VA GOP Caucus

Early VA House Democratic Message

2012-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

Late last week the VA House Democrats made sure they were heard loud a clear.

They won't hesitate when it comes to raising taxes on Virginians.

Delegates David Englin and Joe Morrissey made this perfectly clear last Thursday and Friday.

Take a look below...

House Dems Give D.C and Maryland Authority Over Virginia

2012-01-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

The new Minority Leader, David Toscano, and fellow House Democrats voted today to give Maryland and Washington D.C. more authority on the MWAA Board - NOT Virginia.

Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Delegate Joe May, introduced a bill, HB252, that would have changed the composition of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Board giving Virginians more say.

This bill, having an emergency clause requiring an 80% vote for passage, received a 71% vote today.

This clause would have given the Governor IMMEDIATE authority to appoint two additional MWAA Board members for Virginia.

Yesterday, when the emergency clause was removed, Delegate David Englin tweeted:

dlenglin David Englin

House just removed emergency clause from MWAA bill, virtually ensuring passage tomorrow. Victory for @VAHouseDems and friends in Labor.

TRANSLATED: "Victory for unions, loss for Virginians"

The House Dems knew the importance of this bill as evidenced by the letters below addressed to Delegate Toscano...

Letter from Secretary of Transportation, Sean Connaughton

Letter from MWAA Board Vice-Chairman and MWAA Board Member

Speaker of the House Howell's Statement on Governor McDonnell's Budget Plan

2011-12-20T07:35:00.001-08:00

RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued
the following statement after Governor McDonnell’s address to the Joint Money Committees of the Virginia
General Assembly:

“I whole heartedly support the reform measures and reprioritizations contained in Governor McDonnell’s
proposed biennial budget. The Governor has been a great ally in the fight for common-sense fiscal solutions,
low taxes and budgetary prudence for many years, and we look forward to championing many of the measures
contained in his budget,” said Howell.

The 2012-2014 biennial budget is the first and only budget completely within the control of the
McDonnell Administration. The Governor’s proposal is targeted to fund core functions of government –
transportation, education, public safety, economic development and employee retirement funding – and does
not raise taxes. Key investments include $2.2 billion in state and local contributions to the Virginia Retirement
System, $438 million for K-12 public education, $230 million for higher education and $100 million to
continue the Commonwealth’s highly successful economic development efforts.

“Tackling structural reforms to the VRS, transportation and education is an onerous task. The increase in
VRS employer contribution rates and adjustments to increase transportation maintenance funding will
significantly improve the long-term stability of these critical programs,” continued Howell.

The budget includes various measures to increase the liquidity of state assets, a step intended to address
lingering economic uncertainty and preserve Virginia’s triple-AAA bond rating. The investment of $300
million into the Rainy Day Fund will effectively double those reserves by the close of the biennium, while an
investment of $50 million into the newly created Federal Action Contingency Trust Fund and an unappropriated
balance of $31.4 million will help guard the Commonwealth against unforeseen financial challenges.

“Governor McDonnell’s budget proposal is a study in restrained spending and the prioritization of funds
to core government services. Fiscal prudence, liquidity and an aversion to government overreach are the basis
of Governor McDonnell’s approach to budgeting. The House Republican Caucus shares in these values and we
look forward to working hand-in-hand with the Governor on the ambitious reprioritization and reform measures
in his budget,” said Howell.

Democrats Changing Their Minds

2011-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Last Friday the Democratic party made an appeal saying that Lt. Governor Bill Bolling should not be able to break a tie...?

(That power was actually first given to a Democratic Lt. Governor by the Democrats in the mid 1990's)

Have a look HERE at what the Dems have to say.

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

Congrats to the new Republican Caucus Leadership Team!

2011-11-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Speaker William Howell, Majority Leader Kirk Cox, Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo, and Majority Whip Jackson Miller for their elections to the House GOP Leadership!!!

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

Strong Leadership in Senate

2011-11-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the new Republican majority in the Virginia Senate and its newly elected leadership!

Governor McDonnell even sent a congratulations from overseas once he heard the good news.

Check out the full list of Majority leadership here in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

APCO Rebuttal

2011-11-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Former Minority Leader Ward Armstrong ran from Obama, used his commercial to mislead voters as to which party he represented, and did his best (losing) effort to take down Del. Charles Poindexter by bringing Appalachian Power into the race for Virginia's 9th House District seat.

Armstrong's ploy didn't work.

HERE is Appalachian Power's video rebutting the negative and misleading information brought forth during this past election.

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

VA FREE, Irrelevant...

2011-10-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Was the worst thing VA FREE could have done was to have upset the Virginia House Republican Caucus? No.

It was be to become irrelevant to the Virginia House Republican (MAJORITY) Caucus.

The Virginia House Republican Caucus is going to become a more BRUISING majority on November 8th and Jeff Schapiro nails that point in his Richmond Times-Dispatch article posted yesterday.

Read entire article HERE.

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

Where's the Love?

2011-10-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Dems distancing themselves from Obama.

As his taxpayer funded bus rolls on, many Democratic candidates are asking that the President NOT stop in their districts.

See how the Virginia Dems aren't rolling out the blue carpet for the President HERE.

VA GOP Caucus

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

Get A Whiff of Fairfax

2011-09-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

The environment looks VERY good in two races in Fairfax County.

Take a look at what's happening HERE

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

VA GOP Caucus

Langrehr for Delegate?

2011-09-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

A Green Party candidate the Dems believe would be a good fit in Shuler's old seat in the 12th House District.

Real estate tax increases, meal tax increases hurting restauranteurs, and increased sewer fees are just the tip of the iceberg with this guy.

"Learn" more about him HERE.

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

VA GOP Caucus

Setting the Stage

2011-09-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

New York: A Canary in the Virginia Coal Mine

What happened in New York will happen in Virginia on November 8th.

You can find out what HERE ...

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

VA GOP CAUCUS

Throwing Gas on the Fire!

2011-09-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

VA FREE does it again!

This article points out how VA FREE has once again scheduled an event the same day as a House Republicans Event. This months VA FREE candidate forum coincides with the House Republican candidate school event on September 8th.

The reporter implies that in retaliation the House Republican candidates are boycotting the event, but was was he misinformed about the fact that VA FREE scheduled their event for the SAME DATE & TIME???

VA GOP CAUCUS

vagopcaucus.blogspot.com

2011-08-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Governor Announces $544.8 Million for 2011 FY

Speaker Howell's Statement on Governor McDonnell's Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in Agency Savings and Surplus Revenues

Speaker Howell Statement Regarding Governor McDonnell's Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in

Agency Savings and Surplus Revenues

-- $234.1 million in Agency Savings Alongside Previously Announced

Revenue Surplus of $310.7 million --

-- Second Consecutive Year Virginia has Posted Substantial Agency Savings

and Higher than Expected Revenues --

RICHMOND, VA - Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bob McDonnell's announcement of FY 2011 agency savings:

         "Alongside the Governor's July announcement of $310.7 million in FY 2011 surplus revenues, today's announcement of $234.1 million in agency savings and balances adds up to an overall FY 2011 surplus of $544.8 million. Since taking office, the House Republican Caucus has worked with Governor McDonnell to responsibly tend to Virginia's financial health by controlling costs, eliminating unnecessary expenditures and upholding Virginia's constitutional balanced budget requirement, all without raising taxes," said Howell.
         "While we are pleased to build on last year's $403 million surplus, we must continue to plan for the future and prepare ourselves for future economic contingencies. Both the Governor and our Caucus recognized the importance of frugality and good government long ago and we've weathered the recession and recovery better than other states owing to that recognition. Moving forward, we need to be proactive in safeguarding the Commonwealth's AAA bond rating and we must make deposits into the Rainy Day Fund to save for unforeseen future contingencies," said Howell.
         Overall FY 2011 agency savings include unspent funds appropriated to various agencies as well as agency savings generated through good management practices. The $310.7 million surplus announced in July consists principally of higher-than-expected revenues, generated in large part by personal and corporate income tax collections.
         Between agency savings and surplus revenues, the Commonwealth has over half a billion surplus dollars, most of which is designated through contingency language in the Appropriations Act. The surplus will be spent, in part, on the Rainy Day Fund, the Virginia Water Quality Fund, the Natural Disaster Reserve, additional funding for Sheriff's departments and repayments to the Virginia Retirement System. Additionally, the Governor has seen fit to create a Federal Action Reserve Fund, which will serve as a financial safeguard in the event that federal spending decisions have a substantial impact on the Commonwealth.
         "We thank the Governor for his ongoing efforts to reduce spending and implement common sense management practices, which save money for the Commonwealth and Virginia taxpayers. While the economy continues to recover, none of us knows what fortune tomorrow brings. Our Caucus will continue to work with the Governor to prudently plan for all future scenarios," said Howell.

# # #

Delegate Glenn Oder to Resign From House of Delegates

2011-08-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Speaker Howell's Statement on Delegate Oder's decision to step down.

Speaker Howell Statement on

Delegate Glenn Oder's Resignation from the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement of Delegate Glenn Oder (R-Newport News) that he has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority and will resign his seat in the House effective August 31, 2011:

"Delegate Glenn Oder announced today that he will resign his seat at the end of the month to begin work as the new Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority.  Since 2001, Glenn has ably served the 94^th District in Newport News and brought his considerable insight, talent and humor to the House Republican Caucus in Richmond.  My colleagues and I will miss him."

"Delegate Oder served on the House Committee on General Laws, the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns and was Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.  His strong legislative career often focused on infrastructure and common sense initiatives and his hard work with Governor McDonnell and I on this year's transportation legislation will continue to serve citizens of the Commonwealth for years to come."

"Glenn will begin his work as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority in Hampton, VA this September.  The Fort Monroe Authority is set to assume management responsibilities for Fort Monroe and to operate the sight for preservation and recreational use."

"Our Caucus is very sad to see Glenn go.  A true public servant, Glenn is going where he can do the most good for the Commonwealth and I can say with confidence that the Fort Monroe Authority is in great hands.  I thank Glenn for his years of service and wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives."

###

Delegate Bill Janis Decides To Step Down

2011-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Speaker Howell issued a statement on Bill Janis' decision to not stand for re-election.

Speaker Howell Statement on

Delegate Bill Janis' Decision Not to

Stand for Re-Election to the

Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement of Delegate William R. "Bill" Janis (R-Henrico) that he will run for Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney this fall and will not seek a sixth term in the Virginia House of Delegates:

"Today Delegate Bill Janis announced his intention to run for Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney this coming fall. Bill was first elected to serve the 56^th House District in 2001 and has been a strong, conservative leader in our Caucus ever since. The citizens of Henrico, Louisa and Goochland counties have been fortunate to have such a bright, energetic and articulate advocate over the last decade and he will be missed here in Richmond."

"Bill has served on the House Committee on Privileges and Elections, the House Committee on Commerce and Labor, the House Courts of Justice Committee and as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee. Recognizing his intellect and leadership, the House Republican Caucus elected Delegate Janis Majority Whip in December of 2010. In addition to his committee assignments and leadership duties, Bill worked hard over the last decade to strengthen law enforcement legislation and facilitate the General Assembly's judicial appointments."

"Delegate Janis has been a loyal, hard working, dedicated colleague. His intellect and drive, which were tremendous assets in the House of Delegates, will serve him well in his future endeavors. I thank Bill for his leadership and his service, and wish him and his family all the best."

