Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 10/31/2011

Fairfax County tree house builder gets petition support in zoning fight

By Fredrick Kunkle

An Army National Guardsman battling Fairfax County over his sons’ tree house is receiving reinforcement from hundreds of signatories on an online petition.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:26 AM ET, 10/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 AM ET, 10/29/2011

Bloomberg backs pro-gun control Democrats in Virginia election

By Anita Kumar

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is backing pro-gun control Democrats in the state’s legislative contests.

By Anita Kumar | 04:00 AM ET, 10/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:24 PM ET, 10/28/2011

Va. Senate Democrats raise more than $1M at Clinton fundraiser

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Senate Democrats collected more than $1 million at the event with former President Clinton this afternoon.

By Anita Kumar | 06:24 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:07 PM ET, 10/28/2011

Cantor aide shows fancy footwork at U.S. Capitol

By Anita Kumar

Megan Whittemore, deputy press secretary for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), is a serious modern dancer.

By Anita Kumar | 06:07 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:04 PM ET, 10/28/2011

Virginia appeals denial of federal earthquake aid

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) on Friday not only appealed a federal agency’s denial of earthquake aid for the state but also upped the ante.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:04 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:46 PM ET, 10/28/2011

Getting flush with wastewater bonds in Virginia

By Laura Vozzella

Virginians get the chance to invest in government bonds, which will finance water projects, before big investors can snap them up.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:46 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 10/28/2011

Braddock District candidates debate schools, roads and solar panels

By Fredrick Kunkle

Candidates for Fairfax Board of Supervisors clashed Thursday night over school funding, highway maintenance, solar power.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:56 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 10/28/2011

National GOP group donates more money to Virginia candidates

By Anita Kumar

The Republican State Leadership Committee contributed another $225,000 today to Virginia candidates.

By Anita Kumar | 01:33 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 10/28/2011

For Rep. Connolly, the play’s the thing

By Ben Pershing

Looking for Rep. Gerald Connolly this weekend? Try going to the theater.

By Ben Pershing | 12:53 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 10/28/2011

National Democrats target Virginia’s George Allen in new online ad campaign

By Anita Kumar

Online ads against George Allen, the leading candidate for the Republican Senate nomination in Virginia, will focus on his oil industry ties.

By Anita Kumar | 12:50 PM ET, 10/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Democrats accuse GOP of scaring Va. voters with unsolicited texts

By Anita Kumar

Democrats are asking Northern Virginia voters who have received unsolicited text messages attacking Dem’s Senate and House candidates to contact the Attorney General's office.

By Anita Kumar | 02:05 PM ET, 10/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Herman Cain to return to Virginia next month

By Anita Kumar

The Republican presidential hopeful will speak at the first of a series of events with the candidates hosted by the technology community.

By Anita Kumar | 12:29 PM ET, 10/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 10/27/2011

McDonnell, pursuing Lockheed Martin, says Maryland is less friendly to business

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell took a swipe at Maryland when talking about the state’s attempts to woo Bethesda-based defense giant Lockheed Martin from Maryland.

By Anita Kumar | 10:47 AM ET, 10/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:17 PM ET, 10/26/2011

National GOP group donates another $550,000 to Va candidates

By Anita Kumar

The Republican State Leadership Committeecontributed another $550,000 Wednesday to Virginia candidates

By Anita Kumar | 04:17 PM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 10/26/2011

Mitt Romney fires up volunteers in Fairfax before Virginia elections

By Anita Kumar

Mitt Romney rallied Republican volunteers in Fairfax County Wednesday, stressing the importance of Virginia’s legislative elections.

By Anita Kumar | 02:50 PM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 10/26/2011

Anti-abortion group targets Sen. Houck

By Laura Vozzella

The announcement comes a month after a group promoting “the Christian worldview in politics” announced goal of defeating him.

By Laura Vozzella | 02:31 PM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 10/26/2011

Current and ex-governor helping in Virginia House races

By Laura Vozzella

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and former Gov. Tim Kaine help raise money at a pair of fundraisers for House candidates Ramadan and Butler.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:23 PM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 10/26/2011

Mitt Romney rallies Republican troops in Fairfax

By

The Republican presidential hopeful makes a stop at the Republican party headquarters.

By | 10:52 AM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 10/26/2011

Colgan reprises ‘Rocky Balboa’ role in new TV ad

By Anita Kumar

Democratic Sen. Chuck Colgan — now 85 — has filmed a new version of the oldie but goodie.

