Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 08/02/2011

Cantor to headline Fairfax Republican event

By Anita Kumar

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor will headline a fundraiser for the Fairfax County Republican Committee on Tuesday night at the Capitol Hill Club.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Loudoun officials reaffirm county’s financial health

By Caitlin Gibson

Loudoun County officials expressed optimism that the county would retain its exemplary credit rating, despite the possible impact of a downgrade in the federal government’s credit rating.

By Caitlin Gibson | 06:13 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 07/29/2011

McClanahan, Powell elected to Virginia Supreme Court

By Mike DeBonis

The Virginia General Assembly unanimously elected two new justices of the commonwealth’s Supreme Court Friday, ending a months-long stalemate.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:32 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011

McDonnell kicks off campaign events for legislative candidates

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell, who hopes to help fellow Republicans take control of the Senate in November, finished a busy week of campaign events for GOP candidates.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:51 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Fairfax County’s credit rating put on review for possible downgrade because of federal budget impasse

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County’s sterling credit has been put on review for a possible downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service because of the continuing impasse between Congress and the White House over raising the debt ceiling and the Northern Virginia economy’s dependence on the federal government, county officials learned Thursday.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:51 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Frank Wolf: Bring back the 9/11 Commission

By Ben Pershing

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) has long been a fan of blue-ribbon commissions, and now he thinks one of the best-known such bodies should come back for an encore.

By Ben Pershing | 04:19 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:17 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell endorses Boehner debt bill

By Ben Pershing

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, worried about a possible downgrade of the state’s bonds, backs U.S. House Speaker John Boehner’s debt-ceiling plan.

By Ben Pershing | 04:17 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:05 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Pr. William officials will invest in aging Potomac Nationals stadium

By Jennifer Buske

The deteriorating field at Potomac Nationals stadium will get the makeover it needs to finally meet Minor League Baseball standards, Prince William officials said.

By Jennifer Buske | 04:05 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Tito the builder asks challenger to debate in Spanish

By Jennifer Buske

Tito “The builder” Muñoz issued a challenge to his opponent Jeff Frederick on Thursday — do a debate solely in Spanish.

By Jennifer Buske | 01:33 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 07/28/2011

Pr. William Democrat begins campaign for 2nd district House seat

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William County Democrat Esteban Garces began his campaign Monday for the newly created House of Delegates seat.

By Jennifer Buske | 10:56 AM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 07/28/2011

Kaine supports Reid debt plan, Allen opposes Boehner proposal

By Ben Pershing

With leaders in Congress seeking support for competing plans for raising the debt ceiling, the two frontrunners in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race are also on opposite sides.

By Ben Pershing | 10:54 AM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:34 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Fairfax board approves hospital’s expansion plans, but with added protection for Gum Springs

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:34 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 07/27/2011

McDonnell raises money for W. Va. gubernatorial candidate

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell will headline a fundraiser Wednesday night for Bill Maloney, the Republican candidate for governor in neighboring West Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 01:00 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:48 PM ET, 07/27/2011

RNC launches new anti-Obama ad in Virginia

By Ben Pershing

The Republican National Committee launched a new ad against President Obama in Virginia Wednesday, suggesting that handing him another four-year term could be disastrous.

By Ben Pershing | 12:48 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/27/2011

Bolling heads to Puerto Rico for national meeting

By Anita Kumar

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will head to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday for the annual meeting of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:04 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approves complex for seniors on former site of Great Falls ice cream stand

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 08:04 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:24 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Fairfax supervisors back Dulles rail compromise, with conditions

By Ann E. Marimow

Fairfax would agree to pay for the Route 28 station – and two Metro parking garages – as long as the county government receives sufficient financing, including federal loans.

By Ann E. Marimow | 04:24 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Fairfax Chamber of Commerce urges Congress and White House to compromise on debt

By Fredrick Kunkle

Chamber President Jim Corcoran called on Congress and the White House on Tuesday to cut a deal to raise the debt ceiling or risk damaging Virginia’s economic powerhouse.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:08 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:53 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Jeff Frederick, ousted head of Va. GOP, to kick off Senate campaign

By Jennifer Buske

Jeff Frederick, the ousted leader of the Republican Party of Virginia, will officially kick off his campaign for state Senate on Saturday in Dumfries.

By Jennifer Buske | 01:53 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:39 PM ET, 07/26/2011

McDonnell: State will consider donating to Dulles rail if changes are made

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell said he would consider having the state donate money to the rail extension to Dulles if structural changes are made to the airports authority.

