My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. I generally don't talk about national politics in my columns, but having written about the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords last January, I thought it appropriate to write about the effect that her return to the House seemed, at least to me, to have had on … Continue reading ICYMI: A visit that reset perspectives
Public Policy Polling released more of its latest Virginia poll yesterday (pdf). At this point, AG Ken Cuccinelli leads LG Bill Bolling, 45% to 21%. The real culprit? Cuccinelli has simply become much better known than Bolling is. 71% of GOP primary voters have an opinion about him and they break down favorably 56/15. Only … Continue reading Cuccinelli up on Bolling but does it matter?
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” This quote from Plato pretty well sums up what I'm thinking this morning after witnessing the shenanigans of our elected representatives over the past few weeks. The plan that they came up with in dealing … Continue reading Plato was right
Kinda puts this whole thing in perspective, doesn't it? Welcome back Rep. Giffords. Oh yeah - and that debt ceiling bill passed. UPDATE: Her tweet (other updates below) http://twitter.com/#!/Rep_Giffords/status/98169302674452480 UPDATE: Here's an awesome photo of Giffords entering the chamber (via Roll Call)
So it looks like we have a deal to raise the debt limit. Despite all the rhetoric, this chart gives you an idea of how we got here. Although written several months ago, this article really lays out the process that we saw in action over the past few weeks. And the saga isn't quite … Continue reading Deal with a vote to come
The General Assembly met today to fill some of the judgeships that had been left vacant. In a July 21, 2011 letter to the leadership of both chambers, Governor Bob McDonnell gently reminded them of their "failure to timely complete redistricting and adjourn sine die." In particular, the governor mention the difficulty of having substitute … Continue reading Here comes the judge(s)
The General Assembly is reconvening Friday to vote on some judicial openings. I'm told that the Virginia Beach Circuit Court vacancy will be filled by former Del. Glenn Crowshaw and the Eastern Shore vacancy will be filled by W. Revell Lewis III. 6th district Senator Ralph Northam helped to broker the deal.
In addition to forfeiture of the more than $87,000 he was paid during his tenure, prosecutors in the case of former Del. Phil Hamilton are seeking a sentence of more than 12 years.Sentencing is scheduled for August 12.
My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. It is sometimes frustrating to see the contributions from businesses who lobby the General Assembly appear to make the difference in races. But we - and the candidates - miss the fact that more contributions come from individuals than businesses.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his January 11, 1944 State of the Union address, put forth a second bill of rights that America should implement. In light of the current conditions in our country, it seems appropriate to revisit FDR's proposal. It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the … Continue reading Economic bill of rights
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 