A Race to Watch

Republican House Candidate Kerry Bolognese is running hard to unseat Democratic incumbent David Marsden in the 41st District, located in Fairfax County. Kerry is exciting voters in his district with a series of events to tap into the palpable enthusiasm for his campaign. The capstone will be his "official" kickoff on Thursday, May 14th from 6:30 –8:00 P.M. at the Springfield Golf and Country Club- all are welcome.

Since announcing his candidacy in mid-January, Kerry has been going door-to-door every weekend and evenings during the week. He collected over 300 signatures on his petitions and filed to run at the earliest possible time on March 24th! He has knocked on over 1,500 doors and counting, and the residents of the 41st have been very receptive to his message and share his concerns about the direction of the Commonwealth.

Kerry has lived in the Northern Virginia area for more than 30 years and understands the everyday concerns and issues that face the region. He has a wife, three grown children and four grandkids and is very active in his local church. Kerry has also been Republican precinct captain in Burke and has a good grasp of the community and what is on people’s minds and wants to work hard to make sure Fairfax County families have a bright future.

In addition, Kerry has worked for a public higher education association for the past 16 years and readily understands that one of the most important things we can do to preserve the future prosperity of our region, our state, and our country is to ensure teachers have the resources they need for the classroom and that Virginia’s outstanding colleges and universities remain the crown jewels of academia. Kerry has also worked for 13 years on Capitol Hill both on a Member’s personal staff and on the House Foreign Affairs Committee staff. He understands the intricacies of the legislative process and knows how to work to get things done.

Kerry is running a genuine grassroots campaign and knows he will be outspent because his opponent, David Marsden, one of the 20+ liberal members of the Democratic caucus who have consistently opposed working across the aisle for common sense solutions, has raised lots of money from special interest PACs. But Kerry has heard from the voters in the 41st that they are fed up with this kind of money-driven politics and are looking for fresh faces not beholden to special interests. That is what Kerry’s campaign is about -- bringing fresh ideas, a bold vision, and common sense solutions to Richmond.

To volunteer or support Kerry, visit www.bolognesefordelegate.com or contact Kerry at 202-841-7043 or Kerry@bolognesefordeletate.com. Write to him at Bolognese for Delegate, P.O. Box 523353, Springfield, VA, 22152.

A New Poll Shows McDonnell Ahead.

A new poll conducted by SurveyUSA, shows former Virginia attorney general, Bob McDonnell, beating all three possible Democrat opponents.

McDonnell beats state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, by five points -- 44 percent to 39 percent.

The poll shows McDonnell beating Clinton sycophant Terry McAuliffe by seven points -- 46 percent to 39 percent, and he leads former Del. Brian J. Moran, D-Alexandria, by 12 points -- 46 percent to 34 percent.

The survey interviewed 1,600 Virginia adults, 1,396 of whom are registered to vote.

Amy Frederick says she will Forgo Plans to Run for Husband's House seat

In an email to supporters Amy Frederick announced today that she will not run to replace her Husband in the House of Delegates. Her Husband is Prince William County Delegate and as of a few weeks ago the former State Republican Party Chairman.

If you read this blog you will know that Jeff Frederick was ousted earlier this month from his post as Party Chairman. The fight he put up in the face of overwhelming opposition upset many in the Party. In fact he may have alienated so many Republicans that Amy's chances of winning were irreparably damaged.

Moran Raises Global Crossing

In a Democrat debate over the weekend Brian Moran made a reference to Terry McAuliffe's investment in failed telecommunications giant Global Crossing. The company may have gone bankrupt but not before McAuliffe was able to make a reported 18 million dollars.

Moran didn't mention McAuliffe by name, but by raising the company it was clearly a slap at McAuliffe.

In a 2002, the political website Drudge, reported on McAuliffe's involvement with Global Crossing. Drudge reported that Judicial Watch, a conservative government watchdog group claimed,

"In what is an unprecedented case of political profiteering, McAuliffe turned a $100,000 initial investment in the company into $18 million in less than a year and a half—a nifty 18,000% profit. According to the New York Times, McAuliffe made millions more trading the stock and options after the company went public in 1998."

I don't know if McAuliffe did anything unethical regarding Global Crossing, but if it turns out that he was able to sell stock and make 18 million while the companies rank and file workers, lost their jobs, and benefits, it will probably derail his campaign.

I think the media and McAuliffe's opponents should look into this matter.

Ken Cuccinelli Defends The Second Amendment

In Today's Washington Post.

I must confess I read the Post everyday, and find that, despite their liberal bias, their reporting and coverage of Virginia politics can be very informative.
However, they sometimes are so anxious to find a mistake by a Republican candidate that they look foolish. They do this by taking every Democrat attack and passing it along, without screening weak from strong attacks. Whatever their Democrat sources give them they publish.

Here is an example in today's Anita Kumar's column:

"They(Democrats) criticized McDonnell for standing by silently while his surrogate Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and presidential candidate in 2008, said Northern Virginians "aren't necessarily thinking the same way folks like you and me think."

Safe to say, and sadly in my view, most northern Virginians don't think like Mike Huckabee.

