This morning on the floor of the House of Delegates William Fralin retired from the House. This is a move to focus more on his professional career. Delegate Fralin was a great representative for the Roanoke Valley and he championed many causes for his constituents including education. While we will miss Delegate Fralin I think he has positioned himself well for a bigger office later in life. I personally hope we have not seen the last of William in public service but I understand the need to focus on his professional career.
This announcement has started a fire storm of activity around who will run for this seat. This is a strong republican seat as it went 58% for John McCain. Speculation so far is that Gwen Mason, David Trinkle, and John Fishwick will fight each other for the right to lose the general election. The GOP is very focused on finding a candidate to continue Fralin's legacy and as the Legislative District Chairman my next step is to pick the nomination method then to qualify candidates. If you are interested let me know.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Morgan Griffith Wins State Legislator Award From Humane Society Of The United States
The Humane Society of the United States honored Salem's own Morgan Griffith and Senator Thomas Norment for their work against animal fighting.
Sen. Norment and Delegate Griffith are being recognized for their successful efforts to upgrade the Commonwealth’s animal fighting law. SB 592 and HB 656, filed by Norment and Griffith, respectively, toughen Virginia's animal fighting penalties by making organized cockfighting a Class 6 felony, attendance at an organized animal fight a Class 6 felony, and allowing a minor to attend or participate in an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor. Previously, the lower penalties for animal fighting spectators created a loophole that made it more difficult for law enforcement officials to effectively prosecute animal fighters.
“I’m pleased to receive this award from The Humane Society of the United States for my work to strengthen animal fighting laws,” said Sen. Norment. “Animal fighting is a senseless and cruel activity practiced by people with no regard for their many hapless victims. I know this new law will help stamp it out in Virginia.”
“These bills address serious crimes, and they provide serious penalties for violators,” said Delegate Griffith. “I am honored to have received this recognition from The Humane Society of the United States, whose members worked relentlessly to win passage for this legislation. Now, Virginia law accurately reflects the decency and sensibility of its people when it comes to protecting animals and preventing animal fighting.”
“Delegate Griffith and Senator Norment are champions of animal protection in the Statehouse and their presence benefits animals and the many people who care deeply for their welfare,” said Ann Church, Virginia state director for The HSUS. “They have demonstrated their effectiveness by passing legislation that cracks down on the entire cast of characters involved in this cruelty and making this statute one of the best animal fighting laws in the country. We are pleased to honor them with this award.”
h/t to the Shad Plank
Sen. Norment and Delegate Griffith are being recognized for their successful efforts to upgrade the Commonwealth’s animal fighting law. SB 592 and HB 656, filed by Norment and Griffith, respectively, toughen Virginia's animal fighting penalties by making organized cockfighting a Class 6 felony, attendance at an organized animal fight a Class 6 felony, and allowing a minor to attend or participate in an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor. Previously, the lower penalties for animal fighting spectators created a loophole that made it more difficult for law enforcement officials to effectively prosecute animal fighters.
“I’m pleased to receive this award from The Humane Society of the United States for my work to strengthen animal fighting laws,” said Sen. Norment. “Animal fighting is a senseless and cruel activity practiced by people with no regard for their many hapless victims. I know this new law will help stamp it out in Virginia.”
“These bills address serious crimes, and they provide serious penalties for violators,” said Delegate Griffith. “I am honored to have received this recognition from The Humane Society of the United States, whose members worked relentlessly to win passage for this legislation. Now, Virginia law accurately reflects the decency and sensibility of its people when it comes to protecting animals and preventing animal fighting.”
“Delegate Griffith and Senator Norment are champions of animal protection in the Statehouse and their presence benefits animals and the many people who care deeply for their welfare,” said Ann Church, Virginia state director for The HSUS. “They have demonstrated their effectiveness by passing legislation that cracks down on the entire cast of characters involved in this cruelty and making this statute one of the best animal fighting laws in the country. We are pleased to honor them with this award.”
h/t to the Shad Plank
Video From The Roanoke Attorney General Debate
If you've been reading our blog at all recently, you know that the Roanoke City and Salem Republican Committees hosted an Attorney General Debate last week and that it was a huge success. Below is the first video from that debate. Hopefully the rest of the questions will make their way online as well.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Why I'm Supporting John Brownlee For Attorney General
As all of our readers should know, I have stayed neutral in the hotly contested AG race - until now. In fact, when I did my "cases for" John Brownlee, Ken Cuccinelli, and Dave Foster, I pretty much convinced myself they were each the man for the job. It gives me great pride that our Party has 3 fine men from whom to choose and I can honestly say we cannot go wrong in this choice. That said, after months of research, meeting with the candidates, reviewing their positions, talking to their supports, etc., I've decided that John Brownlee is without question the best choice for our Party.
Before I get into why, let me make a couple intro comments. First, this is not a regional thing. I don't deny that there would be a huge benefit to our local Committees if we had a local guy on the statewide ticket. While that may have been a tie-breaker, no such tie-breaker was necessary for me. He's simply the best choice, regardless of where he's from.
Second, I want to challenge each person who has already committed to a candidate (regardless of who). Ask yourself why you're supporting him. Are you supporting him because he was the first to ask you for support? Are you supporting him because he's the only one you've met? I'm shocked by the number of people who tell me "I really like candidate A the most but candidate B asked for my support first and I said yes." Let me be blunt - to me that is nothing short of stupid. We need to pick the best, not the first.
As a final intro comment, ask yourself what criteria you're applying to your decision and whether it differs from how you would choose an LG candidate. The fact is, the AG position is very different from a Senator, Delegate, Lieutenant Governor, etc. Personally, if these same three men were running for LG, I'd vote for Ken Cuccinelli. He'd be the man for the job. However, this is a race for Attorney General, not LG. If you find yourself applying the same criteria to the two races then I'd challenge you to re-evaluate what it means to be AG.
Okay, after that ridiculously long intro, here's why I'm supporting John Brownlee.
Policy Positions - There are some fundamental policy positions that I'm not willing to compromise and others that are extremely important to me. The good news for me in this race is that all 3 candidates are essentially inline with those positions and I know without question that John Brownlee is. I'm not a guy to demand "complete ideological purity" but when the right candidate (in this case Brownlee) lines up so precisely with what you believe, it's the perfect situation.
Electability - This is without a doubt going to be the most hotly debated question and I could fill pages with my analysis. Instead, I'll try to be brief and would gladly expand in the comment section if asked. Simply put, I believe Brownlee is the most electable and I don't think it's even a close call. Now for the reasons.
First, Brownlee has the most impressive resume of the candidates. Airborne Ranger, Assistant US Attorney in DC, US Attorney for the WDVA, etc. His credentials are impeccable.
Second, he has geographic ties to the entire state. He went to HS in NOVA and worked in DC, he went to college in the Shenandoah Valley, he went to law school in Hampton Roads and he's been US Attorney for the entire state west of Richmond. Having ties to NOVA, without having run controversial and contested races in NOVA, gives him the opportunity to define his own narrative there, something Cuccinelli and Foster would not be able to do.
Third, he doesn't have a long history of regional or controversial votes he's cast that will come back to bite him. Cuccinelli's triggerman vote (cast again this week) and educational funding legislation are perfect examples. Cuccinelli supporters yell that Brownlee's never been elected. Well, neither had Mark Warner when he was elected Governor; Bob Goodlatte, Tom Perriello and Glenn Nye when they were elected Congressmen; Jerry Kilgore when he was elected Attorney General; or Jim Webb when he was elected Senator. The fact is, with modern media, fundraising techniques, etc. electoral history is often a negative, not a positive and I think it'll work that way for Brownlee.
Fourth, whether the AG position is actually a law enforcement position or not, the voting public thinks it is. It is simply a fact that when voters have a chance to support a prosecutor for AG (in Virginia and around the country) the prosecutor always wins. It's why Brownlee has almost unanimous support of Virginia sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorneys. Just think of the uphill battle the other guys would have when the Dems nominate a former prosecutor who gets the support of law enforcement (both on the street and in the courtroom).
Finally, Brownlee's performance in last week's debate was so impressive that I actually feel a little bad for Steve Shannon in anticipation of what Brownlee will do to him in their debates.
