Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 08/31/2011

Allen, Kaine split on offsetting Irene funding

By Ben Pershing

The ongoing debate over whether recovery funding for Hurricane Irene must be offset has trickled into Virginia’s high-stakes Senate race.

By Ben Pershing | 04:58 PM ET, 08/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:28 PM ET, 08/30/2011

McDonnell: Irene will cost “millions and millions”

By Anita Kumar

By Anita Kumar | 07:28 PM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 08/30/2011

McDonnell: Draft abortion regulations are in ‘interest of health’

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) said he has not read the draft regulations for abortion clinics, released late Friday, but that the intent of the proposal is to look after women’s health, not to close facilities.

By Anita Kumar | 12:12 PM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 08/30/2011

Hurricane Irene response praised by McDonnell on WTOP

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has not been shy about criticizing the Obama administration, complimented the president and FEMA on their response to Hurricane Irene.

By Anita Kumar | 11:51 AM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:33 PM ET, 08/29/2011

Cantor criticized again for saying federal aid should be offset with spending cuts

By Anita Kumar

Liberal-leaning groups pounced on comments House Majority Leader Eric Cantor made — that federal disaster aid must be offset by spending cuts — while his home state is recovering from a pair of natural disasters.

By Anita Kumar | 04:33 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:39 PM ET, 08/29/2011

Conservative group pushes for draft abortion regulations

By Anita Kumar

The Family Foundation of Virginia said Monday that it is asking supporters to back new regulations released Friday for Virginia’s abortion clinics.

By Anita Kumar | 03:39 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 08/29/2011

McDonnell says he has no regrets about dire pre-storm warnings

By Fredrick Kunkle

“Sounding the clarion call about the potential danger was absolutely the right thing to do,” McDonnell said, saying that the advance warnings helped minimize damage.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 03:11 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:40 PM ET, 08/29/2011

Fairfax’s Braddock District board candidates agree on first 2 of 10 debates

By Fredrick Kunkle

The two main-party candidates in the race for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ seat in the key Braddock District have agreed to hold 10 debates beginning Sept. 14.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:40 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:31 PM ET, 08/29/2011

General Assembly candidates to participate in September forum

By Jennifer Buske

Six Northern Virginia residents vying for General Assembly seats will participate in a September forum hosted by Prince William County’s Committee of 100.

By Jennifer Buske | 01:31 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:09 AM ET, 08/29/2011

Fairfax’s Braddock District board candidates agree on first 2 of 10 debates

By Fredrick Kunkle

The two main-party candidates in the race for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ seat in the key Braddock District have agreed to hold 10 debates beginning Sept. 14.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:09 AM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 08/29/2011

McDonnell, congressmen to tour Hampton Roads to survey Irene’s damage

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and members of Virginia’s congressional delegation will tour Hampton Roads by helicopter Monday morning to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.

By Anita Kumar | 10:00 AM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 08/28/2011

O’Malley, McDonnell talk about Irene on ‘Meet the Press’

By John Wagner

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) both appeared on national television Sunday morning.

By John Wagner | 02:45 PM ET, 08/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 08/28/2011

McDonnell: Four deaths, 1 million without power as a result of Irene

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said Sunday that two-thirds of Virginia residents were affected by Hurricane Irene, which killed four people in the state and left more than a million households without power.

By Anita Kumar | 02:24 PM ET, 08/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 08/27/2011

McDonnell urges residents to be cautious even though Irene has weakened

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor said even though Hurricane Irene has weakened, it is still a serious storm that will likely cause major damage in the state.

By Anita Kumar | 01:41 PM ET, 08/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 08/26/2011

McDonnell: Virginians must prepare today, tomorrow will be too late

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell urged Virginians on Friday to prepare immediately for Hurricane Irene, which he said for most people will be “the most significant weather event of their lifetime.”

By Anita Kumar | 03:31 PM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 08/26/2011

McDonnell declares state of emergency following earthquake

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency Friday in response to Tuesday’s earthquake.

By Anita Kumar | 12:45 PM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 08/26/2011

McDonnell orders some state offices to close early

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell ordered that state offices in coastal areas close at 3 p.m., and is encouraging other employers to do the same to prepare for Hurricane Irene, which is expected to bring powerful winds and flooding to the state this weekend.

By Anita Kumar | 11:19 AM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 08/26/2011

Warner helps raise money for Democratic legislative candidates

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner is helping Democratic candidates for the General Assembly raise some much-needed cash in their battle to keep control of the state Senate.

