Waldo's Virginia Political Blogroll » Bob Holsworth

The McDonnell administration got firsthand experience this week with the VITA mess. A systems meltdown lasting multiple days prevented thousands of Virginians from renewing their licenses and paying their taxes. A signature initiative of the Warner administration, VITA has turned out to be an ongoing problem for his successors. The McDonnell administration quickly took the right steps to extend DMV customer service hours and initiate an independent investigation of the meltdown.

But the question emerging is this: Is VITA too big to succeed?

2. A Logic of Its Own

There’s no logical connection between the VITA problems and the ABC privatization initiative. The former is a public-private partnership intended to perform a core mission of Virginia state government while the latter is a proposal to divest the state of its role in an activity that can be easily assumed by the private sector. But don’t for a minute think that opponents of privatization won’t cite the VITA mess as a reason not to go forward with getting the state out of the liquor business.

Anyone who understands the political arena is aware that it has a logic of its own and, in this instance, the problems of one big initiative are likely to be put forward as an argument against big initiatives in general.

3. McDonnell v. ABC as We Know It

A. The Core Services Argument- McDonnell wins this hands down. Who believes that selling liquor is a core service of state government? Unfortunately, the argument really doesn’t move anyone to change the status quo.

B. The Community Impact Argument- Here again, McDonnell may well be right: privatization of liquor sales in the 21st Century doesn’t necessarily have a negative social impact. Yet rural conservatives and urban moralists either do not agree or simply do not see enough benefits in privatization to support taking the risk. This is a very serious political challenge because it transcends partisan lines and includes some Republicans as well as some Democrats.

C. The Economic Impact on the State: The McDonnell administration has been clear that it’s ultimate plan for privatization will not have a negative impact on the state’s bottom line. Opponents have argued that the economic impact will be negative or, at a minimum, too uncertain to support. We’ll get a better sense of this later this week when the draft plan is unveiled- for now, however, it appears that it’ll be difficult to generate enough momentum for passage simply on the argument that privatization is essentially a wash for the state budget.

D. The Big Benefit: The McDonnell administration will argue that the benefits of privatization will enable the state to make a huge downpayment toward fixing the transportation mess. Remarkably, this issue has received little coverage to date.

But if the McDonnell administration is to overcome the inertia that always favors the status quo, the suspicion that moralists have about privatization, and the concern that privatization is a budgetary wash, it will need to focus on the big benefits and show how these cannot be achieved in any other acceptable manner.

4. UVA Tops Cuccinelli in Court

A judge ruled this week that the University of Virginia would not have to produce the materials that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli requested in a Civil Investigative Demand. The AG’s office put a positive spin on the loss, noting that it would produce a new request for information that would be compatible with the principles outlined in the decision. I’m not sure how it does so in a manner that will prompt UVA to comply. Having won a victory in court asserting principles of academic freedom, it’s difficult to see how a new request for the same or similar information won’t also be litigated.

While most Virginia conservatives strongly support Cuccinelli’s challenge to federal overreach and the Democratic health care bill, they have been relatively silent about the lawsuit which pits the AG’s office against Virginia’s flagship university.

5. Poll Power?

Tom Perriello is one of the hardest working people in Congress and a very tough campaigner. But polls conducted by SurveyUSA have Perriello down by more than 20 points to Robert Hurt. And today The New York Times is reporting that Perriello is in danger of being written by the Democratic party establishment. Despite holding a considerable financial advantage over Robert Hurt! Virginia Democrats like Tom Perriello very much and respect his work ethic- they may want to hear from the DNC Chair very soon about whether the Times report is an accurate reflection of the party’s current thinking.

Update: Sunday Evening

Here is the statement released earlier today by the DCCC regarding the Times‘ story.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on today’s New York Times story, “Democrats Plan Political Triage to Retain the House.”

“Today’s New York Times story erroneously suggests that the DCCC has decided not to allocate resources to specific campaigns. That simply is not the case.

”The Members of Congress referenced in the article are all running strong campaigns focused on their solid records and drawing sharp distinctions between themselves and their opponents on the key issues at stake in this election. The DCCC is heavily invested in these campaigns. In each campaign mentioned, the DCCC has provided and continues to provide support for field operations and other key campaign activities.

