Archive for the 'Politics' Category

Obama wins Virginia

Brian February 12th, 2008

The votes are in and looks like Sen. Obama has won the Virginia primary, as expected. I had predicted a 60% to 40% victory for Obama and it looks like I will be about correct.

Southwest Virginia - the 9th District - appears, however, to have went for Hillary. This was also not unexpected. I figured Hillary would be strong here.

It is also worth noting that Sen. Obama also won primaries in Maryland and D.C. today.

This past weekend I got to see Bill and Hillary Clinton and Obama during the JJ events in Richmond. The crowd was overwhelmingly for Obama, but Hillary also had a good speech and Bill’s event earlier in the day was fantastic.

Delegate Count

Brian January 21st, 2008

Rick Boucher endorses Barack Obama

Brian January 21st, 2008

Congressman Rick Boucher announced today that he is supporting Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president.

He said:

‘I represent a rural district of 27 counties and cities in southwestern Virginia. George Bush received 60 percent of the vote in my district in 2004,’ Boucher said in a statement. ‘I believe Senator Obama can carry it in 2008, and no other Democratic candidate can.’

I have to admit, I am still undecided. If I could pick between the “big three” right now, without a doubt, it would be John Edwards. However, more so than ever, it is looking like he is out of it. The hard part for me, though, is picking between the remaining big two - Hillary and Obama.

Any advice?

Creigh announces for Governor

Brian December 17th, 2007

Putting months of speculation to rest, Creigh Deeds is now seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor.

The hope among most folks, I think, was that either Creigh or Brian Moran, the other presumptive candidate for the nomination, would choose to run for Attorney General. Both are former prosecutors and would have been excellent candidates for that office.

The problem with that, of course, is that both would also make excellent candidates for governor, too. Both Creigh and Brian will have significant advantages: Creigh has already ran a statewide campaign and nearly won; and, Brian is from Northern Virginia.

It will be a difficult primary for a lot of folks, including me, as I really like both of them.

Here is Creigh’s announcement video:




Drug Dealers: Internet Style

Brian November 25th, 2007

For a lot of illegal drug-users, their dealer is no longer some guy in a long coat and dark glasses, sitting on a busy corner somewhere. Illegal prescription drugs are now just a click away for some Virginians.

However, Del. Bud Phillips, working with Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Bush, is working on legislation to address this serious problem.

The Bristol Herald Courier reported on Del. Phillips and Mr. Bush’s efforts here.

The Bill will be appearing here for your review soon.

Obviously I am bias, but I think this is a very important issue being addressed and hope that the rest of the General Assembly will agree and support Del. Phillips’ bill.

On the Democratic Candidates for Governor

Brian September 23rd, 2007

Our old friend, Jeff Schapiro, takes aim and unloads this week on every potential Democratic candidate for Governor in 2009. He has identified the main problems with a few of them, but I think he is totally wrong on a few, too.

This would, however, be a good time to mention some recent and upcoming events in Dickenson County.

Our local campaigns are in full swing. Dickenson has five Supervisors and all of them are on the ballot this year. Four of the five incumbents are either not seeking re-election (1) or failed to get their respective party’s nomination (3). Thus, creating four open seats.

Of the five Constitutional offices, two are being vacated by retirements. The other three incumbents (two Democrats and one Republican) are seeking re-election.

There has been a lot of talk about a potential “Sweep” (i.e., all ten races) in Democratic circles. As always, it will come down to whether or not we can get our voters out in large margins.

That leads us back to the aforementioned events. We have already had several well-attended events. One in particular, our Annual Fish Fry, was last week and we had a record attendance, somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 people. Congressman Boucher, as always, joined us for this annual event and had his office to help us. Also attending were State Senator Phillip Puckett and Delegate Bud Phillips.

Our next big event(s) will be Saturday, September 29, 2007, in Clintwood. This will be a busy day in town, as the Ralph Stanley Museum Mountain Music Festival will also be taking place and filling the streets.

