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!

Bob v Bob in the 82nd

From today's Virginian-Pilot: It’s Bob versus Bob in the 82nd House District. Bob MacIver, a retired management consultant, has announced he is running as a Democrat against longtime state Del. Bob Purkey. MacIver, 67, retired a year ago from Systems and Software Consortium in Northern Virginia. He lives in the Bay Colony neighborhood and has … Continue reading Bob v Bob in the 82nd →

American Idol Results 03/21/07

Last night's so-called "British Invasion" wasn't much of one. I was mostly disappointed with the performances of the contestants. I thought they all chose mostly safe, boring songs. My favorite, LaKisha, must have listened a bit too much to last week's comments about how controlled her voice was. Singing "Diamonds are Forever" instead of the … Continue reading American Idol Results 03/21/07 →

Withholding by pass-thru entities

When I and others visited the General Assembly last January at the invitation of LG Bill Bolling, one of the speakers was State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th), who talked about a bill he had gotten thru the Finance Committee by a 15-0 vote. The bill promised the Holy Grail: it generates revenues without raising taxes. … Continue reading Withholding by pass-thru entities →

BTR Upcoming: Amundson & Brink

This Sunday at 7pm, Jim Hoeft and I will be joined by Delegates Kris Amundson (D-44th) and Bob Brink (D-48th) on BlogTalkRadio. This will, no doubt, be an entertaining show with the proprietors of 7 West. Put it on your calendars now. And get your questions for the Delegates ready 😉

$600,000 + $329,000: pretty soon we’re talking about some serious money

Last week, we learned that the City of Norfolk was going to produce three shows of the Broadway at the Chrysler series - in effect bailing out Baci Management Inc. - to the tune of $600,00. The Virginian Pilot is now reporting that Baci owes the city at least $329,000 for admissions taxes and unpaid … Continue reading $600,000 + $329,000: pretty soon we’re talking about some serious money →

Obama to the left of Kucinich?

I was talking to a moderate Republican client of mine the other day about Barack Obama. He's enthralled with the man, and mentioned that he might cross party lines to vote for him. (He's not fond of any of the announced candidates on the Republican side.) I mentioned that Obama was a little more to … Continue reading Obama to the left of Kucinich? →

What politicians can learn from American Idol

My bud, bwana, has managed to juxtapose two of my favorite things - politics and American Idol - in his post with the above title. As someone who has both run for office and been a full time singer/musician, I can attest to the similarity between the two. Life is a stage. While bwana makes … Continue reading What politicians can learn from American Idol →

Kaine/Moran fundraiser in Norfolk

Governor Tim Kaine and Democratic Caucus Chair Brian Moran will be hosting a reception in Norfolk on Saturday Wednesday, March 28, 2007, from 5pm - 7pm. Proceeds will benefit Leadership for Virginia's Future, Moran's PAC which he established in 2002. Moran raises money for Democratic candidates statewide. For details and to RSVP, see the attached … Continue reading Kaine/Moran fundraiser in Norfolk →

Conversation on school choice

There is an interesting conversation going on over at Republitarian.com about school choice/vouchers. Participating in the conversation is State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th), who sponsored a bill that would have created a pilot program on this. The bill died in the Finance Committee. Let me guess: the costs were too high. One of the comments … Continue reading Conversation on school choice →

Update on voter file access

In this post last week, I mentioned the decision by the Democratic Party in 2005 to deny access to the voter file for anyone challenging an incumbent. In the comments, Not Larry Sabato mentioned that he thought the policy had been changed. Ben was correct. According to a memo dated 2/17/06, access to the voter … Continue reading Update on voter file access →