Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 12:06 PM ET, 03/31/2011

Groups lobby legislators to override McDonnell’s veto on medical malpractice awards

By Anita Kumar

A trio of organizations that had spent two years on a compromise to raise awards in medical malpractice lawsuits immediately began lobbying legislators to override Gov. Bob McDonnell’s veto

By Anita Kumar | 12:06 PM ET, 03/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:18 PM ET, 03/30/2011

Cantor travels to the Final Four to cheer on VCU

By Anita Kumar

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who represents the Richmond area, will jet off to Houston to see Virginia Commonwealth University play Butler.

By Anita Kumar | 03:18 PM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:55 AM ET, 03/30/2011

McDonnell adds budget funds for retirement system, cuts public broadcasting

By Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell amended the state’s two-year budget to include nearly $28 million more for the Virginia Retirement System.

By Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:55 AM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 03/30/2011

McDonnell increases use of executive power, vetoes two more bills

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has now vetoed four measures passed by the legislature this year.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:10 AM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:39 AM ET, 03/30/2011

McDonnell pares back bill to provide insurance for autistic children

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell is proposing a series of amendments to a bill that would require businesses to provide insurance coverage for children with autism

By Anita Kumar | 09:39 AM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 03/30/2011

McDonnell vetoes bill to raise medical malpractice awards; override attempt expected

By Anita Kumar

As expected, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday that he vetoed a bill that would raise awards in medical malpractice lawsuits.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 03/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:25 PM ET, 03/29/2011

Fairfax board rejects purchase of Lorton incinerator

By Kafia Hosh

By Kafia Hosh | 11:25 PM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:09 PM ET, 03/29/2011

Speakers weigh in on Fairfax budget proposal

By Kafia Hosh

By Kafia Hosh | 11:09 PM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 03/29/2011

McDonnell waits until last minute to act on bills, budget

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is waiting until the last possible minute — midnight Tuesday — to unveil his amendments to the state budget and his actions on controversial bills on insurance for children with autism and medical malpractice awards.

By Anita Kumar | 04:30 PM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:36 PM ET, 03/29/2011

Athey will not seek another term in the House of Delegates

By Anita Kumar

Del. C.L. “Clay” Athey Jr. (R-Warren), who serves as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, announced today that he would not be seeking reelection to the House of Delegates in November

By Anita Kumar | 02:36 PM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 03/29/2011

McDonnell signs bill restricting alcohol ads on billboards

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell signed a bill to restrict alcohol ads on billboards in certain places following a settlement in January with billboard company Lamar that resulted in the commonwealth lifting a long-standing ban on the ads across the state.

By Anita Kumar | 02:15 PM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:04 AM ET, 03/29/2011

McDonnell to cheer on VCU at the Final Four

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell with fly to Houston this weekend to see hometown team Virginia Commonwealth University play Butler in the Final Four.

By Anita Kumar | 11:04 AM ET, 03/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:05 PM ET, 03/28/2011

McDonnell signs bill extending time for sex abuse victims to sue

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell signed a bill to give victims of childhood sexual assault more time to sue their abusers

By Anita Kumar | 06:05 PM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 03/28/2011

McDonnell signs bill regulating abortion clinics as hospitals

By Rosalind S. Helderman

New Virginia law applies to clinics where first-trimester abortions are performed.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 05:39 PM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:03 PM ET, 03/28/2011

McDonnell signs car title loan bill

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has signed a bill into law that will allow car title lenders to extend credit to out-of-state drivers, lifting a six-month-old ban on such loans that had been imposed by state regulators

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:03 PM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 03/28/2011

McDonnell seeks to amend bill providing insurance for autistic children

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor’s proposals would make the bill more restrictive, according to several legislators.

By Anita Kumar | 03:50 PM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:47 PM ET, 03/28/2011

McDonnell likely to veto bill that would raise medical malpractice awards

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell is likely to veto a bill that would raise awards in medical malpractice lawsuits starting in 2012, because it violates a promise he made during his 2009 campaign, according to lawmakers and lobbyists.