###

Business Community Beware!!!

2011-07-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Scary news coming from the lefties in the Virginia House and Senate this week!

As the Washington Post outlines in the article linked HERE, a new caucus has been formed by Delegate Patrick Hope and a number of other VA legislators. (listed below) This is terrible news for business in Virginia. Everyone will need to keep a close eye on these members, the legislation they introduce and what donors contribute to this anti-business group.

The Virginia Progressive Caucus Founding Members

The Honorable Robin A. Abbott

The Honorable Mamye E. BaCote

The Honorable Robert H. Brink

The Honorable Betsy B. Carr

The Honorable Adam P. Ebbin

The Honorable David L. Englin

The Honorable Patrick A. Hope

The Honorable Matthew James

The Honorable Mark L. Keam

The Honorable Kaye Kory

The Honorable Jennifer L. McClellan

The Honorable A. Donald McEachin

The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn

The Honorable Joseph D. Morrissey

The Honorable Kenneth R. Plum

The Honorable James M. Scott

The Honorable Scott A. Surovell

The Honorable David J. Toscano

The Honorable Roslyn C. Tyler

The Honorable Jeion A. Ward

Armstrong, the Flip-Flopper

2011-07-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Some politicians find it difficult to stick with an opinion, and some may say that they "flip-flop".

A few years ago it was acceptable for House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong to receive contributions from VA's electric companies, but as shown here he feels it is wrong for his current opponent to do the same.

The Best Thing About VPAP ...

2011-06-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Is that on July 15th, THIS LINK, will show us all how much money folks have SUNK into the former Delegate, and more importantly, former Minority Leader Ward Armstrong's campaign.

Yippee!

2011-06-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Lines were approved!

DOJ has pre-cleared the House and Senate district lines. Information to last the next decade!! Special thanks to everyone who worked so hard on the bill.

Below are links to the maps.

http://www.vpap.org/updates/redistricting_maps

http://redistricting.dls.virginia.gov/2010/

Hey Ward, Thank Your Pal President Obama!

2011-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's article from the American Thinker accurately outlines the connection between the rising energy prices we are seeing across the country and President Barak Obama's Anti-Coal agenda.

Hey Ward! Maybe next time you decide to rant and rave about the soaring energy prices in Southside, Virginia you should:

1. Make sure your facts are right (see video below)
2. Attribute the rising prices to the person responsible .... President Barak Obama

Ward Armstong Plans on Spending All of the Democratic Caucus Dollars on ... HIMSELF

2011-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Bad news for Minority Leader Ward Armstrong coming out of Southside Virginia...

Delegate Charles Poindexter formally announced his intentions defeat Delegate Armstrong in a campaign press release yesterday afternoon. Delegate Armstrong is planning on moving from his home, currently located in the 16th House District, into Delegate Poindexter's 9th House District to challenge him for the seat. Since being elected in 2008, Poindexter has been a tireless advocate for Southside Virginia. He is a conservative leader with an accomplished track record. It sure will be fun to watch as Poindexter dismantles the soon to be Former Minority Leader Ward Armstrong.

This is a bold move for Delegate Armstrong. Not very smart or well thought out, but bold.

One would think the leader of the Democratic Caucus would find better things to do with Caucus money that spend it all on HIMSELF. I would hate to be a House Democrat incumbent with a race this election season ...

Poindexter Welcomes Ward Armstrong into the 9^th Legislative District Race

GLADE HILL, VA – In a statement released today, Delegate Charles Poindexter (R-9th), reaffirmed his candidacy for the House of Delegates from the 9^th legislative district and commented about Delegate Ward Armstrong’s announced entry into the race.

“I am running for re-election to the House of Delegates,” said Poindexter. “I have no political ambitions beyond always doing my best to represent the people of Franklin, Patrick and Henry Counties in the Virginia General Assembly.”

Ward Armstrong, who currently represents the 10^th legislative district, has declared his intention to switch districts and run in the 9^th.

“State law requires that you must live in the district you represent, so Ward will have to move into the 9^th district to run against me,” Poindexter said. “We welcome newcomers to the district.”

Because of population growth in Northern Virginia, Southside Virginia lost a seat in the General Assembly. As a result of redistricting, Armstrong’s residence is now in the 16^th district, represented by Delegate Don Merricks.

“No politician can reserve a seat in the House of Delegates,” said Poindexter. “Voters determine who represents them. Ninth District citizens know they can count on me to continue to stand firm and fight for Virginia’s rural and small town conservative values and lifestyles,” Poindexter said.

Poindexter is a native of Franklin County who farms his own land, as well as family land settled by his Poindexter ancestors in 1792. He is a former Information Technology (IT) executive in the Department of Defense industry. He served two terms on the Franklin County Board of Supervisors prior to his election to the House of Delegates in 2007.

“I am proud of my voting record and the work I perform on behalf of our citizens in the House of Delegates. I look forward to discussing issues during the campaign.”

In the House, Poindexter serves on the Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Natural Resources and Chesapeake Committee, and the Cities, Towns, and Counties Committee. He is vice-chairman of the State Energy and Environment Commission and serves on the Board of Directors for the Roanoke Higher Education Authority and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

Poindexter is an active member of Crafts United Methodist Church, where he sings in the choir and is chairman of the Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Janet, have six adult children and ten grandchildren. They live at Smith Mountain Lake in Glade Hill near the original Poindexter homeplace.

###

Drum Roll Please ......

2011-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce the most UN-anticipated and useless legislator ratings to be released in recent memory......... VA FREE's Annual Legislator Ratings

In the past, VA FREE was a respected organization whose ratings actually meant something in Virginia's political landscape. Year after year, they would put out their Annual Legislator Ratings, and the business community would have an accurate and thorough scale to "grade" state legislators relating to pro-business initiatives.

My how things have changed ....

In today's world, VA FREE is just a shell of its former self. They select a list of "business issues" that they deem worthy, AFTER the votes have already been taken in the General Assembly. This allows them to pick and choose the issues that they want to grade legislators on, after the fact. They are then able to choose bills that can help their friends on the Left and damage those they disagree with on the Right.

It is no wonder that no one cares at all when these ratings come out. They mean about as much as an approval rating of Virginia legislators from House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong.

Folks used to actually respect these ratings ... it's a shame that is no longer the case anymore!!!

Also please check out some photos from the VA FREE luncheon last week. What you will NOT find in any of the pictures are any members from the House Republican Majority Caucus...

VA FREE Democratic Leadership Luncheon

2011-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to follow up on a post I drafted a couple months ago that touched on the House Republican's not-so-dear friend Clayton Roberts, and the VA FREE Leadership Luncheon on Monday, May 23rd.

In my previous post I touched on how VA FREE leadership, namely Clayton Roberts, intentionally scheduled the annual Leadership Luncheon on a date that the House Republican Majority Caucus had already scheduled their annual retreat. The "save the date" for the retreat was sent out more than 19 times since June of 2010 and Clayton Roberts received each and every notice.

What's done is done, but what I still do not understand is how Clayton Roberts and VA FREE can continue to mislead their donors and luncheon attendees by prominently displaying on their website that the Virginia General Assembly will be in attendance.

ATTENTION VAFREE ... Please tell your webmaster to be a bit more specific and to feel free to copy and paste my corrected invite below...

VAFREE Leadership Luncheon

Keynote Address by
U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner

Remarks by
Noted Political Commentator, Dr. Robert Holsworth

Featuring

Distinguished Members of
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation,
&
And the House Minority Democrat Caucus

The Infamous Gentleman from Statewide is at it Again

2011-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

It hasn’t even been one month since the conclusion of the General Assembly, but our favorite minority leader is at it again. With visions of sugarplums dancing in his head, Ward Armstrong has his heart set on running for statewide office.

At the Piedmont Democratic Women’s Club breakfast this past Saturday, Minority Leader Ward Armstrong gave a legislative update to those in attendance. When asked about his ambitions for the future, he responded, “Maybe governor. I’m also interested in the work of the attorney general.”

Does he really need to be the one in the Governor’s Mansion in order to create jobs through improvements in transportation and education?!!? Really?!? Didn’t the General Assembly, with bipartisan support, just pass the Governor’s transportation and education bills?!

This guy really doesn’t get it.

Although Ward claims that he is “focusing on redistricting,” his eyes are obviously set on bigger things, like statewide office. Instead of building and strengthening his own party this past year, he’s been too busy railing against AEP across Southwestern Virginia, holding Town Halls (mostly out of his own district) and criticizing the General Assembly and the Governor. Instead of focusing on building and strengthening his own party, he has abandoned it for his own dream of higher office.

Armstrong admits that he will have to make his decision by the end of the year for a 2014 Governor’s run. It is hard to imagine that the members of his caucus will stop him from running, that way they can find new leadership and stop the sinking ship that is the House Democratic Caucus.

To read the article, click here.

For now, let’s leave you with a clip from the 2010 session that made us all laugh, “The gentlemen from statewide, Mr. Armstrong…"

This Is Just Plain Sad .....

2011-03-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought the shamed Minority Leader Ward Armstrong might get a slight reprieve from being highlighted on this blog for at least a couple of weeks ... the Richmond Times-Dispatch Politifact provides us with something so good ... We just cannot help myself from piling on once again.

Ward Armstrong says the telecom bill could hurt electric utility regulation

House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong has been battling with Virginia’s largest electric utilities for more than a year.

During the last week of the recently-concluded General Assembly session, that fight spilled into the debate on a telecommunications bill. Armstrong, D-Henry, was irked by several provisions in the legislation designed to modernize regulation as the state moves from a monopoly utility system to a new environment with many competitors.

Armstrong, who is exploring a run for statewide office in 2013, charged in a fiery floor speech on Feb. 21 that the bill would allow phone companies to refuse to run new landlines if there was an alternative for customers, such as using cell phone service. He also railed that the State Corporation Commission was worried the legislation could hinder its ability to regulate electric utilities.

Although the bill was approved by the General Assembly and is now on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s desk, the acrimony did not die. Several Republicans publicly accused Armstrong of spreading false information on the House floor. Armstrong, in return, defended his remarks.

So we looked at both of Armstrong’s charges.

Armstrong, in thundering floor speech, compared the regulation bill to a ticking time bomb.

"Let me quote the SCC report. ‘If this legislation, SB 1368, would limit such record keeping only to companies required to file rate of return statements annually, this could adversely impact the commission’s ability to get necessary rate of return information from electric utilities such as Dominion Virginia Power and Appalachian Power.’

"Where did that come from?" he demanded, "Where did that little nugget appear, that we’re going to allow Dominion and Appalachian not to submit rate of return information?"

The SCC regulates Virginia’s public utilities, including electric companies and certain segments of the telephone industry. The report Armstrong quoted was prepared by the SCC’s Division of Communications and released Jan. 24.

As Armstrong said, regulators initially had concerns about rate of return language. Electric utility regulation is complicated, but the SCC explains it this way: Regulated companies like ApCo and Dominion are allowed to "recover through their rates their ‘reasonable and prudent’ operating expenses, plus a ‘fair’ rate of return (profit) on their ‘rate base,’ which is the value of their capital investment in things like generating stations and the distribution grid."

Ensuring a fair rate of return requires lots of information on expenses, investments and other activities at the utilities, so there are rules ensuring the electric companies keep the detailed records needed by regulators. The SCC initially worried this law would undermine those rules.