By Anita Kumar | 12:00 AM ET, 10/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:11 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Fairfax tests hoteliers’ support for higher tax to fund conference center

By Fredrick Kunkle

The revenue would help pay for a future conference center.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:11 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Democrats attack Romney ahead of Virginia visit

By Ben Pershing

Mitt Romney is heading to Virginia, and Democrats are hoping to make the Republican presidential contender feel most unwelcome.

By Ben Pershing | 03:28 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Virginia GOP backs Bolling’s jobs stance

By Laura Vozzella

State party says lieutenant governor is right: The government doesn’t create jobs.

By Laura Vozzella | 02:53 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 10/25/2011

DNC donates $100,000 to Virginia Senate races

By Laura Vozzella

Contribution from Democratic National Committee not large enough to overcome GOP fundraising advantage.

By Laura Vozzella | 01:48 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011

McDonnell frustrated feds haven’t given okay for troopers to train as immigration agents

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell said Tuesday that he is frustrated that the federal government has not responded to his request from more than a year ago that state troopers act as immigration and customs agents.

By Anita Kumar | 01:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011

Democrats mock Bolling’s government doesn’t create jobs comment

By Laura Vozzella

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, ‘chief jobs creation officer,’ says government does not create jobs.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:00 PM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:59 AM ET, 10/25/2011

Senate Democrats run from Obama and to...McDonnell?

By Anita Kumar

A familiar facing is popping up in the ads and mailers of Virginia Democrats.

By Anita Kumar | 08:59 AM ET, 10/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:36 PM ET, 10/24/2011

Bolling treats campaign donors to a getaway

By Anita Kumar

For the fourth year in a row, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) is holding a getaway for his some of his biggest supporters Sunday and Monday at Keswick Hall at Monticello.

By Anita Kumar | 05:36 PM ET, 10/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 10/24/2011

Virginia seeks federal aid for earthquake-damaged schools

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell is seeking federal disaster aid to repair Louisa County schools damaged by the August earthquake.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:06 PM ET, 10/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 10/24/2011

Some House Democrats looking for new minority leader

By Anita Kumar

Even if Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong wins his uphill battle against Del. Charles Poindexter (R) next month, he may lose his post as minority leader.

By Anita Kumar | 12:38 PM ET, 10/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:59 AM ET, 10/24/2011

Tea party airs TV ad in Northern Virginia targeting Senate Democrats

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia Tea Party Alliance’s political action committee will begin airing TV ads Monday targeting Senate Democratic candidates in vote-rich Northern Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 08:59 AM ET, 10/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:02 PM ET, 10/21/2011

Virginia’s education deputy named

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has named Javaid Siddiqi, a former teacher and principal, the state’s deputy secretary for education.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:02 PM ET, 10/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:26 PM ET, 10/21/2011

Virginia Democrats target anti-abortion candidate

By Laura Vozzella

The Democratic Party of Virginia launched a Web site that says Sen. Dick Black aimed to deny birth control to women; Black’s campaign says it’s not true.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:26 PM ET, 10/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 10/21/2011

Cantor cancels Philadelphia income inequality speech amid protests

By Ben Pershing

The House majority leader canceled Philadelphia engagement after several liberal groups said they would protest at the event.

By Ben Pershing | 02:31 PM ET, 10/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:36 AM ET, 10/21/2011

McDonnell pursues Maryland-based Lockheed Martin

By Anita Kumar

Two weeks after a Md. county council talked about asking Congress to spend less on wars, Va. officials try to lure Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin.

By Anita Kumar | 09:36 AM ET, 10/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:35 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Puller: “I’m still a strong supporter of Obama”

By Anita Kumar

Sen. Toddy Puller (Fairfax), one of the first senators to come out for Obama in 2008, wants everyone to know she does support Obama.

By Anita Kumar | 05:35 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:15 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Democrats look to tie Allen to Senate GOP jobs proposal

By Ben Pershing

Another day — another squabble in the Virginia Senate race over jobs plans.

By Ben Pershing | 05:15 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:42 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Virginia will send withheld money to No.Va. transportation group

By Dana Hedgpeth

The Northern Virginia Transportation Committee expects to receive millions of dollars that had been withheld by the state Friday.

By Dana Hedgpeth | 03:42 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Conservative group donates more money to Virginia candidates

By Anita Kumar

A political organization affiliated with the conservative group Citizens United announced Thursday it has showered legislative candidates in Virginia with another $23,500.