By Anita Kumar | 03:47 PM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 03/28/2011

Va. officials celebrate VCU’s win over Kansas

By Anita Kumar

After Virginia Commonwealth University’s stunning defeat over Kansas on Sunday, accolades from Virginia officials started pouring in

By Anita Kumar | 10:45 AM ET, 03/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 03/26/2011

Connolly endorses Alexandria council member Krupicka for state senate

By Anita Kumar

Rob Krupicka must face an Arlington School Board member a state delegate in the Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. Patricia S. Ticer (D-Alexandria).

By Anita Kumar | 04:55 PM ET, 03/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/26/2011

McDonnell criticizes federal health-care law in address to nation

By Anita Kumar

In a national address Saturday morning, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) spoke about the many problems the federal health care law is creating in the state and nation in the year since Congress passed it

By Anita Kumar | 06:00 AM ET, 03/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:42 PM ET, 03/25/2011

House, Senate adopt different criteria for redistricting

By Anita Kumar

Va. Senate and House adopt different criteria Friday to ensure that each of the state’s legislative districts is similarly sized

By Anita Kumar | 05:42 PM ET, 03/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:36 PM ET, 03/25/2011

Va. autism group asks governor to sign insurance bill

By Fredrick Kunkle

The Virginia governor has just days to act on a measure that would require insurers to provide some coverage for autistic children.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 05:36 PM ET, 03/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 03/25/2011

McDonnell tapped to give national address

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was tapped by national Republican leaders to deliver the weekly Republican address -- what is commonly referred to as the response to the president’s radio address — days after the one-year anniversary of the passage of the federal health care law.

By Anita Kumar | 04:45 PM ET, 03/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 03/25/2011

Republican runs for Marsden’s Senate seat

By Anita Kumar

Republican Jason Flanary announced Friday that he will run for the state Senate seat held by Sen. Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax) in November

By Anita Kumar | 12:57 PM ET, 03/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 03/25/2011

Reagan’s son headlines fundraiser for Virginia Republicans

By Anita Kumar

Michael E. Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, will headline a fundraiser for the Republican Party of Virginia in Richmond next month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth.

By Anita Kumar | 10:25 AM ET, 03/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 03/24/2011

McDonnell’s statement on veto of P.E. bill

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell’s statement Thursday when announcing his veto of a bill requiring all elementary and middle students in the state to participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week

By Anita Kumar | 06:20 PM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 03/24/2011

House proposes change to redistricting criteria from 2001

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Virginia House of Delegates could move Friday to adopt a stricter criteria for ensuring that each of the state’s 100 legislative districts is similarly sized than it did 10 years ago, when the General Assembly last realigned its legislative maps in response to the once-a-decade census

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 05:58 PM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 03/24/2011

McDonnell vetoes 150 minutes of P.E. for schoolchildren

By Anita Kumar

McDonnell vetoed a bill requiring all children in public elementary and middle schools to participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

By Anita Kumar | 02:55 PM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 03/24/2011

Fairfax Democratic supervisor says he’s leaning to tax cut

By Fredrick Kunkle

Foust says he’s leaning to tax cut during spirited debate over spending at Dranesville town hall

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:17 PM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 03/24/2011

By

By | 12:21 PM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 03/24/2011

McDonnell pressured on P.E. bill as deadline looms

By Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman

Few bills have garnered as much attention recently as one requiring all children in public elementary and middle schools participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

By Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:24 AM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 03/24/2011

Cuccinelli: No endorsement for Senate this year

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli says he has no plans to endorse a candidate in the Republican contest to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Webb in 2012 — at least, not this year.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:50 AM ET, 03/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:48 PM ET, 03/23/2011

John Warner recalls Elizabeth Taylor’s heart and soul

By Anita Kumar

For Virginians, Elizabeth Taylor was not just an Oscar-winning actress. She was also a well known sight at political events in the late 1970s and 1980s as the wife of then-Sen. John Warner.