So the SCC brought its concerns to the House Committee on Commerce and Labor, where the bill was being debated. The panel amended the bill on Feb. 3 to state: "All public utilities doing business in the Commonwealth that file rate of return statements shall ... maintain all records necessary to prepare and submit annually a rate of return statement."

William Irby, director of the SCC’s Division of Communications, told us the amendment satisfied his department’s concerns. "Rate of return is not affected by this bill," he said.

Armstrong’s speech pointing to the SCC’s concerns came on Feb. 21 -- almost three weeks after the concerns he was citing had been addressed.

Claire Wilker, Armstrong’s chief of staff, said her boss first learned about the change after his floor speech. She said nobody told Armstrong that the SCC’s concerns had been addressed in committee and that corrections had been made.

"We were pleased to find out that rate of return had been corrected," she said. "That’s a positive."

But Armstrong, speaking the day after he was supposedly corrected, said "I don’t make any apologies when I stand up for the people of my district and for the people of this state."

He also said he would not apologize for sending out an e-mail that repeated the incorrect information on electric utilities.

Let’s review the record and put this debate to rest.

Ward Armstrong told the entire House of Delegates that a telecom bill could undo important regulations on electric utilities. And though he cited a report from the SCC, he spoke on the bill nearly three weeks after the regulatory body’s concerns about the issue were addressed by a House Committee.

This is the second time during the 2011 session Armstrong has used faulty or outdated information during floor speeches about electric utilities. On the last occasion, regarding incorrectly stated utility rate increases, we gave him the benefit of the doubt because the error involved data sent by the SCC to Armstrong.

There are no excuses this time around. Any delegate speaking about a bill on the House floor should know what the legislation says, especially when changes occurred nearly three weeks before his remarks.

We rate Armstrong’s statement False. (Again ...)

VA FREE Made a Typo

2011-03-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I received an interesting invite from Clayton Roberts, the Executive Director for VA FREE, announcing their Leadership Luncheon up in Northern Virginia on Monday, May 23rd.

Funny thing about that is it just so happens to land on the same day as the Annual House Majority Republican Retreat, where all 61 members of the Virginia House Republican Caucus will be. Now I don't want to say that Clayton Roberts intentionally picked this date, but he was made well aware beforehand that no one from the House Republican Majority Caucus would attend on that date.

Attention Clayton Roberts!!! ... It seems as though an organization that prides itself on supposedly being:

Objective, non-partisan and unflinching.

Highly effective and widely respected.

might want to re-read their tag-line again and show a slight bit of respect to the House Majority Republican Caucus in the future.

OH ... and fix that typo in your invite ... it should read...

VAFREE Leadership Luncheon

Keynote Address by
U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner

Remarks by
Noted Political Commentator, Dr. Robert Holsworth

Featuring Invited Special Guests:
U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor
Governor Bob McDonnell
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling
Distinguished Members of the Governor’s Cabinet,
Virginia’s Congressional Delegation,
And the House Minority Democrat Caucus

President Obama's Cheerleader in Chief

2011-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

The NRSC has posted a very comical video of our Former Governor and now DNC Party Chair Tim Kaine who is considering a run for Jim Webb's seat in 2012.

Check out the website by clicking here.

My favorite part is the Obama and Kaine dance at the end of the video.

Delegate Kathy Byron Sets the Record Straight...

2011-02-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Delegate Kathy Byron calls out Minority Leader Ward Armstrong for once again using faulty facts on the House Floor.

This is beginning to be a regular occurrence...

Oh ... and I almost forgot to mention ... not only is Ward attacking the bipartisan majority who voted for this bill in the House ... He is also publicly "slapping" the Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw who sponsored the bill in the Senate...

Budget Update

2011-02-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today on the House floor, Majority Leader and Budget Conferee Kirk Cox addressed the Members on the current state of the budget negotiations to date.

Who Knew??

2011-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

It came to my attention that last Thursday must have marked THE END of traffic woes in portions of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads .... are you as surprised to hear this as I am?

This must be the case because when the Governor's Transportation Bill, carried by Senator Wampler, (SB 1446) came over from the Senate on a WIDELY bipartisan vote ... 11 Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Democrats voted AGAINST a bill that will jump start nearly 900 transportation projects throughout the state with lower costs and quicker completion times. This bill will accelerate previously approved transportation bonds and deposits funds into a transportation infrastructure bank. By accelerating the bonds, we will be able to take advantage of near record low interest rates and low construction costs.

The 11 Democrats are Delegates Bob Brink, David Bulova, David Englin, Eileen Filler-Corn, Mark Keam, Kaye Kory, Paula Miller, Ken Plum, Jim Scott, Scott Surovell, and Vivian Watts.

The transportation issue has stymied Virginia's legislature for nearly 20 years. Now, with a bipartisan and broadly supported bill before the House ... these 11 Democrats voted to block this vital proposal...

With NO votes on this bill ... I guess it is clear that parts of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads DO NOT have a transportation problem at all...

Keep these folks in mind when you're stuck in traffic this evening and more importantly ... in November.

The Last Thing Virginia Needs ....

2011-02-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Delegate Ben Cline gives a speech about how foolish it is for the Democrats to have a fundraiser that is headlined by Maryland Governor O'Malley discussing fiscal policies. The last thing we need is for any legislator (republican or democrat) to be lectured by Governor O'Malley on his "recipes for economic success."

Take a listen below...

The $300 Million Senate Taj Mahal

2011-02-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Delegate Todd Gilbert addresses the House of Delegates today and outlines a fiscal flaw with the Senate Democrat's budget.

Take a look below!

Improving Community Based Services for Individuals in Need

2011-02-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Delegate Kirk Cox discusses new legislation to improve community based services for individuals in need.

A Case of the Buts...

2011-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

During last week's House budget debate the Democrats seemed to have a "case of the buts..."

Please let your local Democrat Delegate know that now is not the time for MORE TAXES & OUT OF CONTROL SPENDING....

Contact them now by CLICKING HERE!!!

Delegate Jackson Miller Stands Up For Virginia's Citizens

2011-02-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

Delegate Jackson Miller of Manassas gave an impassioned speech on the House floor today. He cites several instances where illegal aliens recently committed heinous crimes, including rape and murder, in Northern Virginia. Here is one example from the Washington Post.

Feeling that legislation like House Bill 1934 could have prevented such crimes, Delegate Miller, along with those who voted in favor of this bill, are standing up and protecting the lives of the citizens of Virginia.

Check out the video below...

A Tale of Two Budgets

2011-02-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today on the House Floor, Majority Leader Kirk Cox clearly outlined the differences between the fiscally responsible House budget and the "spend now, ask questions later" Senate budget.

Watch below...

Governor's Transportation Bill Debated in House

2011-02-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Governor's Transportation Bill HB 2527 is currently being debated in the House of Delegates.

HB 2527 has broad support in the House and broad BI-PARTISAN support in the Senate.

When it comes to House Democrats ... their solution to the Commonwealth's transportation woes is to either RAISE TAXES or vote NO.

Note to frustrated transportation gridlocked Virginians .... House Dems will ONLY vote for a tranportation package if they can have a bigger cut of your paycheck ....

Voters Beware!!!

Delegate Armstrong Manipulating the Facts

2011-02-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

As Ronald Reagan would say when Jimmy Carter would play fast and loose with the facts during a debate, “There you go again.” Except today, Minority Leader Ward Armstrong is Jimmy Carter (or Don Quixote), and “fast and loose” doesn’t begin to cover it. The Times Dispatch pointed out that Ward’s entire case against Appalachian Power is a house of cards that has been blown down.

As we pointed out in July, Ward Armstrong has been tilting at windmills running for governor on a platform of promises to lower utility rates. If he’s tied his gubernatorial aspirations to the success of his legislation, Virginia will be spared in 2013.

Not wanting to “waste a crisis.” For more than a year, Ward Armstrong has been on a quest to “do something” about rising utility rates. Never mind that the increases in recent years have everything to do with federal environmental regulations and coal prices than state laws.

So this summer Ward’s work group (we affectionately refer to it as the faux-commission) held faux-meetings and produced a faux-report, and now it turns out it was based on faux-data!

The Times Dispatch pointed out “The data was the crux of Armstrong’s effort to give the SCC a greater say in regulating Appalachian’s rates.”

Armstrong, who is exploring a 2013 run for statewide office, set up a work group that studied Virginia electric rates and released a report earlier this month that included the incorrect figure for Appalachian’s rate increase.

In a meeting of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (that would be the REAL commission) a senior executive of Appalachian Power very politely pointed out to Ward and the entire Commission that the numbers in the report were flawed. Ward refused to listen. Later, a week later when the Richmond Times-Dispatch contacted him and verified that APCO was right and Ward was wrong, he offered this lame explanation:

"If the utility industry stands up and says your figures are wrong, we tend to disagree with them,"

We were lucky to obtain video footage of people trying to tell Ward he was using bad data. See Below.

So Ward had been told that his numbers were flat out wrong. Instead of verifying them or double checking them, he continued to use them to mislead the public and the legislature.

Now the truth comes out. The whole thing has been a sham. The notion that rates in Ward’s district have risen over 90% is a fallacy. Ward was not using accurate rates. According to the State Corporation Commission, rates have risen only 33% - nowhere close to Ward’s scaremongering 90% statistic he has been throwing around his district to paint Appalachian Power as the boogeyman.

The truth is that while power rates have gone up – it’s not the power company that is to blame. Utility rates are made up of various components; and each can be increased separately by The State Corporation Commission. They allow for rate increases based on certain factors – and the two that have driven rate increases are environmental compliance with federal EPA mandates and the increase in the price of fuel (in this case, coal.)

Rather than take on those in his own party and Washington to curb the EPA’s war on coal, Ward has put his eggs into attacking the power company.

Meanwhile other members of our caucus have been more responsible in dealing with this issue in their districts, recognizing the primary drivers to these increases are beyond the control of the General Assembly. If Ward really wants to have an impact on utility rate increases, perhaps he should focus his ambitions 90 miles north of Richmond.

It's Going to be a Long Session ...

2011-01-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Below is a clip of Delegate Joe Morrissey on Opening Day of the 2011 General Assembly Session.

Does this guy love himself or what???

Brian Moran and Ward Armstrong...How Quickly They Forget

2010-12-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Governor Bob McDonnell previewed components of his transportation agenda for the 2011 General Assembly session today. Gov. McDonnell's overall transportation vision focuses on maximizing all available resources and programs to get projects initiated during one of the most favorable road building periods in Virginia history. Gov. McDonnell's proposals, when fully implemented, would pump $4 billion into road, transit and rail projects in the Commonwealth over the next three years, dramatically speeding up congestion-reducing efforts and increasing job-creation and economic development efforts statewide.

Democratic leaders such as DPV Chairman Brian Moran and Democratic House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong have been quick to criticize this plan. However, they have failed to propose any ideas whatsoever on transportation.

Even more laughable is that up to $1.8 billion of this funding will be derived from accelerating the issuance of transportation bonds approved by Moran and Armstrong in 2007! All that McDonnell is doing is speeding it up to take advantage historically good deals for road building, and to put our citizens back to work. Doing this will save the state significant money in the years ahead by securing good deals today. As Moran said back in 2007…

“Overall, it [the bill and bond package] represents significant progress. The sum of plan is greater than the parts”

So it appears neither Moran nor Armstrong want to issue bonds to build roads that they voted for and applauded just three short years ago. All that’s changed is the governor is now Republican, oh, and we can get road building deals sealed for cheaper than any other time in modern history and get Virginians back to work in a very difficult economy.

