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!

Fact check: Stolle ad on Bouchard

With the charges and counter-charges flying fast and furiously between the various candidates, it is hard to keep up. One thing caught my eye in a recent ad by Republican challenger Chris Stolle was his intimation that incumbent Democrat Joe Bouchard supported the transfer of transit funds from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia. The ad … Continue reading Fact check: Stolle ad on Bouchard →

And then there were two

In less than two weeks, we've gone from a four-cat household to two. Sweetness died overnight. It seems as if once Samantha died, Sweetness just gave up. Over the last ten days, she stopped yelling at me for milk in the morning. Then she stopped eating. The last couple of days, she wouldn't even drink … Continue reading And then there were two →

Another campaign finance loophole

Virginia's campaign finance structure is based on one thing: transparency. Of course, such transparency supposes that the reports are true and accurate, something I question fairly regularly. I'm from the old "trust but verify" school of thought and wish there were an audit requirement for the reports. But today's Virginian-Pilot mentions something else: the campaign … Continue reading Another campaign finance loophole →

Only LG debate tonight at 7pm

The only debate of the election season between Bill Bolling, the incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor, and his Democratic opponent, Jody Wagner, will take place tonight at 7pm at Roanoke College. The event will be streamed live over the internet here. Consider this an open thread to discuss the debate.

About the budget process

Adam Rhew of NBC29 sat down with five Virginia governors and talked about a number of issues. (The video is available here.)  Participating were current governor Tim Kaine and former governors Linwood Holton, Doug Wilder, George Allen and Jim Gilmore. The entire interview is worth a watch. One point that Wilder brought up is the … Continue reading About the budget process →

Norment: exhibit 9,999,999 for FT legislature

"It's just an inherent situation when you have a part-time citizen legislature where people are coming from a diversity of backgrounds and employment experiences. And I don't think there's anything inherently insidious about that. The amount of money that you are paid as a part-time legislator, unless you're independently wealthy, necessitates that all of us … Continue reading Norment: exhibit 9,999,999 for FT legislature →

To wed or not to wed

There was an article in the local newspaper the other day about the ministers at the Norfolk Unitarian Church. The newly arrived ministers at Unitarian Church of Norfolk are happy to officiate over the ceremonies where couples say, "I do." But when it comes to signing marriage licenses, the Revs. Phyllis L. Hubbell and John … Continue reading To wed or not to wed →

10/15/09 Financial Reports – local House races

Financial reports covering the period 9/1-9/30 were due by 5pm today. Some of the reports are not yet available on Virginia Public Access Project but are on the State Board of Elections website. As before, continue below the fold for the details. (Note: * indicates incumbent.) 21st Bobby Mathieson (D)* – raised $119,832, on hand … Continue reading 10/15/09 Financial Reports – local House races →

Did you forget something, Phil?

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, … Continue reading Did you forget something, Phil? →

89th House candidate bio raises questions

The Virginian-Pilot profiled the candidates in the 89th House district race Friday. Incumbent Democrat Kenny Alexander faces the challenge of independent candidate Anthony J. Triplin. The Pilot raised some issues of judgments being rendered against Triplin, who is making his first run for office. But it appears that there are other issues as well. I've … Continue reading 89th House candidate bio raises questions →