Archive for the 'Virginia' 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Life of a Legislative Assistant

Brian February 26th, 2007

The Wytheville paper has this interesting article on Anthony Reedy, Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark’s legislative assistant.

In discussing the lighter moments of his job, he cited one constituent’s creative argument in opposition to the cockfighting bill.

Reedy said the constituent argued “the penalty doesn’t equal the crime and that when chickens go to processing plants, 100 percent of them die, but in a cockfight, only 50 percent die.”

I guess one cannot argue with the contradicted data.

All in all, though, it sounds Reedy enjoys his job and that life as a legislative assistant is never boring.

Del. Crockett-Stark is currently unopposed since the announced challenger, Bill Smith, has dropped out.

Peggy Frank for Delegate (7th District)

Brian February 18th, 2007

Last Friday, in Christiansburg, Peggy Frank announced her intent to challenge Dave Nutter (R) in the 7th District in the House of Delegates.

Here is Ms. Frank’s background/biography from the press release:

Peggy Frank is a practicing attorney in private practice in Christiansburg, Virginia. She has over 14 years of experience as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, having served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for 8 ½ years in Montgomery County and 5 ½ years as the Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Pulaski County. She continues to work part-time prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Pulaski County under the Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund Grant.

Frank has a degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University and received her law degree from Campbell University School of Law. She and her husband Marshall are native Virginians and have lived in the New River Valley for more than 20 years. They are the parents of three children. Frank is in her 11th year as a Girl Scout Leader and has served as a Kindergarten soccer coach and as a Cub Scout leader. She is a member of the Montgomery County, Radford City and Pulaski County Chambers of Commerce and previously served on the New River Valley Community Corrections Board.

Peggy Frank and Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Mike Fleenor

Paul Dellinger has this write-up of the announcement in the Roanoke Times.

I heard from people at the announcement that more than 75 people attended and were very enthusiastic about Ms. Frank. Ms. Frank said, “[o]ne of my main priorities as your representative in the House of Delegates will be to move towards workable solutions in key areas of interest in this District. It’s time to move away from polarization in the House and towards bipartisan resolutions.” She continued, “[o]ur children should not have to pay in the future for the majority’s mistakes and shortcomings today.”

I look forward to seeing more of Ms. Frank and especially seeing her represent the 7th District in the House of Delegates.

Peggy Frank and Montgomery County Sheriff, Tommy Whitt

NLS on the 2nd District

Brian February 4th, 2007

The infallible “Not Larry Sabato” (a/k/a Ben Tribbett) has up a new post in which he opines that Delegate Bud Phillips’ seat, the 2nd District, is no longer “Likely Democratic,” but is now “Safe Democratic” because of Judge Dotson’s withdraw from politics.

No offense to Judge Dotson or Ben, but I believe anyone running from Wise County in the 2nd District would have a very difficult time, especially against Del. Phillips. Only a small portion of the district is in Wise County.

Ben is, however, very accurate in one respect: trying to guess potential candidates if the seat were open. He says, “[t]his is also the district of Brian Patton who may be the candidate if Bud leaves this seat open.” That is what I like about Ben, he dreams big. :)

Bill Smith for Delegate (6th District)

Brian February 2nd, 2007

Today, at Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs in Wytheville, Bill Smith announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the 6th District in the House of Delegates. Roughly seventy people attended, although I am sure Mr. Smith would agree a few just showed up for the hotdogs. The 6th District includes all of Bland County and portions of Giles, Pulaski, Tazewell, and Wythe Counties.

Mr. Smith said, “as your representative in the House of Delegates one of my highest priorities will be economic development and ensuring that all Virginians, regardless of where they live, have an opportunity to find a good job.”

The Press Release also included this biographical information:

Bill Smith is the owner of Smith Enterprises in Wytheville, Virginia. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received his MBA from Radford University. Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Regional Enterprise Center and the Minnick Education Center. He is also a member of the Board for the TransDominion Express, Inc. and is Chair of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation. Smith has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Wythe County Industrial Authority, the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, and Mountain Shelter Inc. He and his wife Farron are both Pulaski County natives and reside in Wytheville. They have two grown children.

