Virginia politics from inRich.com

Medicaid, education may be on chopping block

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

Lawmakers say they'll target those programs if it would help balance the state budget.

Inaugural tickets will be few

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

Talk about political long shots. Tens of thousands of Virginians are asking congressional offices for tickets to President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20.

Warner names Senate staff chief

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:08:49 -0500

U.S. Sen.-elect Mark R. Warner is tapping a Capitol Hill veteran-turned-political consultant as his chief of staff. Luke Albee, 48, was previously a top aide to Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vermont, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Voter turnout in Va. sets a record, barely

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:09:53 -0500

Virginia's voter turnout set a record in the 2008 presidential election, but for all the attention given to this battleground state, the percentage was not much higher than in 2004.

Moran shows support from N. Va.

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:08:57 -0500

Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria is signaling to an emerging rival for governor to expect a fight in the vote-rich Washington, D.C., suburbs in the 2009 Democratic primary.

Inauguration a hot ticket

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

Virginians scramble to be part of the history of Obama's swearing-in.

State sets bond sale this week

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

It will pay for school, park projects approved by voters six years ago.

Va. GOP looks for causes of defeat

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

Stunned by their first presidential defeat in Virginia in 44 years and the loss of perhaps three House seats, state Republicans are teetering on a return to the minority and struggling to regroup ahead of what could be make-or-break elections for governor and the legislature in 2009.

Obama did well in areas besides N.Va.

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:09:53 -0500

If you think Barack Obama cruised to victory in Virginia based on his strength in Northern Virginia alone, think again. On Tuesday, Obama won Hampton Roads by nearly 79,000 votes. In 2004, President Bush beat Democrat John Kerry there by 48,000. In greater Richmond, Obama beat John McCain by 39,000 votes. Four years ago, Bush won by 55,000.

'Animal' instinct for Dems in Va.

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:08:58 -0500

The subtext of this presidential election, the first since 1964 in which a Democrat carried Virginia, is that the party enters the 2009 gubernatorial and House contests with extra oomph. Does it? The local, less partisan nature of House races and a big drop in turnout could block a Democratic comeback.

Nye takes Drake's seat in Congress

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 00:08:58 -0500

Democratic Congressman-elect Glenn Nye began assembling a staff yesterday after Rep. Thelma Drake, R-2nd, conceded. Meantime, in the 5th Congressional District Democratic challenger Tom Perriello claimed victory, but longtime incumbent Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr. said he was not giving up.

Cantor may take No. 2 House GOP leader post

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri is stepping down as the No. 2 Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, apparently clearing the way for Virginia Rep. Eric I. Cantor.

In Richmond area, vote spurs mixed emotions

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:09:51 -0500

Barack Obama's election drew mixed reactions in the Richmond area yesterday. Some interviewees chosen at random celebrated him as a leader who will champion positive change, while others fear he will take the country in the wrong direction. Erin Spengeman, who lives in Richmond's Woodland Heights neighborhood, said she was overwhelmed with excitement to learn Tuesday night that Obama would be president, opening the way for endless possibilities for minority Americans.

'Ol' Virginny is dead,' a proud Kaine says

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:09:51 -0500

It's a good time to be a Democrat in Virginia. Come January, the state will have two Democratic U.S. senators and Democrats could emerge with six of the state's 11 seats in the House of Representatives. And, the state has a Democratic governor who happens to be buddies with the next president of the United States, Barack Obama.

Democrats take leads over Goode, Drake

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:09:48 -0500

The undecided congressional race in Virginia's 5th District is such a squeaker that yesterday's constantly fluctuating vote totals alternately made each candidate a winner -- for a while.

Va. flips blue, backs Obama

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:09:50 -0500

Sen. Barack Obama won Virginia yesterday on his way to winning the White House. Obama became the first Democrat to carry the state since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

Warner trounces Gilmore

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:09:47 -0500

Former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner defeated another former Virginia governor, Republican Jim Gilmore, last night, giving Virginia two Democratic U.S. senators for the first time since 1970.

Va. voters hit polls en masse

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:09:40 -0500

They came before dawn. They stood for hours in the rain. And they voted. And voted. And voted.

Kaine Takes to the Stage

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 21:42:24 -0500

Gov. Tim Kaine went on stage for the first time just a moment ago promising the Democratic supporters on hand in McLean that “we’re going to have a lot to celebrate tonight.”

