Category: Virginia

JJ Dinner

I headed to Richmond yesterday afternoon for the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. As usual, I had more fun at this event just moving around and chatting with folks than listening to the speeches. As I needed to get some work done yesterday, I missed the day's earlier festivities. I got there in time for the Webb … Continue reading JJ Dinner →

GOTV: Open letter

Alice has raised an interesting issue that should be explored. Open letter to Virginia’s black leaders As Atrios put it, Democratic blogosphere has become a nontrivial part of the Democratic coalition. Our collective influence is significant and will only continue to grow. Our influence is most significant in the early stages of a debate. We … Continue reading GOTV: Open letter →

Real estate tax relief reports out of House P&E

SJ354, patroned by Norfolk Senator Nick Rerras (R-6th), unanimously reported out of the House Privileges and Elections Committee today. Bill summary: Authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation that will allow localities to exempt or from real property taxes or defer real property taxes up to twenty percent of residential or continuous-habitation farm property that … Continue reading Real estate tax relief reports out of House P&E →

Rerras picks 2 women

The Virginian-Pilot reports that Nick Rerras (R-6th) will announce today his recommendation of two women to fill the judgeships in Norfolk left open by retirement. Both of the judgeships were previously occupied by women: Lydia C. Taylor on the Circuit Court and Joan C. Skeppstrom on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Nominated to replace … Continue reading Rerras picks 2 women →

Governor declares statewide emergency

In advance of the severe weather forecast for Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, Governor Tim Kaine has declared a statewide emergency. "State disaster response agencies stand ready to help those in need, and this disaster declaration allows us to pre-position certain assets in specific regions where weather could create problems," Governor Kaine said. "Residents … Continue reading Governor declares statewide emergency →

Chichester on the hot seat today

The Senate Finance committee is scheduled to vote on the transportation plan today. Chairman John Chichester is no fan. In an interesting article in today's Virginian-Pilot, Chichester is profiled as an "old school" politician who is more concerned about doing what is best for the state than playing politics. Speaking of his fellow members of … Continue reading Chichester on the hot seat today →

I agree

I'm not much into "me, too" type posts. Generally, when a topic is adequately covered by others in the blogosphere, I tend to just let those posts do the talking for me. But some topics require a chorus. Such is the case with the proposed blackout on fundraising proposed by Del. Chris Saxman (HB3150), first … Continue reading I agree →

Sickles: “very bad transportation policy”

In case you missed it, the fine folks over at 7 West had a guest blogger last week, fellow Delegate Mark Sickles. In his post, Delegate Sickles offers his opinion about the transportation funding. While commending the legislation for allowing Hampton Roads and Northern VA to provide for themselves, he calls the use of $250 … Continue reading Sickles: “very bad transportation policy” →

Rerras and judicial selection

Today's Virginian-Pilot has a front page, above the fold article on the process of selecting judges in Virginia and, in particular, Norfolk. In the wake of last week's revelation of Nick Rerras' interview tactics, the article once again points out that the majority party makes the choice and that since Norfolk has a single member … Continue reading Rerras and judicial selection →