By Anita Kumar | 10:55 AM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:29 PM ET, 08/25/2011

U-Va. turns over documents in global warming case

By Anita Kumar

The University of Virginia turned over thousands of pages of documents involving the work of former professor Michael Mann to the American Tradition Institute Environmental Law Center.

By Anita Kumar | 06:29 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 08/25/2011

McDonnell warns Virginians to prepare for ‘very dangerous’ hurricane

By Anita Kumar

Irene is expected to bring strong wind and massive amounts of rain to the state Saturday.

By Anita Kumar | 04:55 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 08/25/2011

Jamie Radtke feuds with conservative blogger

By Ben Pershing

The Virginia Senate candidate is engaged in a feud with a prominent conservative blogger, accusing him of going easy on ex-Sen. George Allen because of Allen’s ties to the blog’s owners.

By Ben Pershing | 03:30 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 08/25/2011

In Fairfax, Cook, Oleszek camps agree to debates

By Fredrick Kunkle

Republican Fairfax County Supervisor John C. Cook offered an open hand of welcome to challenger Janet S. Oleszek, more or less.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:25 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 08/25/2011

McDonnell declares state of emergency in Va. ahead of hurricane

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Irene, which is anticipated to bring wind and rain to parts of the state this weekend.

By Anita Kumar | 11:20 AM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 08/24/2011

McDonnell, Cantor tour quake-damaged Mineral, Va.

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell pledged to find state money for earthquake victims, but said he knows state aid is limited.

By Anita Kumar | 05:08 PM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:41 AM ET, 08/24/2011

Fairfax election officials recounting close vote in Braddock supervisor primary

By Fredrick Kunkle

The Fairfax County primary to pick a Democratic Party challenger for the Board of Supervisors’ seat in Braddock District turned into a nail-biter.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 09:41 AM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:24 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Favola wins primary, but maybe not her opponent’s support

By Victor Zapana

Arlington County Board member Barbara Favola gets a easy win in one of the state’s most negative races.

By Victor Zapana | 10:24 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:16 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Lopez wins Democratic primary in 49th

By

By | 09:16 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:08 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Live Blog: Virginia primary results

By Ben Pershing

Polls closed in Virginia at 7 p.m. and early numbers are now rolling in from several key legislative races in the state.

By Ben Pershing | 08:08 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:04 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Warner moves town hall outside after earthquake

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D) was on his way to a town hall at a Library of Congress facility in Culpeper when the earthquake struck about 30 miles away in Mineral.

By Anita Kumar | 05:04 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Virginians urged to check on neighbors after quake; 2 nuclear reactors shut down

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Robert F. McDonnell (R) said Tuesday afternoon the state is working with federal, state and local agencies to assess damage from the earthquake.

By Anita Kumar | 03:44 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 08/23/2011

Early Virginia primary voting light

By Washington Post editors

It’s polling day in Northern Virginia, where several legislative primaries are being held ahead of November’s general election.

By Washington Post editors | 11:00 AM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 08/23/2011

Laura Fornash named Va. secretary of education

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) announced Tuesday that he has appointed Laura Fornash as Virginia’s new secretary of education after a nationwide search.

By Anita Kumar | 10:40 AM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Voters head to the polls for Virginia’s primary elections

By Anita Kumar

Voters across Virginia will cast ballots Tuesday to elect party nominees in local and legislative races.

By Anita Kumar | 11:50 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:01 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Virginia GOP knocks Maryland’s O’Malley

By John Wagner

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) mostly played nice with one another during a joint appearance on a Sunday talk show. On Monday, the Virginia Republican Party was not similarly restrained.

By John Wagner | 05:01 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Mark Warner embarks on a tour of Virginia: Eight days, 39 events

By Anita Kumar

Sen. Mark Warner (D) is using Congress’s August recess to tour Virginia in typical Warner-esque, breakneck fashion.

By Anita Kumar | 04:40 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Kaine campaigns to keep state Senate in Democratic hands

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine is spending time in the next couple months campaigning for Democrats in November’s election as his party tries to hold onto the state Senate, which Kaine helped put in Democratic control during his term as governor.

By Anita Kumar | 12:02 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 08/19/2011

McDonnell, O’Malley to face off on Sunday TV

By John Wagner and Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley are slated to square off for the first time in their respective roles as chairmen of the partisan governors organizations they lead.

