Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 01:03 AM ET, 04/30/2012

Obama, Clinton headline fundraiser in McLean

By Laura Vozzella

About 80 people paid $20,000 to attend dinner with current and former presidents.

By Laura Vozzella | 01:03 AM ET, 04/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:21 AM ET, 04/28/2012

George Allen set to debate GOP foes in Roanoke

By Ben Pershing

LIVE | Allen is the only one of the four candidates to offer a pre-primary endorsement of Romney.

By Ben Pershing | 11:21 AM ET, 04/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 04/28/2012

Hundreds expected for women’s rights rally in Richmond today

By Anita Kumar

Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to protest at the Virginia State Capitol today to combat what they call a “war on women.”

By Anita Kumar | 07:00 AM ET, 04/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:57 PM ET, 04/27/2012

Tim Kaine has far more money from small donors than George Allen in Virginia Senate race

By Anita Kumar

The Republican frontrunner for U.S. Senate in Virginia, George Allen, got a little on TV ads this week. But Democrat Tim Kaine is still winning the race for money.

By Anita Kumar | 04:57 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia, campaign fundraising

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 04/27/2012

Tim Kaine calls for completion of Dulles rail line

By Amy Gardner

Democratic Senate candidate calls for bipartisan cooperation to finish the $5.6 billion project in Virginia.

By Amy Gardner | 04:50 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Virginia Politics

Posted at 04:46 PM ET, 04/27/2012

‘Fighting Joe’ Morrissey to get law licence reinstated

By Anita Kumar

Va. Del. Joe Morrissey, the outspoken former prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer known as “Fighting Joe,” is getting his law license reinstated.

By Anita Kumar | 04:46 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 04/27/2012

Thomas Jefferson Institute touts plan for revamping Va. taxes

By Laura Vozzella

Income and business taxes could be cut or eliminated if the sales tax covered more items and services, group says

By Laura Vozzella | 02:10 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 04/27/2012

McDonnell to appear on ‘State of the Union’ on Sunday

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is back on Sunday morning television with an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Candy Crowley.

By Anita Kumar | 02:01 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 04/27/2012

Fairfax County to be home for new corporate spinoff, officials say

By Fredrick Kunkle

A newly created, high-tech federal contracting company has chosen Northern Virginia over Maryland as its home.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:07 PM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, federal contracting

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 04/27/2012

McDonnell tours tornado-struck area one year later

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell will return to Southwest Virginia today, one year after a series of tornadoes killed at least 10, injured more than 100 and damaged hundreds of buildings

By Anita Kumar | 10:04 AM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia, weather

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/27/2012

Warner, Perriello help Obama kick off ‘day of action’ in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

A week before President Obama campaigns in Virginia, his volunteers will take part in a “day of action’’ to register new voters and build support for his reelection bid.

By Anita Kumar | 05:00 AM ET, 04/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:52 PM ET, 04/26/2012

‘EpiPen’ proposal, inspired partly by Amarria Johnson’s death, becomes Virginia law

By Laura Vozzella

Inspired in part by a girl who died of an allergic reaction to peanuts, the measures direct schools to draft policies for keeping epinephrine pens on hand

By Laura Vozzella | 06:52 PM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Amarria Johnson, Virginia, health care

Posted at 05:32 PM ET, 04/26/2012

Michelle Obama, Warner and McDonnell to attend Va. Tech graduation, two as speakers, one as proud dad

By Laura Vozzella

The first lady and senator will give addresses; the governor will attend the ceremony as one of his daughters receives a master’s degree

By Laura Vozzella | 05:32 PM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia Tech University

Posted at 03:51 PM ET, 04/26/2012

U.S. House looks to improve background checks after Va. Tech shooting anniversary

By Anita Kumar

After several high-profile gun cases, the U.S. House is looking to spend $12 million to improve the national system for conducting background checks for gun purchases.

