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!

Cuccinelli budget amendment passes thanks to Colgan

Once again, Senator Chuck Colgan has abandoned his Democratic colleagues and voted with the Republicans. This time, it was on an amendment to the budget to prohibit any funds from going to Planned Parenthood. The vote was a 20-20 tie, allowing LG Bill Bolling to cast his first vote of the session. Somebody tell me … Continue reading Cuccinelli budget amendment passes thanks to Colgan →

The battle ain’t over

If you are in Arlington, head to the campaign headquarters and help out with phonebanking to Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. If you want to phone from home, contact me and I'll send you the information to do so, which uses a toll-free number. Hillary Clinton hasn't given up and neither have I.

ODU Alumni GA reception: talking to the legislators

As I have in prior years, I attended the OLD Alumni Association General Assembly reception last night. Typically this event is a little earlier in the session but this year's timing allowed an opportunity to talk to our elected representatives about bills that have either passed or failed, as opposed to lobbying them on behalf … Continue reading ODU Alumni GA reception: talking to the legislators →

Want to go to Denver? Important dates

The process of determining who the delegates from Virginia will be to the Democratic National Convention is underway. Locally, the 2nd district convention will be held May 17. The 3rd district convention will be May 10 in Newport News. The DPVA has released this guide (doc) to explain the delegate selection process and help guide … Continue reading Want to go to Denver? Important dates →

Media bias

Sunday's Virginian Pilot had an article by relatively new public editor Joyce Hoffman regarding the news coverage by the Pilot of Barack Obama. In it, she says that the paper has been biased in favor of the junior Senator from Illinois. ...on the national scene the press in general has made Obama a media darling. … Continue reading Media bias →

Payroll tax in lieu of real estate tax?

From a letter to the editor in Monday morning's Virginian Pilot: There is a solution to eliminating the rising property tax. Initiate a payroll tax (it worked for several cities in Michigan) 1 percent if you live and work in Virginia Beach and 0.5 percent if you live here but work in another city. Ah, … Continue reading Payroll tax in lieu of real estate tax? →

Senate kills homestead exemption

The only bills left to provide tax relief for homeowners was killed today by the Senate. In a 21-19 vote, Senate Republicans, joined by Democrats Chuck Colgan and Phil Puckett, sent HJ4 and HB11 back to the Senate P&E committee. From the Senate Democratic Caucus press release: House Joint Resolution 4 passed the House by … Continue reading Senate kills homestead exemption →

Netroots Nation

YearlyKos has been renamed Netroots Nation and registration for its third annual convention is underway. The convention will be held July 17-20 in Austin TX. For a limited time, registration is only $375. Later the fee will rise to $450. The conference includes: Panels led by national and international experts, including a virtual panel held … Continue reading Netroots Nation →

Economic stimulus plan refunds

My phone is ringing off the hook regarding the tax rebate checks that are going to be issued later this year as a part of the economic stimulus package. The IRS has a page summarizing the payments here and the FAQ is here. One thing that requires emphasis: people who may not have had to … Continue reading Economic stimulus plan refunds →