Legal Experience - This is the only category that Brownlee does not win handily (although he still wins). Remember, I'm not only the Chair of the Salem Republican Committee but I'm also a partner in a law firm and a regional Chair in the Republican National Lawyers Assocation. I take the legal experience question very seriously and it is the category that most separates this race from the other statewide races. In this category, Dave Foster is incredibly impressive and comes in a very close second. That said, John Brownlee has run a huge government law office representing the Federal government in the western half of Virginia for all of its legal matters. Brownlee's legal experience will translate perfectly into the AG office. Frankly speaking, this is the category in which Cuccinelli falls well behind and is the main reason, while I'd support him for LG, that he's not my choice for AG.
Intangibles - I won't even try to define this. I'll just say Brownlee has the look and feel of an Attorney General. He has a presence about him that is a lot like George Allen carried when I worked for him back in 1997. He's exactly the type of person we need leading our party out of the wilderness. Without sacrificing a single conservative principle, he carries himself in a way that will make him the peoples' Attorney General, not just the Republicans' Attorney General.
That post went on way too long and I apologize but this is an incredibly important decision and not one that I come to lightly. I have tried to remain positive in my critiques of each of these men I pledge to continue to be 100% positive and, to Dave and Ken, I pledge my support to you if you get the nomination. John Brownlee is simply the right man for the job.
It is an honor for me to join Bob Goodlatte, Thelma Drake, unit chairs across the Commonwealth, approximately 100 elected Sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorneys and countless other elected and grass roots leaders in endorsing John Brownlee for Attorney General.
Before I get into why, let me make a couple intro comments. First, this is not a regional thing. I don't deny that there would be a huge benefit to our local Committees if we had a local guy on the statewide ticket. While that may have been a tie-breaker, no such tie-breaker was necessary for me. He's simply the best choice, regardless of where he's from.
Second, I want to challenge each person who has already committed to a candidate (regardless of who). Ask yourself why you're supporting him. Are you supporting him because he was the first to ask you for support? Are you supporting him because he's the only one you've met? I'm shocked by the number of people who tell me "I really like candidate A the most but candidate B asked for my support first and I said yes." Let me be blunt - to me that is nothing short of stupid. We need to pick the best, not the first.
As a final intro comment, ask yourself what criteria you're applying to your decision and whether it differs from how you would choose an LG candidate. The fact is, the AG position is very different from a Senator, Delegate, Lieutenant Governor, etc. Personally, if these same three men were running for LG, I'd vote for Ken Cuccinelli. He'd be the man for the job. However, this is a race for Attorney General, not LG. If you find yourself applying the same criteria to the two races then I'd challenge you to re-evaluate what it means to be AG.
Okay, after that ridiculously long intro, here's why I'm supporting John Brownlee.
Policy Positions - There are some fundamental policy positions that I'm not willing to compromise and others that are extremely important to me. The good news for me in this race is that all 3 candidates are essentially inline with those positions and I know without question that John Brownlee is. I'm not a guy to demand "complete ideological purity" but when the right candidate (in this case Brownlee) lines up so precisely with what you believe, it's the perfect situation.
Electability - This is without a doubt going to be the most hotly debated question and I could fill pages with my analysis. Instead, I'll try to be brief and would gladly expand in the comment section if asked. Simply put, I believe Brownlee is the most electable and I don't think it's even a close call. Now for the reasons.
First, Brownlee has the most impressive resume of the candidates. Airborne Ranger, Assistant US Attorney in DC, US Attorney for the WDVA, etc. His credentials are impeccable.
Second, he has geographic ties to the entire state. He went to HS in NOVA and worked in DC, he went to college in the Shenandoah Valley, he went to law school in Hampton Roads and he's been US Attorney for the entire state west of Richmond. Having ties to NOVA, without having run controversial and contested races in NOVA, gives him the opportunity to define his own narrative there, something Cuccinelli and Foster would not be able to do.
Third, he doesn't have a long history of regional or controversial votes he's cast that will come back to bite him. Cuccinelli's triggerman vote (cast again this week) and educational funding legislation are perfect examples. Cuccinelli supporters yell that Brownlee's never been elected. Well, neither had Mark Warner when he was elected Governor; Bob Goodlatte, Tom Perriello and Glenn Nye when they were elected Congressmen; Jerry Kilgore when he was elected Attorney General; or Jim Webb when he was elected Senator. The fact is, with modern media, fundraising techniques, etc. electoral history is often a negative, not a positive and I think it'll work that way for Brownlee.
Fourth, whether the AG position is actually a law enforcement position or not, the voting public thinks it is. It is simply a fact that when voters have a chance to support a prosecutor for AG (in Virginia and around the country) the prosecutor always wins. It's why Brownlee has almost unanimous support of Virginia sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorneys. Just think of the uphill battle the other guys would have when the Dems nominate a former prosecutor who gets the support of law enforcement (both on the street and in the courtroom).
Finally, Brownlee's performance in last week's debate was so impressive that I actually feel a little bad for Steve Shannon in anticipation of what Brownlee will do to him in their debates.
Legal Experience - This is the only category that Brownlee does not win handily (although he still wins). Remember, I'm not only the Chair of the Salem Republican Committee but I'm also a partner in a law firm and a regional Chair in the Republican National Lawyers Assocation. I take the legal experience question very seriously and it is the category that most separates this race from the other statewide races. In this category, Dave Foster is incredibly impressive and comes in a very close second. That said, John Brownlee has run a huge government law office representing the Federal government in the western half of Virginia for all of its legal matters. Brownlee's legal experience will translate perfectly into the AG office. Frankly speaking, this is the category in which Cuccinelli falls well behind and is the main reason, while I'd support him for LG, that he's not my choice for AG.
Intangibles - I won't even try to define this. I'll just say Brownlee has the look and feel of an Attorney General. He has a presence about him that is a lot like George Allen carried when I worked for him back in 1997. He's exactly the type of person we need leading our party out of the wilderness. Without sacrificing a single conservative principle, he carries himself in a way that will make him the peoples' Attorney General, not just the Republicans' Attorney General.
That post went on way too long and I apologize but this is an incredibly important decision and not one that I come to lightly. I have tried to remain positive in my critiques of each of these men I pledge to continue to be 100% positive and, to Dave and Ken, I pledge my support to you if you get the nomination. John Brownlee is simply the right man for the job.
It is an honor for me to join Bob Goodlatte, Thelma Drake, unit chairs across the Commonwealth, approximately 100 elected Sheriffs and Commonwealth's Attorneys and countless other elected and grass roots leaders in endorsing John Brownlee for Attorney General.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Salem Republican Committee Mass Meeting - March 10, 2009
What: Salem Republican Committee Mass Meeting
Where: Salem Courthouse (click here for a map)
When: March 10, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
On March 10, 2009, the Salem Republican Committee will be holding its Mass Meeting to elect delegates to the 2009 RPV Convention. The RPV Convention is May 29-30, 2009 in Richmond. The most important function of the Convention will be to nominate Bob McDonnell for Governor, Bill Bolling for Lieutenant Governor and to choose our nominee for Attorney General. If you want to attend the Convention as a delegate YOU MUST be elected at the Mass Meeting. If you absolutely cannot make the Mass Meeting but want to be a delegate, email me your information and I'll add you to the list.
View Larger Map
Where: Salem Courthouse (click here for a map)
When: March 10, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
On March 10, 2009, the Salem Republican Committee will be holding its Mass Meeting to elect delegates to the 2009 RPV Convention. The RPV Convention is May 29-30, 2009 in Richmond. The most important function of the Convention will be to nominate Bob McDonnell for Governor, Bill Bolling for Lieutenant Governor and to choose our nominee for Attorney General. If you want to attend the Convention as a delegate YOU MUST be elected at the Mass Meeting. If you absolutely cannot make the Mass Meeting but want to be a delegate, email me your information and I'll add you to the list.
View Larger Map
Monday, February 23, 2009
My Thoughts On Anonymous Blogging
During the recent Shaun Kenney - Loudon Insider spat over the Attorney General race there were some passing comments directed at the idea of anonymous blogging. Being new to blogging (and never really intending to be a blogger) I'd never really thought about this. Apparently this is an issue that runs deep and controversial to blogging purists.
