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!

First thoughts on VB special election

For months now, Republicans in Virginia Beach have been campaigning for the seat currently occupied by now Sheriff-elect Ken Stolle. Jeff McWaters jumped out early: he's been all over the place (I've run into him a number of times) and a drive through Virginia Beach prior to the November election would make anyone think he … Continue reading First thoughts on VB special election →

Mathieson statement on election

By now, you've probably heard that the votes in the 21st House of Delegates district have been counted and that Republican Ron Villanueva has been declared the winner by a scant 13 votes. I received the following statement from the campaign of Bobby Mathieson: Yesterday, more votes got counted in the 21st District House of … Continue reading Mathieson statement on election →

Veterans Day 2009

As our nation is engaged in two wars, I was saddened to see that the front page of our local paper paid more attention to the death of a sniper than to those who serve and who have served. There was a single front page story - and it was more about the individual than … Continue reading Veterans Day 2009 →

Sniper to be executed tonight

John Allen Muhammad, known as the Beltway sniper, will be put to death tonight. The only one who can save him is Governor Tim Kaine. I will be surprised if the governor steps in. I have to admit: I don't hold a very strong stance on the death penalty. I find arguments on both sides … Continue reading Sniper to be executed tonight →

The high cost of VA’s tax expenditures

The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis released a report (pdf) this morning which assesses the cost of Virginia's tax expenditures. Calling it a $2.5 billion drain on revenue, the Institute says that these expenditures - tax exemptions, exclusions, deferrals, credits, or preferential rates in the tax code - are implemented and then forgotten. In a … Continue reading The high cost of VA’s tax expenditures →

Nye voted no on healthcare

The emails from Saturday night's votes are flowing into my inbox. Most of them are congratulatory ones - for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Congressman Tom Perriello (D-5th), Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) - thanking them for their support of healthcare reform. Some of them are critical of my representative, Congressman Glenn … Continue reading Nye voted no on healthcare →

A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts

In my earlier post, I mentioned some consultants who should never work in politics again. I'm not generally one to name names, but since he's been outed, David Petts is one of those guys. Told by Petts that his convincing primary win positioned him well with the Democratic base – core Democrats, northern Virginians and … Continue reading A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts →

Choo Choo!

Get'em John 😉 UPDATE: The video has been removed. Below the fold is a transcript that I've seen in a number of places around the internet. JAMES BROWN: John, you have been pretty doggone outspoken on the Washington Redskins and what is not working. Maybe it is an obvious question, but why so passionate? Why … Continue reading Choo Choo! →

Friday fun: I’m sweet potatoes

Probably my all-time favorite food 😉 You Are Sweet Potatoes You love comfort foods, and for you, there's nothing more comforting than Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, you've been known to have Thanksgiving favorites all fall... and possibly all year. You've got to have your sweet potatoes. There's no one who cooked as well as your … Continue reading Friday fun: I’m sweet potatoes →

Potential challenger for Bobby Scott

The Virginian-Pilot political blog posted a blurb yesterday about a potential challenger for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd).  Seems the original tip came from United Conservatives that Coby Dillard, who worked on the McDonnell for Governor campaign as Deputy Coalition Director (Veterans/African Americans), is considering a run. Dillard runs a blog called The Dillard Doctrine and, … Continue reading Potential challenger for Bobby Scott →