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!

Senate Dems legislative priorities

The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference today in which they released their list of legislative priorities. Saying that the plan is to work in a bi-partisan fashion and to take a moderate approach to governing, the key areas are "property tax relief, comprehensive transportation reform including repealing the abusive driver fees, mental … Continue reading Senate Dems legislative priorities →

House Republicans retaliate

As I mentioned, I sat in the House chambers yesterday at the opening session. I listed as Speaker Bill Howell made his acceptance speech and spoke about how we are all Virginians and that the legislators are sent to do the people's business (or something to that effect). Got all warm and fuzzy. After the … Continue reading House Republicans retaliate →

Norfolk teacher finalist for national award

Norfolk's own Tommy Smigiel, winner of the Norfolk Teacher of the Year and Virginia Teacher of the Year, is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. According to this story, when he wins 🙂 Tommy will be a spokesman for educators, with some 150 speaking engagements across the country and overseas. … Continue reading Norfolk teacher finalist for national award →

Governor’s state of the Commonwealth speech

I was actually too tired to stay in Richmond and watch the speech live, even though I had been offered a ticket. Perhaps next year I'll attend. But I did make it home in time to watch. The Governor has been announcing his legislative agenda for some time now, so there were few surprises in … Continue reading Governor’s state of the Commonwealth speech →

Fun day at the GA

I went to Richmond primarily to attend an afternoon reception for Senator John Miller. After receiving an invitation to Senator Don McEachin's open house, scheduled for the morning before session, I decided to head up early. I arrived around 11am, just as the Democratic Senators were headed off for a caucus meeting. I caught Senator … Continue reading Fun day at the GA →

Richardson out

The guy with the best resume in the presidential race, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, has decided to drop out, according to this AP story. Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of … Continue reading Richardson out →

Committee assignments of new electeds

For Senator Ralph Northam (D-6): Education and Health Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Rehabilitation and Social Services Privileges and Elections For Senator John Miller (D-1): Education and Health Transportation General Laws and Technology Rehabilitation and Social Services Delegate Bobby Mathieson (D-21) and Delegate Joe Bouchard (D-83) were both assigned to the Science and Technology and … Continue reading Committee assignments of new electeds →

Obligatory New Hampshire post

Yeah, I'm glad that Hillary Clinton has been declared the winner of the New Hampshire primary. However, I stand by my earlier comment: NH is just not representative of the broader electorate. But it sure is fun to see how far off the pollsters were 😉 EDIT: You can view the CNN exit poll here.

Say it ain’t so, Joe

Joe Gibbs will resign as head coach of the Washington Redskins today. Despite all of the ups and downs of his latest tenure with the team, I have always thought Gibbs brought an intangible to the team that other coaches did not. And given Dan Snyder's picks for coaches (and players) over the years of … Continue reading Say it ain’t so, Joe →