That’s just the definition of partisan politics. We eagerly await their input on transportation, and we remind them that saying no is not an idea; delaying progress is not a solution.

Kirk Cox Elected New House Majority Leader, Bill Janis New Majority Whip

2010-12-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Delegate Kirk Cox has been elected as the new House Majority Leader and Delegate Bill Janis has been elected as the new House Majority Whip. Both are great members of the House of Delegates, and will serve their positions well. Our caucus is in good hands, and will continue to grow under the leadership we now have in place. Below is Speaker Bill Howell's official press release...

Speaker Howell Announces Kirk Cox elected as new House Majority Leader, Bill Janis new Majority Whip

RICHMOND, VA - Because of the election of Delegate H. Morgan Griffith to the U.S. House of Representatives last month, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced the election by the 61-member strong Republican Majority Caucus of Delegate M. Kirkland "Kirk" Cox (R-Colonial Heights) and Delegate W. R. "Bill" Janis (R-Henrico) as the new House Majority Leader and House Majority Whip, respectively. The elections were held during a Caucus meeting this afternoon.

"I am delighted to have Delegates Kirk Cox and Bill Janis in these very important leadership positions," said Speaker Howell. "Both of these individuals are trusted allies and talented lawmakers with remarkable backgrounds that they've used to help House Republicans offer practical solutions and deliver real results.

"Kirk is an outstanding member of the House who I rely on time and again for thoughtful analysis and strategic insights on the important challenges and opportunities facing taxpayers, families, businesses and Virginia. Not only is he a widely acknowledged 'go-to' person on the state budget, education, military and natural resource issues, but Kirk also has done a superb job as House Majority Whip counting votes and building support for our ideas.

"Likewise, Bill is an engaged and detail-oriented delegate who contributes so much to our Caucus and Commonwealth. His service on key House committees has provided Bill with a firm understanding of the issues and how they impact people of all walks of life. I'm confident that he will continue helping to identify policy goals and forge coalitions in support of sensible legislation that will improve the quality of life for all Virginians."

"Since I have served for several years as the House Majority Whip, I am very familiar with the demanding tasks of leadership and am grateful for the vote of confidence from so many of my peers," said Delegate Cox. "We have many challenging years ahead with tight budgets and a need to grow private sector jobs. I look forward to working hard with House Republicans and all of my legislative colleagues to address these challenges and the aspirations of the people of Virginia as the next House Majority Leader."

"I am immensely honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by my colleagues from throughout the Commonwealth," said Delegate Janis. I relish the opportunity to serve as the new House Majority Whip. Together, we're going to help put Virginians back to work by promoting legislation that fosters an environment conducive to more job growth, more economic opportunity and more prosperity for all Virginians."

"After Republicans solidified our House Majority when voters gave us a net gain of six additional seats and now that these Caucus elections are behind us, it's time to focus anew on working with Governor McDonnell to govern thoughtfully and creatively on behalf of those we're so honored to serve," concluded Speaker Howell.

# # #

Del. Comstock to Host Town Hall on December 7 on Proposed Government Contracting Cuts

2010-12-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Delegate Barbara Comstock will be hosting a Town Hall Reception for government contractors this Tuesday, December 7 from 7-9pm in Tyson's Corner. The town hall will be to discuss the President's proposed defense and national security cuts, and the impact they would have on our local economy and national security.

Last week, Governor McDonnell, Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, most of our congressional delegation and Tom Davis, who is currently serving as the Chairman of the Governor's Commission on Military and National Security Facilities, held a meeting with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to discuss the lack of transparency, rationale or data to support the proposed cuts.

Former Congressman Tom Davis will be the Special Guest at the upcoming town hall reception. For details on the town hall and more information contact Elise Marsh in Del. Comstock's office at 703-209-3787 or email to bcomstock@delegatecomstock.com.

Greg Habeeb Running for Virginia’s 8th District

2010-11-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Greg Habeeb is running to fill the vacant seat left by Morgan Griffith, who was elected to Congress.

Habeeb grew up in Southwest Virginia, and knows what is important to the people living there. He was recently named as a top 20 Roanoke Valley Business Leader under the age of 40 by the Blue Ridge Business Journal. He is a determined individual, who is committed to the conservative cause.

“I want to go to Richmond and provide conservative solutions that work for families and taxpayers to control spending, keep taxes low, and create jobs for the people of Salem and Roanoke County” – Greg Habeeb

Virginia’s 8^th District will be in good hands with Greg Habeeb serving as their delegate. To read more about Greg, or to contribute or volunteer, please follow this link.

Virginia Bill Asks for Tea Party License Plate

2010-11-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Our very own Del. John O'Bannon was recently featured nationally on The Drudge Report, for his upcoming legislation allowing Virginia motorists to purchase the above license plate supporting the Tea Party. The plate features the rattlesnake emblem and yellow background of the historic Gadsden Flag, which has become a symbol of the Tea Party.

Before a specialty plate can be issued in Virginia, 350 prepaid applications must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. This application can be found here.

New Virginia Lawmakers Cite Ways to Cut Spending

2010-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

A week after the election, newly elected Representatives Morgan Griffith, Scott Rigell and Robert Hurt are already citing ways to balance the budget, and cut federal spending.

All three agree on cutting the salary of members of Congress. They also believe they can cut the amount of money spent on staff salary, and mail pieces. It’s smart politics in that it shows the newly elected Representatives are willing to cut their own expenditures, something that is more directly in their control.

Representative-Elect Griffith also wants to end the practice that allows members of Congress to lease a vehicle through the House of Representatives. He said of his early ideas…

“They’re not going to solve the budget problem, but you’ve got to start somewhere”

To read more about how Virginia’s newly elected Representatives believe they can balance the budget click here.

Tim Kaine Out as Chairman of the DNC?

2010-11-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Looks like Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee may be on his way out. Rumors have been swirling around that Obama’s Press Secretary Robert Gibbs might take over the position.

I wonder why these rumors have come up. Maybe it’s because nationally Republicans have picked up 61+ seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Or even worse, that Kaine’s home state of Virginia went from having six Democrats in the U.S. House, to now having only three or two. Kaine says…

“My goal is to do what the President wants me to do…I want to do what I can to be most valuable...I’m kind of willing to let him [Obama], and the team, decide what is my highest and best use”

Maybe Obama and his team have decided that you have no use.

Republican Election Surge Hits U.S. State Houses

2010-11-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

The recent election that gave Republicans control of the U.S. House of Representatives, will also lead to a change in state legislatures. This could lead to Republican control of Congress for the next decade.

Legislatures will soon be redrawing electoral districts for the U.S. House. This adjustment tends to favor the party in charge in each state. According to Tim Storey, an elections analyst at the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislators, Republicans will be in the best position to control congressional redistricting since modern remapping began in the 1970s. The Republicans heavy presence could allow them to preserve, or add, 15 to 25 U.S. House seats.

Republicans saw a net gain of at least 680 state legislatures. Election results so far have Republicans in charge of 54 legislative chambers, with Democrats controlling 38 and two chambers with a partisan split.

To read more, please follow this link.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

T'was the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down
I, with a bathrobe and a cat on my lap
Had cut-off the TV
Tired of political Bull-Crap!

When all of sudden there arose such a noise
I peered out my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

On Fannie, on Freddie
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, on Pelosi
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as they flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note
IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Tim Kaine Says Democrats are "Nuts"

2010-10-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Former Virginia Governor, and current Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, recently said that Democratic candidates who are ignoring their party and policies are “nuts”.

"I do think Democrats thinking that they can, you know, hold the Democratic label at arm's length, I do think that's nuts," he said. "You put the label after your name, be proud of it."

Yet again, the Democratic Party proves that they are crumbling. The head of their party is calling his own members “nuts” for not being loyal to their party. The candidates however realize that by remaining loyal to their party, they cannot win an election. They do not believe in the policies they voted for, and are scampering to sweep their track record under the rug. If the candidate does not believe in his own policies, how can the general public?

VA GOP Caucus says thank you Tim Kaine for asking the Democrats to embrace their faltering party. The Democrats should let the people know how they voted, and why.

Oh, and PS…let Obama know that after he campaigns for Tom Perriello, if he could please, please, please go campaign for Glenn Nye and Rick Boucher too.

To read the full article, please click this link.

Morgan Griffith Takes Over Lead in 9th Congressional District

2010-10-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Our own House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith has never stopped fighting to win his election, and for all his fight he has recently taken the lead over 15-Term incumbent Rick Boucher. The survey, done by SurveyUSA, shows Griffith at 47% to Boucher’s 46%. It’s a very tight race, but this poll shows the growing trend that voters are leaning Republican come Election Day.

Among voters who told the survey that they are uniquely interested in voting this year, Griffith leads at an almost 2:1 margin. The relative sizes of these groups will determine the winner, but this data provides great optimism and motivation for the last week of campaigning.

How is it that a 15-Term Representative cannot seem to win this fight? Clearly Boucher was not ready for the determination and tenacity that Griffith brought to this race. Griffith wants this seat more, and has shown this throughout his campaign. He cares about the constituents of the 9th Congressional District, and wants to serve them better than Boucher ever did. Griffith would keep in mind the better interests of his constituents when voting. Unlike Boucher who in the past voted to support cap and trade, which would negatively impact the coal industry that is so vital to SW Virginia.

SurveyUSA goes on to say that...

"Compared to four previous tracking polls, Independents have broken sharply Republican in the campaign's final week. The number of Republicans crossing over to vote for Boucher has steadily decreased, from 26% in July to 18% today. The number of higher-income voters voting for Griffith has steadily increased, from 43% in July to 49% today. Also, Boucher's lead among women has evaporated from a once 23-point advantage".

The GOP is poised for victories across the state, and the nation. This survey goes to show that Republicans are well on their way to leading this country again, and getting it back on the right track. For more information on the poll, please click this link.

Internal Turmoil Amongst the Democratic Party of Virginia

2010-10-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Since the recent announcement of DPV Chairman Dickie Cranwell’s resignation, it has been widely believed that Brian Moran would take over as the DPV Chairman. However, this has some Democratic Party members worried and questioning the selection process.

Del. Joe Morrissey has been the most outspoken about his displeasure, going so far as to call out former Governor’s Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, who have been reported to be backing Brain Moran …

“With due respect to former Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, I think they should have tried to determine what the roughly 5 dozen Democratic lawmakers who are up for re-election next year thought about the next State Party Chairman”

Sounds like Del. Morrissey seems worried, and rightfully so, that Brian Moran lacks the skill to win elections outside of Arlington County, as Moran's race for Governor proved. The Democrats again show that they are headed towards a downward spiral, with no clear leadership and turmoil amongst their party.

To read the full article on this issue please follow this link.

Goodbye Dickie

2010-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Dickie Cranwell is resigning this coming December.

I wonder what made him make this decision. There are countless reasons why, but maybe it was because...

1) Democrats have become increasingly apathetic towards the coming elections in November.

2) Republicans Morgan Griffith, Robert Hurt, Scott Rigel, and Keith Fimian will all be winning their respective Congressional races in just a few short weeks.

3) Earlier this year Del. Roxann Robinson and Del. Tony Wilt easily defeated their Democratic counterparts in their Special Elections.

