... who needs enemies? The photo at left shows Norfolk Councilman Randy Wright at a McCain/Palin rally. Sitting next to him is Pam Brown, the president of the Norfolk Republican Party, and, I'm told, one of the co-chairs of his campaign. In the blog post which accompanies the photo, Pilot writer Kerry Dougherty calls him … Continue reading With friends like these…
Category: Politics
Friday music
This oldie just seems, well, appropriate. Blades are long, clenched tight in their fist Aimin' straight at your back And I don't think they'll miss (What they do) (They smile in your face) All the time they want to take your place The back stabbers (back stabbers) Full lyrics
DPVA JJ Speaker announced: Klobuchar
The senior U. S. Senator from Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar, has been secured as the speaker for the annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner. This year's event features a weekend of activities, but the dinner, to be held on Saturday, March 20 at the Richmond Convention Center, is always the marquee event. Tickets for the dinner are $150 … Continue reading DPVA JJ Speaker announced: Klobuchar
As if on cue: it ain’t about us
Just yesterday, I wrote: Lost in all of this is the reason they were elected in the first place: to represent us, not themselves, to the best of their ability. With rare exceptions, it’s not about us. Exhibit A: Changes to ethics rules in the General Assembly, which seemed almost a sure thing in the … Continue reading As if on cue: it ain’t about us
My legislative agenda: reviewed
In December 2007, I put out my legislative agenda for the 2008 General Assembly session. It consisted of the following: Nonpartisan redistricting Payday lending reform Real estate tax relief Restoring felons right to vote Verifiable voting Throughout the 2008 session, I followed all the bills related to these topics. At the end, while there were … Continue reading My legislative agenda: reviewed
Democracy in action: candidates file for local elections
Tuesday was the filing deadline for the upcoming May 4 local elections. In Norfolk, where we have five ward seats and the mayor on the ballot, 18 candidates have filed. In Portsmouth, three at-large council seats are up, and eight people have filed to fill them. Over in Chesapeake, there will be five at-large seats … Continue reading Democracy in action: candidates file for local elections
Opinion, please: who should have access to voter files?
Last year, a group called The Know Campaign, planned to send out a mailing to households in Virginia, disclosing the voting history of the household and their neighbors. A question arose as to how the non-profit group obtained the voting records, since access to those records is limited to elected officials, candidates and political party … Continue reading Opinion, please: who should have access to voter files?
BREAKING: Muhammad out of Norfolk Council race
I have just received word that Michael Muhammad has withdrawn from the race for Norfolk Council, Ward 4. In withdrawing, Muhammad strongly endorses the incumbent, Paul Riddick. This morning after meeting with campaign staff, supporters, friends, and family, I have made a well-thought out decision. Though it was a difficult decision, I think it to … Continue reading BREAKING: Muhammad out of Norfolk Council race
Catching up with Senator Northam
I had the opportunity to spend a little time on the phone last week with my state senator, Ralph Northam. Our conversation covered a myriad of topics regarding the current General Assembly session. Northam represents the 6th Senate District, and is no longer the wet-behind-the-ears innocent that we elected three years ago. Northam expressed concerns … Continue reading Catching up with Senator Northam
Ban political speech?
But once a speaker launches a personal attack at a member of council, there should be some way to limit that. Every council meeting should not be a political forum. The quote above comes from comments made by Mayor Paul Fraim earlier this week after council a frequent council critic attacked one of the members … Continue reading Ban political speech?
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 