By John Wagner and Anita Kumar | 11:50 AM ET, 08/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 08/19/2011

Cuccinelli called by Republican presidential hopefuls

By Anita Kumar

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R), who has become popular in tea party circles, would help any of the GOP contenders burnish their conservative credentials.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 08/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 08/18/2011

Two Virginia counties make CNN Money list for top job growth

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William and Loudoun counties were named two of the top 25 places for job growth over the past decade, according to a CNN Money report.

By Jennifer Buske | 11:34 AM ET, 08/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 08/18/2011

Manassas Park, other Northern Va. communities make list of best places to live

By Jennifer Buske

Situated between Prince William County and the City of Manassas, Manassas Park got a bit of good news Tuesday after being criticized last month for its financial situation.

By Jennifer Buske | 10:30 AM ET, 08/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:42 AM ET, 08/18/2011

McDonnell announces $544.8 million budget surplus

By Anita Kumar

Higher-than-expected tax revenue and savings led to the surplus.

By Anita Kumar | 09:42 AM ET, 08/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:23 AM ET, 08/18/2011

Va. finishes year with $360 million+ surplus

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell is expected to tell lawmakers Thursday morning that Virginia has finished its fiscal year with a surplus of more than $360 million.

By Anita Kumar | 08:23 AM ET, 08/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 08/17/2011

Social services board delays adoption regulations

By Anita Kumar

The State Board of Social Services decided Wednesday to delay its April vote to continue a practice that some argue allows faith-based organizations to discriminate in adoptions.

By Anita Kumar | 06:43 PM ET, 08/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 08/17/2011

Janis will not seek re-election in November; will run for prosecutor job

By Anita Kumar

Del. Bill Janis, the Republican whip in the House of Delegates, officially announced Wednesday that he would not seek re-election in November.

By Anita Kumar | 01:00 PM ET, 08/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 08/17/2011

Jeff Frederick endorsed by two prominent Republicans

By Jennifer Buske

Senate hopeful Republican Jeff Frederick received endorsements this week from two big names in the Republican circle.

By Jennifer Buske | 11:02 AM ET, 08/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:39 AM ET, 08/17/2011

Group will lobby General Assembly against uranium mining

By Anita Kumar

Officials at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy say they will lobby to continue a state moratorium on uranium mining.

By Anita Kumar | 10:39 AM ET, 08/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:49 PM ET, 08/16/2011

Virginia legislative candidates raise $12 million-plus

By Anita Kumar

Candidates for the Virginia legislature have amassed more than $12 million for their races, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

By Anita Kumar | 05:49 PM ET, 08/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 08/16/2011

Virginia again named top state for business

By Anita Kumar

Pollina Corporate Real States has named Virginia the top state for business in its annual rankings.

By Anita Kumar | 12:02 PM ET, 08/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:30 AM ET, 08/16/2011

Cuccinelli says he may challenge Warner for U.S. Senate in 2014

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia Attorney General had been thought a possible 2013 gubernatorial candidate, but may instead challenge one of Virginia’s most popular politicians.

By Anita Kumar | 08:30 AM ET, 08/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:01 PM ET, 08/15/2011

With eye on VP, McDonnell may not endorse in presidential race

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell, the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate, said Monday that he may not endorse in the presidential race.

By Anita Kumar | 07:01 PM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:44 PM ET, 08/15/2011

Delegates condemn Favola for what they say are race-based remarks

By Anita Kumar

By Anita Kumar | 06:44 PM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:19 PM ET, 08/15/2011

Prince William supervisor to host tele-town hall

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William County Supervisor Frank J Principi (D-Woodbridge) will answer questions about his district Wednesday through a tele-town hall.

By Jennifer Buske | 03:19 PM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 08/15/2011

Eric Cantor endorses George Allen in Senate race

By Anita Kumar

The House majority leader called former senator and governor George Allen a “proven common sense conservative.”

By Anita Kumar | 12:04 PM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:01 AM ET, 08/15/2011

McDonnell named chairman of Republican Governors Association

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was named chairman of the Republican Governors Association Monday.

By Anita Kumar | 09:01 AM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:06 PM ET, 08/12/2011

McDonnell heading to New Hampshire for fundraiser

By Ben Pershing

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will head to New Hampshire next month to raise money for the state Republican Party, a trip that may help to keep his name in circulation as a possible member of the 2012 GOP presidential ticket.