By Anita Kumar | 03:51 PM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 04/26/2012

Obama’s visit shows Virginia’s importance

By Anita Kumar

President Obama’s decision to visit Virginia on the first day of his general election campaign shows us what we already knew: The state is crucial to the presidential election.

By Anita Kumar | 12:56 PM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 04/26/2012

Salahi doesn’t shun publicity that comes from gubernatorial run

By Anita Kumar

Tareq Salahi says he’s not running for governor of Virginia for the publicity. But the former White House party crasher sure doesn’t seem to mind it either.

By Anita Kumar | 12:13 PM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:44 AM ET, 04/26/2012

State lawmakers return to the Capitol on May 14

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia General Assembly will return to Richmond on May 14 to vote on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s amendments to the two-year $85 billion budget, according to House Clerk G. Paul Nardo.

By Anita Kumar | 08:44 AM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:10 AM ET, 04/26/2012

Bolling takes Richmond 400 pace car out for a spin

By Laura Vozzella

Lieutenant governor zooms around the track on a day when White House party crasher Tareq Salahi emerges as unexpected rival in governor’s race.

By Laura Vozzella | 07:10 AM ET, 04/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:29 PM ET, 04/25/2012

Obama will campaign in Virginia next week

By Anita Kumar

President Obama will make his first campaign stop in the swing state of Virginia next week.

By Anita Kumar | 08:29 PM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 04/25/2012

McDonnell, Warner sit alongside Longoria, Theron at dinner

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and Sen. Mark Warner (D) are both attending the White House Correspondents Association dinner Saturday night .

By Anita Kumar | 04:40 PM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 04/25/2012

Va. Sen. Jill Vogel gives birth to baby girl

By Laura Vozzella

Fauquier state senator feared she was going into labor during budget session, but was able to remain in Richmond to help GOP pass spending plan

By Laura Vozzella | 02:13 PM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 04/25/2012

Tareq Salahi says he’s running for Virginia governor

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar

Salahi said he decided to run after Virginia’s attorney general filed a lawsuit over wine tours.

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar | 12:25 PM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 04/25/2012

Crossroads GPS airs new attack ads against Kaine in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

A conservative group announced today that it is running a second batch of TV ads against U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine (D).

By Anita Kumar | 12:20 PM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Crossroads GPS

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 04/25/2012

Jill Biden to visit Newport News elementary school

By Laura Vozzella

Appearance to highlight programs meant to help children with parents in the military.

By Laura Vozzella | 09:30 AM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/25/2012

Public broadcasting cut from Va. budget

By Laura Vozzella

Va. currently provides $3 million a year for public TV and radio, but that funding is all but gone in the budget passed by the General Assembly.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:00 AM ET, 04/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 04/24/2012

Pr. William supervisors pass budget, tax rate

By Jeremy Borden

County supervisors spar over a park and more money for schools before making final decision.

By Jeremy Borden | 05:53 PM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 04/24/2012

McDonnell flies to Indiana on behalf of GOP governors group

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, flew to Indiana Tuesday.

By Anita Kumar | 04:09 PM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 04/24/2012

Dozens charged with election fraud in Va. in connection with the 2008 election

By Laura Vozzella

State police say 38 people have been charged with crimes in connection with the 2008 election.

By Laura Vozzella | 02:53 PM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 04/24/2012

McDonnell may sue to get Va. members on Airports Authority board

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) hinted Tuesday that the state may file suit to get Virginia’s members seated on the the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

By Anita Kumar | 02:26 PM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 04/24/2012

McDonnell’s ‘positive’ TV ads scheduled to start Wednesday

By Anita Kumar

McDonnell denied knowledge of the ad campaign, but we learned Tuesday that his political action committee has reserved air time Wednesday through May 6.

By Anita Kumar | 11:57 AM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 04/24/2012

Will Gov. McDonnell be Mitt Romney’s runningmate? You decide.

By Anita Kumar

The Fix has a new game up — help the soon-to-be Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney pick his runningmate by answering a few questions.

