"Add my name to the list," says retiring Del. Kris Amundson. We ought to add legislation to compensate Mr. Whitfield to our Calendar for August 19. And AG candidate Steve Shannon joined the chorus as well. In a press release today: “Arthur Whitfield spent twenty-two years of his life in prison for crimes he did … Continue reading Whitfield: count in Amundson, Shannon
Category: Local
Bouchard backs Whitfield in GA special session
Add Del. Joe Bouchard to the list of those who would like Arthur Whitfield's case to be taken up in special session. Arthur Whitfield suffered for more than two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit. While we can never return to Mr. Whitfield the years he has lost, we can begin … Continue reading Bouchard backs Whitfield in GA special session
Whitfield: Gov “not opposed”
According to the Washington Post blog, Governor Tim Kaine is "not opposed" to including legislation to compensate Arthur Whitfield in the special session. In an email, the governor's spokesperson, Lynda Tran, said: However Governor Kaine, who pardoned Mr. Whitfield earlier this year, is clearly sympathetic to his circumstances and would not object to a claims … Continue reading Whitfield: Gov “not opposed”
Three for Thursday
Looking for something to do Thursday afternoon/evening? Well, if you are in Hampton Roads, you have your pick of at least three events going on. Gary West campaign office opening is from 5pm-8pm. Details are here. Del. Joe Bouchard fundraiser is 4:30pm to 6:30pm at D'egg Diner in downtown Norfolk. $50/$250/$500/$1,000 RSVP to Jenn Democratic … Continue reading Three for Thursday
LBC proposes Whitfield legislation
The Legislative Black Caucus, which is chaired by Norfolk's own Del. Kenny Alexander, has drafted legislation (pdf)to compensate Arthur Whitfield. In a statement, Alexander said: On Wednesday, August 19, 2009, the Virginia General Assembly will convene a Special Session to address the significant impact of the June 25 decision of the US Supreme Court in … Continue reading LBC proposes Whitfield legislation
McDonnell calls for Whitfield inclusion in special session
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell released a statement calling for Arthur Whitfield's case to be considered as a part of the special session. Arthur Whitfield received an absolute pardon from the Governor after serving 22 years in prison. Following his release in 2004 his transition back into society has been very difficult. Unfortunately the timing … Continue reading McDonnell calls for Whitfield inclusion in special session
Special session: Whitfield NOT included
I just received a copy of the Governor's proclamation regarding the August 19th Special Session. Note what it says (click to enlarge): for the sole purpose of considering changes to the Code of Virginia to assure Virginia's compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts What a shame. Perhaps the legislature can … Continue reading Special session: Whitfield NOT included
On Deeds and the black vote
There is a meme developing in the gubernatorial race regarding Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds. It seems that the talking heads - none of which, I might add, are black - have decided that Deeds has a "problem" with black voters. They cite as evidence three things: Deeds' performance in the primary Sheila Johnson's endorsement of … Continue reading On Deeds and the black vote
Transportation on What Matters
The editorial roundtable takes on transportation in this week's edition of What Matters on WHRO. Joining host Cathy Lewis are Kimball Payne from the Daily Press, Don Luzzatto from The Virginian-Pilot, Brian Kirwin from Bearing Drift and yours truly. Have to admit: I have a hard time talking about transportation, mainly because that's all we … Continue reading Transportation on What Matters
Legislators propose bills for Whitfield in special session
Legislation to compensate Norfolk's Arthur Whitfield is being proposed by Hampton Roads legislators. According to sources close to the issue, Senators Ken Stolle and Ralph Northam will patron legislation in the Senate while Delegate Sal Iaquinto, whose bill is slightly different, will do so in the House. (Text of both bills is below the fold.) … Continue reading Legislators propose bills for Whitfield in special session
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 