”House campaigns are won race-by-race on the ground and our Members and candidates are running aggressive voter contact programs focused on the choice between policies that will accelerate job growth and those that would kill the fragile recovery. House Republican candidates, whose views are far out of the mainstream of swing districts, will have to answer for their plans to: repeal the law to rein in reckless speculation on Wall Street; give subsidies to companies that outsource American jobs; bust the budget and balloon the deficit; and privatize Medicare and Social Security.

”Every campaign cycle the DCCC and other campaign committees face difficult resource allocation decisions and this election cycle is no different. What is different is the kind of choice before the American people at this critical juncture - do we move forward and build on the fragile economic progress we have made or do we adopt an economic agenda that will kill the budding job growth and send us back into a deep economic ditch.”

6. Barham Retires at VSBA

Frank Barham has announced his upcoming retirement as Executive Director of the Virginia School Boards Association. In his tenure at VSBA, Barham helped to fashion the organization into a powerful voice for School Boards across Virginia and a crucially important player in debates about educational policy in the Commonwealth. For 20 years, public polling has shown that K-12 education is always at the top or right to the next to the top of citizen concerns in Virginia. Frank Barham never missed an opportunity to remind people of this fact. In doing so, he performed an important service for the Commonwealth.

Virginia in a Hurry, 9-4-10

Bob Holsworth — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:06:46 +0000

Boucher Retains Double Digit Lead in New Poll in 9th

Wittman, Ball Both Back Cuts

New Tax Under McDonnell ABC Privatization Plan

Janet Howell Says ABC Special Session Will be in November

DMV Seeks New Photos of 4K Customers

Virginia Police Chief Questions Immigration Policy

Suffolk Official Who Sent Nude Photos Defends Firing Decision

Five in Norfolk Fired or Forced Out Over No Show Worker

Bristol Leaders Study Debt Restructuring

Roanoke Mayor Bowers’ Public Service Flier Raises Concerns

Pittsylvania County Weighs Hiring Full-Time Attorney

UVA Endowment Rebounds

Winchester Area Jobless Rate Dips

Virginia in a Hurry, 9-3-10

Bob Holsworth — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:39:18 +0000

Crash of Virginia Computer Network has Implications for Tech World, State Politics

McDonnell Lays Out Concerns to Northrop Grumman

McDonnell Says Some Data May Be Lost as Result of Outage

Northrop Grumman Offers Regret for Outage

Northrop Grumman to Pay for Computer Investigation

Whipple Says Not Enough Time to Judge ABC Proposal

State Effots to Curb Dunken Driving

Cuccinelli Hints at More Suits

Cuccinelli Talks Energy, Cap and Trade in Rocky Mount

2nd District Congressional Forum Gets Heated

Perriello-Hurt Polling Numbers

Clark Rescinds Offer to Withdraw in 5th

GOP Opens Campaign Headquarters in Lynchburg

McDonnell to Speak at Values Voters Summit

American Legion Condemns Stalin Bust in Bedford

Pornographic Email and Suffolk Registrar Dispute

$40M to Buy Old Rail Line May Come with Light Rail Strings

James City Hears Calls for Urban Not Rural Building

Pittsylvania County Agricultural Complex Gets Another Boost

Fredericksburg Area Joblessness Rate Inches Down

Virginia in a Hurry, 9-2-10

Bob Holsworth — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:21:01 +0000

DMV To Resume Normal Operations

VRS Reports Investment Gains and One Key Loss

Virginia Misses Deadline on Filing Plan to Cut Bay Pollution

Boucher’s Ads Tout His Values Not His Party

Perriello Opts for Public Event After Tea Party Closes Meeting

Wittman Stumps for York County Conservatives

Clark Campaign Takes Odd Turn in the 5th

McAuliffe Lends the Farm Team a Hand

Norfolk Official Who Bought Cell Phone for Teen Steps Down

FBI Joins Inquiry Into No-Show Norfolk Employee

Norfolk Commissioner of Revenue Says She Must Do Better

Lynchburg Airport’s Effort to Land Northern Route Unsuccessful So Far

Central Virginia Jobs Report

Virginia in a Hurry, 9-1-10

Bob Holsworth — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:04:54 +0000

Kinser Becomes First Woman to Head Virginia Supreme Court

Cuccinelli Blasts Utterly Destructive and Oppressive Federal Policies During Fredericksburg Visit