By Anita Kumar | 10:15 AM ET, 04/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 04/23/2012

Va. budget provides more for higher ed, nothing for pregnancy prevention

By Laura Vozzella

The state budget got a closer look now that the General Assembly has passed a plan.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:08 PM ET, 04/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:04 PM ET, 04/20/2012

Voter ID bill in McDonnell’s hands

By Laura Vozzella

The Republican governor must decide whether to sign the bill after the General Assembly stripped out his amendment to soften it.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:04 PM ET, 04/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 04/20/2012

George Allen gets endorsement from tea party-backed Sen. Ron Johnson

By Ben Pershing

George Allen’s campaign for Senate got support Friday from a lawmaker closely identified with the tea party movement.

By Ben Pershing | 03:14 PM ET, 04/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:58 PM ET, 04/20/2012

Va. unemployment rate hits three-year low

By Laura Vozzella

Unemployment rate ticks down to 5.6 percent, but the number of jobs does not grow.

By Laura Vozzella | 02:58 PM ET, 04/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 04/19/2012

Romney to speak at Liberty University graduation

By Anita Kumar

Liberty University, the school founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, announced Thursday that presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will speak at graduation May 12.

By Anita Kumar | 02:44 PM ET, 04/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 04/19/2012

McDonnell urges governors to improve gun background checks

By Anita Kumar

The Republican, who supports gun rights, has sent every governor in the nation a letter asking for support in improving the background check for gun purchases.

By Anita Kumar | 01:01 PM ET, 04/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:41 AM ET, 04/19/2012

Va. GOP launches 2012 campaign with fundraiser expected to bring in $250,000

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Republicans will kick off their 2012 elections Thursday with a Northern Virginia fundraiser attended by Gov. Bob McDonnell and U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

By Anita Kumar | 08:41 AM ET, 04/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:35 PM ET, 04/18/2012

Virginia Senate approves budget

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella

Democrat changes his position and Republican turns his car around in bid to pass two-year, $85 billion plan

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella | 05:35 PM ET, 04/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 04/18/2012

Corey Stewart buys 1740 estate in Woodbridge

By Jeremy Borden

Stewart’s wife, Maria, put in the winning $875K bid during a live auction Wednesday on an estate where it’s believed George Washington honeymooned.

By Jeremy Borden | 04:45 PM ET, 04/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 04/18/2012

How much do you know about Va. governors?

By Anita Kumar

How well do you know the nine men who have governed Virginia since 1970? Take our quiz.

By Anita Kumar | 03:22 PM ET, 04/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:11 PM ET, 04/18/2012

‘That’s completely up to Mitt Romney,’ McDonnell says of veepstakes

By Anita Kumar

Another day, another national interview for Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential contender.

By Anita Kumar | 01:11 PM ET, 04/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 04/18/2012

Legislators call on General Assembly to halt use of taxpayer funds for ALEC conferences

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia Progressive Caucus want the General Assembly to stop using state money to send legislators to conferences hosted by the conservative group.

By Anita Kumar | 12:00 PM ET, 04/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 PM ET, 04/17/2012

Manassas city council candidates address range of issues

By Jeremy Borden

Tuesday’s forum was the last before the May 1 election

By Jeremy Borden | 11:10 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:55 PM ET, 04/17/2012

A month behind schedule, Virginia Senate kills state budget again

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella

Metrorail-to-Dulles funding still appears to be the sticking point in the two-year, $85 billion bill.

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella | 05:55 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 04/17/2012

George Allen boasts big cash edge over GOP foes

By Ben Pershing

The latest fundraising reports for Virginia’s U.S. Senate race are in, and they confirm — George Allen is the clear front-runner for the GOP nod.

By Ben Pershing | 05:17 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:18 PM ET, 04/17/2012

Did George Allen endorse Mitt Romney?

By Ben Pershing

Allen said Monday that he hopes Romney will be the next president.