Mr. Smith will be a great candidate. I understand he will soon have up a website and be traveling all across the District sharing his positive, results-oriented message.

The 6th District’s current delegate is Anne Crockett-Stark.

1st Annual Virginia Legal Food Frenzy

Brian January 31st, 2007

Via an email from Attorney General McDonnell, I see that he is working to build support for the “1st Annual Virginia Legal Food Frenzy.” The plan is to get the legal community to partner with Virginia’s food banks.

The release states:

As attorneys and legal professionals, we have been fortunate to earn a good living in a noble calling in the justice system. We, therefore, have a moral obligation to help others in need in our society. The “1st Annual Virginia Legal Food Frenzy” is a creative way to provide that help. This benevolent and friendly competition will encourage Virginia’s law firms to challenge their lawyers and staff to participate in a food drive to see who can donate the most food to Virginia Food Banks. The competition will be organized with regional awards, and the “The Attorney General’s Cup” will be presented to the Virginia law firm that raises the most food based on staff size.

The idea for the “1st Annual Virginia Legal Food Frenzy” comes from the very successful model pioneered by the Hampton Roads legal community and the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, in Norfolk. I was privileged to serve as the keynote speaker for the kickoff of their 2006 competition, which raised 172,593.64 pounds of food, and made a positive difference in the lives of thousands in Tidewater. Now, we want to take this great competition statewide.

If someone in Southwest Virginia wants to participate, the release suggests they contact:

SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
Food Drive Coordinator:
Charles Hammond
1025 Electric Road
Salem, VA 24153
chammond@swvafoodbank.org
(540) 342-3011 (office)
(540)342-0056 (fax)

I applaud AG McDonnell for his work in this area. Our food banks are in dire need of support. The competition will provide an effective way to provide that support.

Delegate Jim Shuler

Brian January 27th, 2007

“KathyinBlacksburg” had this interesting report about Delegate Jim Shuler (12th Dist.) over on RK today.

The post includes all sorts of interesting information, including that after redistricting, Del. Shuler moved so he could run in the newly created district.

A few years ago, Del. Shuler was facing opposition from a very ambitious 23 year old named Donnie Kern. I have not heard of anyone that plans to challenge Del. Shuler this year yet and seriously doubt any serious challengers will be stepping forward.

Del. Shuler is a very dedicated legislator and a strong advocate for Southwest Virginia.

Are Republicans afraid of blogs?

Brian January 26th, 2007




That certainly seems to be the case and considering their recent votes, maybe they should be.

In this Washington Post article, about the Democratic Party of Virginia’s new blog, Assembly Access, the Republicans sound like they would not mind if the Commonwealth had one less blog.

The article states that Democrats started recording hearings because they were upset that some votes were not being recorded. Several video clips are available at the blog. Democratic legislators have made attempts to have this Rule amended.

What was most interesting, though, are the quotes from the Republican leadership:

“It’s indicative of a culture of viciousness that is infecting these halls,” said Del. Vincent F. Callahan Jr. (R-Fairfax), who was first elected in 1968. “You are going to get shots of someone picking their nose and using it out of context in the fall election.”

. . .

“Unfortunately, they are ratcheting it up, and we are going to have our groups respond,” said Republican Del. H. Morgan Griffith (Salem), the House majority leader. “Both sides can play that game.”

. . .

“It’s breaking down a little bit,” Griffith said. “In the old days, you had that collegiality and you knew all those people and there was a way to short-cut things,” he said.

“In the past, you could take a full look at the consequences of a bad bill. But now you have to be careful what you say because of unintended consequences.”

. . .

“All they are doing is starting a war,” [Del. Jeff] Frederick said.

It is really hard for me to feel sorry for the Republicans. They have brought this additional scrutiny upon themselves by wanting to operate our government in secret. With great mistakes should come great consequences. I think when their constituents get to see how they vote on some of these bills, they may not have to worry about being filmed in the General Assembly anymore.

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