Warner snags Va. Senate seat, Dems seek more gains

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 19:35:24 -0500

WASHINGTON - Democratic former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner breezed to victory in his bid for the Senate on Tuesday, snagging a southern seat long held by Republicans and fueling expectations that Democrats would solidify their now-thin leadership grip over the chamber.

Dems see pickup chance in Senate

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 12:57:12 -0500

Virginians weighed their affections Tuesday for two former governors vying to replace a popular Republican in a race Democrats eagerly eyed as a chance to gain a U.S. Senate seat.

Lines form early at Northern Virginia polls

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 09:19:10 -0500

Long lines were the order of the morning at polling places in Dale City. Poll workers said many first time voters have slowed the line because they did not bring proper identification with them to vote.

Sabato predicts big day for Democrats

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 09:04:00 -0500

Political analyst Larry Sabato predicts a big day for Democrats across the country with Barack Obama getting the nod over Republican John McCain in the White House race.

Will there be a shift in Virginia?

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

The state could complete its transformation today from reliably Republican to a competitive presidential battleground, according to Times-Dispatch political writer Jeff E. Schapiro.

Allen, Thompson barnstorm Virginia on McCain's behalf

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:09:54 -0500

Former Virginia governor and U.S. Sen. George Allen, who knows a little bit about politics and football, put it like this: "We're past the two-minute drill."

Senate race draws little notice

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:08:56 -0500

Election Day voting tips

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 23:35:22 -0500

Lan Smith, Chief Officer of Elections for the Ivy Precinct, details tips for a smooth voting experience.

Warner, Gilmore make final pitches for Virginians' votes

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 20:37:52 -0500

Virginia's U.S. Senate campaign is ending up pretty much as it began -- under the radar. The contest to replace Sen. John W. Warner, R-Va., was largely overshadowed by the historic presidential campaign. And from the beginning, former Gov. Mark R. Warner had lopsided advantages over former Gov. Jim Gilmore in support and in fundraising.

Judge rejects NAACP request for paper ballots, extended voting hours

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 16:18:07 -0500

A federal judge in Richmond today rejected a request by the NAACP to extend voting hours and allow paper ballots in tomorrow's election. U.S. District Judge Richard L. Williams said the fact that the state allows people waiting in line when the polls close at 7 p.m. to vote and that it also allows curbside voting will insure that no blacks are denied the right to vote.

10 percent of Virginia's electorate have already voted

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 11:02:22 -0500

About 10 percent of the Virginia electorate already has voted, State Board of Elections officials said today. That should ease the lines on Election Day tomorrow, but voters should still expect to wait in line to vote, Nancy Rodriques, secretary of the state Board of Elections, said this morning. "Bring your patience with you, bring your sense of humor and know that democracy takes time," she said.

Federal judge to hear NAACP election lawsuit today

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 06:26:35 -0500

A federal judge will hear a lawsuit today filed by the NAACP against Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and state elections officials. The NAACP wants polling places kept open longer tomorrow to accommodate long lines, or for elections officials to use paper ballots. The polls will be open tomorrow from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Any registered voter in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Obama: 'Feeling good about' chances

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

80,000 at Cleveland rally; he'll finish up in three states, including Virginia, today.

Election Day effort huge

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:09:58 -0500

The election numbers are in and they are huge. Not the vote totals, but the numbers it takes to put on an election in Virginia: 2,400 polling places, 10,600 pieces of equipment, 30,000 election officers.

Kaine: Va. ready for vote

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:09:55 -0500

Ahead of today's federal court hearing on the NAACP's voting-rights suit, Gov. Kaine appeared on four network television broadcasts and said Virginia is ready for a record turnout on Election Day.

N. Va. is focus of U.S. Senate hopeful

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:09:53 -0500

The candidate with the colorful nickname is running again. Glenda Gail "for rail" Parker is the Independent Green candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of Sen. John W. Warner, a Republican who is retiring after 30 years.

Libertarian seeks to garner more support

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:09:53 -0500

If you're for limited government, a flat tax and getting the military out of Iraq, then William Redpath is your man. The Leesburg accountant and financial analyst is the Libertarian Party's candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Warner boosts both for board seat

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:08:56 -0500

During the weekend, former Gov. Mark R. Warner offered his support to an incumbent in a Richmond School Board race, a little more than a week after endorsing her opponent.

