The General Assembly is back in session today, taking up bills that have recommendations from Governor Bob McDonnell. The list of bills can be found here. The budget bill, for example, contains 52 amendments. Some of the bill amendments have gotten significant play, like this one that provides that insurers offering policies through the health … Continue reading GA back in session today
The Washington Post has an extensive article on the relationship between Star Scientific and current governor Bob McDonnell. Almost as a sidebar, the Post has an article on the same company and its relationship to AG/gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli. Both articles were reprinted in today's Virginian-Pilot. The Cuccinelli article points out that he failed - … Continue reading Cuccinelli and Star Scientific
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. The cartoon that accompanied the column couldn't have been more perfect: marriage equality is coming, whether the Supremes like it or not. Maureen Dowd's column, printed in today's paper in the same middle space of the page, calls out the court for its reluctance to … Continue reading A rapid and welcome shift in perceptions
A vigil was held last night in Norfolk for marriage equality. According to this report, hundreds from across Hampton Roads came together at the federal court house. I was there in spirit, although not in body due to my work schedule. Yesterday, of course, was the day that the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in … Continue reading Hundreds gather in Norfolk for marriage equality
Just a few articles you may have missed: Port Authority decision tomorrow. The Virginia Port Authority will decide Tuesday on who will run the port. This is big - and has huge implications for Hampton Roads as well as the entire commonwealth. Cuccinelli opines on transportation and Medicaid. Attorney General/gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli offered his … Continue reading Quick hits 03/25/13
Come senators, congressmen Please heed the call Don't stand in the doorway Don't block up the hall For he that gets hurt Will be he who has stalled There's a battle outside And it is ragin' It'll soon shake your windows And rattle your walls For the times they are a-changin'. It's been nearly a … Continue reading The times, they are a-changin’
I've attended the Shad Planking for a number of years now. With the announcement that Ken Cuccinelli will speak but Terry McAuliffe will not, I'm not sure whether I'll make the trip. Part of the reason I've attended in the past is to reconnect with some of my friends on the right that I rarely … Continue reading Shad Planking: to go or not
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In it, I address the effects on Norfolk's bonding capacity as they take on a new hotel-convention center while simultaneously trying to raise taxes for schools, the cost of which is in excess of $100 million. The last time Norfolk was worried about its bonding … Continue reading ICYMI: Big plans in need of big explanations
Last night, I participated in a live political talk show as the season finale of the Virginia Beach Forum. Our part of the program followed a presentation by Larry Sabato, who joined conservative author Kate Obenshain, Richmond Times Dispatch columnist Jeff Schapiro, Virginian-PIlot columnist Kerry Dougherty, radio show host Tony Macrini and myself the panel … Continue reading Quick report: Virginia Beach Forum
Steve Shannon learned it the hard way: you really have to do your homework when running for office. An article in today's Virginian-Pilot should serve as a wakeup call to Terry McAuliffe as well as other candidates out there. Knowing what the job you're trying to obtain entails is a requirement. And if you don't, … Continue reading Do your homework
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 