By Anita Kumar | 12:39 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:19 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Fairfax backs down on BB guns, passes ordinance in line with General Assembly

By Fredrick Kunkle

County board voted Tuesday to relax local prohibitions on BB guns, giving up an attempt to continue restrictions on such weapons on parkland and school property.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 12:19 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 07/26/2011

McDonnell: Raising taxes is not the solution

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell, looking to clear up any confusion about where he stands on federal debt talks, said Tuesday that he does not support raising taxes.

By Anita Kumar | 11:46 AM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 07/25/2011

GOP Senate primary candidate says Democratic Sen. Marsden violated zoning code on campaign signs

By Fredrick Kunkle

Jason Flanary, a Republican Senate primary candidate, said Sen. Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax) violated zoning law by putting up his campaign signs for the general election a month early.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:35 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Legislators will elect Supreme Court judges Friday

By Anita Kumar

The General Assembly will return to Richmond briefly Friday to elect two judges to the Virginia Supreme Court and two judges to the Court of Appeals.

By Anita Kumar | 03:36 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Va. lawmakers will consider ‘Caylee’s Law’

By Anita Kumar

State Sen. Ed Houck (D-Spotsylvania) said Monday that he will introduce a bill during the next legislative session that stems from the case of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony in Florida.

By Anita Kumar | 01:03 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:22 AM ET, 07/25/2011

Progressive caucus forms PAC to help get candidates elected

By Anita Kumar

The Progressive Caucus is forming a political action committee to try to get like-minded Democratic candidates elected to the General Assembly.

By Anita Kumar | 11:22 AM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:47 PM ET, 07/22/2011

Debt critic Radtke has some of her own

By Ben Pershing

Senate candidate Jamie Radtke (R) has more campaign debt than money in the bank, even as she criticizes federal leaders for their financial mismanagement.

By Ben Pershing | 05:47 PM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:16 PM ET, 07/22/2011

ACLU asks McDonnell to drop ‘invasive’ questions for judicial applicants

By Anita Kumar

The ACLU of Virginia has asked Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) to revise or remove two questions from his questionnaire for judicial applicants regarding mental and physical disabilities that the group says may violate the American with Disabilities Act.

By Anita Kumar | 04:16 PM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:55 PM ET, 07/22/2011

Connolly commends McDonnell for not taking ‘new revenue’ off the table in debt talks

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly sent a letter to Gov. Bob McDonnell commending him “for not taking any option off the table, including new revenue.”

By Anita Kumar | 12:55 PM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:03 PM ET, 07/21/2011

Areizaga-Soto calls on Favola to resign after $2,500 donation

By Anita Kumar

State Senate candidate Jaime Areizaga-Soto said his Democratic primary opponent, Barbara Favola, took a $2,500 donation fromAdvance Towing and later voted to increase towing fees.

By Anita Kumar | 06:03 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 07/21/2011

African American enclave says Fairfax ignoring its concerns over hospital expansion

By Fredrick Kunkle

Community leaders in Fairfax County’s Gum Springs neighborhood say county officials appear to be neglecting their concerns by green-lighting Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s expansion.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:02 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:20 PM ET, 07/21/2011

McDonnell urges legislature to adjourn so he can appoint judges

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell sent a letter to legislative leaders Thursday, urging them to either appoint judges or adjourn their special redistricting session so he can.

By Anita Kumar | 05:20 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:21 PM ET, 07/21/2011

McDonnell flies to Aspen for Republican governors’ meeting

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) flies to Aspen, Colo. Thursday to attend the executive roundtable retreat of the RGA, made up of donors who give $25,000 or more each year.

By Anita Kumar | 01:21 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:27 AM ET, 07/21/2011

Thompson, activists push popular vote initiative in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

Fred Thompson, the former U.S. senator, Republican presidential candidate and movie star was in Richmond this week to push an effort to change presidential voting rules so that the popular-vote winner captures the White House.

By Anita Kumar | 08:27 AM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:19 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Allen firm on call for balanced budget amendment, despite Moody’s bond rating warning

By Anita Kumar

Va. senate candidate George Allen says any national debt plan needs to include “iron clad spending cuts,” no new taxes and a balanced budget amendment.

By Anita Kumar | 06:19 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:28 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Republican senate candidates criticize McDonnell over debt talk

By Anita Kumar

Conservative GOP candidates criticized Gov. Bob McDonnell for saying that Republican members of Congress should “compromise” on federal debt talks.

By Anita Kumar | 05:28 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:25 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Frank Wolf backs ‘Gang of Six’ plan

By Ben Pershing

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) has endorsed the “Gang of Six” spending deal and called for a House vote on the package, backing the work of Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) but breaking from many of his fellow House Republicans.