By Ben Pershing | 03:18 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 04/17/2012

Alexandria Democratic candidates warming up

By Patricia Sullivan

As Alexandrians begin to consider which of the 14 Democrats will be the party’s nominees for City Council after the June 12 primary, they have a lot of issues to weigh.

By Patricia Sullivan | 02:38 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Alexandria

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 04/17/2012

McDonnell plans to air ‘positive’ TV ads

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican who is term-limited but a likely vice presidential contender, plans to air “positive” TV ads in the coming weeks as he looks to bolster his approval ratings.

By Anita Kumar | 01:33 PM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 04/17/2012

Virginia fundraising reports released

By Laura Vozzella

Gov. McDonnell, GOP and Democrats release fundraising reports for period that covered session.

By Laura Vozzella | 11:58 AM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 04/17/2012

McDonnell’s staff tried to amend bills after deadline

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell attempted to amend two bills after his statutory deadline last week, but legislative staffers rejected them and they were not recorded.

By Anita Kumar | 10:54 AM ET, 04/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 04/16/2012

‘Buffett Rule’ divides George Allen, Tim Kaine in Va. Senate race

By Ben Pershing

The two Virginia Senate candidates fall on opposite sides of the tax-increase debate.

By Ben Pershing | 06:13 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:21 PM ET, 04/16/2012

Va. elected officials remember Virginia Tech shooting

By Anita Kumar

In Richmond, Washington and, of course, Blacksburg, politicians are recognizing the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, when a gunman killed 32 people and himself.

By Anita Kumar | 05:21 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 04/16/2012

RNC hires director of Hispanic outreach for Va., other key states

By Anita Kumar

The Republican National Committee has started gearing up their efforts in the swing state of Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 03:50 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:20 PM ET, 04/16/2012

Va. revenue collections up

By Laura Vozzella

Growth in sales and corporate income tax receipts drove the increase.

By Laura Vozzella | 03:20 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 04/16/2012

On eve of budget vote, McDonnell offers Hampton Roads toll relief

By Laura Vozzella

Gesture has not swayed Sen. Louise Lucas, who says Senate Democrats will not vote for spending plan without money for Metrorail to Dulles.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:54 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:47 PM ET, 04/16/2012

McAuliffe to announce 2013 decision after November elections

By Anita Kumar

Terry McAuliffe is doing something a little different than his would-be Republican opponents. He’s waiting.

By Anita Kumar | 12:47 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:03 PM ET, 04/13/2012

Virginia GOP announces more details of Senate debates

By Ben Pershing

Virginians will be able to submit questions for the candidates via Facebook.

By Ben Pershing | 05:03 PM ET, 04/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 04/13/2012

State says road projects may be suspended because of budget impasse

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia DOT began warning contractors Friday that they may have to halt work because of the failure to pass a state budget.

By Anita Kumar | 04:45 PM ET, 04/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 04/13/2012

House speaker apologizes for his remarks to activist

By Anita Kumar

Women’s groups said Howell’s questioning of ProgressVa head’s intelligence was condescending.

By Anita Kumar | 04:11 PM ET, 04/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 04/13/2012

McDonnell, legislators continue to battle over transportation

By Anita Kumar

The $300M in cuts would include N. Va. work on Battlefield Parkway, Route 1, Route 659 interchange.

By Anita Kumar | 02:29 PM ET, 04/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 04/13/2012

Women’s groups condemn House speaker for his remarks

By Anita Kumar

The Women’s Strike Force, a political action committee, condemned Bill Howell for his “demeaning and condescending’’ remarks to a liberal activist.

By Anita Kumar | 09:47 AM ET, 04/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:07 PM ET, 04/12/2012

Kaine to speak at Alexandria dinner

By Patricia Sullivan

Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D), now a candidate for U.S. Senate, will headline the Alexandria Democratic Committee’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner June 9.

By Patricia Sullivan | 06:07 PM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: U.S. Senate

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 04/12/2012

George Allen still in no hurry to endorse in Republican presidential race

By Ben Pershing

The field of Republican presidential candidates keeps getting narrower, but George Allen still hasn’t picked a horse.