We are going to kick-off the day with a gravy & biscuit breakfast at 9:00 AM, hosted by Clintwood District Supervisor candidate, Donnie Rife. We are also very fortunate to have a special guest, Chairman of Virginia’s House Democratic Caucus, Brian Moran, joining us for breakfast.

After folks enjoy some of the great Mountain Music around town, we are inviting everyone back down for a delicious lunch at 3:00 PM, hosted by Circuit Court Clerk candidate, Richard Edwards.

Both the breakfast at 9:00 AM, and the lunch at 3:00 PM, are free events and will be held at the Dickenson County Democratic Headquarters building, which is located directly across the street from the Courthouse.

Warner to campaign for Susie Garner (5th Dist.)

Brian August 13th, 2007

Via Shawn, I see that Gov. Mark Warner will be joining Susie Garner (5th Dist.) on the campaign trail later this month.

Susie is a great candidate from Galax, who is challenging Republican Bill Carrico. Carrico last ran for Congress in 2006, against Rick Boucher. Congressman Boucher won by a large margin. Susie will have a little tougher race, but she can also win if the folks in the 5th District will work hard to help her, which I expect they will.

Please join Susie and Gov. Warner on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at 5:30 PM, at the Marion Court House.

Karl Rove to resign

Brian August 13th, 2007

The White House and Rove have announced that he will be resigning at the end of August.

“I just think it’s time,” Rove told the Wall Street Journal. “There’s always something that can keep you here, and as much as I’d like to be here, I’ve got to do this for the sake of my family.”

I believe this will likely help Bush’s approval ratings. Too many stories lately have been about Rove, and not about Bush. Almost all of those articles - maybe all of them - have been negative.

Personally, I say ’so long, Karl’ and good riddance. His departure should be a good thing for all of us.

Latest on the civil remedial fees

Brian August 3rd, 2007

In two jurisdictions now, General District Courts have held that the civil remedial fees are unconstitutional. Defense attorneys from all across the state are anxious to also challenge the fees.

The two successful challengers so far have been in the Richmond area (Henrico County and City of Richmond). I, unfortunately, do not know anything about the two judges involved in those cases. It would be interesting to know when they were first appointed and if they have had any political leanings. I would bet our friend Ken, formerly of the Richmond area and now over in Wise, could tell us about these two judges.

What this means politically is anyone’s guess. Ben is doing a good job of keeping score and trying to predict who it hurts, helps, etc. Here is his latest post on the issue.

More of John Edwards in Wise

Brian August 2nd, 2007

Here is a YouTube video of John Edwards in Wise.




The fellow in the video, James Lowe, has a remarkable story that is unfortunately all too common.

Time for Change in Fairfax

Brian July 22nd, 2007

When Fairfax voters head to the polls in November, they will have an opportunity to make Fairfax a better place to live.




Go Chap!

John Hager is new Chairman

Brian July 22nd, 2007

The Republican Party of Virginia met yesterday and elected former lieutenant governor John Hager as its new chairman. Outgoing chairman of the RPV, Ed Gillespie, left after only serving about six months.

Chairman Hager inherits a party that is deeply divided on many issues. Will he be the guy that can pull it back together in time to save a loss of the majority in the Senate? Is he the guy that can stop the seemingly unstoppable rise of the Democratic Party?

Hopefully not. :)

But, nevertheless, congratulations to Chairman Hager.

John Edwards in Prestonsburg, KY

Brian July 19th, 2007

Here is a YouTube video of John Edwards speaking in nearby Prestonsburg, Kentucky.


It looks like his Road to One America tour was very successful.

I used to travel through Prestonsburg on my way to and from law school. My favorite place to stop was a gas station that sold Mean Gene’s Burgers.

Presidential Candidates

Brian July 18th, 2007

Although I have remained undecided on who to support for the nomination, John Edwards scored some big points in my book today. Any national candidate that takes the time to stop in Southwest Virginia deserves our respect.