By Anita Kumar | 04:48 PM ET, 03/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 03/23/2011

McDonnell signs ‘spice’ bill

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law Wednesday a bill banning dried herbs sprayed with chemicals — known as synthetic marijuana, K2 or spice.

By Anita Kumar | 03:40 PM ET, 03/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 03/23/2011

McDonnell urged to amend abortion clinic bill

By Rosalind S. Helderman

A group of abortion rights activists are urging Gov. Bob McDonnell to amend a bill requiring that abortion clinics face stricter regulations to include all physicians offices where outpatient procedures are performed

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 02:49 PM ET, 03/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 03/23/2011

Cuccinelli personally apologizes to Haynesworth for imprisonment

By Rosalind S. Helderman

In a meeting at his Richmond office, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli personally apologized to Thomas Haynesworth on Tuesday, telling the man who was released from prison Monday after serving 27 years for a string of rapes and assaults that prosecutors now believe he did not commit that Virginia’s justice system had failed him.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:40 AM ET, 03/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:11 PM ET, 03/22/2011

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors asks Congress to shield social safety net, transportation from cuts

By Fredrick Kunkle

Board says that despite reputation for wealth, thousands barely make do; expresses particular concern about Metro cuts

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:11 PM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 03/22/2011

Student winners named in college redistricting competition

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Students from William and Mary and the University of Virginia split prizes in a unique competition pitting college students against one another in trying to draw up fair and reasonable congressional and state Senate districts in response to the 2010 Census

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:30 PM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:44 PM ET, 03/22/2011

Health groups push McDonnell to sign bill that would require more P.E. in schools

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Thirteen health and community groups sent Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) a joint letter Tuesday urging him to sign a bill approved by the General Assembly that would require public elementary and middle schools to offer students 150 minutes of physical education a week, raising pressure on the governor over an already hotly contested piece of legislation.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:44 PM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:18 PM ET, 03/22/2011

Va. political blogger running for House of Delegates

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Right-leaning blogger Brian Schoeneman has filed papers to run for the House of Delegates against Del. Mark Keam in Fairfax

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:18 PM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 03/22/2011

Nonprofits unite to maintain Fairfax County services for poor, vulnerable residents

By Fredrick Kunkle

Services for homeless, abused children and others at risk

By Fredrick Kunkle | 11:10 AM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 03/22/2011

Va. black caucus calls for second congressional district with high number of minority voters

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus is calling on the General Assembly to create a second congressional district with a high proportion of minorities when it redraws legislative maps next month in response to the 2010 census.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:15 AM ET, 03/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 03/21/2011

Strange bedfellows: Webb, Radtke both criticize Obama administration’s handling of Libya

By Ben Pershing

Both Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) and one of the Republicans seeking to replace him, tea party leader Jamie Radtke, harshly criticized the Obama administration Monday for its launch of airstrikes against Libya, proving that the latest Middle East conflict has created some strange political bedfellows

By Ben Pershing | 03:30 PM ET, 03/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 03/21/2011

Va. agencies to use E-Verify by June

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia state agencies will be required to use Homeland Security’s E-Verify database to check the immigration status of new government hires starting June 1, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) announced Monday.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:22 PM ET, 03/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 03/21/2011

McDonnell approves familial DNA for Va. crime-fighting

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia is introducing a new technique to broaden its use of DNA evidence to solve major violent crimes, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Monday

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:57 AM ET, 03/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:57 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Allen staffing up as campaign moves forward

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Former governor and senator George Allen is fleshing out his top campaign staff as he seeks reelection to the Senate seat he lost to Jim Webb in 2006.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 05:57 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:24 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Wealthy political novice Donner may enter GOP field for Senate

By Ben Pershing

Timothy E. Donner, a wealthy political novice who runs a television production company in Great Falls, is considering entering the 2012 Virginia Senate GOP field.

