Webb conducts hearings on prison population increase

Senator Jim Webb is conducting Joint Economic Committee hearing this morning to explore the steep increase in the prison population. The hearing is entitled "Mass Incarceration in the United States: At What Cost?” and will include testimony from experts in the field. One of those scheduled to appear is Norfolk's own Alphonso Albert, who is … Continue reading Webb conducts hearings on prison population increase →

News from the Heretick campaign

Steve Heretick, the Democratic candidate in the 13th Senate district, has received the Suffolk Fraternal Order of Police endorsement. In awarding their support, the President, Jack Griggs said, "Steve Heretick's positions demonstrate a strong determination to improve the quality of life for citizens of Virginia, the City of Suffolk, and for all law enforcement officers. … Continue reading News from the Heretick campaign →

More on local GOP debate ducking

The Virginian-Pilot has an article today regarding the declinations of the five Republican candidates in the LWV-sponsored televised debates that I have been writing about. My previous articles mentioned Fred Quayle, Nick Rerras, and Chris Stolle. Add to that list Hank Giffin and Tricia Stall. According to the Pilot: About a month ago, [LWVVA 1st … Continue reading More on local GOP debate ducking →

John Warner hospitalized

Senator John Warner was hospitalized today with an irregular heartbeat, according to this report from The Richmond Times Dispatch. Warner checked in with the Capitol physician's office at mid-morning, returned to his office for additional meetings, then went in the afternoon to an appointment at Inova Fairfax Hospital, the statement said. At the hospital, he … Continue reading John Warner hospitalized →

Kaine announces cuts, layoffs

Facing a $641 million budget shortfall, Governor Tim Kaine announced yesterday $300 million in spending reductions and savings. The remainder of the shortfall will be made up via withdrawal of approximately $303 million from the Revenue Stabilization Fund, also known as the rainy day fund. It is this part of the budget-balancing moves proposed by … Continue reading Kaine announces cuts, layoffs →

Another independent blogger gone

A blog that I recently discovered, Brad's Brain, has closed up shop. Bradley Herring, the blog's proprietor, tagged me a few weeks back as a Thinking Blogger. (Speaking of which - how come none of the blogs I tagged has tagged anyone else? 😦 ) Brad is an extremely talented and thoughtful writer. Fortunately for … Continue reading Another independent blogger gone →

Local LWV televised debates a no-go

The entire slate of televised debates that were to be held has been scrapped. As I mentioned before, the League of Women Voters were arranging these debates in conjunction with the local cable company, Cox Communications. I understand the Democratic candidates were willing to tape but that the Republican candidates were not, even when given … Continue reading Local LWV televised debates a no-go →

Real estate tax cap a bad idea

The Virginian-Pilot editorial today weighs in on the 5% cap in real estate taxes being touted by Republicans Nick Rerras and Hank Giffin. A great line: GOP leaders have responded with an outpouring of enthusiasm generally reserved for Brussels sprout casserole day at the Capitol cafeteria. The editorial then makes the point that I've said … Continue reading Real estate tax cap a bad idea →

Another Republican ducking debates

Add Chris Stolle to the list of Republican candidates ducking debates, as I mentioned in my post here. Stolle is facing Democrat Joe Bouchard for the open seat in the 83rd House district. He, too, has refused to participate in a LWV-sponsored debate. Stolle, Quayle, Rerras - must be something in the water. Technorati Tags: … Continue reading Another Republican ducking debates →