All too often we are quick to criticize statewide candidates - from both parties - for not giving Southwest Virginia enough attention. Today, however, a front-runner for the Democratic nomination for President was here. That is a great honor for our region.

I am still going to remain undecided, but I am certainly leaning towards Edwards now more than ever. The big reason I am still undecided on Presidential candidates is it is just too dang early. The elections coming up this November, in 2007, are much more important to Virginians.

If Democrats are not successful in 2007, and gain either a majority in the House or Senate, or close to it, the resurgence of the Democratic Party in Virginia will have stalled. We have been enjoying great success the last few years and cannot afford to have that progress slowed.

The framework to make significant gains has been laid. We have some great candidates running in some very competitive districts across the Commonwealth. Folks like Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran have been doing a great job recruiting and assisting our candidates. I suspect, also, that they will continue working hard for these candidates in 2007, because they know that success in 2009 for either of them is largely dependent on what happens this November.

I am very pleased John Edwards visited Southwest Virginia and hope he and the other candidates will also swing through. I suspect they will agree with us that there is no greater place in the country than Southwest Virginia.

Boucher Endorses Susie Garner

Brian July 17th, 2007

In what can only be called “great news” for Susie Garner and the 5th District, Congressman Rick Boucher announced this past weekend that he is supporting Susie Garner.

Susie’s campaign, via press release, states that:

With the full support of Congressman Rick Boucher, Susie will Kick-off her campaign this weekend on Saturday July 21, 2007. The event will be at the campaign headquarters, at 311 W Center St, Galax, Virginia, at 10:30 am. Susie will discuss how well the campaign is going and discuss more details of her plans.

This is a great boost for Susie Garner’s already excellent campaign. I wish her the very best.

John Edwards in SWVA

Brian July 16th, 2007

On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, Presidential-hopeful John Edwards will make a swing through Southwest Virginia. Specifically, he will visit the annual Remote Area Medical (RAM) event, held in Wise.

A release I received from the campaign stated John Edwards would be in Wise at 11:00 AM, and that CNN will be doing a live broadcast from there.

Governor Tim Kaine and the First Lady also plan to attend and volunteer at the RAM event.

The RAM is a great and much-needed event in our area and I am very pleased that Edwards is helping bring some additional exposure to the fantastic work being done there.

No Comment

Brian July 16th, 2007

Ok, maybe just a quick comment. Who would have thought my return to blogging would be inspired by ObamaGirl and Hott4Hill.

Anyway, here they are:

ObamaGirl

Hott4Hill

I can’t wait to see similar videos for someone with a “crush on Creigh” and “hot for Moran”.

Michael Breiner for Senate (22nd District)

Brian March 28th, 2007

The Roanoke paper had this article on Michael Breiner’s plans to challenge for the 22nd Senate District seat in Roanoke.

The incumbent, Brandon Bell, is in a rough primary battle with Ralph Smith for the Republican nomination.

I browsed around for information on Breiner, but really all I found was in the article: he is a plastic surgeon and has a campaign manager named Gena Doyle.

It appears he does not have a campaign website yet or much about him up available on the internet.

The Roanoke paper printed this quote from the campaign manger: “As a physician, [Breiner] would bring a unique perspective to the General Assembly that is needed and vital for the citizens of the 22nd District and all of South West Virginia[.]”

Trivia: What three words in that quote should really be two?

VAYD Blogger of the Year Awards

Brian March 15th, 2007

The voting has started in the VAYD Blogger of the Year Awards. There are three categories: Teen, College, and Young Adult.

I have been nominated, along with Waldo and Shawn, in the Young Adult category.

I consider it a real honor just to have been nominated and included with such a great group of other bloggers.

Head on over to the VAYD site, register, and cast your vote.

More on coal-to-liquids

Brian February 26th, 2007

This AP article says that Congressman Boucher has renewed his efforts to encourage investment in construction of coal-to-liquids conversion plants.

Not only would a greater use of coal-to-liquids technology help break our dependence on foreign oil, but it would also help the struggling economies of the coalfield communities in the Appalachia region.

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