4) In the 2009 elections, the Republicans swept the ticket by electing Governor Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

5) In those same elections all but one Republican incumbent seeking re-election won. The Republican majority also increased by 6 seats, and welcomed 12 new Caucus members, bringing the total to 61 members.

The Democratic Party does not have much to look forward to either, as Brian Moran is likely to fill Cranwell's seat. If one recalls, Moran came in third place in the Democratic nomination for Governor. Looks like the Democratic Party is slowly falling apart, while the GOP is steadily gaining ground throughout the state.

The Cap and Trade Crackup

2010-10-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal outlines how Democrat Rick Boucher's vote in support of cap and trade has made his race an uphill battle, and his seat a toss-up. A seat he has held safely for nearly 30 years.

Boucher hails from SW Virginia...coal-country. The cap and trade bill is designed to crush certain industries, namely the coal industry. Voters have realized this, and are angered over the issue. Boucher believed his seat was safe enough that he would be able to support cap and trade, and in doing so he could pull other reluctant Democrats to join him in support. This support earned him a shout out from the White House as well.

However, what Boucher did not anticipate was a heated race with House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith. Griffith has made sure that voters are aware of Boucher's decision to support cap and trade. In doing so he has made this race extremely competitive. In a desperate attempt to keep supporters Boucher voted against ObamaCare, has recently supported the Bush Tax cuts, and has tried to make excuses for his support of cap and trade.

With only a month left until Election Day, this race appears to be as close as any race in the nation. Griffith will not back down, and is poised to take away a pivotal Democratic seat.

To read the entire article, please follow this link.

Nancy Pelosi Prepares to Smear Business!

2010-10-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

As the election nears, Speaker Nancy Pelosi discusses her plans to "tattoo" those who produce jobs in America.....

“You have to understand what fighters our members are,” Ms. Pelosi told a group of columnists late last week. Indeed, she ascribed the Democrats’ political travails to their refusal to “play patty-cake” with powerful economic interests as they pursued a health care overhaul, new regulations for the financial industry and energy legislation capping carbon emissions.

“Now our challenge is to tattoo the practices of big insurance, big oil, big banks and the rest” onto Republican opponents, Ms. Pelosi said. “And our members feel very good about doing that.”

Read the full article here.

Republicans Hold Lead in Congressional Races

2010-09-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

A recent survey by ccAdvertising has Republicans winning three out of the four Virginia Congressional races.

Our very own House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith is in a very winnable race, trailing by a slim margin. While our friend in the Virginia Senate, Robert Hurt, holds a commanding lead over his Democratic counterpart. Republicans Keith Fimian and Scott Rigel also hold leads in their respective races.

As Election Day draws near, the GOP is poised to be celebrating victories throughout the state. To read the full survey please follow this link.

Open Mouth ... Insert Foot

2010-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Earlier today Governor McDonnell annouced at a press conference the findings of an independent financial and performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that he ordered shortly after taking office. The audit examined VDOT’s operations to identify cost-saving strategies, organizational efficiencies, and performance and operational metrics.

What the audit produced was truly troubling.... (These are just a few ... for the entire list CLICK HERE)

Approximately $1 billion in funding is currently available for VDOT’s maintenance and construction program that has not been used. This is not new funding, rather it is funding that would result from better leveraging and management of current resources
Federal funds should be obligated earlier during the fiscal year to eliminate current delays. Over the past two federal fiscal years, less than 10% of available amounts had been obligated 6 months into the year.
Monitoring of inactive projects must be improved to release unused funding for other VDOT projects as soon as possible. In FFY10, $163 million in federal obligations on inactive projects were released (20% of annual obligation).
Over $100 million in projects were delayed due to partial funding and other administrative issues found in the audit.
$877 million left unspent over the past two fiscal years.

If there is anything positive to take away from this whole situation it is to thank our lucky stars that we finally have a competent Governor in Richmond! Members of our esteemed Caucus have been pushing for this independent and thorough investigation of VDOT for years... but each time we tried ... Governor Kaine or House/Senate Democrats would squash or belittle the initiative....

Let me refresh everyone's memory....

1. In 2008, Delegate Scott Lingamfelter sponsored HB 6046 which directed the Auditor of Public Accounts to audit the Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. This bill passed the House 90-0 ... only to be killed in the Senate by the Democrats on a party line vote of 8-6 ...

Open Mouth ... Insert Foot -- Senator Colgan, Senator Houck, Senator Howell, Senator Saslaw, Senator Marsh, Senator Lucas, Senator Whipple, Senator Reynolds.

2. Immediately upon the completion of the 2008 Special Session Minority Leader Ward Armstrong issued a press release calling the Republicans the "Party of no" and said we have "no ideas" to solve Virginia's transportation problem.... His most damning quote came at the end where his press release stated ... See it for yourself (HERE or HERE)

House Republicans continue to insist that they can find transportation money in an audit of VDOT – even though they’ve already done seven of them.

Hey Minority Leader Ward Armstrong ... Open Mouth ... Insert Foot

3. In a Washington Post article from 2008 the "Democratic controlled Senate" (aka Senator Dick Saslaw) responded by killing House transportation bills that didnt involve taxes, agruing that they would do little to relieve Northern Virginia's traffic problems.

In a separate Virginian Pilot article he said of Republicans ..."They’re simply not interested in fixing this”

Open Mouth ... Insert Foot -- Senator Dick Saslaw

4. Probably the most disturbing case of incompetence came from the states most powerful leader at the time, Governor Tim Kaine. Over the last two fiscal years there has been $877 million in unspent VDOT monies.... So not only was Governor Kaine missing in action for the later part of his term but he was also mismanaging VDOT so poorly that he was somehow making our tranportation woes WORSE!!!

During this time our very own Delegate Danny Marshall took the Governor to task in the Danville news ....

"Delegate Danny Marshall reiterated his call for an independent audit of VDOT. An audit of VDOT was done by then-Transportation Secretary Whitt Clement, but Marshall complained that was a case of the agency auditing itself. “VDOT was checking VDOT,” he said.

(Delacey) Skinner (a spokesperson for Tim Kaine) said "VDOT has had six independent audits in the last eight years. It is one of the most efficient transportation agencies in the country."

Open Mouth .... Insert Foot -- Governor Tim Kaine ... lets just hope you have taken the same level of competence and management over to the Democratic National Committee...

Speaker Howell's Case for a Repeal Amendment

2010-09-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's Wall Street Journal, Speaker William J. Howell and Georgetown University Law Professor Randy Barnett had an opinion piece published regarding ongoing efforts that they -- like so many others -- are advancing to reinvigorate the 10th Amendment and a constitutionally sound view of a limited federal government. This issue has broad-based and growing support that is not limited to any one individual, party or region of our country.

Yesterday's Speaker-Barnett op/ed offers a sensible, practical and constitutionally sanctioned way forward for those who believe in a federal government with enumerated and limited powers, with the rest reserved to the states and the sovereign people. It's also especially timely this fall given the ongoing national debate about what, if anything, can be done to rein in an out-of-control federal government.

Please follow this link to read the opinion piece.

Speaker Howell's Letter Concerning HOT Lane Project Lawsuit

2010-09-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Below please find a letter from Speaker Bill Howell concerning a lawsuit against the HOT Lane project on I-95/395. This is a very important transportation issue for the Northern Virginia area, and the state. This lawsuit targets four individuals, and brings forth outrageous claims of conspiracy and racism.

Del. Barbara Comstock on Fox News

2010-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Virginia's own Del. Barbara Comstock was on Fox News discussing the State Departments recent 29-page report on human rights in America. This report was submitted to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, and includes a complaint about the difficulty of forming a union in the United States. The report states that this equates to a violation of human rights, which Del. Comstock believes trivializes human rights. Please watch the video below, or follow this link.

Republican Jewish Coalition and Gerry Connolly

2010-08-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

I wanted to bring your attention to an article on the Republican Jewish Coalition website. It is an interesting article that outlines the importance of the 11th District Congressional race between incumbent Gerry Connolly and Keith Fimian.

This race is not only important for Virginia, but for the entire country. Connolly is clearly nervous, and is trying to cover up his liberal views and track record in order to attract moderate voters. As this article points out, this tactic will not work for Connolly. Keith Fimian is the right man for the job, and will be a strong voice for Republican Virginians.

Please follow the following this link to read the entire article.

Del. Todd Gilbert on Fox News

2010-08-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our very own Delegate Todd Gilbert was recently on Fox News discussing needed changes to immigration law. The federal government and Barack Obama need to take a bigger stand against illegal immigration in order to curtail this growing problem. Watch the video in its entirety below, or you can follow this link.

Republicans More Enthusiastic About November Elections

2010-08-10T11:00:00.001-07:00

In a recent poll it was clear to see that Republican voters were more enthusiastic about the coming November elections, than their Democratic counterparts.

The poll found that 87% of base Republicans rated their enthusiasm level between an 8-10 (10 being the most), while only 76% of base Democrats shared that enthusiasm. The gap is even larger with soft Republicans and Democrats. Among soft Republicans 79% rated their interest between 8-10. This means that soft Republicans are more enthusiastic about the coming elections, then base Democrats! Only 52% of soft Democrats rated their enthusiasm level at 8-10.

These are staggering numbers, and proves the strength of the GOP in the coming November elections. To read more about these numbers please visit this link, which was posted on Public Opinion Strategies by Glen Bolger.

Democratic Candidates All But Ignore Their Legislative Successes

2010-08-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Democratic candidates up for re-election this year have been warned by advisors to stay away from bragging about their passed legislation. Why? Because the legislation they have passed has been radical and highly criticized. Their far-reaching policies will hurt them when it comes to Election Day, and they know it. Democratic candidates have tried to turn the attention to Republicans, but will have trouble doing so. The track record of Democratic candidates speaks for itself, and they cannot just sweep their legislation under the rug. They realize the error of their ways, and are trying to cover it up by placing attention elsewhere. Read an article focusing on this issue by clicking here.

Virginia’s Lessons for America: Speaker Howell on WRVA

2010-08-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier today Speaker Bill Howell was on WRVA's Jimmy Barrett Show with special guest host Congressman Randy Forbes. They discussed Virginia's budget and the lessons Washington can (and more importantly SHOULD) learn from the way our state went from a $4.2 Billion deficit under Governor Kaine's administration to a balanced budget.

Since President Obama and his fellow Democrats do not seem to grasp the obvious I will outline a few things that they should take away from this interview....

Tax Cuts are more stimulative than SPENDING!
In a recession, it is vital to promote a pro-business climate rather than strap them down with more regulation and tax hikes!
We must foster the growth of the job makers in this economy and live within our fiscal means as a country.

Instead of Washington continuing to promote the FAILING policies of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi ... they might want to take a page out of Governor McDonnell and the Virginia House of Delegates playbook to get this country back on the right track.

Click HERE to listen to Speaker Bill Howell's interview...

Hey Gerry, Where's the Poll?

2010-07-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Poll's are always a fascinating thing. The Keith Fimian campaign released a poll in the Spring showing Fimian beating Gerry Connolly 40%-35% among likely voters, and more importantly 43% to 28% among independents. Two years ago, Connolly released a poll done in mid-July showing him beating Fimian. But where is his poll now? According to FEC reports, Connolly paid the same pollster he used two years ago $21, 105 on May 4, 2010 for a poll. Where are these results? They are nowhere to be found. Obviously, like the Fimian campaign's poll, Connolly's own poll shows him losing or else he would have released the results.