Northrop Grumman Vows to Fix Computer Problems

McDonnell Applies for Abstinence Only Grant

McDonnell Reappoints State Forester

Janet Howell Says House Snubbed Senate on Redistricting Hearings

Cuccinelli Town Halls Criticized as Campaign Stumping

Perriello to Speak to Tea Party in Lynchburg

Connolly Rides Commuter Trains as Part of Transit Tour

Wolf’s Opponent Jeff Barnett Touts Leadership Ability

State Education Commission Talks Jobs, Degrees at HU

Rockbridge County Residents Worry About Dam Safety

AFr’am Festival Organizer Closes, Puts Event in Limbo

Gloucester Supervisors Hire Firm for Assessment Review

Montgomery County Board Split on School Plan

Pittsylvania Supervisors Don’t Want Strip Club

Using Tax Incentives, WorldStride Moves from Albemarle to C’Ville

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-31-10

Bob Holsworth — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:59:17 +0000

DMV Won’t Process Licenses on Tuesday

McDonnell Calls for Independent Investigation of State Computer Failure

Hundreds Attend McDonnell Town Hall in Danville

Judge Rules Against Cuccinelli in UVA Case

Judge Rejects Cuccinelli Probe

Altria Top Spending Lobbyist?

Group Opposes Immigration Power for State Troopers

First Lady Visits VIR

Goodlatte Stresses Austerity in Lynchburg Town Hall

Clark Offers to Drop Out of 5th District Race if Leaker Steps Forward

Campbell Schools Committee Discusses District’s Future

15 Apply for Albemarle County School Board Slot

Judge Says Richmond City Should Have Been Ready to Argue Noise Case

Auditor Says McDonald Didn’t Violate Norfolk Laws Using City Credit Card

Chesapeake School Board to Vote on Retirement Incentive

Art Study Upgrades Cost of Roanoke’s Poff Building

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-30-10

Bob Holsworth — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:47:25 +0000

No Driver’s Licenses at DMV Monday

Redrawing Legislative Maps Likely to Face Challenges

State Gears Up for Redistricting

Griffith Baits Boucher, Wants Debates in Public Forums

Independent Candidate Clark in 5th District Has Debt History

Wolf Visits Riverton Dam

Cuccinelli Adds to Virginia Political Playbook

S. Carolina Gives Glimpse of New Abortion Clinic Rules

Cuccinelli Says Court Recording Systems Allowed

Tobacco Friendly Clubs Chafe Under Smoking Ban

Questions Raised About Uranium Study Members

State: Behavioral Aides are Schools’ Responsibility

Bristol Tax Collections Enter New Phase

UVA President Preaches, Answers Questions

Section 8 Surge in Waynesboro

The Virginia Scorecard, 8-29-10

Bob Holsworth — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:34:46 +0000

1. McDonnell on the 2012 Ticket?

The attention that Governor Bob McDonnell is receiving in GOP circles nationally has picked up considerably in the last two months. The Governor’s slip-up on Confederate History month has receded into the background and conservative publications and pundits are touting the Virginia “surplus” as an example of what happens when a government is prudently managed without raising taxes. 2012 is a long way off and the national dynamic could change multiple times. But it increasingly seems to me that McDonnell will be included on any short list of GOP vice-presidential nominees and that, after November, the national media will be treating him as such.

2. Does Virginia Have 2 GOP National Aspirants?

One can’t speak about nationally visible Republicans in Virginia without, however, mentioning the House Minority Whip Eric Cantor. If the GOP manages to take the House in November, Cantor becomes one of the House’s most powerful members. Congressional leadership positions may not be perceived by the public as the best training ground for their political executives, but there has always been speculation about whether Cantor’s ultimate ambition ends with Congress. In 2008, Cantor’s supporters noted that he was under consideration for a spot on the national ticket. It’ll be interesting to see whether they encourage or discourage this speculation about 2012.

3. Cuccinelli

Okays Balanced Holiday Displays.

Wants Craigslist to Remove Adult Listings.

Says State Can Further Regulate Abortion Clinics

Another week. Another set of headlines.

He’s become the conservative Andrew Cuomo, using the AG’s position to advance an aggressive agenda linking events in Virginia to hot button national matters. No one’s quite sure what we’re observing: a new star in the GOP national firmament or a meterorite that will ultimately crash and burn? In any event, we’ve never seen anything like him as Virginia Attorney General.