By Ben Pershing | 09:06 PM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:29 PM ET, 08/12/2011

Bank that has state pension fund donates to Cantor after wife named chair of pension system

By Anita Kumar

Records show Bank of New York Mellon began donating the maximum under federal law to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s PAC and reelection campaign after his wife joined the VRS board in April 2010.

By Anita Kumar | 05:29 PM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 08/12/2011

Labor-backed group hits Frank Wolf on St. Elizabeths funding

By Ben Pershing

New group criticizing the Virginia Republican for backing a delay in funding construction of the new Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Southeast D.C.

By Ben Pershing | 01:45 PM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 08/12/2011

Phillip Hamilton, ex-Va. delegate, gets 9 1/2 years

By Mike DeBonis

A former high-ranking member of the Virginia House of Delegates has been sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prison after a May conviction on bribery and extortion charges.

By Mike DeBonis | 01:35 PM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 08/12/2011

Former Va. House budget leader gets 9 1/2 years for extortion, bribery

By The Associated Press

The then-appropriations committee member solicited a job as head of a training center he helped create with $500,000 in taxpayer money.

By The Associated Press | 12:42 PM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: General Assembly, House of Delegates

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 08/12/2011

Republican leaders campaign for Stanley in hard-fought Senate race

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s top Republicans are lending Sen. Bill Stanley a hand in his tough reelection to the Senate against a Democratic incumbent as the GOP looks to take back the chamber.

By Anita Kumar | 10:56 AM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Bank of New York Mellon sued by Virginia for alleged pension fund fraud

By Anita Kumar

Virginia has sued a major New York financial institution for allegedly defrauding six state and local public pension funds.

By Anita Kumar | 06:14 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:27 PM ET, 08/11/2011

McAuliffe builds cars, looks toward 2013 governor’s race

By Anita Kumar

Terry McAuliffe, the one-time gubernatorial candidate who is eyeing another run at Virginia’s governor’s mansion in 2013, has been talking up his venture to build electric and hybrid vehicles.

By Anita Kumar | 03:27 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Groups concerned U.Va. will turn over documents in global warming case

By Anita Kumar

Four groups say they are worried the University of Virginia may disclose private correspondence from scientists in the case involving the work of former professor Michael Mann.

By Anita Kumar | 12:50 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Former delegate Hamilton to be sentenced Friday for bribery, extortion

By Anita Kumar

A powerful former member of the Virginia House of Delegates will be sentenced for bribery and extortion Friday after he was convicted of soliciting a job at Norfolk’s Old Dominion University after obtaining state funding for the school.

By Anita Kumar | 12:20 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 08/10/2011

Virginia to hold day of mourning for Navy SEALs, others killed in Afghanistan

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell said that Friday will be a day of mourning for the 30 Americans — including Navy SEALs with ties to Virginia — who died after Taliban forces shot down their helicopter last weekend.

By Anita Kumar | 06:35 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:47 PM ET, 08/10/2011

McDonnell: Virginia’s budget surplus will increase by at least $50M

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) will announce next week that Virginia’s budget surplus will increase by at least $50 million because of savings.

By Anita Kumar | 12:47 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 08/10/2011

Kaine faces political newcomer in Senate primary

By Anita Kumar

Courtney Lynch announced Wednesday that she is running against former Gov. Tim Kaine (D) for the seat being vacated by Sen. Jim Webb (D).

By Anita Kumar | 12:21 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 08/10/2011

Democrats hope to win Oder’s House seat

By Anita Kumar

Del. Ken Plum, chairman of the House Democratic caucus, said Wednesday that Democrats are actively searching for a candidate to run for the 94th House district following Del. Glenn Oder’s announcement that will resign.

By Anita Kumar | 10:49 AM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 08/09/2011

Fairfax, Pr. William keep AAA bond ratings

By Anita Kumar and Jennifer Buske

Standard & Poor’s told Fairfax and Prince William counties that their coveted AAA credit ratings will remain intact despite the unprecedented downgrading of federal debt last week.

By Anita Kumar and Jennifer Buske | 06:14 PM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 08/09/2011

McDonnell will lead Southern regional education group

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) was named the new chairman of the Southern Regional Education Board.

By Anita Kumar | 05:00 PM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 08/09/2011

McDonnell: Virginia hopes to keep top bond rating

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) said Tuesday morning that he has not received word from bond rating agencies that the state’s credit will be downgraded following Standard & Poor’s unprecedented downgrading of the federal government last week.