By Ben Pershing | 04:50 PM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 04/12/2012

Gerry Connolly’s campaign war chest tops $1 million

By Ben Pershing

The Northern Virginia Democrat keeps hauling in cash, though he’s unlikely to face a tough contest in November.

By Ben Pershing | 03:14 PM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 04/12/2012

House Speaker defends ALEC, berates liberal activist

By Anita Kumar

Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell on Thursday blamed a liberal activist for spreading misinformation about a conservative group that ghostwrites bills for legislators.

By Anita Kumar | 01:18 PM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:06 AM ET, 04/12/2012

Republicans reserve big chunk of Virginia airtime to help George Allen

By Ben Pershing

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has reserved $5.5 million worth of airtime in Virginia this fall.

By Ben Pershing | 10:06 AM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 04/12/2012

Ann Romney to headline NoVa. fundraiser expected to bring in more than $300,000

By Anita Kumar

Romney, wife of presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, will be in the swing state Monday for a fundraiser.

By Anita Kumar | 09:30 AM ET, 04/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:15 PM ET, 04/11/2012

Court exempts Prince William from Voting Rights Act provision

By Jeremy Borden

The county will no longer have to apply to federal officials to change voting laws, guidelines or during local redistricting

By Jeremy Borden | 06:15 PM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 04/11/2012

Corey Stewart officially announces candidacy for Va. lieutenant governor

By Jeremy Borden

Stewart announces candidacy for lieutenant governor to local supporters and promises to focus on jobs and transportation issues.

By Jeremy Borden | 03:03 PM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:43 PM ET, 04/11/2012

New Va. public employee retirement program could cost millions to implement, think-tank report says

By Anita Kumar

A new law that creates a mandatory hybrid retirement program for public employees could cost Virginia millions to implement, according to a think tank analysis.

By Anita Kumar | 02:43 PM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia, Virginia politics

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 04/11/2012

McDonnell talks politics, trade missions on national TV

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is conducting a flurry of television interviews while in the Big Apple for first stop of a four-day trade mission.

By Anita Kumar | 11:15 AM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia

Posted at 06:27 AM ET, 04/11/2012

Falls Church opens bidding on water system at $44 million

By Fredrick Kunkle

Sale could end long-running conflict between city and Fairfax County over service provided to residents outside Falls Church.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 06:27 AM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Falls Church opens bidding on water utility

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/11/2012

Obama to open campaign offices in Arlington, Falls Church

By Anita Kumar

While Republicans continue to search for a nominee for the top of the ticket, President Obama is quickly building his campaign in the swing state of Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 05:00 AM ET, 04/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:47 PM ET, 04/10/2012

Crossroads GPS Virginia ad hits Obama on gas prices

By Ben Pershing

The conservative group is running a new spot accusing the president of trying to “spin” the high cost of fuel.

By Ben Pershing | 05:47 PM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 04/10/2012

U.S. House race: Hirschbiel reports raising $325K; Rigell gets help from Herman Cain

By Ben Pershing

The Democrat challenging Republican Rep. Scott Rigell had a solid fundraising quarter.

By Ben Pershing | 04:39 PM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:29 PM ET, 04/10/2012

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors reaffirms commitment to Silver Line’s second phase

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors also expressed concern about how the approximately $2.7 billion project will be funded.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:29 PM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fairfax County affirms Silver Line extension

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 04/10/2012

McDonnell amends bills on pension reform, voter ID, education

By Anita Kumar

McDonnell (R) had to submit amendments on hundreds of bills by midnight Monday.

By Anita Kumar | 12:24 PM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 04/10/2012

McDonnell heads to New York and Canada for trade mission

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) will leave Virginia Tuesday for a four-day trade mission to New York and Canada.