By Ben Pershing | 05:24 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Education, government groups urge veto of P.E. bill

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Several statewide education groups are joining with the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League to urge Gov. Bob McDonnell to veto a bill that requires elementary and middle schools to offer 150 minutes of physical education a week

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 05:00 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:23 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Ex-representative Nye lands at German Marshall Fund

By Ben Pershing

Five months after losing his congressional seat, former Nye has taken a post with the German Marshall Fund

By Ben Pershing | 04:23 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:17 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Va. General Assembly looks for quick redistricting

By Rosalind S. Helderman

It looks like the General Assembly is setting up an exceedingly quick schedule for its once-a-decade redistricting process

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:17 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 03/18/2011

Scott not ready to make a decision on Senate, spokesman says

By Rosalind S. Helderman

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott still isn’t ruling out a possible run for Senate, even as Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine appears ready to enter the race to replace retiring Sen. Jim Webb

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 02:35 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:44 PM ET, 03/18/2011

McDonnell protests EPA regulations to Obama

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell and 19 other Republican governors have written President Obama a letter complaining about increased Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:44 PM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 03/18/2011

Fimian mulls third run against Gerald Connolly in 2012

By Ben Pershing

After losing in 2008 and 2010, Republican businessman Keith Fimian says he may run against Rep. Gerald Connolly (D) for a third straight cycle in Northern Virginia.

By Ben Pershing | 11:30 AM ET, 03/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 03/17/2011

McDonnell’s redistricting commission: We will be relevant

By Rosalind S. Helderman

There is indication that the politicians don’t plan to take the governor’s advisory bipartisan redistricting commission’s work all that seriously--and the commissioners aren’t thrilled about it.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 01:46 PM ET, 03/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:10 PM ET, 03/16/2011

McDonnell, delegation discuss Metro, nuclear power and more

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell and Virginia’s congressional delegation discussed McDonnell’s efforts to get a seat on the Board of Directors of Metro, the status of Virginia’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the health-care bill and environmental and energy policy

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 06:10 PM ET, 03/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:04 PM ET, 03/16/2011

Wilder: Whether Kaine’s in race or not, Scott could still run for Senate

By Rosalind S. Helderman

As Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine seems poised to enter the race to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D), former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder says they party shouldn’t discount another potentially strong candidate: U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D).

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:04 PM ET, 03/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:09 PM ET, 03/16/2011

Governor’s advisory panel on redistricting visits Northern Virginia

By Fredrick Kunkle

Citizen mapmakers urge commission to draw fair districts that honor community identities

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:09 PM ET, 03/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 03/16/2011

Mr. McDonnell goes to Washington

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is making the rounds in Washington Wednesday, lunching with national reporters, meeting with the prime minister of Ireland and conducting talks with Virginia’s congressional delegation.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:46 PM ET, 03/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 03/16/2011

Tea partiers in southwest Va. protest at Rep. Griffith’s offices over health-care funding

By Ben Pershing

To some tea party activists in southwest Virginia, Rep. Morgan Griffith has not been conservative enough. And they’re letting him know it, staging protests Wednesday at his district offices in Abingdon and Christiansburg

By Ben Pershing | 12:36 PM ET, 03/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 PM ET, 03/15/2011

Fairfax County labor demonstrates in solidarity with Wisconsin

By Fredrick Kunkle

Many passing cars honk in sympathy; heckler in white pickup shouts

By Fredrick Kunkle | 08:25 PM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:40 PM ET, 03/15/2011

Affordable housing group criticizes Fairfax County supervisor, disputes characterization of project as ‘luxury’ digs

By Fredrick Kunkle

Advocates say Herrity distorts project by characterizing it as ‘luxury’

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:40 PM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 03/15/2011

Pr. William officials budget funds for new commuter lot

By

Prince William County officials budgeted almost $300,000 in proffer funds for a temporary commuter lot they opened Monday on the county’s eastern end.

By | 03:30 PM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:23 PM ET, 03/15/2011

McDonnell: ‘Foolhardy’ to abandon nuclear power in Va.

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said Tuesday that it would be “foolhardy” to abandon the construction of nuclear reactors in Virginia and elsewhere in the United States because of the unfolding nuclear crisis at earthquake and tsunami-damaged plants in Japan.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:23 PM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:21 PM ET, 03/15/2011

Virginia posts 16.7 percent revenue growth in February

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s revenue collections increased by 16.7 percent in February over the previous year, state officials reported Tuesday.

