Category: National

Condolences to Webb on loss of mother

Vera Hodges Webb, the mother of Senator Him Webb, died earlier this week.  My condolences to Sen. Webb. The press release from Webb's office is below the fold. Vera Hodges Webb, mother of U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D. Va.), died on January 3rd in Jacksonville, North Carolina, after a long illness, at the age of … Continue reading Condolences to Webb on loss of mother →

Tom Perriello: ‘We Walk Away With Our Heads Held High’

This interview, like his letter last week, shows why Tom Perriello is truly a public servant and not just a politician like those with whom we are most acquainted. Tom just gets it - and he says something I've always believed to be true: I think it helps to have politicians who don't mind losing … Continue reading Tom Perriello: ‘We Walk Away With Our Heads Held High’ →

Christmas cards 2010

As usual, here are a few of the Christmas cards I received this year. In order, they are from the President, Sen. Jim Webb, State Sen. Louise Lucas, Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. and Councilman Tommy Smigiel. One card I did not receive but which was scanned and forwarded to me is that from Del. Joe … Continue reading Christmas cards 2010 →

2012 race for Senate heats up

The Senate seat occupied by Sen. Jim Webb, who hasn't officially announced his re-election run for 2012 (although I have little doubt that he will), is drawing a number of Republican challengers. Leading the way is the former occupant, George Allen. Making noise about a run is Prince William Board of Supervisors chair Corey Stewart … Continue reading 2012 race for Senate heats up →

Census release: 308,745,538

The U.S. Census Bureau released some data this morning on the number of Americans and the Congressional reapportionment.  As of April 1, 2010, there were 308,745,538 persons people in the U.S., an increase of 9.7%. The reapportionment numbers affected 12 seats in 18 states. The big winner was Texas, which gained four seats. Seven states … Continue reading Census release: 308,745,538 →

Senate passes DADT repeal

By a vote of 65-31, the United States Senate passed H.R. 2965 which repeals the Clinton-era compromise policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  The bill will now be sent to the president for signature, having previously passed the House of Representatives 250-15. My thanks to Virginia Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner for voting in … Continue reading Senate passes DADT repeal →

Webb could support overturn of DADT

Seems all of the calls and emails have paid off: The senior senator from Virginia, with a background steeped in distinguished military service, said he would support repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy, provided there is "sensitivity" toward how change would be applied, particularly to combat units. [...] "I believe that the certification … Continue reading Webb could support overturn of DADT →

Part of health care law ruled unconstitutional

Judge Henry Hudson ruled today that the portion of the health care reform bill that requires individuals to purchase insurance is unconstitutional. In a 42-page opinion (below the fold) the judge ordered that part severed from the bill.  With the contrary rulings by judges in Lynchburg and in Michigan, the final determination will ultimately be … Continue reading Part of health care law ruled unconstitutional →

Funnies in the Pilot

And they weren't on the comics page 😉 First up is this op-ed from Daryl Lease. "We join the Bush tax-cut negotiations, already in progress ..." Lease, once again, nails it. Then we have Kerry Dougherty taking on the Norfolk Council newbies. "... it's obvious that Councilman Tommy Smigiel doesn't know his place. Neither does … Continue reading Funnies in the Pilot →