Want more proof? Connolly has been reinventing himself, saying he opposes the Pelosi agenda that he voted for 97% of the time. He also keeps complaining about having to take tough votes supporting President Obama's policies. Lastly, we now see Connolly showing up on the campaign trail. All further proof that Connolly is losing in his own polls.

Combine Connolly's bad internal poll numbers with the growing disapproval of the Democrat's in Congress, and you can see why voters have grown severely disenchanted with Connolly's mismanagement of the economy, reckless spending and mountains of borrowing.

Pinocchio Armstrong

2010-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Way back in March we commented on the war that Delegate Ward Armstrong was waging against Appalachian Power. We concluded then that this was largely a Political PR campaign, since his bills didn’t seem to be designed to actually DO anything--which probably explains why it didn’t even come close to passing.

But maybe passing legislation was never the point (why end a great PR stunt before you have to?) His activities since last week, after the State Corporation Commission (SCC) came out with an order on Appalachian’s rates, certainly suggest that Armstrong does indeed value this gift that keeps on giving.

But in keeping the flames burning, the truth is hard to come by. Armstrong put out the following “facts” in a statement last week when the Order came out:

“Today the State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved a $61.5 million base rate increase for Appalachian Power Company.”

Yes, this is what the SCC did, but wouldn’t it be useful to know this is less than half of what the company requested. All Session long, Armstrong railed against the 2007 deregulation legislation for having taken the teeth out of the SCC. For toothless regulators, they sure took a bite out of Appalachian’s request – a $92.5 million dollar bite to be exact.

Of course, admitting this would deny him the opportunity to make this next point, one the WSLS’s fact checkers corrected for their viewers (albeit a little too politely for my taste).

“Virginia APCo customers now face the highest electric utility rates in the Commonwealth as well as the highest rates in the AEP system nationwide.”

Okay, this one is just flat out false and Armstrong of all people should know this because one of the many places in Virginia that have higher rates is in his own backyard. His Martinsville constituents, who get their power from the city-run Martinsville Electric Department, are being charged higher rates than his Appalachian Power constituents. The second part of that is as false as the first: AEP has higher rates in at least 2 other states than it does in Virginia.

As if all this weren’t already a ridiculous and transparent stunt, he has the nerve to blast out an email criticizing Republican Delegates Don Merricks and Will Morefield for voting against his bill last session. That would be the same bill that less than half of his own caucus voted for. What he doesn’t tell you is that what will keep rates rising for everybody, are the actions of his own Democratic Party in Washington – Cap and Trade legislation and an anti-coal EPA.

But why solve problems when they are so much fun to keep kicking around. If this episode proves anything it is that Homer Simpson was right, “Facts are meaningless, they can be used to prove anything.” Especially when they are used like Armstrong does.

Former Delegate Steve Shannon Preparing to Fail Once Again

2010-07-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a little more than 9 months since Former Delegate Steve Shannon was trounced in the November '09 election for Attorney General by Ken Cuccinelli by more than 15 points. Up until now he has kept quite a low profile. In fact, I saw no hide nor hair of Steve during the 2010 session at all ...

In yesterday's Washington Post, Steve Shannon wrote a scathing editorial about Governor Bob McDonnell and the Virginia General Assembly about how they have not expanded unemployment benefits over the past two years. He blasted them for not "expanding the eligibility criteria, thus preventing Virginia from collecting this $125.5 million in economic stimulus funds." The $125.5 million would have been apportioned to Virginia through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 if VA chose to expand their eligibility to include two out of these four items:

People seeking part-time work;
People who are in a state-approved training program who have lost their jobs in a declining industry;
People who became unemployed because of a compelling family reason, such as caring for a sick or disabled family member;
Or the state can offer eligible claimants with dependents a stipend of at least $15 per week for each dependent.

What Steve Shannon failed to mention was the overwhelming opposition to these proposals by the business community... You know ... the folks that actually EMPLOY individuals... and how it would only add to our unemployment problems and add additional cost to already struggling employers.

He also forgot to mention the Steve Shannon tax increase, that would be associated with broadening unemployment benefits and how impossible it is to undo the expansion if it ever passed...

Instead of kicking off another run at Attorney General with a pathetic piece like this, Former Delegate and wannabe Attorney General Steve Shannon might be better off to remain in hiding and keep his ideas to himself. Lucky for us we have Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli bringing common sense to Virginia.

55% of Americans Believe Obama is a Socialist

2010-07-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

According to a recent poll by Democracy Corps, a group headed by Stan Greenberg who is a close friend of President Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, 55% of Americans believe President Obama is a socialist. The same poll shows 48% support for Republicans against just 42% for Democrats. According to one informal advisor of President Obama, the US public's loss of confidence in Obama's leadership is a factor above and beyond their dissatisfaction over the state of the real economy. "I never thought I would say this, but even I'm unsure what President Obama really believes" says the advisor. "Instead of outsourcing decisions to Congress, he should spell out his bottom line. This is what leaders are for". This does not bode well for Democrats around the country. For example, Republican challengers are beginning to take the lead over Democratic incumbents such as Barbara Boxer in California, and Russ Feingold in Wisconsin. Republicans are beginning to get the upper hand all over the country.

Virginia Keeps Creating Jobs

2010-07-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of Governor Bob McDonnell's Administration, Virginia has added 71,500 jobs. This is the 3rd highest total in the country, behind only Texas and Pennsylvania. The 71,500 new jobs is also the 3rd highest percentage increase, behind Maryland and Delaware, over the same period of time. It is also important to note that Virginia's 7.1% unemployment rate is the 3rd lowest east of the Mississippi and 13th lowest overall in the nation. In the first 6 months of the McDonnell Administration, Virginia has closed 106 deals creating 6,851 new jobs and $1B in capital investment. Below is a chart displaying total jobs created percentages by region.

Clearly, Virginia is leading the national recovery and are head and shoulders above our regional competition. Good work Gov. McDonnell and House Republicans who help bring great businesses to the Commonwealth!

McDonnell Proposes Rest-Area Savings Strategy

2010-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

When Bob McDonnell campaigned for Governor he promised to open the 19 rest areas that then-Governor Tim Kaine had closed. In April he fulfilled that promise and opened all of them. Virginia's rest areas serve 30 million people annually, and are therefore very important to maintain and keep open. With this in mind Gov. McDonnell has proposed his strategy on cost savings:

1) Reduce contracting costs when existing maintenance and operations contracts are scheduled to expire in December.

2) Try to attract private sponsors by bundling interstate highway signage, interior advertising space and vending.

3) Use grants to establish partnerships between the state and tourism organizations along Virginia's interstates, particularly at interchanges where scenic attractions could be promoted.

Gov. McDonnell is also waiting on a study by the Virginia Transportation Research Council to identify alternatives to the public funding of the interstate rest areas.

Longtime House Member Dies

2010-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

George W. Jones, a representative in the House of Delegates for 16 years, passed away Saturday. Mr. Jones represented Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights. In the House he became the senior Republican on the Finance Committee, and in 1980 he headed Ronald Reagan's presidential race in Virginia. Mr. Jones was a great citizen to Virginia, and he will be missed. To read more please click here.

Congrats are in order ....

2010-06-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Congrats are in order for the two newest members of our Majority House Caucus.

Roxann Robinson and Tony Wilt easily dismantled their Democratic opposition in yesterday's Special Election.

Delegate-Elect Robinson won in a 44 point landslide and Delegate-Elect Wilt garnered more than 65% of the vote against a very well funded opponent.

Congrats to both and we are excited to work with you in the coming session.

McDonnell Bringing More Business to Virginia

2010-06-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Virginia is aiming to bring in foreign trade offices from locations such as London and Shanghai. State economic-development officials have begun work on creating foreign outposts in order to lure international business to the Commonwealth.

International investment has increased over the past few years, and while Virginia has been slow to take advantage of that in the past, Gov. McDonnell's administration is working on changing that. Gov. McDonnell will be using part of the $1.5 million that he secured in the 2010 General Assembly session to add foreign marketing presence, and hopefully more jobs as well.

China has been the main target, according the the administration. This is just another example of Gov. McDonnell working to make Virginia a more profitable state, and creating more jobs. Follow this link to read more about the project.

Obama Dumps VA Oil

2010-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

After the aftermath of the Gulf Coast BP Crisis, Obama has officially cancelled lease sale 220 and Virginia’s hopes for bringing in the jobs and revenue from offshore oil drilling.

Speaker Howell Announces $35,448 in Savings

2010-05-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Latest Savings by House on top of $1.1 Million to be Returned in Current Fiscal Year

From Speaker Howell’s Press Release.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced that the House of Delegates has returned $35,448 to the state treasury for Fiscal Year 2010 ending June 30 as a result of salary reductions for delegates, legislative assistants and House staff from a one-day furlough on May 28, 2010. House Bill 29, the Appropriations Act for the biennium that ends on June 30, 2010, contained a provision requiring a one-day furlough for all state employees. The $35,448 in savings announced today by Speaker Howell are in addition to not only the $1.1 million to be returned by the House to the General Fund by June 30, 2010, but also another $1.0 million to be returned by the House to the General Fund by the end of Fiscal Year 2012.

“Virginia taxpayers, families and businesses continue struggling to make ends meet and balance their finances due to the stubborn and lingering effects of the economic recession and, therefore, it is completely appropriate that members of the House of Delegates share in necessary belt tightening to reduce state spending,” said Speaker Howell.

This year, beyond the $1.1 million to be returned to the General Fund by the end of next month, the House saved $341,600 by keeping the Session expense rate at $135 for delegates instead of the IRS-authorized rate of $191. The House also saved another $94,300 by reducing temporary personnel hired during Session.

---
The House of Delegates once again understands what the Commonwealth needs to survive this economic climate. The House Republican leadership is a common sense solution for Virginia, compared to the Democrat-controlled Senate, who wanted to get paid for an extra day of work in the last day of session.

Kudos to the House of Delegates for fiscal solution to the budget deficit

U.S. Chamber Ranks Virginia as Top Notch

2010-05-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Gov. McDonnell’s job creation tactics seem to have caught the eye of the U.S. Chamber.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce report recognized Virginia as achieving the country’s second highest growth performance, along with first in cost-of-living adjusted family income growth. Virginia also ranked 10th in entrepreneurship and innovation and sixth in a taxation and regulatory environment that spurs business.

Virginia in the past has been labeled as the best place to do business, but the commonwealth was one of the few to promote free enterprise by spurring private economic development as well. It seems that even during a recession, Virginia can still surge ahead with the help of Republican leadership.

Thomas Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had this to say to Gov. McDonnell:

"By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system -- competitive tax rates, open trade, and commonsense regulation -- states are helping to jumpstart our economic recovery and create more jobs."

Yet another success story from the McDonnell administration!

Obama Care Will Cost Virginia $1.5 Billion

2010-05-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

No Sign of Relief in Sight for Health Care

The McDonnell administration recently increased its estimate for Virginia's cost of President Obama's health care overhaul to about $1.5 billion through 2022. This estimate is roughly a $400 million bump from the governor's previous assessment.

With the increased cost of federal mandated health care, it appears that Democrats will do anything to slice and dice the budget in years to come, to ensure that health care finds its way to every Virginian’s door step. It does not take an expert to point out the flaws in this financial burden on Virginia. This $400 million bump will provide no new helpful measures, just harmful mistakes.