By Anita Kumar | 01:56 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Virginia urged to strengthen exotic pet laws

By Laura Vozzella

Following the release of lions, tigers and other dangerous animals in Ohio, an animal-rights group asks Virginia to tighten laws.

By Laura Vozzella | 01:15 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 10/20/2011

Prince William’s Stewart blasts D.C. mayor on immigration order

By Mike DeBonis

Pr. William Supervisor Corey Stewart has opened fire at District Mayor Vincent Gray’s move to order city agencies not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

By Mike DeBonis | 10:57 AM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:52 AM ET, 10/20/2011

Romney, Perry asked McDonnell for his endorsement

By Anita Kumar

Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rick Perry have both asked Gov. Robert F. McDonnell for his endorsement in the GOP primary.

By Anita Kumar | 08:52 AM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:21 PM ET, 10/19/2011

Virginians go green for Fort Monroe

By Anita Kumar

It isn’t St. Patrick’s Day, but an awful lot of folks from Virginia are wearing green today.

By Anita Kumar | 05:21 PM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 10/19/2011

White House downplays reports about lack of support by Virginia Democrats

By Anita Kumar

White House spokesman Jay Carney said that some of the reporting on the president’s Virginia trip “has been a little off base.’

By Anita Kumar | 03:08 PM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 10/19/2011

Political parties bankroll big chunks of some Virginia Senate races

By Laura Vozzella

Republican and Democratic committees bankroll big chunks of some campaigns, Virginia Public Access Project finds.

By Laura Vozzella | 01:05 PM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 10/19/2011

Republican Chichester endorses Democrats in senate races

By Anita Kumar

Former state senator John Chichester — a powerful Republican who headed the Senate Finance Committee — has endorsed a pair of Democratic senate candidates in Northern Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 12:54 PM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:27 AM ET, 10/19/2011

McDonnell: Obama administration “almost clueless” on economy

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor, who will be meeting with President Obama in Hampton this morning, has a few things on his mind.

By Anita Kumar | 10:27 AM ET, 10/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:33 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Webb’s criminal justice bill inches forward in Senate

By Ben Pershing

Sen. James Webb’s long-championed measure to create a criminal justice reform commission could be up for a Senate vote this week.

By Ben Pershing | 05:33 PM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:56 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Virginia congressional incumbents rake in cash

By Ben Pershing

After three incumbents lost their seats and a fourth — Rep. Gerald Connolly (D) — narrowly escaped defeat in 2010, Virginia’s congressional incumbents are building solid financial firewalls ahead of next year’s elections.

By Ben Pershing | 03:56 PM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:13 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Fairfax board rejects Wolf plan to expand Va. representation on MWAA

By Fredrick Kunkle

Several county supervisors expressed fears that the measure would aggravate regional tensions.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 03:13 PM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:48 AM ET, 10/18/2011

Obama arrives in Virginia today. Which Democrats will be with him?

By Anita Kumar

The president arrives in the state Tuesday as part of three-day bus tour to talk about the economy, but his Democratic support there is not clear.

By Anita Kumar | 11:48 AM ET, 10/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:17 PM ET, 10/17/2011

Virginia Senate fight fuels fundraising

By Laura Vozzella

Both parties raised and spent millions over the past two months in their struggle for control of the state Senate, according to campaign finance reports.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:17 PM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:32 PM ET, 10/17/2011

McDonnell will attend Obama’s event in Hampton

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) will attend President Obama’s veterans event at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton Wednesday morning.

By Anita Kumar | 04:32 PM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 10/17/2011

Elections board to Virginians: Voter cards are in the mail

By Laura Vozzella

Millions of Virginia voters need new cards because of redistricting.

By Laura Vozzella | 03:06 PM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 10/17/2011

‘Funeral’ for mined mountaintops planned at Virginia energy conference

By Laura Vozzella

Outside Gov. McDonnell’s energy conference, environmentalists to stage mock funeral for mountains lost to mountaintop coal mining.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:57 PM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:55 AM ET, 10/17/2011

As Obama arrives in Virginia, critics launch new TV ad

By Anita Kumar

As the president travels to Virginia Tuesday, his opponents air TV ads here to counter his efforts to sell what they are calling a second stimulus plan.

