Thoughts on Bostic v Rainey oral arguments

Since leaving the courthouse Tuesday, I've been mulling over what I witnessed. Combined with my day in Richmond Wednesday, it has been a whirlwind week. Setting the scene Leaving for court and knowing no electronic devices were allowed inside, I made a conscious choice to take notes in a notebook that I received at the … Continue reading Thoughts on Bostic v Rainey oral arguments →

Oral arguments in marriage case

Oral arguments were heard today in Norfolk in the case of Bostic v Rainey. I was there for most of the arguments. I'll have more thoughts on it but I saw this drawing on WAVY and thought I'd share. The drawing, though, doesn't do justice to what it felt like for me in that courtroom. … Continue reading Oral arguments in marriage case →

ICYMI: Herring’s actions aren’t that unusual

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Friday. Whenever I offer my opinion on a topic, I spend a lot of times researching. Sometimes, my research leads me to a conclusion that is different from what may be reported elsewhere; that is, after all, the purpose of research. Typically, I seek out experts … Continue reading ICYMI: Herring’s actions aren’t that unusual →

Friday fun: What career should you have?

I saw this making the rounds and since it's been so long, I figured I'd post it 😉 Pretty interesting quiz and choices. I'm not surprised to have gotten writer. The description - "you're not really the office type" - is dead on 😀 Go ahead - waste a few minutes and take the quiz. … Continue reading Friday fun: What career should you have? →

100th House special election 2/25

With the election of Lynwood Lewis to the Senate, the 100th House seat becomes vacant. The special election to fill the seat has been set for February 25. The district encompasses the Eastern Shore and 7 precincts in Norfolk plus part of an 8th precinct. (Norfolk precincts: Part of Granby plus Ocean View School, Northside, … Continue reading 100th House special election 2/25 →

VA-06: It shouldn’t have been this close

With yesterday's recount completed, Lynwood Lewis becomes the 20th Democrat in the Virginia Senate. The recount produced an additional two votes for Lewis, making his margin a whopping 11 votes: out of 20,403 votes cast, Lewis received 10,203, Republican Wayne Coleman 10,192, plus 8 write-in votes. Since this race started, I've often thought of the … Continue reading VA-06: It shouldn’t have been this close →

360%!

There has been little discussion in the last few years of what was once a hot topic: payday lending. But the issue hasn't gone away; instead, it has just gone in a different direction and the 360% interest is still there. An article in The Daily Press points out the hardships it is causing. The … Continue reading 360%! →

ICYMI: Strengthening the Voting Rights Act

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In it, I took a look at the changes to the Voting Rights Act that have been introduced in the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014 (pdf). One of the more insightful summaries of the bill can be found here. Take note of the update … Continue reading ICYMI: Strengthening the Voting Rights Act →

Herring: The right side of history

When I went to the polls last November, it was primarily to cast one vote: for Mark Herring for AG. I knew that the other statewide candidates didn't need my vote - they had plenty of folks who were going to push them over. But I was concerned that Herring, who, once elected, would be … Continue reading Herring: The right side of history →

Recount set in the 6th for Monday

While I know Democrats in the 33rd are quite happy with last night's results, those of us in the 6th are waiting with baited breath for ours. Lynwood Lewis was certified the winner by just 9 votes and I learned last night that the recount has been set for this Monday. According to an email … Continue reading Recount set in the 6th for Monday →