The McDonnell administration, along with the House of Delegates, already crafted a successful budget which looks to fiscally tackle the budget shortfall while stimulating the economy. The GOP-controlled House was adamant throughout session with keeping spending in check, most notably with implementing a real structural reform that will continue to control spending in the future. However, all the hard work by the General Assembly seems to be over-shadowed by the looming health care crisis that will cost Virginians over $1.5 billion in the near future.

Obama’s health care will hurt Virginians more than the current economy.

Read more at the Washington Examiner:

Workers Choosing Unemployment Over Jobs

2010-05-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Whats Wrong With This Picture?

From The Detroit News:

"...some seasonal landscaping workers choose to stay home and collect a check from the state, rather than work outside for a full week and spend money for gas, taxes and other expenses, raises questions about whether extended unemployment benefits give the jobless an incentive to avoid work."

Coming Soon This November

2010-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Congressman David Obey won't Seek Reelection

Republicans Win in Chesapeake School Board Elections

2010-05-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Democratic Chairwomen Loses Seat

Last night the GOP captured four out of the five open seats in the City of Chesapeake School Board Elections. Harry Murphy, Michael J. Woods, and Jay Leftwitch were among the Republican candidates who retained their seats. With Republican victory came Democratic lost, Chairwomen Sheila Hill-Russ lost her seat Tuesday night, while two newcomers Christine New Craig and Bonita Billingsley Harris were elected.

Christine New Craig, the chief of staff for Chesapeake Del. John Cosgrove, used her nine years experience with the General Assembly and Delegate Cosgrove to come out victorious.

"I think people wanted a new set of creative eyes on board, and a little bit of experience on the budget," she said. "I'm ready to start."
- Chrstine New Craig

The city of Chesapeake has the Republican exepirence needed to lead Chesapeake in the right direction.

Full Story by Virginian Pilot

New Abortion Restrictions Save $$

2010-05-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Gov. McDonnell's office reports that the new restrictions could save Virginia more than $150,000 annually.

From the Washington Post

"The General Assembly last week approved an amendment to the state budget that would limit funding for abortions to those performed in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk. Nothing in state law had previously banned Medicaid-funded abortions in instances when the health of the mother was in jeopardy.

Last year, 147 abortions at a cost of $174,000 were performed in cases where the health of the mother was at risk at clinics or hospitals, according to new data provided by the governor's office. "

Yet another maneuver by the McDonnell administration and General Assembly to push Virginia forward.

The Coming Tax Tsunami

2010-04-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

An Insider's Look on What is to Come

By Congressman John Carter(Tx-31)

April 15 is a day which already strikes dread into the hearts of most Americans who pay taxes. But following 16 months of one-party control of the House, Senate, and White House, taxpayers are now facing a federal tax tsunami as the full $670 billion in Obama Administration tax increases come into effect.

The House Ways and Means Committee today released the list of $670.341 billion in tax increases that have thus far been signed into law by President Obama, equating to a staggering $2,100 per year in additional federal taxes for every man, woman, and child in America. Those new taxes include at minimum 14 violations of President Obama’s campaign pledge not to increase taxes on middle-income Americans, which he defined as families making less than $250,000.

Here are just some of the new taxes that have been loaded on the backs of taxpayers in only a little over a year of one-party control of Washington:

-Tax on individuals who do not purchase government-approved health insurance
-Tax on employers who fail to buy government approved health insurance
-40% tax on high cost health plans, but with an exemption for union members
-.9% increase in Medicare tax on wages and self-employment income
-A new 3.8% surtax on certain investment income
-Increase from 7.5% to 10% of income the threshold for deducting medical expenses
-A new $2,500 annual cap on Flexible Spending Account contributions
-Excise taxes on brand name pharmaceuticals
-Excise taxes on medical devices including wheelchairs
-A 10% federal tax on indoor UV tanning services
-New tax on insured and self‐insured health plans
-Double the penalty for non‐qualified HSA distributions
-Tobacco tax increase

But that’s not all. Unless Congress takes action, here is a sample of additional tax increases that are scheduled to kick in automatically in the immediate future:

2010:

-The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will decrease from $46,700 to $33,750 for single filers and from $70,950 to $45,000 for married couples filing jointly.
-Taxpayers will not be allowed to deduct their state and local general sales taxes from their federal income tax.
-businesses will not be able to claim a tax credit for research, experimentation, and development activities.
-Taxpayers will not be able to claim a deduction for qualified tuition and expenses.
-School teachers will no longer be able to write off books, supplies and other equipment
-Five year depreciation of farm machinery and equipment will expire.
-Donations of books to public schools (K-12) will no longer be eligible for an enhanced charitable deduction.

2011:

-The 35% income tax bracket will increase to 39.6%
-33% bracket will increase to 36%
-28% bracket will increase to 31%
-25% bracket will increase to 28%
-10% and 15% brackets will condense to 15%
-The child tax credit will decrease from $1,000 to $500.
-The marriage penalty tax will be restored, charging married couples a higher tax rate than individuals on the same total income
-The “death” tax returns with a 55% maximum rate and a $1 million exemption, after years of decreasing “death” tax rates,
-The dependent care tax credit will decrease from $3,000 to $2,400.
-The energy efficient home appliance tax credit will expire
-The tax credit to hire unemployed veterans and disconnected youth will expire.
-The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to credit up to 40% of the first-year wages of a new employee, will expire.
-The $400 “Making Work Pay” Tax Credit will expire.

2012:

-The adoption tax credit will decrease from $13,170 to $5,000.
-The credit for electric drive motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and low-speed vehicles will expire.
-The conversion credit for plug-in electric vehicles will expire.

2013:

-The tax credit for cellulosic biofuel producers will expire.

The last thing taxpayers and our national economy need in the middle of the worst recession in a generation are back-breaking tax increases that siphon trillions more dollars out of the free market economy.

We need jobs to get out of this recession – not new taxes. And those jobs need to be good-paying, permanent, private-sector jobs, not the temporary census-counting jobs the President attempted to crow over this month.

Every dollar going to government deficit spending is a dollar taken from private-sector jobs, and one that we cannot afford to lose if we hope to restore a vibrant economy and future for our children and grandchildren. That is the primary reason we have seen unemployment soar to record highs over 2009-2010.

Let’s hope that by next April 15, voters will have made the changes in Congress to reverse these crippling new taxes, and start repairing the damage to our economy from reckless fiscal policies.

Cheers to McDonnell- More Jobs on the Way.

2010-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Major Winery Trade Show Moving to Richmond

Gov. Bob McDonnell is not stepping off the gas when it comes to job creation in the commonwealth. Just yesterday McDonnell announced that Northrop Grumman will be moving their operations from Los Angeles to Northern Virginia, and today the Governor announced that Wineries Unlimited's trade show will be relocating from Pennsylvania to Richmond in 2011.

"We are thrilled that Wineries Unlimited has decided to move to Virginia. Virginia wines have seen their standing in the domestic and global marketplaces grow in recent years and having Wineries Unlimited in Virginia will help us as we continue our efforts to promote Virginia wines both here and abroad. This is also a chance for us to showcase our first class wineries to people from across the nation.
- Gov. McDonnell

The Wineries Unlimited trade show is the second-largest vineyard and winery conference and trade show in North America. The trade show’s move from Pennsylvania is projected to generate $1.5 Million in revenue for Virginia, as well as over 2,000 visitors to the state capital.

Another impressive and much needed move by Gov. McDonnell! What will he do tomorrow?

Northrop Grumman Heading to Northern Virginia.

2010-04-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Gov. McDonnell Proves his Title as a Jobs Governor

Yesterday Gov. McDonnell announced the decision, in a joint statement with Northrop Grumman, to move their Headquarters from Los Angeles to Northern Virginia

"To gain the corporate headquarters of one of the largest global security contractors in the world is a testament to the strong business climate that we are focused on continually improving."
- Gov. McDonnell

Victory can be credited to the extensive effort on behalf of the McDonnell administration and the General Assembly. With countless meetings and talks with the company Gov. McDonnell and the General Assembly provided the attractive incentives needed to lure Northrop Grumman from LA to the Commonwealth. The McDonnell administration expressed their excitement with gaining one of the largest global security contractors in the world:

"This Administration will keep taxes and regulations and litigation at a minimum to attract job-creators from around the world to our state to ensure more new opportunities for all Virginians. I welcome Northrop Grumman to Virginia. I know the company will be a great corporate citizen and partner, and I thank Chairman Wes Bush and his team for their investment in the future of Virginia."

The new location of the headquarters could create up to 300 new jobs in the region as well as stimulate more economic growth for Virginia.

A great move by Gov. McDonnell and the right step towards Virginia’s economic future.

Del. Tim Hugo Elected Caucus Chairman

2010-04-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hugo is the New Chairman

Press Release from Del. Tim Hugo

Richmond, VA (April 21, 2010): Today, the Virginia House Republican Caucus voted unanimously to elect Delegate Timothy D. Hugo (R- Fairfax) to serve as the Republican Caucus Chairman. The position, previously held by former Delegate Sam Nixon, was left vacant when Nixon resigned to become Chief Information Officer of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).

"As a recognized leader within the Caucus, Tim understands the duties required of this position and has the right temperament and experiences to be very successful in his important new capacity," stated Speaker William J. Howell. "During these tough economic times and need to reform state government to make it smarter and simpler, it is imperative that we have an energetic, dedicated and knowledgeable member like Tim joining our leadership team. Like so many, I am looking forward to working with him and our Majority Caucus will be better off because of his leadership."

The position of Caucus Chairman is one of four leadership roles within the House Republican Caucus. Others serving in leadership positions include Speaker William Howell, Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, and Majority Whip Kirk Cox.

"I humbly accept the responsibility that has been entrusted to me today," Delegate Hugo said in accepting the position. "Since being elected, I have watched the Republican Caucus expand on its majority under our current leadership. I am thrilled to broaden my responsibilities within the caucus and relish the opportunity to serve the citizens of Virginia."

Delegate Hugo was first elected to the House of Delegates in a special election in December 2002, filling a vacancy left by former Delegate Jay O'Brien. Delegate Hugo garnered over 67% of the vote in his first election. Now serving in his eighth year as a member, Delegate Hugo is a member of the Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Elections Committees. He represents parts of Fairfax, Centreville, Clifton, and Fairfax Station.

Obama Demands US Flag to be Taken Down in Haiti

2010-04-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Obama Does Not Want US Flag in Haiti????

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the United States rushed in to help with money, medicine, and manpower. To date, we've already given over $179 million in humanitarian aid... but Barack Obama has just ordered all U.S. installations to take down their American flags, lest we be seen as an "occupying army" rather than "international partners."

The absence of the American flag bothers Navy veteran Arthur Herriford, national president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

"It's very improper," Herriford said. "Our military people always engage and function under the American colors — always have and always will."

No other country giving aid in Haiti has lowered its flag, why should we?

Story From USA Today

Democrats Wish Every Day Was Tax Day!

2010-04-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that on a day where so many Tea Parties are occurring across the country that Virginia's Senate and House Democratic Leadership would once again prove how completely out of touch they are with the citizens of Virginia.