By Anita Kumar | 09:55 AM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:22 AM ET, 10/17/2011

Romney to campaign in Virginia next week

By Anita Kumar

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will visit Virginia next week for his first public events in the state this election cycle

By Anita Kumar | 09:22 AM ET, 10/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:13 PM ET, 10/14/2011

NVTC and state officials close to deal

By Dana Hedgpeth and Anita Kumar

Virginia officials and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) said Friday they are close to a deal that would release millions of dollars that’s been withheld since July for area transit agencies.

By Dana Hedgpeth and Anita Kumar | 08:13 PM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:57 PM ET, 10/14/2011

Virginia’s top Republicans removed from party

By Anita Kumar

Every Republican who endorsed Del. Bill Janis, the Republican turned independent who is running for Henrico County commonwealth’s attorney, is out.

By Anita Kumar | 05:57 PM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 10/14/2011

Obama turns down McDonnell, will not visit earthquake-damaged Louisa County

By Anita Kumar

President Obama will not visit the earthquake-damaged county of Louisa next week while in Virginia despite a request from Gov. Robert F. McDonnell.

By Anita Kumar | 03:46 PM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:08 PM ET, 10/14/2011

National GOP group donates $250,000 more to Va candidates

By Anita Kumar

The donation brings the Republican State Leadership Committee’s contribution to Virginia candidates to $500,000 .

By Anita Kumar | 12:08 PM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 10/14/2011

Bolling, Cuccinelli ask independent to drop out of race, help Republican candidate

By Anita Kumar

Two of the state’s top Republicans asked an independent running for a Southside Senate district to drop out and pave the way for the Republican candidate.

By Anita Kumar | 09:58 AM ET, 10/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:19 PM ET, 10/13/2011

Conservative group ranks Virginia lawmakers

By Laura Vozzella

The American Conservative Union rates Virginia General Assembly members on their voting records.

By Laura Vozzella | 03:19 PM ET, 10/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 10/13/2011

Kaine raises $1.3M for quarter, topping Allen

By Ben Pershing

Tim Kaine raised $1.3 million from July through September, his Senate campaign announced Thursday, besting George Allen for the quarter.

By Ben Pershing | 02:03 PM ET, 10/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 10/13/2011

McDonnell will host small business summit today

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will host a small business summit in Short Pump today to talk about technology, financing procurement and other issues.

By Laura Vozzella | 10:44 AM ET, 10/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:53 AM ET, 10/13/2011

McDonnell heads to Miss. to campaign with gubernatorial candidate

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor will take a quick jaunt to Mississippi Thursday evening to raise money for gubernatorial candidate Bryant.

By Anita Kumar | 08:53 AM ET, 10/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:15 PM ET, 10/12/2011

Virginia revenues up in September

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell trumpeted improved revenue figures, while also warning that the shaky national economy could take a toll on the state’s fortunes.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:15 PM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:47 PM ET, 10/12/2011

Webb-Warner schools bills draws unusual bipartisan support

By Ben Pershing

Top officials from both parties support a bill to provide tax credits for fixing up aging school buildings.

By Ben Pershing | 03:47 PM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 10/12/2011

Some Va. Democrats complain about party leader Moran

By Anita Kumar

For months, some Virginia Democrats have been grumbling that party chairman Brian Moran is not the leader they thought he would be.

By Anita Kumar | 01:00 PM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 10/12/2011

Fairfax County supervisor urges tolls on Dulles Access Road to help pay for Metrorail extension

By Fredrick Kunkle

Supervisor John W. Foust said tolls should be installed on the access highway to Dulles International Airport to help pay for the cost of extending Metrorail.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:53 AM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:48 AM ET, 10/12/2011

Moran, Connolly to ask Gov. McDonnell to scrap Virginia abortion rules

By Laura Vozzella

Reps. Jim Moran and Gerry Connolly want McDonnell to reject tough new abortion-clinic regulations, which impose some hospital-style requirements.

By Laura Vozzella | 10:48 AM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:54 AM ET, 10/12/2011

Poll: Virginians optimistic about Va. — but not U.S.

By Anita Kumar

Virginians are three times more satisfied about the direction of the state than that of the nation, according to a new poll.

By Anita Kumar | 06:54 AM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:29 PM ET, 10/11/2011

Va. social services board to vote again on adoption regulations

By Anita Kumar

A coalition of advocacy groups is urging the state Board of Social Services to reconsider its April vote that they say allows faith-based organizations in Virginia to discriminate in adoptions.

