it takes 60 votes to get anything done in this age of the Republican filibuster is why I consider the Senate dysfunctional. In 2006, Democrats theoretically gained control of the Senate, with 51 of them. Outside … Continue reading DADT repeal blocked →