I guess, technically, I'm an "anonymous blogger" because I don't post under my own name. However, when I set up this blog, not knowing anything about blogging, I set it up using a name that could pass on to the new Salem Republican chair whenever he/she took over. It's the same concept behind our use of salemrepublicans@yahoo.com as our email. I wanted to facilitate a transition down the road.
Having now been a blogger for almost a year, I think I'd fall in the camp that discourages anonymous blogging unless absolutely necessary. However, it's too late and would be too confusing for me to change the name under which I post.
Therefore, I thought I should "come out of the closet" so to speak for those who view me as just another anonymous blogger. My name is Greg Habeeb and I'm the Salem Republican Committee chair. For my day job I'm an attorney with one of the bigger firms in Roanoke. I, and I alone, am responsible for everything posted under the "Salem Republican" name.
That's all. Back to work.
I guess, technically, I'm an "anonymous blogger" because I don't post under my own name. However, when I set up this blog, not knowing anything about blogging, I set it up using a name that could pass on to the new Salem Republican chair whenever he/she took over. It's the same concept behind our use of salemrepublicans@yahoo.com as our email. I wanted to facilitate a transition down the road.
Having now been a blogger for almost a year, I think I'd fall in the camp that discourages anonymous blogging unless absolutely necessary. However, it's too late and would be too confusing for me to change the name under which I post.
Therefore, I thought I should "come out of the closet" so to speak for those who view me as just another anonymous blogger. My name is Greg Habeeb and I'm the Salem Republican Committee chair. For my day job I'm an attorney with one of the bigger firms in Roanoke. I, and I alone, am responsible for everything posted under the "Salem Republican" name.
That's all. Back to work.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Roanoke City Republican Committee Mass Meeting 2/24/09
If you want to go the Convention May 29-30 in Richmond to nominate our candidate for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General and live in Roanoke City I either need your pre-file form before the meeting on Tuesday at 5pm or you need to come to the mass meeting. The meeting will be held in the Roanoke City Council Chambers at 7pm on Tuesday. To get forms or more information visit www.roanokerepublicans.org
I already have 43 delegates signed up which is much more than the 11 we sent last year. There is real momentum in the party and I want you to be a part of it. If hanging out with me for a weekend was not significant enough Sean Hannity will also be there!
I already have 43 delegates signed up which is much more than the 11 we sent last year. There is real momentum in the party and I want you to be a part of it. If hanging out with me for a weekend was not significant enough Sean Hannity will also be there!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Media Coverage Of The Attorney General Debate
Roanoke Times
Bob Holsworth
WSLS
WDJB7 was there but they don't have a piece online. Lawyers' Weekly also covered it and the story should appear in a future issue.
Bob Holsworth
WSLS
WDJB7 was there but they don't have a piece online. Lawyers' Weekly also covered it and the story should appear in a future issue.
My Thoughts From The Attorney General Debate
Okay folks, I finally have a minute to post some thoughts from the Debate. We're now 2 days out and I'm just going to post what I remember sitting here this morning. This is not meant to be a recap of the Debate.
1. Unbelievable turnout. I'll defer to Jay Warren's comment on the news Tuesday night that there were "well over 300 people there." For a Tuesday in February for a downticket primary Debate I think this is incredible and points to a big fall for Rs in this area
2. Great to see folks from multiple local units, Republican Women, Young Republicans, College Republicans, etc. all pitch in to create a great event.
3. Dave Foster's staffers are eager and hardworking. He had 3 guys there at about 4 covering the parking lot with signs. Brownlee's folks arrived about 4:30 and put up their own signs, including a ton inside the auditorium. Cuccinelli didn't have any staffers there and was noticeably lacking in signs and propaganda on his table (although his local supports tried admirably).
4. All 3 of these men have significant strengths that make them legit General election candidates.
5. Surprisingly, I thought Foster won the opening. He came off as capable, accomplished and thoughtful. He framed the role of the AG well and hit 3 themes (electability, jobs creation and competence) well. However, the opening was clearly the high point of the night for Foster.
6. I agree with Bob Holsworth that Brownlee showed a surprising amount of political savvy and poise. He seemed like the most seasoned politician up there.
7. Ken was very thoughtful, gave solid answers but didn't say anything memorable (good or bad) other than what we'll talk about below. Honestly, he had to be exhausted after driving down from session in Richmond.
8. The abortion question was possibly the most memorable due to Foster's surprising inability to clearly enunciate his position. After multiple follow ups, Foster established had he personally opposes abortion but would allow exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Brownlee and Cuccinelli only allowed the latter.
9. Brownlee pushed his themes hard and well. Electability, experience, prosecutor, others are regional candidates, etc. Certainly the Roanoke Times was swayed by Brownlee's themes as they headlined their article "Debate for Top Prosecutor."
10. Cuccinelli had 2 awkward moments. One was when Brownlee challenged his education funding legislature and Cuccinelli snapped at Brownlee to learn to read Code. Brownlee responded by pointing to Cuccinelli's own press release on the legislation and clearly won the issue.
11. The second awkward moment for Cuccinelli (and strangest of the Debate) was when a question was directed to someone else and Cuccinelli interupted Jay Warren and said "I'm sorry to act like a lawyer Jay but it's my turn." Couple problems. First, who cares whose turn it is? Second, Cuccinelli, was wrong, it was not his turn. There were 7 exact copies of the script, each campaign had one and Cuccinelli was misreading his. More importantly though it just made Cuccinelli look small and was incredibly awkward. Other than Foster's abortion answer, it was the moment that I've heard discussed most and was universally viewed very poorly for Cuccinelli. I still can't imagine what he was thinking.
12. Nothing remarkable in closing although Brownlee did use the opportunity to announce that he'd been endorsed by Bob Goodlatte and Thelma Drake and used that to argue that he was a true statewide candidate. We'll see.
13. The convention in May could be VERY interesting.
14. I haven't covered a ton of the substance of the Debate because the liveblog linked below covered it well. It was an incredible night for our Party and, according to the 2 candidates who contacted me the next day, they had a great time and were very impressed with our turnout.
15. Okay, I'm going to do the impossible. I'm going to rank their performances. Much like Bob Holsworth and the other media folks I talked to, I was most impressed with Brownlee's answers, poise and savvy. I've also heard the most positive comments about Brownlee following his performance from observers. I don't see how you can say anyone other than Brownlee won. Similarly, the most negative comments were about Foster's abortion and running against Bolling answer so I think he clearly was third. Cuccinelli was solidly in second, probably closer to Brownlee than Foster. Of course, whether delegate votes were impacted is completely unknown.
Sorry for the long post. That was all just off the top of my head. Hope all of you who attended enjoyed yourselves. If you didn't attend and you have any questions about the Debate, feel free to post in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bob Holsworth On The GOP Debate
While I try to find time to get my thoughts together, I wanted to post what I think is a great story about the AG Debate from last night. I didn't even realize Bob was there. Anyway, he has some good thoughts in here and I can't really disagree with much of anything he says.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
AG Debate Last Night Was A HUGE Success
No time to post a full recap but did want to let everyone know that the AG Debate last night was incredible. The PH auditorium was packed with well over 300 people (amazing for an AG primary debate). Media coverage included, WSLS, WDBJ7, Lawyers' Weekly, Roanoke Times and more. Jay Warren did an incredible job and the candidates all gave first rate performances. Everyone I talked to afterwards was energerized and ready for the 2009 elections. I'll have more specific thoughts later but wanted to post that and thank everyone who helped (especially the Roanoke Republican Women).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Liveblogging The AG Debate
Sandi Bird is liveblogging the Debate. Click on the link below and follow along.
Bird's Eye View On Politics
Bird's Eye View On Politics
Attorney General Debate - TONIGHT (2/17/09)
Don't forget about the AG Debate tonight in Roanoke. More information is below.
WHAT: ATTORNEY GENERAL DEBATE
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17, 2009 (7-8:30 pm)
WHERE: PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL
Get there early because seating is limited to 450 people. If you can't make it, check out Shaun Kenney's blog. He's graciously agreed to liveblog the Debate if he can make it down from Fredericksburg in time.
Also, don't forget to check out our "cases for" Dave Foster, Ken Cuccinelli and John Brownlee.