With more than $800 Billion in tax cuts set to expire this year .... new healthcare taxes coming down the pipe .... cap and trade taxes destroying business .... and all the other taxes that the Democrats have yet to dream up ....House and Senate Leadership (Senators Saslaw and Howell and Delegate Plum) were voicing their support for a statewide GAS INCREASE at a luncheon in Dulles today.

Sounds to me like Saslaw, Howell and Plum are feeling a little left out on the TAX TAX TAX fever that is happening in Washington, DC and wanted to take a further swipe at Virginia's taxpayers.

Funny thing about that is ... the Taxer in Chief Obama isn't even in favor of an increased gas tax. White House: "No support for gas tax"

How much more out of whack with Virginia can the Democratic House and Senate leadership be???

Reminds me of a quote by the great Ronald Regan ... "Republicans believe everyday is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15th"

Democrats Push for Incentives Not to Work.

2010-04-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

A Wall Street Journal article pins the Democrats with pushing ill-advised incentives.

“The second way government assistance programs contribute to long-term unemployment is by providing an incentive, and the means, not to work. Each unemployed person has a 'reservation wage'—the minimum wage he or she insists on getting before accepting a job. Unemployment insurance and other social assistance programs increase [the] reservation wage, causing an unemployed person to remain unemployed longer."

-Lawrence H. Summers, the current White House economic Adviser ( "Unemployment" in the Concise Encyclopedia of Economics, first published in 1999. )

“Mr. Summers should give a tutorial to the U.S. Senate, which is debating whether to extend unemployment benefits for the fourth time since the recession began in early 2008. The bill pushed by Democrats would extend jobless payments to 99 weeks, or nearly two full years, at a cost of between $7 billion and $10 billion. As Mr. Summers suggests, rarely has there been a clearer case of false policy compassion”

Democrats still seem to think that extending jobless benefits will yield political capital. Adding incentives not to work will only increase the burden already hoisted on the shoulders of taxpayers. With taxes due tomorrow now is not the time to waste more of the taxpayers’ hard earned money.

Full Story at The Wall Street Journal

Who Pays and How Much?

2010-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Before You File Your Taxes Take a Look at the Facts.

Nearly HALF (about 47%) of U.S. households escape FEDERAL income tax.

• That’s because either their incomes are too low or they qualify for enough credits, deductions and exemptions to eliminate their federal tax liability.

Less than 1% of FEDERAL tax returns (the wealthiest) account for about 35% of the income tax revenue

• Top 10% of STATE taxpayers pay more than 50% of state income taxes.
• About 14% of STATE tax returns show adjusted gross income over $100,000, and they account for about 60% of Virginia STATE income tax revenue.

Virginia's STATE income tax filing threshold is gradually increasing, and will be about $12,000 in 2012 (about $24,000 for married filing jointly).

• Increasing thresholds mean many more Virginians on the low-income end pay NO Virginia income tax.

By many measures, Virginia is a relatively low tax, business friendly state, which helps to translate into more jobs and larger tax bases.

Virginia also is one of the best managed states, which is a decent indicator that public services are provided efficiently at relatively high levels. A recent ranking by the Council on State Taxation on the degree to which states provide a fair, efficient and customer-focused administration of taxes, ranks Virginia tied for second place with four other states

Thank Taxes? No Thank You!

2010-04-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

While Delegate David Englin’s wife is trashing the internet with her middle school level “Thank Taxes” campaign, the majority of Americans are currently filing taxes and hating them.

April is usually not a month to be grateful for taxes, it is a month to realize that your hard earned income is being sliced and diced. Luckily for Virginians, the Republican led House of Delegates were able to craft a budget without creating any new taxes. Although taxes are the lifeline of government, we should not resort to thanking them. Thanking taxes will not stimulate the economy or create jobs.

With our current economic situation thanking taxes is simply not an option. With a massive budget shortfall the House of Delegates had to implement innovative solutions to ensure that the tax payers’ wallets were not emptied. It is a bit odd that Delegate Englin’s wife is a tad too chipper about tax increases and disregards the struggling tax payer completely.

Another note, Tax Freedom Day will arrive on April 9 this year. According to taxfoundation.org “Americans will work well over three months of the year—from January 1 to April 9—before they have earned enough money to pay this year's tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels.”

So thank you taxes.

Also Not Larry Sabato picked up on this story as well.

Adam Ebbin on the Bob Marshall Team!

2010-04-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Lowell Feld at Blue Virginia posted the following from the Arlington County Democratic Committee approving a resolution attacking Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for opposing ObamaCare. http://www.bluevirginia.us/diary/246/arlington-democrats-reslution-on-cuccinellis-attack-on-health-care-reform

Unfortunately, Lowell and the blue (depressed???) Democrats forgot that a majority of the House Democrats (led by Democratic so-called Leader Ward Armstrong and Jennifer McClellan) voted for Delegate Bob Marshall's HB10 which asserts Virginia's rights. The final vote was 80-17 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+vot+HV1520+HB0010 )

In fact, there were even some Dem votes from Fairfax and even one from Arlington.....

......we always new that Delegate Bob Marshall and Delegate Adam Ebbin had a lot in common!

21 DEM YEAS (of 39 House Dems) for Delegate Bob Marshall's HB10-- Armstrong, BaCote, Barlow, Dance, Ebbin, Howell, A.T., James, Joannou, Johnson, Keam, Lewis, McClellan, McQuinn, Miller, P.J., Morrissey, Phillips, Pollard, Tyler, Ward, Ware, O., Watts,

Pledge of Allegiance

2010-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

41 Years ago Red Skelton performed " Pledge of Allegiance" , which he interpreted every word of the pledge. Please take a moment to watch this clip.

Scared Del. Bulova Uses His Mother to Fight for Him

2010-03-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Fairfax County Chairmen Sharon Bulova is taking on her son's work for him.

Scared that he might have a formidable opponent in 2011, Del. Bulova asked his mother to beat up on Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity's Chief of Staff, Dave Forman. Dave Forman, former director of constituent services for Congressman Tom Davis, could be running in the 37th house district come 2011. Although Bulova's mother controls the gavel over Fairfax County, she can not protect her son in 2011 against Dave Forman.

For full story visit Not Larry Sabato

David Mills and Del. McClellan’s Household on the Rocks?

2010-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

David Mills, DPVA executive director, and wife, Delegate Jen McClellan, are currently living in a divided house.

Mills recently attacked Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s attempt to stop the federal health care mandate.

“Ken Cuccinelli hasn't lifted a finger to help Virginians struggling with unemployment, home foreclosures and predatory loans. Instead, he has filed two frivolous lawsuits against the federal government and tried to impose his political agenda on state colleges' and universities' non-discrimination statutes.:
-David Mills

That statement seems a bit odd considering his wife’s vote. On H.B 10, a law making it illegal for government to require citizens to purchase health care, Del. McClellan voted in favor of the bill. It appears that they have a divided mindset when it comes to health care. In this family debate, like most, the wife is right. David Mills should stop bantering Cuccinelli and listen to his wife.

UPDATED:

Below is a link to the vote count on HB 10 ... Del. McClellan was not the only Democrat to support the bill ... she had plenty of her left leaning liberal friends vote with her as well ....

80-17 was the final tally.

Health Care to Cost Virginia $1 Billon

2010-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Gov. Bob McDonnell estimates the federal health care overhaul will cost Virginia almost a $1 billion more in Medicaid spending over a 12 year period beginning in 2014.

On Monday McDonnell expressed his concerns about the cost of health care.

"I think there's obviously some concern among our citizens and among governors and among people across the country about the breadth and scope of this health care reform," he said. ""It's an unfunded, long-term mandate on our Medicaid program."

During session Virginia passed the nation's first law making it illegal for government to require citizens to purchase health care. Virginia was also first to act when it came to filling a suite against the federal health care mandate. McDonnell has reviewed the pleadings by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and is in agreeance with the case.

"The pleadings say we don't believe the federal government has the right to tell the citizens of Virginia that they must purchase a good or a service, in this case, health insurance, particularly when we have a statute that we just passed that you cannot mandate that. No one can mandate that on the citizens of Virginia."

Virginia has spoken, now its time for President Obama to listen. This $1 billion dollar bill for Virgina is irreponsible and could prove disastrous for the state economy. For the past two months the General Assembly engrossed itself with trying to salvage a budget while cutting back on a $4.2 billion deficit.

Virginia can simply not afford health care.

For more information

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/03/health_care_to_cost_virginia_1.html

HB 30- A Budget That Won’t Hurt Virginian’s Wallets

2010-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Successful Budget from House Republican Leaders

On the last day of session the General Assembly approved the 2010-2012 budget, which looks to fiscally tackle the budget shortfall while stimulating the economy. The GOP-controlled House was adamant throughout session with keeping spending in check, most notably with implementing a real structural reform that will continue to control spending in the future. Governor McDonnell’s campaign promises were solidified this weekend with the passage of the budget that includes no new tax increases on Virginia residents. In fact this budget is actually smaller than the last budget.

Instead of increasing taxes, like Kaine’s proposed budget, this budget found ways to save money rather than tax Virginians. The budget not only saved over $ 39 million in administrative spending, but also reformed the public education formula and the Virginia Retirement System to increase flexibility and save taxpayers millions of dollars.

After years of Kaine purposefully overestimating revenues to increase spending, this budget makes real revenue estimates and includes a $50 million reserve to be deposited in the Rainy Day Fund if revenue estimates are realized. With the budget reversing many of the flawed fiscal policies during the Kaine administration, it appears that Virginia is well on the track to becoming fiscally prosper again.

A special thanks is in order to Delegates Putney, M.K Cox, Sherwood, Landes, and Jones for their hard work on bringing a successful and imperative budget forward for all Virginians.

Democratic-Led Senate Becomes Greedy in Last Day of Session

2010-03-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

Democratic-Led Senate Wants Pay for Extra Day of Session

With one extra day added to this legislative session, House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (R) urged House members that it is not acceptable to be paid for over time during this budget shortfall. With the guidance of Griffith, the Republican-led House unanimously passed -- HJ40 stating that members would not receive per diem for the extra day.

However the same can not be said for the other side of the General Assembly. It appears that while Democratic Senators were debating where to cut $ 4 billion from state spending, their extra day of pay was left untouched. Although the extension is needed to finish session, extra pay for the lawmakers is not needed, as hinted by House Republican leaders.

Now is not the time to squeeze more money out of the Commonwealth. It appears that House Republican leaders have the right leadership needed to steer Virginia in the right fiscal direction. The Democratic controlled Senate already get paid more than the Delegates, what more could they possibly want in a time of fiscal crisis?

Ward is losing his grip on the Democratic Caucus!

2010-03-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

On a bill (House Bill 1391) that he called critical to his district, fading Minority Leader Ward Armstrong had 9 members of his caucus vote "no" and 3 others sat on their hands and didn't vote.

Even Delegate Joe Johnson (possibly one of the nicest members of the House) took Armstrong to task with a withering series of questions that finally concluded with a missive about wasting the time of the Delegates.

As he seems now to be more concerned with his budding statewide aspirations, it seems that his good ol' country boy shtick is wearing thin.

Senate Passes Del. Athey's Bill Helping Community College Students

2010-03-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

House Bill 1066, sponsored by Delegate Clay Athey, developes a general studies program in the VCCS and ensures that all credits taken in this program transfer to four-year public colleges and universities.

Students will now know that their credits taken at a VCCS will not be wasted, saving them money and time.

To view the video, please click here.