My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. In it, I have one recommendation for our legislators: consider co-patroning an existing bill rather than introducing your own, particularly when your bill is word-for-word identical to one already introduced (like here). It would save me a lot of time - and I'm sure others, too. The other … Continue reading Watch Richmond
It seems that every day someone is writing a law or policy to take away our right to do something. The one that seems to keep coming up a lot lately is Freedom of Speech. At the national level the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate or the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in … Continue reading Censorship — Policy Taking Away Teachers Rights
I've been thinking about how ambitious I was to put forth a legislative agenda for the 2008 General Assembly session. In addition to having more time in those days, I clung to a notion - long since dismissed - that those elected to represent us actually might do it. In fact, I'd say the chance … Continue reading It’s all about politics
A quick look at some of the stories and other stuff from the past week. VA Republican primary: still Romney v Paul The week started off with a ruling by Judge John Gibney to delay the printing of the ballots for the March 6 primary. When he put the ruling in writing the next day, … Continue reading Weekend roundup
County Attorney Howard Estes has been asked to leave, with an effective date of March 31, 2012. This information was obtained from a very reliable source inside the Cumberland County Government complex. Not many details are available, but Mr. Estes at one time was making $285,000 a year for representing this county of 10,000 residents. … Continue reading Cumberland County Attorney asked to leave
I followed my own advice yesterday. In my latest op-ed, which appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot, I urged readers to log onto the General Assembly website to watch the proceedings of the legislature. Late yesterday afternoon, when I had a little bit of a break from work, I did just that. I tuned in just in … Continue reading The legislative show begins
Governor Bob McDonnell made his third State of the Commonwealth speech tonight to the joint session of the General Assembly. Much of what the governor said has already come out as he made his budget presentation to the money committees. The text of the speech as prepared is here. I still find it ironic that … Continue reading ICYMI: State of the Commonwealth, response
Lots of eyes have turned northward as the New Hampshire primary is today. The fight appears to be over the number two spot, as Mitt Romney seems to be on track for the win. Will Jon Huntsman's late surge be enough to catapult him into second place? I don't know - seems to me he … Continue reading Let’s get ready to rumble!
With the opening of the Virginia General Assembly upon us in two days and with chaos threatening to reign in the Senate, is there a quasi-power sharing agreement that would satisfy by both sides and avoid a lot of aggravation? There very well might be. Democrats are claiming that Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling can't vote … Continue reading Is there a Senate deal that helps both sides?
My latest op-ed appeared in Thursday's Virginian-Pilot. I was intrigued by a story (mentioned in the comments on this article but repeated in a number of different places) that claims that the changes to Virginia's election laws that occurred in 1970 came about as the result of the 1965 candidacy of George Lincoln Rockwell, who … Continue reading Ballot access: careful what you wish for
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 