WHAT: ATTORNEY GENERAL DEBATE
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17, 2009 (7-8:30 pm)
WHERE: PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL
Get there early because seating is limited to 450 people. If you can't make it, check out Shaun Kenney's blog. He's graciously agreed to liveblog the Debate if he can make it down from Fredericksburg in time.
Also, don't forget to check out our "cases for" Dave Foster, Ken Cuccinelli and John Brownlee.
Monday, February 16, 2009
It's Been A Busy Week At RVR
Looks like the post-election lull is officially over. We finally got back around to posting consistently and wanted to thank all of you who are reading and commenting. Our hits are way up and this week, for the first time, we broke into BNN's top 20 Most Influence Blogs in Virginia. We actually came it at number 11 for the week and we're number 6 among Conservative blogs. Thanks again to all our readers and feel to comment anytime and leave us your thoughts.
Oh yeah, and don't forget about the AG Debate in Roanoke tomorrow.
WHAT: AG CANDIDATE FORUM
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17, 2009 (7-8:30 pm)
WHERE: PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL
Oh yeah, and don't forget about the AG Debate in Roanoke tomorrow.
WHAT: AG CANDIDATE FORUM
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17, 2009 (7-8:30 pm)
WHERE: PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL
Friday, February 13, 2009
Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: February 13, 2009
Growing the American Economy
Just ten short hours before the House of Representatives began consideration of the so-called “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” the final text of the legislation was revealed to Members of Congress and the American people for the first time. What you find in the nearly 1,100 page document is simply a long wish list of big government spending that won’t work. This big government stimulus, which was rammed through the House, will cost American taxpayers more than $1.1 trillion including interest and will do more harm than good. In a truly bipartisan stimulus plan any spending would have been both immediate and targeted to create jobs.
Instead of spending $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $25 million for maintenance at the Smithsonian Institution, and billions to fund Senator Harry Reid’s high speed train to Las Vegas, we must enact legislation which creates and preserves jobs all across the country. Recent opinion polls all support what the overwhelming number of 6th District residents have told me: Americans understand that the single most effective way to rekindle the economy is to allow them to keep more of what they have earned and to revitalize small businesses with job creating tax relief. Unfortunately, only seventeen percent of the so-called “stimulus” bill is for targeted tax relief, which breaks down to only $1.10 per day in tax relief to American workers. While the amount borrowed to pay for this is $10,400 for every American family of four.
While I have numerous concerns with the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”, I am a strong supporter of an alternative proposal which focuses on creating jobs and tax relief for American families and small businesses. It has been estimated that the Republican economic stimulus proposal will create twice as many jobs as the so-called “stimulus” bill that was considered on the floor of the House of Representatives and at half the cost.
The cornerstone of our proposal is assistance for America’s small businesses. Seventy percent of jobs are created by small businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed. To ensure the future stability of America’s small businesses, our economic stimulus legislation allows small businesses to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.
Another key component of our economic stimulus plan is assistance for the unemployed. Surprisingly, the Federal Government imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. We must make unemployment benefits tax free which will allow individuals between jobs to focus on providing for their family. Our plan also extends unemployment benefits from March to December, 2009.
Additionally, our economic stimulus plan takes the first steps toward stabilizing home values. Our real-estate market has been paralyzed. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, our proposal provides a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.
The American people are hurting and so nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future growth of our economy. I believe if the Republicans had not been shut out of the legislative process and had been allowed to work together with the Democrats we could have developed a strong bipartisan stimulus package focused on creating jobs and growing our economy by targeting tax relief for American families and small businesses.
Just ten short hours before the House of Representatives began consideration of the so-called “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” the final text of the legislation was revealed to Members of Congress and the American people for the first time. What you find in the nearly 1,100 page document is simply a long wish list of big government spending that won’t work. This big government stimulus, which was rammed through the House, will cost American taxpayers more than $1.1 trillion including interest and will do more harm than good. In a truly bipartisan stimulus plan any spending would have been both immediate and targeted to create jobs.
Instead of spending $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $25 million for maintenance at the Smithsonian Institution, and billions to fund Senator Harry Reid’s high speed train to Las Vegas, we must enact legislation which creates and preserves jobs all across the country. Recent opinion polls all support what the overwhelming number of 6th District residents have told me: Americans understand that the single most effective way to rekindle the economy is to allow them to keep more of what they have earned and to revitalize small businesses with job creating tax relief. Unfortunately, only seventeen percent of the so-called “stimulus” bill is for targeted tax relief, which breaks down to only $1.10 per day in tax relief to American workers. While the amount borrowed to pay for this is $10,400 for every American family of four.
While I have numerous concerns with the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”, I am a strong supporter of an alternative proposal which focuses on creating jobs and tax relief for American families and small businesses. It has been estimated that the Republican economic stimulus proposal will create twice as many jobs as the so-called “stimulus” bill that was considered on the floor of the House of Representatives and at half the cost.
The cornerstone of our proposal is assistance for America’s small businesses. Seventy percent of jobs are created by small businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed. To ensure the future stability of America’s small businesses, our economic stimulus legislation allows small businesses to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.
Another key component of our economic stimulus plan is assistance for the unemployed. Surprisingly, the Federal Government imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. We must make unemployment benefits tax free which will allow individuals between jobs to focus on providing for their family. Our plan also extends unemployment benefits from March to December, 2009.
Additionally, our economic stimulus plan takes the first steps toward stabilizing home values. Our real-estate market has been paralyzed. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, our proposal provides a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.
The American people are hurting and so nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future growth of our economy. I believe if the Republicans had not been shut out of the legislative process and had been allowed to work together with the Democrats we could have developed a strong bipartisan stimulus package focused on creating jobs and growing our economy by targeting tax relief for American families and small businesses.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Roanoke Democrats Deserve A Better Class Of Elected Officials
Roanoke is more and more becoming the model for why one party rule is so bad for the citizens. Not only does Roanoke continue to suffer in every measurable way, but its Democratic elected leaders don't even seem to want their jobs.
Senator John Edwards - Edwards' district is gerrymandered such that he'll never get real competition. Notwithstanding the fact that he has essentially a lifetime seat, Edwards can't seem to get out of there fast enough. Every 4 years Edwards (officially or unofficially) throws his hat into the ring for Attorney General. Now we learned today that he wants to quit his job to become a Federal judge (something I wouldn't hold my breath for if I were him). Maybe the reason Edwards doesn't have a single significant accomplishment as Senator to benefit Roanoke is because he spends his time job hunting rather than governing.
Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell - It is well known that the Roanoke City Commonwealth's Attorney office is one of, if not the most, dysfunctional in the entire state. Turnover is incredibly high, morale is low and major successes are limited. Like Edwards, the problems may stem from Don Caldwell's constant job hunting. Last year he tried to quit his job to become a GDC judge. This year we hear he's trying to quit to get the US Attorney's job. If you don't want the job, step aside and let someone else have it.
Delegate Onzlee Ware - I don't know Ware well but I know we never hear about him doing anything that makes a positive impact locally. This week I may have figured out why. I spent the day in Richmond Monday observing the General Assembly. Hours and hours of debate and you know who never said a single word? That's right, Onzlee Ware. Making his presence (or should I say absence) even more irrelevant was the fact that he missed significant portions of the day sneaking out the side door to smoke.
Mayor David Bowers - I don't think I even need to comment on the disaster that Bowers' first few months have been. I'll just leave it at that.
Folks, I'm not reflexively anti-Democrat. The problem in Roanoke is that from top to bottom, the elected Democrats are either doing a bad job, spending their time job hunting or simply occupying space and collecting pay checks. I know the demographics of Roanoke and I appreciate the uphill battle the local Republicans face. But come on Roanokers. Wake up. Either start primarying your local Democrats and getting some qualified folks in there or open your minds to the fact that one party rule is not a good thing.
Senator John Edwards - Edwards' district is gerrymandered such that he'll never get real competition. Notwithstanding the fact that he has essentially a lifetime seat, Edwards can't seem to get out of there fast enough. Every 4 years Edwards (officially or unofficially) throws his hat into the ring for Attorney General. Now we learned today that he wants to quit his job to become a Federal judge (something I wouldn't hold my breath for if I were him). Maybe the reason Edwards doesn't have a single significant accomplishment as Senator to benefit Roanoke is because he spends his time job hunting rather than governing.
Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell - It is well known that the Roanoke City Commonwealth's Attorney office is one of, if not the most, dysfunctional in the entire state. Turnover is incredibly high, morale is low and major successes are limited. Like Edwards, the problems may stem from Don Caldwell's constant job hunting. Last year he tried to quit his job to become a GDC judge. This year we hear he's trying to quit to get the US Attorney's job. If you don't want the job, step aside and let someone else have it.
Delegate Onzlee Ware - I don't know Ware well but I know we never hear about him doing anything that makes a positive impact locally. This week I may have figured out why. I spent the day in Richmond Monday observing the General Assembly. Hours and hours of debate and you know who never said a single word? That's right, Onzlee Ware. Making his presence (or should I say absence) even more irrelevant was the fact that he missed significant portions of the day sneaking out the side door to smoke.
Mayor David Bowers - I don't think I even need to comment on the disaster that Bowers' first few months have been. I'll just leave it at that.
Folks, I'm not reflexively anti-Democrat. The problem in Roanoke is that from top to bottom, the elected Democrats are either doing a bad job, spending their time job hunting or simply occupying space and collecting pay checks. I know the demographics of Roanoke and I appreciate the uphill battle the local Republicans face. But come on Roanokers. Wake up. Either start primarying your local Democrats and getting some qualified folks in there or open your minds to the fact that one party rule is not a good thing.
The Case For John Brownlee
Thanks again to all who read "the cases for" Dave Foster and Ken Cuccinelli. It has been my goal to lay out the POSITIVE case for each candidate and I hope I've done that so far.
My first comment about John Brownlee may seem a little strange but here goes. When you're around him he just seems like an Attorney General. He has a presence and mannerisms that seems perfectly suited to the job. I don't know if it's upbringing, education, Army Ranger school or something else but Brownlee just seems like an Attorney General. Brownlee is just as conservative as the other candidates but is able to present himself in a way that seems palatable across the political spectrum.
Beyond that though, he has extremely impressive credentials. The man was one of the youngest US Attorneys in the country and he performed his job with distinction. For the non-attorneys out there let me just say this is an amazing feat. That job is so high profile you have to expect a few controversial cases but the net result of his years in the position were top notch. From fighting illegal immigration, to internet predators, to violent criminals to corporate abusers - John always put the citizens of the Western District of Virginia ahead of politics.
As a lawyer, it is disappointing to me that many people treat the AG race as just another political race - it is a race to be the Commonwealth's top attorney. If you are applying the same logic to the AG race that you're applying to Gov and LG then you're missing the point. This is a very unique job. It requires running a law office, dealing with state and federal agencies, pushing a legislative agenda, dealing with the media and representing the citizens of the Commonwealth. This is exactly what Brownlee has done as US Attorney. Ask yourself - who is best suited to be the Commonwealth's top attorney and the managing partner of the 3rd largest law firm in the state?
Finally, let me comment on the main knock I hear about John. I've heard several people say "I like John but he's never been elected to anything before." That's true. But, before he was Governor, Mark Warner had never been elected before. Before he was Senator, Jim Webb had never been elected before. Before he was Attorney General, Jerry Kilgore had never been elected before. Before they were Congressmen, Bob Goodlatte, Tom Perriello and Glen Nye had never been elected before.
As you can see, most of these guys are Dems. Honestly, I think one of the main shortcomings in our party is that we have a "wait your turn" mentality to elections. I personally think it's time we stopped looking to a bench of "lesser" electeds and start spreading our net further. Let's look to business leaders, military leaders and, yes, legal leaders. Does legislative experience really translate into Attorney General qualifications? To me, the fact that Brownlee is not a current member of the General Assembly is actually a huge plus.
John Brownlee is a conservative, he is the only Republican with prosecutorial experience in the race, he has the experience to successfully perform the job of Attorney General and he has the ability to beat the likely Democratic nominee. Like I said with Foster and Cuccinelli, I hope you'll give Brownlee a serious look.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed my take on our three fine candidates for Attorney General. I've done my best to be impartial and fair. I also hope you'll join me next week on the 17th for the Attorney General Debate. It should be a lot of fun and will, in all likelihood, serve as the final piece of my analysis in choosing who I'll support.
My first comment about John Brownlee may seem a little strange but here goes. When you're around him he just seems like an Attorney General. He has a presence and mannerisms that seems perfectly suited to the job. I don't know if it's upbringing, education, Army Ranger school or something else but Brownlee just seems like an Attorney General. Brownlee is just as conservative as the other candidates but is able to present himself in a way that seems palatable across the political spectrum.
Beyond that though, he has extremely impressive credentials. The man was one of the youngest US Attorneys in the country and he performed his job with distinction. For the non-attorneys out there let me just say this is an amazing feat. That job is so high profile you have to expect a few controversial cases but the net result of his years in the position were top notch. From fighting illegal immigration, to internet predators, to violent criminals to corporate abusers - John always put the citizens of the Western District of Virginia ahead of politics.
As a lawyer, it is disappointing to me that many people treat the AG race as just another political race - it is a race to be the Commonwealth's top attorney. If you are applying the same logic to the AG race that you're applying to Gov and LG then you're missing the point. This is a very unique job. It requires running a law office, dealing with state and federal agencies, pushing a legislative agenda, dealing with the media and representing the citizens of the Commonwealth. This is exactly what Brownlee has done as US Attorney. Ask yourself - who is best suited to be the Commonwealth's top attorney and the managing partner of the 3rd largest law firm in the state?
Finally, let me comment on the main knock I hear about John. I've heard several people say "I like John but he's never been elected to anything before." That's true. But, before he was Governor, Mark Warner had never been elected before. Before he was Senator, Jim Webb had never been elected before. Before he was Attorney General, Jerry Kilgore had never been elected before. Before they were Congressmen, Bob Goodlatte, Tom Perriello and Glen Nye had never been elected before.
As you can see, most of these guys are Dems. Honestly, I think one of the main shortcomings in our party is that we have a "wait your turn" mentality to elections. I personally think it's time we stopped looking to a bench of "lesser" electeds and start spreading our net further. Let's look to business leaders, military leaders and, yes, legal leaders. Does legislative experience really translate into Attorney General qualifications? To me, the fact that Brownlee is not a current member of the General Assembly is actually a huge plus.
John Brownlee is a conservative, he is the only Republican with prosecutorial experience in the race, he has the experience to successfully perform the job of Attorney General and he has the ability to beat the likely Democratic nominee. Like I said with Foster and Cuccinelli, I hope you'll give Brownlee a serious look.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed my take on our three fine candidates for Attorney General. I've done my best to be impartial and fair. I also hope you'll join me next week on the 17th for the Attorney General Debate. It should be a lot of fun and will, in all likelihood, serve as the final piece of my analysis in choosing who I'll support.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Roanoke City Schools Funding Debate
My buddy Hank Bostwick (StarCity Harbinger) posted an interview today with the Chairman of the Roanoke City School Board on the current funding issue. Chairman Carson is a great leader for our schools and I support the boards efforts 100%. However the debate running now on this article is around how do you make up the 15 million dollar difference. Do you raise taxes vs do you prioritize schools as the number 1 issue facing Roanoke City and allocate spending towards them taking them from other capital projects. Check out the article and debate and weigh in as to what needs to be done.
Who Wants To Liveblog The Attorney General Debate?
As we've mentioned many times, the Roanoke City and Salem Republican Committees are hosting an Attorney General Debate on 2/17/09 in Roanoke. We would like to do a "bloggers' row" to cover and liveblog the Debate. Please email me if you're interested.
Bloggers will get prime seating locations and access to the candidates. In addition, if you're interested and have the technological capabilities, we could coordinate your livestreaming the audio. Bloggers often complain about not getting access so I'm hoping some of you out there take us up on this offer.
Bloggers will get prime seating locations and access to the candidates. In addition, if you're interested and have the technological capabilities, we could coordinate your livestreaming the audio. Bloggers often complain about not getting access so I'm hoping some of you out there take us up on this offer.
