Primary principles

I am an advocate of primaries. Anything that increases participation in our democracy is a good thing. Saying it better than I ever could is Frank O'Leary, the Treasurer in Arlington: The closed caucus (aka the “smoke-filled room”) is an insiders’ game. [...] The firehouse primary is a move in the right direction. While selection … Continue reading Primary principles →

HR 48 needs your support!

Delegate Kris Amundson alerts us to the need to open up the process: In 2006, nearly 2000 bills were considered by the House of Delegates. But of that number, 615–more than 30 percent–show no recorded vote on their disposition. In contrast, in 2005, before House rules were changed to allow bills to be killed in … Continue reading HR 48 needs your support! →

Riddick: The split begins

As I predicted, the situation with Norfolk Vice Mayor Paul Riddick is quickly deteriorating into a nasty fight. Today's Virginian-Pilot has an article about friends and foes of Riddick, lining up. The racial part of this is just below the surface. Former NAACP president Charlie Bryant recommended dialogue: "It's pitting one segment of the community … Continue reading Riddick: The split begins →

VBCDC Breakfast with Brian Moran

Don't forget that the Virginia Beach City Democratic Committee's breakfast is tomorrow morning at 9am at Jason's Deli. The speaker will be Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran. The breakfast is $8.

Local economics news

The ODU Economic Forecasting Project will present the 2007 Hampton Roads Regional Economic Forecast this Wednesday, January 17, from 10:30am - 11:45am at the Norfolk Marriot Waterside. The event is free and open to the public. Immediately afterwards, the Economic Club of Hampton Roads will hold a luncheon with a presentation by Mark Zandi, Chief … Continue reading Local economics news →

Things to do on MLK Day, January 15

Community Leaders' Breakfast Governor Tim Kaine will be the keynote speaker at the annual Urban League Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders' breakfast this Monday. The breakfast will be held at the Ted Constant Center at ODU beginning at 7:30am. Tickets are $30 per person. MLK March The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March, sponsored … Continue reading Things to do on MLK Day, January 15 →

Opening day GA session

Inquiring minds want to know if the members of the General Assembly did any of the Top Ten Things To Do On The Way To Jamestown that Delegate Bob Brink told us about 🙂 The Shad Plank tells us House Speaker Bill Howell and House members gave Del. Melanie Rapp a standing ovation today, congratulating … Continue reading Opening day GA session →

Wright: Riddick should step down

PilotOnline is reporting that Councilman Randy Wright thinks that Vice Mayor Paul Riddick should step down. "The racial tensions in this city are just below the surface, and we don't need elected officials to stir them up," Wright said. Further, efforts are underway to recall Riddick from office, with Sheriff Bob McCabe saying that he … Continue reading Wright: Riddick should step down →

Kaine State of the Commonwealth address

Just finished watching Governor Tim Kaine give his State of the Commonwealth address. If you missed the speech, the text of it can be found here. The topics included in the Governor's speech have been mostly covered through press releases. What was conveyed tonight was a conciliatory tone, applauding what the legislature and the administration … Continue reading Kaine State of the Commonwealth address →