By Anita Kumar | 05:29 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 10/11/2011

Virginia Democrats launch jobs Web site

By Laura Vozzella

Site plays up Dems’ job creation efforts and highlights “radical” Tea Party agenda they claim has distracted Republicans from jobs

By Laura Vozzella | 04:50 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:03 PM ET, 10/11/2011

McDonnell will travel to India, Israel next month

By Anita Kumar

On next month’s trade mission, the governor’s fourth, he plans to tout Virginia as “the most business-friendly state in America.”

By Anita Kumar | 04:03 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 10/11/2011

Virginia’s Capitol Police force, oldest in the nation, gets new chief

By Laura Vozzella

Anthony S. “Steve” Pike is named chief of the Virginia Capitol Police, which began in Jamestown in 1618 and now protects visitors and workers at the capitol.

By Laura Vozzella | 02:00 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 10/11/2011

McDonnell invites Obama to tour earthquake-damaged Louisa County

By Anita Kumar

After FEMA denied a request for aid, the governor sent a letter inviting the president to visit the earthquake’s epicenter while he is in Virginia next week.

By Anita Kumar | 01:18 PM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:03 AM ET, 10/11/2011

Poll: Cain surges past Perry to tie Romney in Va.

By Ben Pershing

Businessman Herman Cain has vaulted into the top tier of GOP presidential candidates in Virginia, according to a new poll, and is tied with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has faded considerably.

By Ben Pershing | 07:03 AM ET, 10/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 10/10/2011

McDonnell seeks FEMA aid for Tropical Storm Lee

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia governor seeks help for damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee from the federal agency that just turned him down for earthquake help.

By Laura Vozzella | 11:47 AM ET, 10/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

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

Donner contributes $100,000 of his own money to his U.S. Senate bid

By Anita Kumar

Republican Tim Donner, the wealthy executive director of Great Falls-based Horizons Television Inc., has donated $100,000 to his campaign for U.S. Senate next year.

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

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 10/08/2011

GOP takes aim at Fairfax sheriff over pension

By Fredrick Kunkle

Republicans accuse Stan Barry of gaming the pension system by enrolling in the county’s Deferred Retirement Option Program so that he could amass a lump sum retirement benefit and then keep on working.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:29 PM ET, 10/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 10/07/2011

FEMA denies Virginia’s request for aid for earthquake damage

By Anita Kumar

The federal emergency agency has denied Virginia’s request for aid to help property owners affected by the Aug. 23 earthquake.

By Anita Kumar | 05:09 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:48 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Virginia Democrats’ records request to cost $1,600-plus, McDonnell lawyers say

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell lawyers say Democrats’ request for documents outlining the administration’s use of taxpayers dollars will cost $1,622.58.

By Anita Kumar | 04:48 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:31 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Alexandria council member’s campaign report costs fines and time

By Patricia Sullivan

Alicia Hughes isn’t running for reelection anytime soon, but her semi-annual campaign finance report is costing her money and effort.

By Patricia Sullivan | 04:31 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Cuccinelli, Cantor speak at Values Voter Summit

By Anita Kumar

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va.) are joining several Republican presidential hopefuls in speaking to conservative activists.

By Anita Kumar | 04:11 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:48 PM ET, 10/07/2011

George Allen’s Senate campaign raises $900,000 in 3rd quarter, has $1.8 million in the bank

By Ben Pershing

George Allen raised more than $900,000 from July through September for his bid to return to the Senate, his campaign said Friday.

By Ben Pershing | 12:48 PM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:51 AM ET, 10/07/2011

Herman Cain to make two stops in Virginia Saturday

By Anita Kumar

GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain will visit Liberty University in Lynchburg and Richmond.

By Anita Kumar | 09:51 AM ET, 10/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:57 PM ET, 10/06/2011

Sen. Webb seeks halt to D.C. action

By Nikita Stewart

By Nikita Stewart | 10:57 PM ET, 10/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:57 PM ET, 10/06/2011

Virginia Democratic leader distances himself from Obama

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Republicans are practically giddy that a second Democratic candidate appears to be distancing themselves from an increasingly unpopular President Obama.

By Anita Kumar | 04:57 PM ET, 10/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 10/06/2011

Rubio’s out of VP consideration. What does it mean for McDonnell?

By Anita Kumar

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) essentially took himself out of the vice presidential sweepstakes on Wednesday night. Will McDonnell take the spot?