4. The VITA Mess

Became the McDonnell adminstration’s baby ths week as a multi-day computer meltdown prevented Virginians from being able to access services such as DMV online. It’s a problem that has to be addressed in an expeditious and successful manner. Having watched him in both the Attorney General’s and now the Governor’s role, McDonnell is the kind of executive who takes great pride in his managerial competence. He needs VITA to become the Commonwealth’s back office, not its headline grabbing problem child.

5. Florida v. Virginia

High Speed Rail: Florida Yes, Virginia No

Race to the Top Dollars: Florida, Yes, Virginia No (2009) and Did Not Apply (2010)

JFCOM- Close Virginia, Possible Shift to Florida (news report ths week)

I guess if you’re against earmarks, the Obama administration’s treatment of Virginia compared to Florida is perfectly fine. But if you’re Glenn Nye, Tom Perriello or any other Democrat fighting for your political life in a terrible environment, you must have to wonder just what is going on. Who would have ever thought that with 6 Democrats in the House, both of the state’s U.S. senators, and the chair of the DNC from Virginia, the Commonwealth would get the cold shoulder from the White House?

6. The Transportation Connection

That’s what Bob McDonnell has started to make in his push to develop grassroots support for his ABC privatization initiative. With some leakage developing on the Republican side of the aisle, the McDonnell administration highlighted the support of a powerful transportation group in NOVA for the proposal. I expect that we’ll hear a lot more about this in the next few weeks as the Governor tries to position his Democratic opponents in NOVA as willing to forego transportation funding to prevent him from having a political win

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-28-10

Bob Holsworth — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:58:13 +0000

JFCOM High Tech Jobs May Be Heading to Florida

Microsoft to Open Data Center in Southside

Technicians Will Work Through Weekend to Fix State Computers

Marshall Urges McDonnell To Reject Stimulus Funds

Transportation Group Backs ABC Privatization

Griffith to Get Fundraising Boost from McDonnell

McDonnell Military Commission to Meet Next Week on JFCOM

McDonnell Visits Winchester Plant

Warner Bemoans Lack of Congressional Coverage

Connolly Featured on 20-20 Report on Albinism

Rigell Signs Tea Party Pledge

Goodlatte Combats Stronger EPA Farm Regulations

Virginia Cancels Plan to End Death Row Face-to-Face Visits

Martinsville Speedway on Fast Track for Upgrades

Appalachian Power Makes Hay While Sun Beats Down

Miller Center Marks 35 Years

C’Ville, Albemarle Edge Closer to School Funds Deal

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-27-10

Bob Holsworth — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:25:19 +0000

McEachin for Governor?