By Anita Kumar | 01:21 PM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 03/15/2011

Kaine Web site redirects readers to Cuccinelli site

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Looking for a Web site for likely U.S. Senate candidate and current Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine?

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:46 AM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:22 AM ET, 03/15/2011

Obama urges Supreme Court to deny Va.’s request for expedited health care review

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Obama Administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a request from Virginia Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) that the high court expedite review of the state’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care law.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 09:22 AM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:48 PM ET, 03/14/2011

McDonnell picks Duke to win NCAA title

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Looks like Gov. Bob McDonnell has been reading Washington Post sports columnist Mike Wise’s piece about heart vs. head NCAA bracket picks.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 06:48 PM ET, 03/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Fairfax fared okay in General Assembly, officials say — except on transportation

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County officials say Virginia’s most populous jurisdiction fared better than expected but still faces cuts in state funding and lonely path toward repairing its roads

By Fredrick Kunkle | 04:49 PM ET, 03/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Fairfax County supervisor McKay formally launches reelection campaign Saturday

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Jeff McKay (D-Lee) will launch his reelection campaign Saturday with a fundraiser that has already attracted more than 100 backers.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 04:49 PM ET, 03/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Kaine ‘increasingly likely’ to run for U.S. Senate

By Anita Kumar

Tim Kaine, former Virginia governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is increasingly likely to run for U.S. Senate, his spokesman said Monday.

By Anita Kumar | 01:57 PM ET, 03/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 03/14/2011

Kaine ‘increasingly likely’ to run for U.S. Senate

By Anita Kumar

Tim Kaine, former Virginia governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is increasingly likely to run for U.S. Senate, his spokesman said Monday.

By Anita Kumar | 01:57 PM ET, 03/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:57 PM ET, 03/12/2011

Alexandria council votes to create transportation tax, allow increase in property tax rate

By Christy Goodman

The Alexandria City Council votes to advertise a new transportation tax for commercial properties and a higher real estate property tax rate than what was recently proposed.

By Christy Goodman | 03:57 PM ET, 03/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:36 PM ET, 03/11/2011

Va. Supreme Court will hear U-Va. global warming case

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case dealing with whether Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) can subpoena e-mails and records from the University of Virginia dealing with the work of a former university climate scientist.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:36 PM ET, 03/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 03/11/2011

Contest judges view Va. redistricting maps drawn by college students

By Fredrick Kunkle

Cash prizes on the line

By Fredrick Kunkle | 03:30 PM ET, 03/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 03/11/2011

Speedy process for new abortion clinic rules outlined

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia’s abortion clinics will face new regulations by Jan. 1 under a speedy process for adopting emergency rules for clinics outlined Friday for the state’s Board of Health.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 01:36 PM ET, 03/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:37 PM ET, 03/10/2011

No decision from Kaine this week on Senate race

By Ben Pershing

Virginians eager to hear whether Timothy M. Kaine will jump into next year’s Senate race will have to wait a while longer : No decision is coming until at least next week.

By Ben Pershing | 05:37 PM ET, 03/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:36 PM ET, 03/10/2011

Allen hires architect of 1993 governor’s campaign to manage comeback

By Rosalind S. Helderman

George Allen announced today that he has hired Mike Thomas--the man who ran his 1993 campaign for governor--to manage his attempt to regain the U.S. Senate seat he lost to Sen. Jim Webb (D) in 2006.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:36 PM ET, 03/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:16 PM ET, 03/10/2011

Virginia’s unemployment rate continues to drop

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) are taking credit for Virginia’s improving employment rate, heralding January unemployment numbers in a joint statement.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 02:16 PM ET, 03/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:46 AM ET, 03/10/2011

Fairfax delegates want to dissolve elected school board

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Two Fairfax delegates say they believe the county’s elected school board has become dysfunctional and should be replaced by a body appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:46 AM ET, 03/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:29 PM ET, 03/09/2011

Hatch Act complaint dismissed

By Christy Goodman

Alexandria City Council member Alicia Hughes was cleared of an anonymous complaint that she violated the Hatch Act during her 2009 campaign.