By Ben Pershing | 05:25 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:22 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Bulova reiterates cautious support for LaHood’s Dulles rail cost-sharing plan but balks at tab for Route 28 station

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon S. Bulova (D) reiterated her cautious support Wednesday for a proposed Dulles Metrorail deal brokered by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to move the $3.5 billion project forward while holding down its costs.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 05:22 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:55 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Group hopes to get 20,000 immigrant, African-American voters to Virginia polls

By Anita Kumar

Virginia New Majority, a civil rights group, has launched a campaign to get 20,000 immigrant and African-American voters to the polls.

By Anita Kumar | 03:55 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Kaine, Allen team up for rare joint statement on military schools

By Ben Pershing

Two candidates locked in a heated Senate race, Timothy M. Kaine (D) and George Allen (R), have released a joint statement on schools on military bases.

By Ben Pershing | 02:44 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:50 AM ET, 07/20/2011

Anti-Obama campaign launches Spanish-language TV ads in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

The conservative group Crossroads GPS launched a Spanish-language ad in Virginia as part of a two-month, $20 million push to oust President Obama and congressional Democrats.

By Anita Kumar | 08:50 AM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Kaine, Warner disappointed about possible downgrade of Va.’s bond rating

By Anita Kumar

Former Gov. Tim Kaine, who is running for U.S. Senate next year, said he was “deeply disappointed” that Moody’s may downgrade the state’s AAA bond rating after failed deficit talks in Washington

By Anita Kumar | 08:25 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:05 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair Bulova has financial edge over Republican challenger

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 08:05 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 07/19/2011

McDonnell ‘furious’ Virginia’s AAA bond rating in jeopardy after failed federal deficit talks

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said at a news conference Tuesday that he was “furious” that Moody’s may downgrade the state’s AAA bond rating after failed deficit talks in Washington.

By Anita Kumar | 05:00 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 07/19/2011

McDonnell proposes spending surplus on pension system, tornado victims, public safety

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will announce Tuesday that he proposes spending surplus on pension system, tornado victims and public safety.

By Anita Kumar | 02:30 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 07/19/2011

Connolly has biggest bankroll among targeted Va. lawmakers

By Ben Pershing

Virginia’s congressional delegation is ramping up its fundraising, with vulnerable lawmakers stockpiling cash ahead of next November’s election.

By Ben Pershing | 11:30 AM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:12 AM ET, 07/19/2011

Va. ends fiscal year with $311M surplus

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s state government ended its last fiscal year on June 30 with a surplus of $311 million, according to the governor’s office.

By Anita Kumar | 07:12 AM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 07/18/2011

Senate candidates who won the race for cash

By Anita Kumar

Here are the winners in the race for cash in the Senate primary contests in Northern Virginia as of June 30, the last reporting period.

By Anita Kumar | 05:23 PM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:35 PM ET, 07/18/2011

Paul Hirschbiel will explore campaign against Rep. Rigell

By Ben Pershing

Businessman Paul Hirschbiel said Monday that he would explore a possible 2012 campaign against freshman Rep. Scott Rigell (R) in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.

By Ben Pershing | 12:35 PM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 07/18/2011

Republicans hold massive fundraising advantage before elections

By Anita Kumar

Republicans enjoy nearly a two-to-one advantage over Democrats in cash on hand as they look to take control of the state Senate and pick up seats in the House of Delegates.

By Anita Kumar | 12:20 PM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 07/16/2011

Fairfax County judge dismisses Clifton parent’s lawsuit accusing school district of violating FOIA law

By Fredrick Kunkle

Judge finds school board did not conduct secret meetings through e-mail; says board wrongly failed to disclose member’s remote participation in meeting and district staff’s FOIA compliance “frustrating and vexing” but says violations were ultimately minor

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:20 PM ET, 07/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:37 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Fairfax GOP Supervisor John Cook enlists Cuccinelli for fundraiser

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:37 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:32 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Senate Democrats stockpile cash for November

By Anita Kumar

Senate Democrats raised $254,793 in the three-month period that ended June 30 and had $864,877 in the bank as they look to keep their majority this fall.

By Anita Kumar | 06:32 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Martial arts instructors shower Hugo with contributions after favorable bill

By Anita Kumar

After the General Assembly passed a bill clarifying that martial arts schools should not be licensed as child day-care centers, the bill’s sponsor, Del. Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax), received 14 donations from martial arts instructors totaling $9,750.