Martinsville Speedway’s Future Secured

Bolling Takes Victory Lap on Martinsville Speedway Save

Massive Computer Outage Halts Some State Agencies

Some State Government Computer Service Restored

McDonnell Defends State Budget Surplus

McDonnell Names Members of Military Panel

Warner Says Local Offensive on JFCOM Closure Has Begun

Perriello Calls for Geithner Firing

Tea Partiers Give Perriello an Earful

Conservative Group Targets Webb in Cap and Trade Ads

Legislators Tour Dominion Plant in Wise County

Virginia Port Authority Continues Celebration of APM Terminals Deal

Virginia Institutions on List for Sexual Misconduct Involving Inmates

Tougher Rules Could Threaten Richmond Abortion Clinics

Big New Bus Costs Loom for Roanoke Schools

Judge Recommends $12M Settlement in Peanut Corp Case

Albemarle’s Tucker to Retire

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-26-10

Bob Holsworth — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:18:49 +0000

Prince William Postpones Budgeting Stimulus Funds

Internet Gaming Cafes Booming While Legality is Debated

It’s No Work and All Pay for Government Worker in Norfolk

McDonnell in the National Spotlight

McDonnell Will Unveil ABC Proposal September 8

$15 Million Spent to Lobby Legislature

Critics Say Cuccinelli Opinion Could Shutter Albemarle Abortion Clinic

Watchdog Group Blasts Cuccinelli on Holiday Display Opinion

Warner Campaigns for Nye, Perriello

Perriello Says Stimulus Helped Avoid a Great Depression

Rigell to Sign Tea Party Oath

Goodlatte to Hold Town Hall

Justice Thomas’ Wife to Address Tea Party Convention

Local Match Problems Putting $390 Thousand Road Money at Risk

Group Wary of Petersburg Charter School

Beach Officials Looking at Man’s Expenses with City Credit Card

Consultants Work on Flood Plan as Tides Rise and Norfolk Sinks

Portsmouth Prepared to Buy Water from Norfolk if it Needs To

Egg Recall Helps Isle of Wight, Suffolk Farmers

Poquoson School Employees Won’t get Raise This Year

Poquoson Officials Huddle on Economic Development Issues

Hampton Roads Economy is Recovering But Not Yet Producing New Jobs

Funds Short on Public Safety Building Renovation

School Fees Fuels Debate in Pittsylvania

Company Hopes to Make Danville a Tech Corridor

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-25-10

Bob Holsworth — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:06:16 +0000

College Presidents to Seek More Leeway on Tuition

Cuccinelli Wants Craigslist to Remove Adult Listings

Cuccinelli Okays Balanced Holiday Religious Displays

Tracking Marshall’s Opinions

Webb Secures Senate Hearing on JFCOM

Population Shifts to Alter House Districts

McDonnell Says Abortion Clinics Merit State Oversight

McDonnell Boasts of Budget Surplus on FOX

McDonnell Touts ABC Plan

Where Does Money From Liquor Sales Go

Haymore Highlights Leadership, AG’s Future in Danville Speech

ODU President Broderick Reaches Out to Local Leaders

July Home Sales Plunge 26% in Hampton Roads

Roanoke County Supervisors Approve South Peak Authority

Town and County Discuss Boundary Change in Appomattox

Bus, Scheduling Changes on Tap for Albemarle Schools

C’Ville Area Named Number One for Retirees

Spotsy Schools Change Course

Bob Asks Ken’s Opinion

Bob Holsworth — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:59:55 +0000

A little more than two weeks ago, I wrote the following about Delegate Bob Marshall.

Marshall in the Middle

Has anyone noticed just how often Bob Marshall shows up right in the middle of all the recent hot button controversies? Marshall was first to the Virginia post in calling the health care bill unconstitutional. He was the first to ask for Michael Mann’s emails at UVA. And his requests for AG opinions and a gubernatorial executive order are referenced in the major stories about immigration. Want to know what’ll be in the headlines next week? Just find out what Bob is asking the AG to opine upon.

Yesterday, Ken Cuccinelli observed that Virginia could administratively decide to impose stricter regulations on abortion clinics. This observation came in a request for an opinion from Senator Ralph Smith and, surprise, surprise, Delegate Bob Marshall.

In the past, requests for an AG opinion have periodically been used to support and sharpen a policy agenda. But it’s becoming clearer by the day that Bob Marshall and Ken Cuccinelli have perfected the RFO (Request For Opinion) as a creative political strategem.

Bob’s requests for Ken’s opinion is framing a significant portion of the policy debate in Virginia.

And it enables the Attorney General to be far more visible and prominent than any of his predecessors.

It’s become a genuinely new entry in the Virginia political playbook.

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-24-10

Bob Holsworth — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:37:54 +0000

Cuccinelli Says State can Further Regulate Abortion Clinics

Virginia Can Impose Tougher Abortion Clinic Oversight

McDonnell Raises Money for Next Year’s Elections

McDonnell Says Take Surplus Talk with Grain of Salt

Retailers Want Legislative Study on ABC Privatization Before Special Session

VRE Can Sell Rail Equipment to the Army

Virginia Categorizes More Waters as Polluted

ACLU Asks Supreme Court to Hear Virginia Alcohol Ad Ban

Debate Dates Scheduled for 5th District

Millions Unpsent in Norfolk’s Idle Accounts

Immigration Activists Protest at Norfolk AG Office

Chesapeake School Board Chair Ruffles Feathers, Earns Respect

Law Enforcement Officer Shot in Scott County

Spotsylvania County Students Will Feel Budget Cut Impact

The Virginia Scorecard, 8-22-10

Bob Holsworth — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:51:43 +0000

1. The Monopoly on Sin

There’s a curious position emerging among the opponents of Bob McDonnell’s ABC privatization initiative. More and more, it appears that they are maintaining that the Commonwealth ought to maintain a monopoly on sin. You don’t want the private sector selling liquor because we’re worried about what will happen (economically and socially) if the state doesn’t control it. It’s okay to have gambling in Virginia, but only if the form, extent and profits are directly controlled by the state. It’s unfortunate that the private sector already controls the tobacco industry. But, heck, maybe the state can make Phillip Morris an offer to take the sale and distribution of cigarettes off its hands.