By Anita Kumar | 01:12 PM ET, 10/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 10/06/2011

Fairfax Board of Supervisors Braddock district race heats up

By Fredrick Kunkle

Democratic challenger’s campaign accused Supervisor John C. Cook (R) of gambling with the safety of county firefighters.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:28 AM ET, 10/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:18 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz to help Virginia Dems raise funds

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Reps. Jim Moran and Gerry Connolly and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz hold fundraiser for Virginia Democrats

By Laura Vozzella | 06:18 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:51 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Donald Trump puts Gov. McDonnell on hold, in person

By Laura Vozzella

The real estate magnate and TV reality-show star takes a call in the middle of the conversation.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:51 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Obama returns to Virginia this month on jobs bus tour

By Anita Kumar

The president will travel to Virginia and North Carolina as part of a three-day bus tour to discuss jobs and the economy.

By Anita Kumar | 04:06 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Republican loss in W. Va. a loss for McDonnell?

By Anita Kumar

A special election in West Virginia on Tuesday marked the Republican Governors Association’s first loss in a gubernatorial race since Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell became the group’s chairman.

By Anita Kumar | 03:48 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Allen unveils agenda that would weaken unions, end lawsuit against Boeing

By Ben Pershing

George Allen, the frontrunner for the GOP Senate nomination in Virginia, unveiled his “Freedom to Work” agenda Wednesday.

By Ben Pershing | 03:46 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:19 PM ET, 10/05/2011

Keith Fimian starts PAC to help Virginia GOP

By Ben Pershing

The two-time congressional candidate has launched a political action committee to help ‘pro-growth’ candidates.

By Ben Pershing | 12:19 PM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 10/05/2011

Va. Republicans to hold primary to select statewide nominees in 2013

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Republicans will hold a primary — not a convention — in 2013 to select their nominees for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

By Anita Kumar | 11:13 AM ET, 10/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 10/04/2011

Money pours into Virginia a month before election

By Anita Kumar

It’s easy to tell the state election is only a month away — money is changing hands quickly.

By Anita Kumar | 05:44 PM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:10 PM ET, 10/04/2011

Christie called McDonnell to talk about his decision not to run for president

By Anita Kumar

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Tuesday morning to let him know that he would not run for president next year.

By Anita Kumar | 05:10 PM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 10/04/2011

McDonnell joins Spielberg one day, Trump the next

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell rubs elbows with Steven Spielberg one day, Donald Trump the next, to mark projects in film, wine industries.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:26 PM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 10/04/2011

Rep. Frank Wolf unloads on Grover Norquist over tax pledge

By Ben Pershing

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) lashed out at Grover Norquist on the House floor Tuesday, accusing the anti-tax activist of blocking real spending reform and reciting a laundry list of controversies and “unsavory people” from Norquist’s past.

By Ben Pershing | 11:26 AM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:21 AM ET, 10/04/2011

Environmentalists to rally outside McDonnell energy summit in Alexandria

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s environmentalists

By Anita Kumar | 10:21 AM ET, 10/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:52 PM ET, 10/03/2011

McDonnell hosts Spielberg, ‘Lincoln’ film crew at mansion

By Anita Kumar

Superstar director Steven Spielberg and the production team of his upcoming Abraham Lincoln biopic will be feted at a reception Monday night at the Virginia’s governor mansion.

By Anita Kumar | 04:52 PM ET, 10/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:58 PM ET, 10/03/2011

Virginia hosts energy summit with governors, senators

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) will join several governors and U.S. senators, including Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), in Alexandria Tuesday to talk about energy.

By Anita Kumar | 01:58 PM ET, 10/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 10/03/2011

Is George Allen still affiliated with American Energy Freedom Center?

By Anita Kumar

Less than two weeks ago, Allen was listed as chairman of the American Energy Freedom Center on an invitatio n advertising his speech at the Virginia Industry Environmental Conference in Richmond.

By Anita Kumar | 09:14 AM ET, 10/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 09/30/2011

McDonnell to be on ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will pop up on another Sunday morning talk show this weekend, this time on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

By Laura Vozzella | 04:07 PM ET, 09/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 09/30/2011

Technology PAC endorses Virginia General Assembly candidates

By Laura Vozzella

A political action committee for Northern Virginia technology interests has endorsed 35 state House and Senate candidates.

By Laura Vozzella | 11:29 AM ET, 09/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Virginia Politics: October, 2011