In TV appearances, Kaine says Va. is ready for Election Day

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 19:08:02 -0500

Ahead of Monday's federal court hearing on the NAACP's voting-rights suit, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine appeared on four network television broadcasts and said Virginia is ready for a record turnout on Election Day. "We've more than doubled the number of people who early voted," by casting absentee ballots, from 222,000 in 2004 to about half a million this year, Kaine said on ABC.

Warner, Gilmore press on

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:48 -0400

As Virginians focused on the presidential candidates' tenacious fight for the state, former Govs. and Senate hopefuls Jim Gilmore and Mark R. Warner also made late dashes for votes. Before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's appearance last night at Deep Run High School in Henrico County, Gilmore shook hands with nearly every person who entered the football stadium to see the Republican vice-presidential nominee.

4th District

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400

What is your position on the federal financial bailout?

Bios of Senate Candidates

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400

Residence: Henrico County
Education: bachelor's and law degrees, University of Virginia
Career: Henrico County commonwealth's attorney, 1988-93; Virginia attorney general, 1994-97; Virginia governor, 1998-2002; named by President Bush to lead Republican National Committee, December 2000 (resigned as chairman November 2001); candidate for president, 2007

U.S. Senate: Warner and Gilmore on the issues

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400
What is your position on the federal financial bailout?

U.S. House

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400
In addition to contested congressional races in the Richmond region (see below) several Virginia races outside the region bear watching. Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd, whose district includes parts of Richmond and Henrico County, is unopposed. A congressional seat has not switched parties in Virginia since 2001, when Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, won a special election to succeed Norman Sisisky, a Democrat who died in office.

7th District

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400
What is your position on the federal financial bailout?

1st District

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:09:44 -0400
What is your position on the federal financial bailout?

Kaine raised stakes in Va. politics

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:08:58 -0400
When he was elected governor in 2005, Tim Kaine vowed to complete the unfinished work of Mark Warner (read: transportation) and to nudge Virginia forward in areas it often neglects (read: pre-kindergarten). On a fix for transportation, Kaine flopped not once, not twice, but three times. On expanded pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds, he had to settle not for a half a loaf, not a quarter, but about an eighth.

Warner still has commanding lead in Va. Senate poll

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 00:08:58 -0400
Democrat Mark R. Warner appears to be gliding to an easy victory for U.S. Senate over Jim Gilmore, leading the Republican nearly 2-to-1 in the latest Richmond TimesDispatch Poll.

RT-D poll: Warner leads Gilmore by nearly 30 points

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:59:37 -0400
Democrat Mark R. Warner is cruising toward an easy victory for the U.S. Senate, leading Republican Jim Gilmore 2-to-1. The latest Richmond Times-Dispatch poll shows Warner favored by 61 percent, Gilmore by 32 percent. The findings are essentially unchanged from three previous polls conducted for the T-D by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. of Washington, DC.

Obama: 'We can't let up for one minute'

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
Sen. Barack Obama yesterday held his second campaign rally in less than 48 hours in Hampton Roads, a key region that could decide which candidate carries Virginia.

NAACP drops voting lawsuit

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:09:51 -0400
The election in Virginia will proceed as planned Tuesday without reallocating voting machines and extending polling hours. But the NAACP, which filed suit against Gov.

NAACP hearing on Election Day canceled

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:37:34 -0400
The civil rights group contends the state is not prepared for unprecedented voter turnout in next Tuesday's presidential election.

Even absentee voters face lines at Va. polls

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
Saturday is the deadline in Virginia to vote in person by absentee ballot. Do you qualify to vote absentee? Find out here.

State police investigate flier that lies to voters about election date

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:09:55 -0400
The Virginia State Police bureau of criminal investigation is looking into the source of a false campaign flier circulating in Hampton Roads that claims to be from the State Board of Elections.

Obama worker won't get to vote

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:09:55 -0400
A Rockingham County judge has ruled that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's local field manager cannot vote in the presidential election.

Wilder asks for extended hours

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:09:53 -0400
Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder asked Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday to extend voting hours on Election Day by three hours in precincts where historic levels of turnout are expected. But Kaine said in a telephone interview that he does not have the authority under state law to do so. Kaine said he discovered in the spring that, to his surprise, the governor would not have such authority in a presidential election.

