Amundson retires

I certainly didn't see this coming. In a letter to constituents today (pdf) she cites the economy as a motivating factor. In a brief phone call, she told me she absolutely loved being a delegate, calling it a "great, great gig." She says she is going to stay involved. As I expressed to her, I … Continue reading Amundson retires →

The People’s Debate: latest news

Yesterday, organizers of The People's Debate - AARP Virginia and League of Women Voters of Virginia - announced the panelists for the October 12 event: CBS 6 anchor Stephanie Rochon, WCVE’s “Virginia Currents” host May-Lily Lee, AARP Virginia State President Warren Stewart, EdD, and League of Women Voters of Virginia President Olga Hernandez. As previously … Continue reading The People’s Debate: latest news →

Shannon v Cuccinelli Round 1

The first debate between Attorney General candidates, Democrat Steve Shannon and Republican Ken Cuccinelli, took place in Virginia Beach last Saturday morning.  The Shannon campaign uploaded the entire video to Blip TV. (Seriously - if I had known this was being held in Virginia Beach, I would have figured out a way to get in. … Continue reading Shannon v Cuccinelli Round 1 →

Breit out of Senate race

Jeffrey Breit, who had contemplated a run for Senate this fall, has withdrawn from consideration. The seat is currently occupied by Republican Ken Stolle, who is running for Sheriff in Virginia Beach. Breit, 54, has four young children. It was his committment to family, as well as his law practice, that prompted him to withdraw. … Continue reading Breit out of Senate race →

Opinion, please: 5 life terms excessive?

A man committed five counts of robbery and was convicted. No one was physically harmed. According to this article, a guilty plea would have netted him as little as 13 years. [Judge Norman] Thomas had no sympathy. He had thought about the case frequently. The judge cited Clardy's use of Craigslist to lure victims, calling … Continue reading Opinion, please: 5 life terms excessive? →

Reason #9,859,743,201 why Norfolk should elect school board

Billy Cook For once, I agree with Brian Kirwin: Electing the School Board won’t solve everything, since electing the City Council hasn’t exactly stocked City Hall with geniuses. But it can’t hurt to get the schools free of this nonsense. UPDATE: Billy Cook was unanimously reappointed. Still doesn't change my opinion on elected school boards.

The People’s Debate

With the announcement that the two gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell, will be debating in late July at the pricey Homestead resort, I was reminded of an email that I received back in May and that I promised to post once the primary was over. On May 4, AARP and The … Continue reading The People’s Debate →

72% support government-run health care plan

Attending the NCDC picnic Sunday, I had a chance to talk with both Rep. Glenn Nye and Rep. Bobby Scott about health care, an issue at the forefront of many minds these days as Congress grapples with it. The differences between the approaches of these two Virginia representatives is a microcosm of the debate going … Continue reading 72% support government-run health care plan →

FTC to monitor blogs

I used to co-own a technology site/blog. As a part of the process, we often received products to review. Some of it - usually software and other small items - we got to keep. The more expensive items, we had to return once the review was complete. On this blog, I've reviewed books and other … Continue reading FTC to monitor blogs →

McDonnell trying to cash in on Warner legacy?

Christina Nuckols of The Virginian-Pilot seems to think so. In an article in Sunday's paper* she says: [Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob] McDonnell does his best to encourage comparisons with Warner, and he’s clearly taking cues from the Democrat’s 2001 campaign. McDonnell makes only occasional mention of his party affiliation, for example, and he stresses economic … Continue reading McDonnell trying to cash in on Warner legacy? →