Constitutional Offices in Roanoke City
In November we will go to the polls to elect more than Governor, Lt. Gov, AG, and House of Delegates, we will also elect constitutional officers in many localities including Roanoke City. In Roanoke City Octavia Johnson will run for re-election as Sheriff, and the City GOP is now recruiting candidates for Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer, and Commonwealth Attorney. For all offices you need to be a registered voter in Roanoke City. Commonwealth Attorney also requires that you be a member of the VA Bar.
If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in one of these positions or in taking on Onzlee Ware for his seat in the House of Delegates please send me an e-mail ASAP. We are starting the vetting process now.
The City GOP is in a good place to win these elections what we need now are some hard working folks willing to do the work of the people.
If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in one of these positions or in taking on Onzlee Ware for his seat in the House of Delegates please send me an e-mail ASAP. We are starting the vetting process now.
The City GOP is in a good place to win these elections what we need now are some hard working folks willing to do the work of the people.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Did Jeff Frederick Cost The Republicans The Virginia Senate?
In a word - NO. You've probably all heard by now that Senator Ralph Northam was considering leaving the Democratic Caucus and taking with him Democratic control. Well today word spread around the General Assembly that it was a done deal. My sources in the House of Delegates tell me the deal was made and they were told it was public.
Modern social media being what it is, Jeff Frederick got onto Twitter, hinted at what was coming and word got out to people outside the General Assembly. Shortly thereafter news that the deal had fallen through spread and, as you can expect, Jeff Frederick got the blame.
Here's the problem, the deal had fallen through before Jeff posted. You see the Democrats (all the way up the Governor), knew about the deal before the post and made Northam an offer he couldn't refuse. It's that simple - the deal was public and, while Jeff posted, he didn't reveal a secret and didn't cause the deal to die...it was already dead. I'm certainly not known as a Jeff Frederick apologist but, in this case, he doesn't deserve the blame he's getting.
Modern social media being what it is, Jeff Frederick got onto Twitter, hinted at what was coming and word got out to people outside the General Assembly. Shortly thereafter news that the deal had fallen through spread and, as you can expect, Jeff Frederick got the blame.
Here's the problem, the deal had fallen through before Jeff posted. You see the Democrats (all the way up the Governor), knew about the deal before the post and made Northam an offer he couldn't refuse. It's that simple - the deal was public and, while Jeff posted, he didn't reveal a secret and didn't cause the deal to die...it was already dead. I'm certainly not known as a Jeff Frederick apologist but, in this case, he doesn't deserve the blame he's getting.
The Case For Ken Cuccinelli
Thanks to all who read "The Case For Dave Foster" and especially to Too Conservative for linking to our post. Today it's Senator Ken Cuccinelli's turn. Let me preface my post by acknowledging that Cuccinelli is the only candidate in this race that I have not had the pleasure of sitting down with one on one for an extended period of time. That said, it isn't hard to make the case for Cuccinelli.
I think the most objective observers would acknowledge that Cuccinelli is clearly the favorite in the race. Putting aside for a second why he's the favorite (we'll address below) the very fact that he is the favorite is important. In politics, inevitability can often be a strong force in driving voter opinion. Everyone wants to support a winner. It's clear, especially in the blogosphere, that Cuccinelli is close to creating that air of inevitability that candidates crave.
But it's more than that, there's a reason so many people love Cuccinelli and support him so passionately. Simply put, there isn't a politician in the state (maybe in the country) that has fought more tirelessly for the core principles of our party. Whether it's property rights, 2nd Amendment rights, the family or the unborn, no one does it better than Cuccinelli.
With Cuccinelli, you know exactly what you're getting. He tells it like it is. Furthermore, he doesn't just talk the talk HE WALKS THE WALK. That is rare and powerful in politics these days.
While his district may not quite be the bluest in Fairfax, the fact is it's still Fairfax and Cuccinelli is now the last man standing. The fact that he's stayed so true to his principles and won multiple elections makes him a model (one too many of our candidates refuse to follow).
We know what Cuccinelli believes, we know what he will do when elected and we know he knows how to get elected. He has a good campaign staff and a rabid army of volunteers (and I mean that in the most positive way). Cuccinelli inspires passion, on both sides of the aisle, and passion is something our party has lost and we need to get back. If you want to be inspired and reminded that our core beliefs are right and they can carry the day, I strongly encourage you to give Ken Cuccinelli a serious look.
Last but not least will be John Brownlee coming later this week. Also, don't forget about the AG Debate on 2/17. If you're a blogger out there interested in liveblogging the Debate, shoot me an email.
I think the most objective observers would acknowledge that Cuccinelli is clearly the favorite in the race. Putting aside for a second why he's the favorite (we'll address below) the very fact that he is the favorite is important. In politics, inevitability can often be a strong force in driving voter opinion. Everyone wants to support a winner. It's clear, especially in the blogosphere, that Cuccinelli is close to creating that air of inevitability that candidates crave.
But it's more than that, there's a reason so many people love Cuccinelli and support him so passionately. Simply put, there isn't a politician in the state (maybe in the country) that has fought more tirelessly for the core principles of our party. Whether it's property rights, 2nd Amendment rights, the family or the unborn, no one does it better than Cuccinelli.
With Cuccinelli, you know exactly what you're getting. He tells it like it is. Furthermore, he doesn't just talk the talk HE WALKS THE WALK. That is rare and powerful in politics these days.
While his district may not quite be the bluest in Fairfax, the fact is it's still Fairfax and Cuccinelli is now the last man standing. The fact that he's stayed so true to his principles and won multiple elections makes him a model (one too many of our candidates refuse to follow).
We know what Cuccinelli believes, we know what he will do when elected and we know he knows how to get elected. He has a good campaign staff and a rabid army of volunteers (and I mean that in the most positive way). Cuccinelli inspires passion, on both sides of the aisle, and passion is something our party has lost and we need to get back. If you want to be inspired and reminded that our core beliefs are right and they can carry the day, I strongly encourage you to give Ken Cuccinelli a serious look.
Last but not least will be John Brownlee coming later this week. Also, don't forget about the AG Debate on 2/17. If you're a blogger out there interested in liveblogging the Debate, shoot me an email.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Observations from Richmond
Greg and I went up to Richmond today to take in the General Assembly session and meet with Republican leaders. Below are some observations from the day, keep in mind these are observations on one day but I would encourage everyone to go up to Richmond and see your electeds in action.
1- There are a lot of silly bills that are given time in the General Assembly, most of which came from the left side (all 3 examples below did).
a- A Senate Bill to make the box turtle the state reptile. Even the majority of the Senators made fun of this, one of the lighter moments. This bill failed.
b- A bill that made it illegal to run across train tracks when a train is coming. I sided with the Delegates who felt that a misdemeanor will not do anything the threat of death cannot do. This bill actually passed and the delegates who voted for this stated this is to give police the authority to do something if they see it as today they have no law that allows them to take action.
c. There is a bill that allowed for insurance correspondence to be handled online when a person VOLUNTARILY signs off. This is not the silly part. The silly part is that this was amended to not allow cancellations to be handled online. So now there is no way even if a customer wants the cancellation electronically for them to get it. The argument was that if the insured is laid up in a hospital they will not get the e-mail. Will they get the paper???? What they also did not take into consideration is that some people only get e-mail due to travel and mail will have the same effect to these folks. This one fired me up as the bill allowed for VOLUNTARY authorization and now there is no way to deliver these electronically.
2- Delegate Franklin Hall slept leaned back with his head hanging over his chair for 30 minutes while the guy behind him was addressing the General Assembly. If I was in his district I would work to make sure I send a guy to Richmond who will at least pretend to listen.
3- The Smoking Bill while it passed did so without any support from the Roanoke delegation (Fralin, Griffith, Ware). The delegation had it right as the Government does not need to tell business more of what they can or cannot do. I hate smoking in restaurants but we cannot allow this to interfere with our limited government principles. An interesting stat from the debate was that 60% of restaurants are already smoke-free but this includes all the McDonalds, Arbys, Wendys etc.
4- Both William Fralin and Morgan Griffith were very active speaking and sponsoring bills. They represented our area well.
5- The Virginia Capitol is a very historic and impressive place that all Virginians need to visit.
6- The seats in the Senate gallery are much more comfortable than the House.