Groups say they'll sue to overturn clothing ban

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:08:57 -0400
Three free-speech advocacy groups said yesterday that they will go to court after the election to try to overturn a state ban on the wearing of campaign paraphernalia to the polls on election day. The ACLU, the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression and The Rutherford Institute said the ban violates First Amendment free-speech rights.

Sen. Warner warns of military spending cuts under Obama

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:01:48 -0400
WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Warner said Wednesday that a House Democrat's call for massive military spending cuts should make Virginians rethink supporting Barack Obama for president.

Wilder wants to extend polling hours

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:10:31 -0400
Wilder asked that polls remain open until 10 p.m. Tuesday "in certain areas of the state" where historic levels of voter turnout are expected. A spokesman for Governor Timothy M. Kaine said a Virginia governor has no authority to do so.

Groups plan legal challenge to political T-shirt ban

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:11:28 -0400
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, the Rutherford Institute and the ACLU of Virginia say they will oppose the policy on First Amendment grounds.

Kaine: Expect lines at polls

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:09:55 -0400
There will be lines, for sure. But Virginia is "extremely well-prepared" to handle the long lines and historic turnout expected at the polls across the state on Election Day, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said yesterday.

Judges hear Va. abortion law case

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:08:58 -0400
The full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments yesterday over a Virginia law banning a late-term abortion procedure twice struck down by a panel of the same court.

Palin derides Obama in tour of three Va. cities

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
Gov. Sarah Palin dashed to rallies in three Virginia cities yesterday, deriding Sen. Barack Obama as "Barack the wealth-spreader."

3 polls show Obama keeping Virginia lead

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:09:54 -0400
A trio of public-opinion polls show Virginia breaking to Democrat Barack Obama for president in the week before Election Day.

Va. braces for record Election Day turnout

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
State election officials say they are prepared for a huge voter turnout on Election Day, but voters who should still expect to wait in line.

GOP charges Kaine 'conspiring' with Obama to add pardoned felons to voter rolls

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:36:33 -0400
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is "conspiring" with the Barack Obama campaign to add pardoned felons to Virginia's voting rolls, surrogates for John McCain said today.

Warner retains big lead

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:08:58 -0400
Virginia's U.S. Senate race is anything but. The latest Richmond Times-Dispatch Poll puts Democrat Mark R. Warner comfortably ahead of Republican Jim Gilmore -- 58 percent to 33 percent, with 9 percent undecided.

RT-D Poll: Presidential race still tight in Va.

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
A new Richmond Times-Dispatch poll shows John McCain and Barack Obama virtually tied in Virginia, a once-reliably Republican state that could decide the presidency.

'Wire' actors head to Va. on vote tour

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:08:57 -0400
Cast members of HBO's "The Wire" will be in Virginia this week for a nonpartisan voter initiative. Beginning today, "Wire" actors Wendell Pierce, Sonja Sohn, Michael K. Williams and Jamie Hector will join the National Urban League and the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation for stops in Alexandria, Richmond, the Petersburg area and Norfolk.

RFK's widow stumps for Obama

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:09:58 -0400
"Maybe once or twice in a century a candidate like Barack comes along," Ethel Kennedy said yesterday in Marion, where about 80 people gathered to see her.

Obama visits Richmond tomorrow

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:09:55 -0400
Democrat Barack Obama returns to Virginia tomorrow for a noon rally at the 12,000-seat Richmond Coliseum. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the rally is free. Later in the afternoon, Obama will appear in Leesburg. Overall, it marks the eleventh appearance in Virginia for Obama, his running mate, Joe Biden, or the two together since June.

Va. Democrats raise $776,000

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:08:58 -0400
Barack Obama's brand of trickle-down economics is filling Democratic coffers in Virginia. Fundraising by the state Democratic Party and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's political-action committee is dwarfing that of Republican groups.

Obama coming to Richmond this week

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:29 -0400
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is coming to Richmond this week. He'll host a rally at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

Obama will win Virginia, Kaine says

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:09:55 -0400
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine says Barack Obama will win Virginia and that an endorsement by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican star, makes it easier to push the state Democratic for president for the first time since 1964.