Category: Politics

Republicans threaten end of religious group adoptions in Virginia over same sex and unmarried adoptions

Both the Republicans in the Virginia Legislature and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) are pressing hard to get rules prohibiting discrimination in adoption thrown out. Same-sex couples and unmarried couples would be affected by this action. NOM has gone as far as saying they would push for the end of adoption by religious entities in … Continue reading Republicans threaten end of religious group adoptions in Virginia over same sex and unmarried adoptions →

Sen. Howell calls McDonnell ‘zealot’ on social issues

So reports The Richmond Times-Dispatch: Howell spoke in response to a question about an amendment proposed by McDonnell that would prohibit Virginia's health insurance exchange from providing coverage for abortion services. [...] "I'm hearing a lot of regrets from people who voted for the governor because they believed he was a moderate," Howell told reporters … Continue reading Sen. Howell calls McDonnell ‘zealot’ on social issues →

Kaine running for Senate

First on Twitter, then in an email, former Governor Tim Kaine announced that he is running for Senate. His website is here, which is where you can view the announcement video. The graphic is from Kaine and the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I knew it would come in handy again someday 😉 UPDATE: Just confirmed … Continue reading Kaine running for Senate →

We’re not Mississippi – yet

Mississippi has elections in the fall, like Virginia. Mississippi has a split legislature, like Virginia. There, Republicans control the State Senate while the Democrats control the House. Unlike Virginia, Mississippi's legislature released its maps last month.  The House approved its maps on March 5 and the Senate its maps on March 10. But that's where … Continue reading We’re not Mississippi – yet →

Austim Awareness Month: reject McDonnell’s amendments

April is Autism Awareness Month. The General Assembly passed a bill that would require insurance coverage for children, ages 2-6. Interestingly enough, support for the bill comes from both sides of the aisle. First there was this blog post from conservative Lee Talley. He blasts those from the AFP, who call the coverage "Obama-care lite." … Continue reading Austim Awareness Month: reject McDonnell’s amendments →

Power trumps people – again

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. While the topic is redistricting - a topic, frankly, that I'm tired of writing about - the underlying message is that people need to get more involved. Not when the decision has already been made and a rubber stamp of approval is sought, but before … Continue reading Power trumps people – again →

Redistricting open thread

The maps are available here. VPAP has some interesting graphics on party performance here and here. The Virginian-Pilot also has maps here. First thing that popped into my head, after looking at the maps, was that the Republicans are better than the Democrats at partisan redistricting. If you're going to engage in it, do for … Continue reading Redistricting open thread →

Statement from Del. Paula Miller

Received via email from my Delegate, Paula Miller, whose 87th House district has been eliminated in Norfolk: What has happened with redistricting in South Hampton Roads is unfortunate because Norfolk’s population merits 3 resident delegates just like Virginia Beach’s population merits two resident state senators.  But, redistricting is a political problem, not a math problem. … Continue reading Statement from Del. Paula Miller →

Mills: Don’t Let Virginia’s Middle Class Disappear

By David Mills, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Virginia The nonpartisan Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis recently released a report stating that the gap between the rich and the poor in Virginia is now the third widest in the nation and the widest in 30 years.  As more Virginians struggle to make ends meet, … Continue reading Mills: Don’t Let Virginia’s Middle Class Disappear →