By Anita Kumar | 10:15 AM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 04/10/2012

Falls Church opens bidding on water system at $44 million

By Fredrick Kunkle

The city is putting its water system up for sale over a conflict with Fairfax County over the city’s service to county residents who live outside city borders.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:04 AM ET, 04/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Falls Church seeks bids on possible sale of water utility

Posted at 05:55 PM ET, 04/09/2012

UPDATE: After initial rejection, Moran challenger will be on primary ballot

By Ben Pershing

The Va. Democratic Party has reversed course and certified a challenger to Rep. James P. Moran Jr. for the June 12 primary ballot, after initially rejecting him.

By Ben Pershing | 05:55 PM ET, 04/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:16 PM ET, 04/09/2012

Herring poised to run for attorney general in 2013

By Anita Kumar

Sen. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun) has started calling supporters to tell them he plans to run for attorney general in 2013.

By Anita Kumar | 04:16 PM ET, 04/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 04/09/2012

Corey A. Stewart to make lieutenant governor run official

By Jeremy Borden

Prince William board chairman, first to make run official.

By Jeremy Borden | 12:12 PM ET, 04/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:58 AM ET, 04/09/2012

Virginia’s nine living governors to gather in Richmond next week

By Anita Kumar

Next week all nine of them will gather together in Richmond to be honored at the Sorensen Institute’s annual gala.

By Anita Kumar | 10:58 AM ET, 04/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:30 AM ET, 04/07/2012

McDonnell offered millions for Metro, but offer disappeared, senator says

By Laura Vozzella

Fairfax senator says administration had money for the Dulles rail project during budget negotiations, but later changed stance.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:30 AM ET, 04/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Virginia Politics

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 04/06/2012

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to name former deputy as top executive next week, document says

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will name Edward L. Long, a former deputy county executive and chief financial officer, to be County Executive.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:07 PM ET, 04/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Virginia Politics

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 04/06/2012

McDonnell signs off on property rights referendum

By Laura Vozzella

Voters to decide if Virginia Constitution should be amended to make it harder for government to seize property by eminent domain.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:32 PM ET, 04/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 04/06/2012

Colgan said he will sign off on budget compromise, paving way for vote next week

By Anita Kumar

Colgan said Friday he plans to sign off on the compromise on state budget reached late Thursday even if it means going against his own party.

By Anita Kumar | 10:33 AM ET, 04/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/06/2012

McDonnell signs bill giving Thomas Haynesworth $1M

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) signed a bill Thursday giving Thomas Haynesworth, who spent 27 years behind bars for rapes he did not commit, more than $1 million in compensation for wrongful imprisonment.

By Anita Kumar | 05:00 AM ET, 04/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:38 PM ET, 04/05/2012

State budget deal reached in Richmond

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar

House and Senate conferees agree on two-year, $85 billion spending plan, but Senate Dems may still fight it because of N. Va. transportation spending cuts.

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar | 07:38 PM ET, 04/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 04/05/2012

Fairfax County Supervisor undergoes open-heart surgery

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County Supervisor Patrick S. Herrity (R-Springfield) successfully underwent open-heart surgery early today, his staff said.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 03:26 PM ET, 04/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Patrick Herrity, Fairfax County

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 04/05/2012

Del. Marshall, again, urges McDonnell to sign detention bill

By Anita Kumar

As legislators wait word on whether Gov. Bob McDonnell will sign, amend or veto their bills before his Monday deadline, Del. Bob Marshall is leaving nothing to chance.

By Anita Kumar | 09:49 AM ET, 04/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 04/04/2012

Loudoun supervisors adopt budget, cut property tax rate

By Caitlin Gibson

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday night to adopt a nearly $1.8 billion fiscal 2013 plan that will lower the property tax rate.

By Caitlin Gibson | 05:53 PM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Loudoun County, Virginia

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 04/04/2012

One more reason Richmond doesn’t need Washington: Executive Mansion egg hunt

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella

The buzz about Gov. Bob McDonnell these days may all be about the vice presidency, but Wednesday’s egg hunt looks very presidential

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella | 03:08 PM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 04/04/2012

After criticism, McDonnell holds open meeting on uranium mining

By Anita Kumar

After being criticized for starting to develop regulations on uranium mining behind closed doors, McDonnell’s administration has opened a Wednesday meeting to the public .