2. The Political Challenge

That the Governor faces in breaking up the monopoly was higlighted this week in two ways. First, Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw announced that the plan was DOA or Dead on Arrival. DBA or Dead Before Arrival might be a more accurate statement inasmuch as the plan has yet to be finalized and presented. Second, Lacey Putney, Chair of House Appropriations, observed that he’s yet to be convinced that privatization is a good idea. In short, McDonnell must overcome opposition from Democrats who have litttle interest in providing him with a big victory and from rural conservatives, including members of his own party, skeptical of the social and financial impact of removing the state’s monopoly.

3. Is the White House Ceding Virginia in 2012 to the GOP?

You could be excused for thinking this on the basis of recent events. Closing JFCOM. Stiffing Virginia on High Speed Rail. EPA “interim” regs on cap and trade. I have a difficult time understanding the politics of all this. The Democrats have 8 U.S. members of the House, both U.S. Senators, and a former Governor as Chair of the DNC. But on the big issues that impact the Virginia economy, they don’t appear to be consulted and their political interests are routinely undermined.

4. GOP Poll has Perriello Closing Gap

What you just read is correct. This week, the GOP released a survey showing Robert Hurt with a 6 point lead over incumbent Tom Perriello. In this poll, the race is 17 points closer than in one released just two weeks ago bu SurveyUSA. Insiders spent the week speculating why the GOP would release a private poll that has Perriello running 17 points stronger than the most recent public poll. Given initial reports that show Perriello with a substantial lead in dollars raised, the GOP might be reminding the faithful that this could be a much tougher race than some observers seem to believe.

5. Larry Gets It Exactly Right

It’s never easy to get the words and tone right in an obituary of a prominent yet controversial public figure such as James J. Kilpatrick. But I think that Larry Sabato’s commentary on his passing this week got it exactly right. Sabato noted that Kilpatrick should be judged by the totality of his life, including the contributions that he made to national journalism through his syndicated columns and his debates on 60 Minutes. At the same time, Larry did not minimize the pain caused by Kilpatrick’s doctrine of Massive Resistance to desgregation or suggest, as some commentators did, that Kilpatrick had “redeemed” himself. Sabato acurately observed that Kilpatrick left ‘deep wounds” that “had not healed even 50 years later.” Anyone with more than passing acquaintance with Richmond is fully aware of the indelible scar that was left by the espousal of Massive Resistance by one of the capital’s leading newspapers.

6. Debates Over Debates

Should GOP candidates allow independent conservatives candidates into debates with their Democratic opponents? The conventional wisdom is no- you should never give free air time to a candidate who is only likely to take votes from you, thereby helping your opponent. But 2010 is not a conventional year. I think that the public wants plain-speaking, clear-minded political figures who are willing to take on all comers on their behalf. Wrangling over debates is too clever by half. A “bring ‘em on” attitude is likely to be far more appealing than explanations suggesting that an opponent is not doing well enough in the polls to be allowed to participate in a debate.

