By Claire Guthrie Gastañaga Incumbent-centered, partisan redistricting has all but guaranteed that Virginia progressives will be lost in the legislative wilderness for the next decade or more even as the majority of the Virginia voting public becomes more centrist, or even left of center. The reality is that, as the Virginia Senate moved to a … Continue reading A decade in the wilderness: Senate redistricting outcomes
A few things from around the internet that caught my eye: Justice Department approves redistricting plan. Anybody who thought this Justice Department was going to be different than those of previous administrations should put that thought to rest. These plans were the most gerrymandered plans ever in Virginia. Tom Perriello has no plans for 2012. … Continue reading Quick links 06/20/11
I read a fascinating article in The Atlantic this week called "How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans." It's written by Mickey Edwards a former Republican congressman from Oklahoma. I think Edwards has articulated what many of us have come to suspect of the two parties, that they are more interested in vying with each … Continue reading Finding a way to govern
Campaigns & Elections magazine compiled a list of the most influential players in Virginia politics, with no elected officials allowed. Hampton Roads was well represented. Included on the Democratic side and currently living in Hampton Roads were Jody Wagner, Gaylene Kanoyton, and yours truly. On the Republican side were Gary Byler, Pat Robertson, and Brian … Continue reading Hampton Roads represented in Virginia Influencers
At some point, probably centuries ago, politicians learned that as they appeared to be lowering taxes and/or introducing some popular project, they actually are and were playing election year politics. It's not random to see money coming to a district or county, either state or federal. This is the primary activity of those who wish … Continue reading It’s election year – get ready for that tax cut
A few items from around the 'net: Sen. Fred Quayle to retire. The Republican from Suffolk, drawn into the same senate district as Chesapeake senator Harry Blevins, has decided to retire rather than challenge him. Another moderate leaves the fold. I suspect we've not heard the last of Quayle - and there are some interesting … Continue reading Quick links 06/09/11
Ralph Northam, the first term Democratic state senator representing me and my fellow citizens in the 6th district, has drawn another challenger: former 2nd Congressional District candidate Ben Loyola. I saw "another" because John Amiral, who unsuccessfully ran in the 87th House District in 2009 has also thrown his hat in the ring. The last … Continue reading Northam has another challenger
According to this blog, a fundraising appeal has gone out from the Constitution Party for their 2012 efforts. Included was the news that a resolution urging Virgil Goode, former Virginia 5th District Congressman, to run for President was passed. The party also said in its release that Goode has "...expressed strong interest..." in running.
News today: John Edwards indicted, pleads not guilty. How far they fall! It's been almost three years since I first became aware of what Edwards was up to. As despicable as his behavior was, the man's a jerk, not a felon. Sen. William Wampler retires. Have I gotten too cynical to believe that he is … Continue reading Quick links 06/03/11
Check out the latest video from the Democratic Party of Virginia on Republican senatorial candidate George Allen.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 