By Anita Kumar | 11:26 AM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 04/04/2012

Virginia TV ads tout new greenhouse gas limits on power plants

By Laura Vozzella

Environmental groups purchase television ads to promote stricter clean air standards that the power industry says will kill construction of new coal plants

By Laura Vozzella | 05:00 AM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Virginia

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 04/03/2012

After Englin reveals affair, Alexandria Councilman Krupicka says he will seek House seat

By Laura Vozzella

One day after Del. David Englin announced he won’t run again because of affair, Councilman Rob Krupicka said he will seek it

By Laura Vozzella | 07:00 PM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:08 PM ET, 04/03/2012

Fairfax chamber wants Dulles rail money in Va. state budget

By Laura Vozzella

As budget negotiators meet in Richmond, the business group urges them to include $300 million for the next phase of the Metro project.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:08 PM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:01 PM ET, 04/03/2012

George Allen raised $1.4M in last three months, has $2.6M in the bank

By Anita Kumar

Allen has been consistently outraised by Democrat Tim Kaine, who announced Tuesday that he had received more than $2.2 million in the first three months of the year.

By Anita Kumar | 03:01 PM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 04/03/2012

Va. budget negotiators hope to make deal by the end of the week

By Laura Vozzella

The ever-natty Senate Majority leader is casually dressed and cautiously optimistic during negotiations state spending plan

By Laura Vozzella | 12:25 PM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 04/03/2012

House Democrats react to Englin’s retirement

By Anita Kumar

The House Demcratic caucus released a statement Tuesday after Del. David Englin’s announcement that he would retire after his two-year terms ends.

By Anita Kumar | 11:33 AM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 04/03/2012

With Biden visiting Va., McDonnell takes aim at Obama administration

By Laura Vozzella

The governor, thought to be an aspiring vice presidential candidate, takes aim at Obama as Biden visits a Norfolk school.

By Laura Vozzella | 10:31 AM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:05 AM ET, 04/03/2012

Kaine raised $2.2M in last three months; has no Democratic opponents in Senate race

By Anita Kumar

Former Democratic governor Tim Kaine has more than $4.4 million in the bank, no Democratic opponents for U.S. Senate seat.

By Anita Kumar | 08:05 AM ET, 04/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:43 PM ET, 04/02/2012

Virginia Del. Englin says he will quit politics after term because of extramarital affair

By Fredrick Kunkle

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:43 PM ET, 04/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Englin will not seek reelection

Posted at 07:14 PM ET, 04/02/2012

Obama, Clinton to headline fundraiser for Obama re-election effort

By Anita Kumar

The event was put together by Terry McAuliffe, a businessman, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and probable gubernatorial nominee next year.

By Anita Kumar | 07:14 PM ET, 04/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:24 PM ET, 04/02/2012

New Obama ad hitting Mitt Romney airs in Va.

By Ben Pershing

President Obama’s reelection campaign is up with a new ad in Virginia and five other key states saying that Mitt Romney “stood with Big Oil.”

By Ben Pershing | 06:24 PM ET, 04/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:11 PM ET, 04/02/2012

Counties say shifting costs of roads to localities would result in tax increases

By Anita Kumar

Warning that shifting transportation costs to localities would lead to tax increases, leaders of Virginia’s largest counties are asking legislators to kill a study on the subject.

By Anita Kumar | 05:11 PM ET, 04/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 04/02/2012

McDonnell joins Indian ambassador to launch new VCU program

By Anita Kumar

Governor will join Ambassador Nirupama Rao in launching a $1-million campaign to support a new chair at Virginia Commonwealth University.

By Anita Kumar | 01:33 PM ET, 04/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Virginia Politics: April, 2012