By Christy Goodman | 04:29 PM ET, 03/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:21 PM ET, 03/09/2011

Va. budget cuts have hit mental health programs, report shows

By Rosalind S. Helderman

A new national report shows that Virginia has cut funding for mental health programs by 9 percent since 2007, the 17th-largest such spending reduction in the country.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:21 PM ET, 03/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 03/09/2011

Va. state political committees hire with November in mind

By Rosalind S. Helderman

With the 2011 legislative election just around the corner, it’s hiring season for state political action committees.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 01:14 PM ET, 03/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 03/09/2011

New delegate will be sworn in Wednesday

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The newest member of the Virginia House of Delegates will be sworn in Wednesday afternoon, as Poquoson mayor Gordon Helsel takes the seat that was held by Del. Tom Gear (R-Hampton).

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:23 AM ET, 03/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:08 PM ET, 03/08/2011

Incumbent Va. congressmen lose out in draft district maps from bipartisan commission

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The independent bipartisan redistricting commission appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) began sifting through possible maps of new congressional and state senate lines Tuesday and a couple of topics that usually dominate redistricting conversations didn’t even come up.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 06:08 PM ET, 03/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 03/08/2011

Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission urges focus on redevelopment, adjusting to aging population

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County, expecting faster growth in jobs than available housing, should focus more on mixed-used development

By Fredrick Kunkle | 05:09 PM ET, 03/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 03/08/2011

Survey says Va. Democrats want Kaine for Senate

By Ben Pershing

By Ben Pershing | 01:19 PM ET, 03/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 03/08/2011

Field shapes up for Whipple seat, even as district lines uncertain

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Democratic field to replace retiring state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington) is shaping up: Del. Bob Brink (D) is out, Arlington County Board member Barbara Favola is in. Del. Patrick Hope (D) is...interested in your opinion about whether he should run.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:21 PM ET, 03/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:43 AM ET, 03/08/2011

Fairfax delegates urge McDonnell to veto PE bill

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Four Fairfax County delegates are urging Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) to veto a bill that would mandate that elementary and middle schools devote 150 minutes to physical education each week.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 09:43 AM ET, 03/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:42 PM ET, 03/07/2011

Ticer endorses Arlington school board member to replace her in senate

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Retiring state Sen. Patsy Ticer (D-Alexandria)has endorsed Arlington School Board member Libby Garvey to replace her in November, according to Garvey’s campaign.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 09:42 PM ET, 03/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 03/07/2011

Consumer groups hit Saslaw over car title lending

By Rosalind S. Helderman

In a joint release, five organizations that lobby against predatory loaning practices took Sen. Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax) to task for a bill he sponsored during the recently concluded legislative session to allow car title lenders to extend credit to out-of-state drivers.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:41 PM ET, 03/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 03/07/2011

Cuccinelli political operation plans major Va. senate effort

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) plans an aggressive and independent effort through his political operation to play role in November.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:01 PM ET, 03/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:01 PM ET, 03/04/2011

Sen. Mark Warner talking up federal workers

By

Ed O’Keefe reports on the Federal Eye blog that, continuing a tradition launched by a former colleague, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is devoting some of his Senate floor speeches to highlight the work of rank-and-file federal workers.

By | 06:01 PM ET, 03/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 03/04/2011

Continuing tradition, Sen. Warner talking up federal workers

By

Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) plans to regularly highlight the work of rank-and-file federal workers in his Senate floor speeches.

By | 04:49 PM ET, 03/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:21 PM ET, 03/04/2011

Cuccinelli to auction lunch for Alexandria charity

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Just what the residents of deep blue Alexandria always wanted: lunch with conservative Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R).

