Super Bowl XLIII: who’s going to win?

The Arizona Cardnials and the Pittsburgh Steelers meet Sunday in the 2009 version of the Super Bowl. The sports books have the Steelers favored to win.  But if I were a betting person - and I'm not - I'd put my money on the scrappy Cardinals. After all, these guys shouldn't even be here. Plus, … Continue reading Super Bowl XLIII: who’s going to win? →

Verifiable voting alert: SB988 and HB2422

From an email I received: The DRE ban is in jeopardy. Both the Senate and House Privileges and Elections Committees are looking at bills to reverse it, and members who previously voted for the ban are showing signs of caving to pressure from registrars unhappy with the ban. They have got to hear from you … Continue reading Verifiable voting alert: SB988 and HB2422 →

On referendums and institutions

Wednesday's Virginian Pilot had a couple of things in it that were seemingly unrelated yet connected. The first was this letter to the editor. The line that jumped out at me: I can't think of an occasion that should prompt a voter referendum except for an election of representatives. I shook my head. Poor fellow … Continue reading On referendums and institutions →

DFA Campaign training in Newport News

Democracy for America will be holding campaign training in Newport News on March 14 and 15.  From an email I received: DFA Campaign Academy trainings exist to empower citizens with the tools to change their communities.  Whether you are working to pressure your elected officials to pass a progressive agenda or planning to unseat them, … Continue reading DFA Campaign training in Newport News →

What’s going on at SPSA?

I'm confused. Perusing PilotOnline, I ran across this article about the abrupt cancellation of a Wednesday morning public hearing and vote on the proposed rate increases of the Southeastern Public Service Authority, better known as SPSA. Seems there was a little problem in that the 60-day advance notice was not met. But a larger problem … Continue reading What’s going on at SPSA? →

So, what did I miss?

The cold is getting better but not gone yet.  Just checking my inbox I see a lot of stuff that has been announced over the last few days. Hopefully, y'all have been keeping up by reading the blog aggregators, BNN and VPB. Couple of big announcements: Former President Bill Clinton will be the speaker at … Continue reading So, what did I miss? →

What Matters TV: January editorial roundtable

This month's editorial roundtable had regulars Don Luzzato from The Virginian Pilot and yours truly joined by columnist Pat Murphy, who subbed for BD's Brian Kirwin.  The fourth regular, Kimball Payne of The Daily Press, was interviewed via satellite from the General Assembly. We covered abunch of stuff, including transportation, early voting, and the inaugural. … Continue reading What Matters TV: January editorial roundtable →

Harold Ford, Jr. at ODU

Somehow, I missed the announcement that Democratic Leadership Council chair Harold Ford, Jr. was going to be the speaker for the Annual Old Dominion University Martin Luther King Lecture. I ran into someone Monday at another MLK event and was invited to this one.  I'm not much on DLC types but having followed Ford's 2006 … Continue reading Harold Ford, Jr. at ODU →

Wah! Republican crybabies

Recognize this picture? You should. It's the new logo of The Republican Party of Virginia™ You see, every year, Republicans in the General Assembly have a hissy fit about the Jefferson Jackson dinner, because it occurs during the General Assembly session.  The event is a fundraiser for the Democratic Party of Virginia and the funds … Continue reading Wah! Republican crybabies →