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-21-10

Bob Holsworth — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:26:14 +0000

Obama Could Approve JFCOM Closure by September 1

Virginia Jobless Rate Steady at 7%

VRE’s On-Time Performance Slips

McDonnell Refutes Saslaw’s Claim that ABC Privatization is DOA

Lawmakers Seek to Restore Retirement and Sales Tax Policy with Surplus

Judge to Rule in 10 Days on Cuccinelli Document Demand from UVA

UVA To Scrutinize Virginia Quarterly Review after Suicide

JMU Students Question text Alert for Anti-drinking Message

Worried Democrats Courting Elderly Voters

Isle of Wight Asks for Drought Assistance for Farmers

School Uniforms Student Behavior Discussed at Newport News Board Retreat

Grafton High School Principal Resigns

Report Critical of APCo Response After December Snowstorm

Report Shows Lynchburg Area Teachers Lag in Pay

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-20-10

Bob Holsworth — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:44:46 +0000

McDonnell’s Budget Speech

Surplus Items: Employee Bonus, Roads, Bay Cleanup

McDonnell Tells Chesterfield Crowd Why He Wants State Out of Liquor Business

Saslaw Says ABC Privatization Dead in the Senate

Putney Not Sold on ABC Privatization

Dozens Seek Ways to Save JFCOM

Prosecutors Brace for Wave of Fraud from Stimulus

Goodlatte Challenger Vanke Joins the Modern Whig Party

Virginia Nuclear Manufacturing Plant Delayed

Veterans Cemetery Nears Completion in Pulaski

HOT Lane Report is on VDOT Site

VDOT Testing Left Turn System in Roanoke County

Montgomery County School Employees to Receive One Time Bonus

2 Supervisors Question Funding for Montgomery County School Plan

Volvo to Recall 270 Laid Off Workers

Fluvanna Holds Emergency Talks on Water

After Suicide, UVA Launches Probe of Virginia Quarterly Review

Front Royal Officials Downplay Email Flap

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-19-10

Bob Holsworth — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:23:12 +0000

1 in 5 Americans Think Obama is a Muslim

Bipartisan Support for Virginia Troopers to Enforce Immigration Laws

Think Tank Says Stimulus Aided Virginia Budget

Virginia gets $26 Million Stimulus for Rural Internet

McDonnell Spends $17,000 on “Open for Business” Signage

Davis and Pickett to Head State Military Panel

Wittman Holds Out Hope on Norfolk Command

Perriello Ad Attacks Hurt for Missing Debate

After Criticism, Perriello Withdraws Sign Ban

VDOT Opens Search for CFO

Soering Denied Parole Once More

JMU Announces Crackdown on Underage Drinking

WSJ Says Owner of Beach Area Hotels Considering Bankruptcy

Has Recession Fueled Hampton Blight?