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 01:21 PM ET, 03/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 03/04/2011

Connolly won’t enter Senate race, hopes Kaine will run

By Ben Pershing

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D) definitively took himself out of the running for the seat being vacated next year by Sen. James Webb (D-Va.), reiterating his hope that ex-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine would be the Democratic nominee for the seat.

By Ben Pershing | 01:14 PM ET, 03/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 03/03/2011

Prince William files lawsuit against DHS seeking information about Martinelly-Montano case

By Jennifer Buske

By Jennifer Buske | 05:13 PM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:20 PM ET, 03/03/2011

New poll shows George Allen in strong position for GOP Senate primary

By Ben Pershing

While Democrats keep waiting to see whether former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will jump into the race to succeed retiring Sen. James Webb (D-Va.), a new poll shows former Sen. George Allen in a strong position in the Republican primary.

By Ben Pershing | 04:20 PM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 03/03/2011

Mike Signer to focus on PAC, not senate run

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Former Democratic candidate lieutenant governor candidate Mike Signer says he does not plan to run for the state senate seat that will be vacated with the retirement of Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington). He had previously said he also has no plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Jim Webb (D).The Arlington lawyer and former counsel to then-governor Mark Warner (D) says he plans to instead spend time nurturing the New Dominion Project, a political action committee and Web site he launched two weeks ago."Democratic activists have recently asked me to consider open seats in the Commonwealth," Signer said in a statement. "While these requests have been flattering, recent developments in Richmond have only crystallized for me the need to focus on this crucial work in the coming months."In an interview, Signer describes New Dominion Project as a "combination of journalism and advocacy," whose goal...

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:43 PM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: !Elections

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 03/03/2011

Mike Signer to focus on PAC, not senate run

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Arlington lawyer and former counsel to then-governor Mark Warner (D) Mike Signer says he plans to spend time instead nurturing the New Dominion Project, a political action committee and Web site he launched two weeks ago, rather than running for state senate.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:39 PM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011

McDonnell's trip to the Sunshine State

By Anita Kumar

Following Sunday's adjournment of the legislative session, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has headed to South Florida for a little R&R. McDonnell, vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association, will also spend a little time mingling with supporters of both his 2009 campaign and the RGA. On Friday, he will attend a lunch hosted by McLean attorney and McDonnell donor Kevin Fay at the famed Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and then a dinner in Palm Beach hosted by prominent developer Eddie Garcia, according to Phil Cox, McDonnell top political adviser. Garcia, who has homes in Virginia Beach and Palm Beach, gave $25,000 to McDonnell's political action committee, Opportunity Virginia, according to the Virginia Public Access Porject, a non-partisan tracker of money in politics. On Saturday night, McDonnell will host a thank-you reception for RGA donors in the area, Cox said....

By Anita Kumar | 10:00 AM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Anita Kumar, Robert F. McDonnell

Posted at 04:49 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Cuccinelli applauds Supreme Court decision in military funeral case

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) says an 8 to 1 ruling by the U.S. Supreme CourtWednesday that the First Amendment protects speech by a fringe church that targets military funerals "vindicated" his decision to stay out of the case.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:49 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Kaine will likely announce Senate decision as soon as next week

By Anita Kumar

Tim Kaine, former governor and current chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will most likely announce whether he is running for U.S. Senate as soon as next week, according to sources close to Kaine. Kaine is on vacation with his family until Monday, in part to consider the decision, they say. The sources say he will announce soon after returning. He has consulted with President Obama and been encouraged to run by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, both of Virginia's senators and countless state officials. On Feb. 19 at Virginia Democrats' Jefferson Jackson Dinner, he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds of activists in his hometown and by those wanting him to run. Several other Democrats have been mentioned as possible contenders. Defeated representative Tom Perriello is the most prominent name. Other possible candidates include Rep. Gerry Connolly, former representative Rick Boucher, state Sen. Chapman "Chap" Petersen (Fairfax), state Sen....