By Anita Kumar | 05:44 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Bolling raised $541,000; Cuccinelli $446,000

By Anita Kumar

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has raised $541,000 in the six-month period that ended June 30 as he looks to run for governor in 2013. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) raised $466,000.

By Anita Kumar | 05:17 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 07/15/2011

McDonnell appoints supporters to Norfolk State board of visitors

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) continued naming his biggest supporters and top donors to the boards of visitors of the state's colleges and universities with four appointments Friday.

By Anita Kumar | 05:09 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Fairfax County forum: How suburbia’s love affair with green lawns can thrive without hurting bay

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fertilizer producer and conservation groups join to spread the word on lawn-care practices that will not pollute the water.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 04:47 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:49 AM ET, 07/15/2011

McDonnell flies to Salt Lake City for governors’ meetings

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) flew to Salt Lake City Friday morning for the National Governors Association summer meeting.

By Anita Kumar | 11:49 AM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 07/15/2011

Senate Republicans have $1.1M in the bank for elections

By Anita Kumar

Senate Republicans raised $365,115 in the three-month period that ended June 30, according to the caucus, and have a total of about $1.1 million.

By Anita Kumar | 10:00 AM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:04 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Va. congressmen criticize Mark Center occupancy plan

By Christy Goodman

Reps. James P. Moran Jr. and Gerald E. Connolly and Sens. James Webb and Mark Warner wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta for plans to move some 5,000 employees into the Mark Center building by December.

By Christy Goodman | 06:04 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:28 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Kaine predicts short-term debt deal, hits Allen on spending

By Ben Pershing

Former governor Timothy M. Kaine predicted this week that President Obama and Congress would ultimately agree on a short-term deal to raise the debt limit, as he criticized Republicans and his likely GOP opponent, former senator George Allen, for their stance on the issue.

By Ben Pershing | 05:28 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:42 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Allen criticized for voting against equipment for soldiers in Senate

By Anita Kumar

Former governor and senator George Allen captured on video while campaigning Wednesday talking to a soldier’s father about the need to properly equip troops with body armor.

By Anita Kumar | 04:42 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Warner headlines fundraiser for Va. Senate Democrats

By Anita Kumar

Senate Democrats have enlisted the help of the state’s popular former governor and current U.S. senator, Mark R. Warner, to help raise some money as they head into the crucial fall elections.

By Anita Kumar | 02:07 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:08 PM ET, 07/13/2011

Rep. Connolly says GOP is fiddling while incandescent bulbs burn

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:08 PM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 07/13/2011

Favola pulls poll question calling Democratic Senate primary opponent a Republican

By Anita Kumar

Arlington County Board member Barbara Favola said she made a mistake when she authorized a poll calling her opponent in the Democratic primary for state senate a Republican.

By Anita Kumar | 03:46 PM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:41 AM ET, 07/13/2011

McDonnell supports proposed federal cuts to transportation

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) continues to support a Republican proposal to reduce transportation money pending in the U.S. House, despite estimates by some that it could cut funds by 30 percent in Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 11:41 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 07/13/2011

Allen raised $1.1M in second quarter, less than half Kaine’s total

By Ben Pershing

Former Sen. George Allen raised $1.1 million in the second quarter in his race for the GOP Senate nomination, less than half former Gov. Tim Kaine’s total in the Democratic primary.

By Ben Pershing | 10:17 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:45 PM ET, 07/12/2011

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors wrangles over affordable housing — again

By Fredrick Kunkle

Supervisor Pat Herrity urged the county to cease giving subsidies for “luxury units and amenities.”

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:45 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 07/12/2011

Tenuous talks on Dulles rail in Fairfax County

By Ann E. Marimow

Fairfax County’s elected officials expressed reservations Tuesday about taking on greater responsibility for the second phase of the Dulles rail project without a firm commitment for more state money.

By Ann E. Marimow | 05:16 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 07/12/2011

McDonnell signs order requiring state vehicles to use alternative fuels

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) signed an executive order Tuesday requiring thousands of state vehicles to shift to alternative fuels whenever possible.

By Anita Kumar | 01:45 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:54 AM ET, 07/12/2011

McDonnell’s PAC raises $1.53M, has $3M in the bank

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell’s political action committee, Opportunity Virginia, raised $1.53 million in the three-month period that ended June 30, according to the governor’s office.

By Anita Kumar | 09:54 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 07/11/2011

McDonnell: Virginia will not contribute more money to rail to Dulles

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell said Monday that the state would not contribute another $150 million to the construction of the rail extension to Dulles International Airport, despite pleas for more money from the board of the Metropolitian Washington Airports Authority.