Feds Raid Hampton Technology Business

Peninsula Town Center Guru to Be paid $45,000 for Downtown Hampton Plan

Another Snag for Ailing Marquis Development

W-JCC School Board Delays Vote on Special Education Spending Plan

Pennington Gap Requests Investigation into Public Works Project

Strasburg’s Wastewater Plant in Jeopardy

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-18-10

Bob Holsworth — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:12:09 +0000

Elk to Return to Buchanan County

Groups File in Support of UVA in Climate Suit

Surplus Grows to Nearly $400 Million

Bolling Sees Signs of Hope in State Economy

McDonnell Urges Obama to Rethink JFCOM Closure

JFCOM’s Reliance on Contractors Makes It Tempting Target for Gates

Allen to Discuss Jewish Lineage at Jewish Retreat

Perriello Feels the Heat in Danville Stop

Goodlatte Talks About National Debt in Amherst

Smokers and Restaurants Fined for Flauting Laws

Roanoke City Council Votes to Move Voting Precincts, NAACP Dissents

Gloucester Supervisor Woodard Files for Bankruptcy

Isle of Wight Mulls New Incentives for Small Businesses

School Board to Seek $125 Million for New Auburn, Blacksburg High Schools

Fiber to the Home Project Cut By Danville City Council

Danville City Council hears From Hospital, City Retirees

Pittsylvania Supervisors Not Happy with VDOT Situation

Mosque Controversy Makes Political Waves in 5th

John Kerr Facing More Rehabilitation

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-17-10

Bob Holsworth — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:12:43 +0000

McDonnell Opposes Mosque at Ground Zero

Webb Urges Senate Armed Services Meeting on JFCOM

Past JFCOM Leaders Could Help Fight Closure, Group Tells Nye

Retired Admiral Says to Focus on Military Not Jobs in JFCOM Debate

McDonnell Tries to Boost SWAM Procurement

McDonnell, Bolling Headline Rubio Fundraiser in Hanover

McDonnell Sets Up Council on Virginia Health Care

Feds Help Virginia with Health Insurance Oversight

Dozens in Chatham Turn Out for Perriello Town Hall

Golden Gets Seat at 2nd District Debate Table

Out-of-Staters Boost Revenue at UVA and W&M

Food City Race Night Returns to Downtown Bristol

Virginia Western CC Makes Room for In-Demand Science and Halth Programs

Blacksburg Mayor Urges School Board to Build 2 New High Schools

Schools Find Ways to Cope with Smaller Budgets

Lynchburg School Board to Consider Cell Phone, Fundraising Policies

Campbell Becomes Latest County to Request Drought Declaration

UVA Law Professor Says Sentencing in U.S. Too Extreme

C’Ville Cracks Down Again on Noise

Local Group Helping Cut Pollution at Bay

Shenandoah to Review Rural Areas Plan

Kilpatrick Dies

Quotes about Kilpatrick

Virginia in a Hurry, 8-16-10

Bob Holsworth — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:21:55 +0000

With JFCOM in Doubt, Suffolk Holds its Breath

Contractors Will Bear Brunt of JFCOM Closure

Perriello Chats with Voters

Hurt’s Anti-Earmark Stance Called Election Year Conversion

9th District Campaign Shaping up as Tough Fight

Newport News Mayor Price Taps Former Rival Woodbury to Head Efficiency Committee

Debolt Retiring as Manassas Park Superintendent After 15 Years

Danville City Council to Review DCPS Performance Contract

Fluvanna, Louisa at Crossroads on Water Issue

Shenandoah’s School Board Wish List at $55 Million

The Virginia Scorecard, 8-15-10

Bob Holsworth — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:37:19 +0000

1. Obama in Virginia

We’re more than 2 years away from the 2012 presidential election, don’t know who the Republican nominee will be, and cannot predict what the economic landscape will actually be. But it’s hard to believe that the GOP won’t be far more competitive in 2012 than in 2008. My sense is that many independents in Virginia (and across the nation) currently are feeling buyer’s remorse. In addition, it will be difficult for Democrats to point to any direct benefit the Commonwealth has received from supporting Obama- allocation of dollars on high speed rail to a state such as Florida and the decision to close JFCOM managed to anger elected officials across the spectrum. If there is an electoral calculus undergirding decision-making in the Obama administration, it doesn’t appear to have Virginia at its core.

2. The White House, the Mosque near Ground Zero and the 2010 Elections

The last two days have provided an excellent example of the frustration that that Democrats, including many Virginia Democrats, are feeling about the White House. Democrats who are attempting to hold seats in moderate districts were baffled and distressed than the president inserted himself in the controversy by seemingly endorsing its construction on Friday night. On Saturday, the White House apparently drew a distinction between endorsing the “right” to construct the Mosque and the appropriateness of doing so, though it also asserted that the President was not backing away from the position he had taken on Friday evening. Here’s the bottom line for the Commonwealth, a state where one of the 9-11 attacks occurred: the White House has now made the issue part of every congressional race in Virginia. Each and every Democrat will be compelled to say where they stand on the Ground Zero mosque.

3. The White House Gives Tim Kaine a Vote of Confidence

The White House political oepration responded to a question this week and gave Tim Kaine a vote of confidence for the job he’s performing as Democratic National Committee Chair. At the moment, the Democrats are doing a very good job raising money, a matter that threatens to become the GOP’s Achilles Heel in 2010. And Democrats believe that the success of Tea-Party oriented candidates in recent Republican nomination contests has left the GOP with some weak and beatable candidates. Perhaps so. But it’s hard to think that voter anger this fall won’t be disproportionately aimed at the Democrats. At that time, votes of confidence will be replaced by another venerable political activity: pointing the finger of blame.

4. The Proposed JFCOM Closing

Was the kind of the event that quickly overcame all other news in the Commonwealth this week. Concern about what the cuts might mean to the Commonwealth and to the nation’s defense evoked a moment of bipartisan outrage at the decision. Yet both Governor McDonnell and Congressman Randy Forbes laid the blame squarely at the ideological orientation of the Obama administration, arguing that the JFCOM closure was linked to policy priorities that downgraded defense at the expense of expansive social programs. Regardless of what you thnk of the partisan features of Forbes’ and McDonnell’s argument, it is clear that having 8 Democratic members of Virginia’s House delegation, 2 U.S. Senators, and a fomer Governor as Chair of the DNC didn’t have much influence on Robert Gates and the White House.

5. McDonnell Asks Feds to Deputize Troopers

Bob McDonnell disclosed this week that he’s asked the federal government to deputize Virginia state troopers so that might enforce national immigration laws in the Commonwealth. I’m not sure what the ultimate policy response will be, but its hard to see how McDonnell loses politically on this. He addresses a hot button issue that has conservatives fully mobilized, yet does so in a manner- simply requesting permission to enforce the law- that doesn’t generate the fevered opposition that has arisen to Arizona’s Governor Brewer.