By Anita Kumar | 04:47 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Anita Kumar, Timothy M. Kaine

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Cuccinelli applauds Supreme Court decision in military funeral case

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) says an 8 to 1 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday ruling that the first amendment protects speech by a fringe church that targets military funerals "vindicated" his decision to stay out of the case.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:05 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Ken Cuccinelli, Rosalind Helderman

Posted at 02:18 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Va. school cafeterias can learn how to buy local food

By Fredrick Kunkle

Two lawmakers from opposite parties and opposite ends of Virginia have teamed up to encourage school cafeterias to serve more food from local farms. Del. Kaye Kory (D-Fairfax) and Sen. Emmet W. Hanger, Jr. (R-Augusta) both introduced bills -- HB1549 and SB1090 -- in the recently concluded Virginia General Assembly to remove barriers that might prevent school purchasing officers from buying from local food producers....

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:18 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: General Assembly 2011

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Airport board split over new chief executive candidate

By Ann E. Marimow

The governing board of the Washington area's two main airports and the project to extend Metrorail to Dulles International remained divided Wednesday, taking no action to name a new chief executive.

By Ann E. Marimow | 02:03 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Transportation

Posted at 04:54 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Resident petitions to move Leesburg elections to November

By Caitlin Gibson

A petition to move Leesburg's town elections from May to November was signed by more than 2,500 voters and delivered to the Clerk of the Circuit Court on Monday, according to Leesburg Town Council member Kenneth "Ken" Reid and resident Barbara Bayles-Roberts, who is leading the petition effort. The petition was signed by more than 10 percent of registered Leesburg voters -- about 2,500 -- the minimum required for a voter referendum on the proposal in November. The question of whether to move town elections was first raised in fall 2009, when the county electoral board sent a memo to Leesburg and other Virginia municipalities stating that costs could be cut by moving the election date. The electoral board estimated in August that by cutting the costs of hiring polling staff and creating separate ballots, Leesburg could save about $17,000 every two years if it made the switch, according to...

By Caitlin Gibson | 04:54 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Caitlin Gibson, Loudoun County

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Averill to lead Americans for Prosperity's Virginia office

By Anita Kumar

Americans for Prosperity, a group that supports a free market, low taxes and transparency in government, has hired longtime Republican activist Trixie Averill as its new state director.

By Anita Kumar | 04:30 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Anita Kumar

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Pr. William supervisors adopt tax rate to advertise

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William County residents may see a small tax hike next year as county officials look for money to fund transportation and other capital projects. On Tuesday, supervisors unanimously voted to advertise a tax rate of $1.213 per $100 of assessed value. If approved in April, residential tax bills will go up, on average, 3 percent, county officials said. Taxpayers will also pay an additional 7.5-cent fire levy, or about $197 to help fund a proposed fire station.

By Jennifer Buske | 04:11 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:51 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Corey Stewart will vie to keep Pr. William chairman's seat

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey A . Stewart will seek reelection, he said Tuesday.

By Jennifer Buske | 03:51 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Corey Stewart, Prince William

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 03/01/2011

McDonnell vows to gain a seat on Metro Board despite legislature's inaction

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said he will continue to work to get a seat on the Metro Board of Directors after the General Assembly's failure to include language to that effect in the state budget that was passed unanimously Sunday night. House negotiators had tried to put a provision in the budget that would give Virginia's governor the power to appoint a board member, but their Senate counterparts balked. "I have been extremely clear with the leaders in Northern Virginia that it is absolutely wrong for Virginia to pay $50 million a year and have no seat at the table,'' McDonnell told reporters. "The federal government has two seats. Maryland has got a seat. D.C.'s got a seat. Virginia has got none ... I'm going to continue to pursue that. One way or another, we are going to have a Virginia seat on that board and I'm fully committed to...

By Anita Kumar | 03:40 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Anita Kumar, General Assembly 2011, House of Delegates, Robert F. McDonnell, State Senate

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 03/01/2011

Budget deal drops requirement that Cuccinelli track staff time

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) will face no legislative requirement that he keep track of his staff's time.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:51 AM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Budget, General Assembly 2011, House of Delegates, Ken Cuccinelli, Rosalind Helderman, State Senate

Virginia Politics: March, 2011