7- After meeting with both Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell individually today I am reminded that the Republican party will be giving the voters the best choice this November. There are people in politics that "Get It" and people who do not. They understand conservative values and have worked hard to bring these values to Richmond. These values are more important than ever in the face of a 1 Trillion dollar spending bill and I am proud to support both of these men.
One more note: Today was the first time I saw Steve Shannon (Dem AG Candidate) and I had high expectations. Not only did his presence disappoint he never said a word all day and failed to even bring his laptop.
1- There are a lot of silly bills that are given time in the General Assembly, most of which came from the left side (all 3 examples below did).
a- A Senate Bill to make the box turtle the state reptile. Even the majority of the Senators made fun of this, one of the lighter moments. This bill failed.
b- A bill that made it illegal to run across train tracks when a train is coming. I sided with the Delegates who felt that a misdemeanor will not do anything the threat of death cannot do. This bill actually passed and the delegates who voted for this stated this is to give police the authority to do something if they see it as today they have no law that allows them to take action.
c. There is a bill that allowed for insurance correspondence to be handled online when a person VOLUNTARILY signs off. This is not the silly part. The silly part is that this was amended to not allow cancellations to be handled online. So now there is no way even if a customer wants the cancellation electronically for them to get it. The argument was that if the insured is laid up in a hospital they will not get the e-mail. Will they get the paper???? What they also did not take into consideration is that some people only get e-mail due to travel and mail will have the same effect to these folks. This one fired me up as the bill allowed for VOLUNTARY authorization and now there is no way to deliver these electronically.
2- Delegate Franklin Hall slept leaned back with his head hanging over his chair for 30 minutes while the guy behind him was addressing the General Assembly. If I was in his district I would work to make sure I send a guy to Richmond who will at least pretend to listen.
3- The Smoking Bill while it passed did so without any support from the Roanoke delegation (Fralin, Griffith, Ware). The delegation had it right as the Government does not need to tell business more of what they can or cannot do. I hate smoking in restaurants but we cannot allow this to interfere with our limited government principles. An interesting stat from the debate was that 60% of restaurants are already smoke-free but this includes all the McDonalds, Arbys, Wendys etc.
4- Both William Fralin and Morgan Griffith were very active speaking and sponsoring bills. They represented our area well.
5- The Virginia Capitol is a very historic and impressive place that all Virginians need to visit.
6- The seats in the Senate gallery are much more comfortable than the House.
7- After meeting with both Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell individually today I am reminded that the Republican party will be giving the voters the best choice this November. There are people in politics that "Get It" and people who do not. They understand conservative values and have worked hard to bring these values to Richmond. These values are more important than ever in the face of a 1 Trillion dollar spending bill and I am proud to support both of these men.
One more note: Today was the first time I saw Steve Shannon (Dem AG Candidate) and I had high expectations. Not only did his presence disappoint he never said a word all day and failed to even bring his laptop.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Alvin Nash Resigns
The Roanoke Times reported today on their website that Alvin Nash will resign at months end to help Blue Ridge Housing. Nash actually says he should have never left Blue Ridge. While I think it is good when people know where the talents are best put to use I wish he would have never applied for the Council. As once again Roanoke City is facing another set back and now there will be an appointment until May 2010.
The question for council is do you appoint someone who will run in 2010 or a "caretaker" until 2010? My advice would be for City Council to seek out a fiscally responsible action oriented person. During these tough economic times this kind of knowledge and support will be needed. Here is the short list as I see it:
1- Ed Murphy- CEO Carilion
2- Dave Carson- Attorney and Chairman of the School Board
3- Nick Taubman- Former Advance Auto CEO and Ambassador to Romania
4- Todd Putney- Vice President Shenandoah Life Insurance and School Board Member
5- Warner Dalhouse- Chairman Hometown Bank
6- Heywood Fralin- CEO MFA
These guys may or may not run in 2010 but if our city can get their insight for 15 months we will be better off.
The question for council is do you appoint someone who will run in 2010 or a "caretaker" until 2010? My advice would be for City Council to seek out a fiscally responsible action oriented person. During these tough economic times this kind of knowledge and support will be needed. Here is the short list as I see it:
1- Ed Murphy- CEO Carilion
2- Dave Carson- Attorney and Chairman of the School Board
3- Nick Taubman- Former Advance Auto CEO and Ambassador to Romania
4- Todd Putney- Vice President Shenandoah Life Insurance and School Board Member
5- Warner Dalhouse- Chairman Hometown Bank
6- Heywood Fralin- CEO MFA
These guys may or may not run in 2010 but if our city can get their insight for 15 months we will be better off.
The Case For Dave Foster...
As I said last week (and many other times over the last few months) I'm undecided in the Attorney General race. As a Committee Chair, I believe it is my job to be as educated as possible about the choices and to help educate other delegates if possible. With that theme in mind, and leading up to our AG Debate on 2/17, I'm going to post "the case for" each of the candidates. We'll kick it off with Dave Foster.
First let me say Dave Foster is a GREAT guy. He isn't just a nice guy or a good guy. He is a GREAT guy. He is intelligent, personable, thoughtful and professional. He's more than just a soundbite politician. We need more people like Dave in politics.
Of course, being a great guy isn't enough (or shouldn't be enough) to get elected Attorney General. Thankfully, Dave has a lot more going for him. As an attorney myself, it's very important to me that our Attorney General nominee have the legal experience to be the state's top lawyer and to run the 3rd largest law firm in the state.
Dave easily succeeds here. Dave is a partner and department head of one of the world's best and biggest law firms (Fulbright & Jaworski). I'm not sure enough people realize how incredibly impressive this is. If you haven't already done so, go check out Dave's bio on his firm's website. Simply put, it is one of the most impressive resumes I've ever seen. Not only that, but his experience is directly relevant to a significant portion of the AG's job. Dave specializes in Antitrust, Government Regulation, Consumer Protection, etc. And Dave doesn't just do this work - he does it at the highest and most sophisticated level.
In addition to his impressive professional successes, Dave has a career in Republican politics going back 30+ years to his time on the Hill. People brag about Cuccinelli winning in NOVA. Impressive as those victories are, the reality is that Cuccinelli's district is different than the rest of Fairfax (won by Republican Pat Herrity in the recent Fairfax Chair race). Dave, on the other hand, has not only won multiple elections in the Peoples' Republic of Arlington but he's been chosen to Chair the ACSB on multiple occasions. All this while running as (and governing as) a CONSERVATIVE Republican. Folks, it doesn't get any more impressive than that.
On a final note, I've heard a lot of what I considered uninformed people say "I really like Dave Foster but he's not electable." Really? Why's that? Only reason they give is name recognition. I promise you that if he gets the nomination his name recognition numbers will be at least as high as his Democratic opponent. Who outside of political junkies has ever heard of Steve Shannon? Furthermore, his dominance of the Alexandria convention delegate pre-filing shows me that Dave has a surprisingly strong infrastructure in place. We've yet to see that play out statewide but I have high hopes for Dave's campaign.
Whether you're a committed delegate or not, I challenge you to consider Dave Foster. Go to his political website but also check out his professional bio. Simply put, he's a legitimate candidate and one I'll be proud to support if he gets our Party's nomination. Stay tuned. I'll be making the "case for" Cuccinelli and Brownlee in the coming days.
First let me say Dave Foster is a GREAT guy. He isn't just a nice guy or a good guy. He is a GREAT guy. He is intelligent, personable, thoughtful and professional. He's more than just a soundbite politician. We need more people like Dave in politics.
Of course, being a great guy isn't enough (or shouldn't be enough) to get elected Attorney General. Thankfully, Dave has a lot more going for him. As an attorney myself, it's very important to me that our Attorney General nominee have the legal experience to be the state's top lawyer and to run the 3rd largest law firm in the state.
Dave easily succeeds here. Dave is a partner and department head of one of the world's best and biggest law firms (Fulbright & Jaworski). I'm not sure enough people realize how incredibly impressive this is. If you haven't already done so, go check out Dave's bio on his firm's website. Simply put, it is one of the most impressive resumes I've ever seen. Not only that, but his experience is directly relevant to a significant portion of the AG's job. Dave specializes in Antitrust, Government Regulation, Consumer Protection, etc. And Dave doesn't just do this work - he does it at the highest and most sophisticated level.
