How should we honor those whose past includes negative things? Senior Justice Harry Lee Carrico died Sunday and the governor has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until his burial. The Richmond Times-Dispatch has an obituary for the judge, calling him "a central figure" in the battle over interracial marriage: In 1966, Mr. Carrico … Continue reading Opinion, please: Honoring those with a past
My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. The subject, obviously, is the power grab of Senate Republicans. But those who follow Virginia politics recognized that something else happened Monday, something that will forever change us: the Virginia Way is no more. I have to say that witnessing the Monday's actions has shaken my faith … Continue reading The death of The Virginia Way
This comment on Waldo's post captured by sentiments exactly: Without saying that what the Senate Republican caucus did with this vote was justified or invited, I must point out that the Democrats fail to learn from their mistakes. Virtually the same thing happened last year with SB924, which turned into the “regulate abortion clinics like … Continue reading A message for Senate Democrats
Senate Republicans pulled a fast one this afternoon with a "technical corrections" bill in which they completely redrew the Senate districts. As this map shows (click to enlarge) the red lines represent the plan that was approved in 2011, after the redistricting. The green lines represent the districts approved by the Senate 20-19. The power … Continue reading This is no ‘technical correction’
Senate Republicans just passed a bill that changes the lines that have already been agreed upon by the Justice Department. The bill, only available in paper form, passed on a party-line 20-19 vote. Democratic Sen. Henry Marsh was absent today, attending the inauguration. It seems the bill would eliminate Sen. Creigh Deeds' seat, as a … Continue reading Senate Republicans’ power grab
I participated in a panel discussion last night entitled "The State of the Dream," a reference to the now famous "I Have A Dream" speech of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event, held on the campus of Old Dominion University, was sponsored by the Virginia Beach chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority … Continue reading The State of the Dream
Gregory Turpin announced earlier today that he is running for Commonwealth's Attorney in Virginia Beach. Current CA Harvey Bryant is retiring. Turpin's announcement is below the fold. TURPIN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR VB COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY Gregory Turpin, an attorney and partner at the law firm of Clarke, Dolph, Rapaport, Hull and Brunick, announced today that he … Continue reading Turpin in for VB Commonwealth’s Attorney
Democratic members of the General Assembly have sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli asking him to resign. The letter below says Virginia deserves a full-time AG. Virginia Democratic House Caucus 1710 E Franklin St. Richmond, VA, 23223 The Honorable Ken Cuccinelli Office of the Attorney General 900 East Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 … Continue reading Delegates & Senators ask AG Cuccinelli to resign
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Thursday's Virginian-Pilot. We are early in the General Assembly session yet a number of initiatives have been summarily dismissed, primarily at early morning meetings of subcommittees. Lacking notice - not unlike the situation in Suffolk, I might add - the ability of citizens to have a voice in … Continue reading ICYMI: Limiting citizen involvement
Looking forward
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 