By Anita Kumar | 06:20 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Fred Thompson to appear in Richmond on behalf of National Popular Vote initiative

By Anita Kumar

Fred Thompson, the former U.S. senator, Republican presidential candidate and actor, will be in Richmond next week to support an effort to ensure the presidency goes to the winner of the most overall popular votes in all 50 states.

By Anita Kumar | 01:05 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:47 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Alexandria Waterfront Plan Work Group named

By Christy Goodman

Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille (D) named the seven-member Waterfront Plan Work Group.

By Christy Goodman | 12:47 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Brink endorses Favola for senate, disappointed in Areizaga-Soto

By Anita Kumar

Del. Bob Brink has endorsed Arlington County Board member Barbara Favola to replace Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple in what has become an increasingly negative Democratic primary in Northern Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 02:53 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Anti-Obama group launches second wave of ads in Va.

By Ben Pershing

As The Fix notes this morning, the conservative group Crossroads GPS is spending $7 million on a new advertising campaign criticizing President Obama.

By Ben Pershing | 12:36 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:55 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Va. Senate candidate Radtke calls for elimination of airports authority

By Ann E. Marimow

Virginia Senate candidate Jamie Radtke says she would propose legislation to get rid of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

By Ann E. Marimow | 03:55 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Top bond ratings for Alexandria

By Christy Goodman

Alexandria received top grades from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s bond rating agencies.

By Christy Goodman | 02:24 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Henry to run Kaine’s Senate campaign

By Anita Kumar

Mike Henry, who ran Kaine’s gubernatorial campaign in 2005 and Mark R. Warner’s Senate campaign in 2008, will run Kaine’s Senate race next year.

By Anita Kumar | 12:08 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:59 AM ET, 07/07/2011

Glenn Nye won’t run for his old seat in 2012

By Ben Pershing

The former U.S. representative has announced that he won’t run to get his old seat back in 2012.

By Ben Pershing | 10:59 AM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:04 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Warner ‘would not consider’ Treasury secretary job

By Ben Pershing

Sen. Mark Warner has been floated in the media as a possible successor to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, but Warner says he’s not interested in the job.

By Ben Pershing | 11:04 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Webb, Warner introduce bill to drill off Va. coast

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Sens. Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner, both Democrats, introduced a bill that would allow oil and natural gas drilling off the state’s coast starting next year.

By Anita Kumar | 03:28 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:08 AM ET, 07/06/2011

Va. Democrats to gather next week to prepare for elections

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Democrats looking to start winning again will hold their first ever summit next week as the party prepares for crucial elections this year and next.

By Anita Kumar | 11:08 AM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:57 AM ET, 07/05/2011

Kaine raises $2.25 million in 2nd quarter

By Anita Kumar

Former governor Tim Kaine, running for the U.S. Senate in 2012, will announce Tuesday that he raised more than $2.25 million between April and June.

By Anita Kumar | 07:57 AM ET, 07/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 07/01/2011

Fairfax County school board candidate with top Democratic endorsements drops out of race because of pending criminal charges

By Fredrick Kunkle and Keith L. Alexander

By Fredrick Kunkle and Keith L. Alexander | 07:00 PM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:16 PM ET, 07/01/2011

McDonnell appoints supporters to university boards of visitors

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) announced a flurry of appointments — 90 to be exact — just before 5 p.m. Friday.

By Anita Kumar | 06:16 PM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:42 PM ET, 07/01/2011

Scott postpones decision on U.S. Senate race

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott said Friday that he was postponing announcing whether he would challenge former Gov. Tim Kaine in a Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

By Anita Kumar | 02:42 PM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 07/01/2011

Bolling supports Romney, but what about McDonnell?

By Anita Kumar

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has made no secret of his support for Republican Mitt Romney but Gov. Bob McDonnell has said very little about the GOP presidential primary.

By Anita Kumar | 09:40 AM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 06/30/2011

Arlington planetarium saved

By Christy Goodman

Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium has been saved through more than $435,000 in donations, surpassing the goal of $402,800 set by Arlington school officials.

By Christy Goodman | 06:14 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:14 PM ET, 06/30/2011

Justice Department approves Loudoun’s redistricting plan

By Caitlin Gibson

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Loudoun’s redistricting plan, which establishes boundaries for eight new election districts.

By Caitlin Gibson | 05:14 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:56 PM ET, 06/30/2011

Republican leaders target Armstrong in House race

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s Republican leaders are pouring money into the race to defeat House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (D) in November.

By Anita Kumar | 04:56 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Virginia Politics: August, 2011