In addition to his impressive professional successes, Dave has a career in Republican politics going back 30+ years to his time on the Hill. People brag about Cuccinelli winning in NOVA. Impressive as those victories are, the reality is that Cuccinelli's district is different than the rest of Fairfax (won by Republican Pat Herrity in the recent Fairfax Chair race). Dave, on the other hand, has not only won multiple elections in the Peoples' Republic of Arlington but he's been chosen to Chair the ACSB on multiple occasions. All this while running as (and governing as) a CONSERVATIVE Republican. Folks, it doesn't get any more impressive than that.
On a final note, I've heard a lot of what I considered uninformed people say "I really like Dave Foster but he's not electable." Really? Why's that? Only reason they give is name recognition. I promise you that if he gets the nomination his name recognition numbers will be at least as high as his Democratic opponent. Who outside of political junkies has ever heard of Steve Shannon? Furthermore, his dominance of the Alexandria convention delegate pre-filing shows me that Dave has a surprisingly strong infrastructure in place. We've yet to see that play out statewide but I have high hopes for Dave's campaign.
Whether you're a committed delegate or not, I challenge you to consider Dave Foster. Go to his political website but also check out his professional bio. Simply put, he's a legitimate candidate and one I'll be proud to support if he gets our Party's nomination. Stay tuned. I'll be making the "case for" Cuccinelli and Brownlee in the coming days.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Please help me understand
This morning I hear that Obama said We are not going to do the things we did the last 8 years that doubled our national debt. Isn't 2 trillion twice as much as 1 trillion? Doesn't Obama's spending bill do the same things that the last 8 years did? I agree Bush should never have spent like he did but doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.
We need a stimulus plan that cuts our Corp Tax rate and allows American companies to be competitive in the global economy. We need to cut Small Business tax to allow these companies to stay open and create true economic growth. What happens when all the "Spending Projects" are done? We will be in the same mess because we have not altered the fundamentals of the problem which is that American companies pay too much in taxes and Unions create labor rates which are out of line with profit motive. Want to see a Case study drive to Detroit and visit Ford and GM and ask them how this has worked for them. Let's make real change Mr. Obama and allow Americans to succeed. A government big enough to give us everything is big enough to take it all away.
We need a stimulus plan that cuts our Corp Tax rate and allows American companies to be competitive in the global economy. We need to cut Small Business tax to allow these companies to stay open and create true economic growth. What happens when all the "Spending Projects" are done? We will be in the same mess because we have not altered the fundamentals of the problem which is that American companies pay too much in taxes and Unions create labor rates which are out of line with profit motive. Want to see a Case study drive to Detroit and visit Ford and GM and ask them how this has worked for them. Let's make real change Mr. Obama and allow Americans to succeed. A government big enough to give us everything is big enough to take it all away.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
My Choice For Attorney General Is...
As I've said many times (on this blog and elsewhere) we have 3 fine candidates running for Attorney General. As an attorney myself, I view this position as incredibly important. Honestly, to me it's a much bigger deal than Lieutenant Governor.
With all of that said, I've taken this race very seriously and have worked hard to gather as much information as possible - and I've encouraged others to do the same. Unlike most of my Unit Chair colleagues, I have not yet endorsed (as if anyone cares about my endorsement). I'm actually disappointed with all the people who endorsed in this race before they even knew who the candidates would be. It's beyond me how you can say Candidate A is the best for the job when you don't even know who Candidates B and C will be.
As the final step in the information gathering process, we have the Attorney General Debate coming up here in Roanoke on February 17th. It is my intention to make a choice in the days following the Debate. In the lead up to the Debate, I'm going to post a case for each of the 3, focusing on the positives these guys bring to the table. Stay tuned and don't forget to send us your questions for the candidates.
With all of that said, I've taken this race very seriously and have worked hard to gather as much information as possible - and I've encouraged others to do the same. Unlike most of my Unit Chair colleagues, I have not yet endorsed (as if anyone cares about my endorsement). I'm actually disappointed with all the people who endorsed in this race before they even knew who the candidates would be. It's beyond me how you can say Candidate A is the best for the job when you don't even know who Candidates B and C will be.
As the final step in the information gathering process, we have the Attorney General Debate coming up here in Roanoke on February 17th. It is my intention to make a choice in the days following the Debate. In the lead up to the Debate, I'm going to post a case for each of the 3, focusing on the positives these guys bring to the table. Stay tuned and don't forget to send us your questions for the candidates.
Are All Democrats Corrupt Or Does It Just Seem That Way?
Governor Blago, Senator Daschle, Congressman Jefferson, Congressman Rangel, Mayor Fitzpatrick, Councilman Alfred Dowe, etc. etc.
Let me be clear, I don't think ALL Democrats are corrupt and the question is obvious hyperbole. I don't even think a small percentage of them are corrupt. What I do think is that power has the tendency to corrupt EVERYONE but when it's Republicans screwing up we see non-stop around the clock coverage of how the entire party is a cesspool. When Democrats do the same (or worse) they're viewed as isolated incidents and forgotten shortly thereafter. The good news is that if the first few weeks of the Obama Administration are any indication, the next few years are going to be REALLY interesting.
Let me be clear, I don't think ALL Democrats are corrupt and the question is obvious hyperbole. I don't even think a small percentage of them are corrupt. What I do think is that power has the tendency to corrupt EVERYONE but when it's Republicans screwing up we see non-stop around the clock coverage of how the entire party is a cesspool. When Democrats do the same (or worse) they're viewed as isolated incidents and forgotten shortly thereafter. The good news is that if the first few weeks of the Obama Administration are any indication, the next few years are going to be REALLY interesting.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dowe charged
Former City Councilman Alfred Dowe has been charged with 8 felonies and 3 misdemeanors related to falsifying expense reports. In addition to the false reports Dowe made up an entire conference. So as we look back what could we do differently?
1- More people need to pay attention to local government and what is going on in our City.
2- We need to increase the voter turnout for city council races from 20% to at least 50%.
3- Ask questions and vote for the right person not just the person you know or because they are your neighbor.
Roanoke has faced it's fair share of indiscretions by local leaders and it is time for the people to take back this city. Right now there are 2 big issues facing the city, they are the Market Building and Budget Cuts especially as it relates to schools. I encourage you to e-mail your Council members on these topics and encourage fiscal responsibility and open government. If you need the e-mails let me know.
1- More people need to pay attention to local government and what is going on in our City.
2- We need to increase the voter turnout for city council races from 20% to at least 50%.
3- Ask questions and vote for the right person not just the person you know or because they are your neighbor.
Roanoke has faced it's fair share of indiscretions by local leaders and it is time for the people to take back this city. Right now there are 2 big issues facing the city, they are the Market Building and Budget Cuts especially as it relates to schools. I encourage you to e-mail your Council members on these topics and encourage fiscal responsibility and open government. If you need the e-mails let me know.
Wasteful Spending in the Stimulus
GOP leaders have put together a list of wasteful spending in the stimulus package, see the items below and please give us your feedback on how your tax dollars are being spent and if it will really stimulate the economy
• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.
• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD's.
• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities."
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into "green" buildings.
• $500 million for state and local fire stations.
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
• $1.2 billion for "youth activities," including youth summer job programs.
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.
• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.
• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
• $5.5 million for "energy efficiency initiatives" at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
• $850 million for Amtrak.
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
• $75 million to construct a "security training" facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.
• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.
• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD's.
• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities."
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into "green" buildings.
• $500 million for state and local fire stations.
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
• $1.2 billion for "youth activities," including youth summer job programs.
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.
• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.
• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
• $5.5 million for "energy efficiency initiatives" at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
• $850 million for Amtrak.
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
• $75 million to construct a "security training" facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.
McDonnell to resign and focus on campaign
Attorney General Bob McDonnell is resigning today to focus on his campaign. For more information see The Roanoke Times Article. In my opinon this is a very good idea as it enables McDonnell to fundraise and focus on winning back the Gov. Mansion and help turn VA red again. There is a press conference at 11am please check roanoke.com for updated info.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl
As a Cowboys fan I was looking for a team to support today and until yesterday I was unsure. Yesterday I found out that Obama and Biden were pulling for the Steelers so I will be rooting for the Cardinals. I wonder if they will make the winning team share it's money with the losers?????
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