By Anita Kumar | 10:35 AM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:19 AM ET, 08/09/2011

Obama cancels today’s Virginia visit

By Anita Kumar

President Obama has canceled his scheduled visit today to Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 09:19 AM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:45 PM ET, 08/08/2011

Dumfries makes police chief interim town manager

By Jennifer Buske

The Town of Dumfries named its police chief as is interim manager until officials can find a replacement for former manager Kim Alexander, town officials said.

By Jennifer Buske | 05:45 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 08/08/2011

President Obama to visit to Virginia Tuesday

By Anita Kumar

President will appear at Interstate Moving Services in Springfield, where he will talk up new fuel efficiency standards for trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.

By Anita Kumar | 03:44 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:55 AM ET, 08/08/2011

Pro-uranium group launches TV ads in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

A pro-energy group started airing TV ads Monday in Central and Southside Virginia highlighting the potential benefits of uranium mining in Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 11:55 AM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 08/08/2011

Del. Englin endorses Areizaga-Soto, slams ‘party bosses’

By Ben Pershing

Virginia Del. David L. Englin (D-Alexandria) waded into the heated Democratic primary contest in the 31st state Senate District on Monday, endorsing Jaime Areizaga-Soto for the post.

By Ben Pershing | 11:28 AM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 08/05/2011

Tobacco commission members spend $40,000 traveling to meetings in state planes

By Anita Kumar

Many members of the tobacco commission regularly fly on state-owned planes to attend the group’s meetings in Virginia, costing the state thousands of dollars a month.

By Anita Kumar | 04:55 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:32 PM ET, 08/05/2011

Democratic candidate Hirschbiel tackles question of donations to GOP

By Ben Pershing

Paul Hirschbiel is running for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, but he has donated to Republicans in the past.

By Ben Pershing | 04:32 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

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

Will Mark Warner get named to the ‘super committee’?

By Ben Pershing

Sen. Mark Warner’s work with the Gang of Six makes him either the first or the last person Democratic leaders will pick to serve on the new panel tasked with spending cuts.

By Ben Pershing | 03:05 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:52 PM ET, 08/05/2011

‘Negative outlook’ for Northern Virginia

By Christy Goodman

Several Northern Virginia localities had their Aaa rating reaffirmed but were assigned a “negative outlook” by Moody’s Investor Service due to ties to the federal government.

By Christy Goodman | 12:52 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 08/05/2011

McDonnell raises money for Wisconsin attorney general

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell headlined a fundraiser for Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, a fellow Republican, in Milwaukee on Friday morning.

By Anita Kumar | 10:56 AM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:27 PM ET, 08/04/2011

Coalition aims to challenge Va. no-tax pledge in balancing the budget

By Fredrick Kunkle

A broad coalition of unions, nonprofits, environmental groups and others has been formed to challenge Virginia’s longstanding aversion to raising taxes when balancing the budget.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:27 PM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 08/04/2011

Pr. William officials file lawsuit against DHS

By Jennifer Buske

Prince William County officials filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, demanding information on the thousands of illegal immigrants the county has transferred to DHS.

By Jennifer Buske | 01:02 PM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 08/04/2011

Voters affected by redistricting to receive primary information

By Anita Kumar

Residents who are eligible to vote in this month’s primary and live in districts affected by redistricting will soon receive new voter information cards.

By Anita Kumar | 11:43 AM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 08/02/2011

McDonnell names state education, health officials

By Ben Pershing

Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell named Laura Fornash as interim Secretary of Education and Cynthia B. Jones as director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

By Ben Pershing | 10:54 AM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:11 AM ET, 08/02/2011

Debt vote splits Virginia lawmakers

By Ben Pershing

Seven of Virginia’s 11 House members voted for the debt compromise, as lawmakers split along unusual ideological lines.

By Ben Pershing | 07:11 AM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:46 PM ET, 08/01/2011

‘Tito the builder’ wants Hispanic media to host a debate

By Jennifer Buske

A debate in Spanish won’t be happening between state Senate hopefuls Tito Muñoz and Jeff Frederick, but a debate with the Spanish media — maybe.

By Jennifer Buske | 05:46 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:18 AM ET, 08/01/2011

Va. Lt. Gov. Bolling selected as Romney’s state campaign chair

By Fredrick Kunkle

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney named Virginia lieutenant governor Bill Bolling as state chairman of Romney’s presidential campaign Monday.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 11:18 AM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Virginia Politics: August, 2011