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 →

American Idol results 03/31/11: two eliminated

Wednesday night saw the eleven contestants take on the music of Elton John. There were some really awesome performances - Casey actually sang "Your Song" better than EJ himself - and there were some that were not so awesome - Paul comes to mind, although his suit was pretty wild. My bottom three were the … Continue reading American Idol results 03/31/11: two eliminated →

Nonprofit bloggers shine

By Mark Brooks I found this article a while back and hadn't had a chance to write about it yet. Rosetta Thurman, a blogger, consultant and author, posted on her blog, "Top 10 Young Nonprofit Bloggers to Watch". We might only think of blogging for politics or an interest that you like to keep current … Continue reading Nonprofit bloggers shine →

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 →

Sen. John Miller announces finance committee

In a press release today, Senator John Miller (D-1st) announced the formation of his re-election finance committee. The committee will be chaired by former Delegate Alan Diamonstein. “I am honored to have so many outstanding business and community leaders involved in my re-election campaign.  This is a diverse group of exceptional men and women who … Continue reading Sen. John Miller announces finance committee →