Surely the reporter, Anita Kumar, has to realize that Northern Virginia, at least politically,and Huckabee meant in terms of politics, thinks differently then the rest of the state.

Question of the Day

OK, Mr. Virginia Gentleman, I'm going to be in DC for a conference in late June. I'm bringing my daughter, sister-in-law and two nieces. The girls are all in college. We're going to Gettysburg, Monticello and Montpelier, but have a day or two not planned yet. What don't we want to miss? We're all history buffs (hence the places we've already scheduled). What's your recommendation?
D.M, Colorado

I would highly recommend Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, and the Iwo Jima Memorial, all in Virginia.

I to am a History buff, so Virginia is the place to be. As you may know Arlington Cemetery was originally Robert E Lee's property. The mansion on top of the hill was his house. When he turned down the offer to fight for the union, and instead chose to defend Virginia, the Feds took his land, and turned it into a cemetery.

And Mt. Vernon is a must. It shouldn't be too expensive to get in, and the grounds are beautiful.

GOPAC Ad For Bob McDonnell

McDonnell's Leads Grows.

A new Rasmussen poll shows that Bob McDonnell is expanding his lead on all three of his opponents. I think the negative tone of the Democrat primary race is hurting them all.

The results stand at:

Bob McDonnell 44%
Brian J. Moran 34%

Bob McDonnell 45%
Terry McAuliffe 33%

Bob McDonnell 45%
Creigh Deeds 30%

Bloomberg Seeks to Influence Virginia Governors Race

The Liberal Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, is attempting to influence the Virginia Gubernatorial election. Bloomberg, who gained national fame by banning smoking and guns in New York, now seeks to impose his own misguided views on the Old Dominion. I guess confiscating guns and smokes in New York City isn't enough to satisfy this do good er.

It seems Bloomberg is upset that it is relatively easy for law abiding Virginians to buy guns, so he has given $500,000 thousand dollars to a gun-control lobbying outfit called Americans United for Safe Streets. According to the Washington Times Bloomberg's donation makes up 99.5% of the groups funding.

The groups first task is to campaign against the mythical ‘Gun Show Loophole'. It sounds like an easy target for the gun grabbers, after all isn’t everybody opposed to the ‘Gun Show Loophole’?

In an ad running to mark the 2nd anniversary of the VA Tech shootings Bloomberg claims that Virginia needs to close this loophole to prevent more school shootings, like the tragedy that took place at Tech. First there is no such loophole, all gun show sales require a background check, and second the VA Tech shooter didn’t buy his gun at a gun show.

But Bloomberg isn’t interested in being accurate; rather his primary motive is to defeat Bob McDonnell. Bloomberg is upset that McDonnell, as Virginia Attorney General, opposed closing down gun shows. But why should he, gun shows don’t violate any laws, and like a store they have to do background checks on all gun purchases.

It could be that the very concept of a gun show violates Bloomberg’s liberal sensibilities, but who cares? I would also point out that despite having stricter gun control laws New York has historically led Virginia in crime.

We don't need New York's gun laws and New York's crime levels. Liberals like Bloomberg are in denial. They believe that gun control laws reduce crime, when the opposite is true. Gun control measures almost always give the criminal an advantage.

Last time Bloomberg got involved in Virginia Politics took place two years ago when he came to Fairfax to campaign for State Senator Jeannemarie Davis. She lost that race. Here’s hoping he has the same kind of success this time around.

Photo by Newsday

Washington Post Watch

It may be early in the race for the Governors mansion, and control of Virginia's government, but it is never too early for the Washington Post to help Democrat candidates. I have always said that the Post is the media arm of the Democrat party and it seems my suspicions are confirmed every day.

So today, I am starting a new feature, once a week I plan to highlight bias in the Posts election coverage. I will simply take their stories for that day, and point out the bias.

Today in the Post:

'McDonnell Targeted in Online Ads'

This story is about New York Governor Michael Bloomberg's ad attacking Bob McDonnell on Guns. The Post includes the ad that Bloomberg was nice enough to produce, and mentions the Virginia Tech Shooting in the first sentence.

'McAuliffe, Deeds Unveil Education Plans'

The article provides no balance. Fails to mention that these ideas have been tried and failed.

'Democratic Candidates Sign Petition'

Democrats want the state to take 125 million in Federal money. The Post reporter fails to accurately explain why it was defeated. Failed to explain that it would
it would extend unemployment to Part Time workers, and downplays the cost to Virginia Businesses.

'Tweeting on the Trail'

The article talks about how Creigh Deeds, a Democrat candidate for governor likes to use Twitter. Can you imagine such a puff piece about a Republican?

I will continue to keep an eye on the Post coverage.

Bolling to Report over 1.3 Million Raised Since March 2008.

In reports to be filed tomorrow with the State Board of
Elections, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will report raising $1,321,231
for his re-election campaign since its inception in March 2008. Bolling
also ended the period with over $737,000 cash on hand.

Despite being barred from raising money while the General Assembly was in
session in January and February, Bolling raised over $302,000 during the
period from 404 contributors. The vast majority of this money was raised
during the last three weeks. More than half of the contributions were in
amounts less than $100.

"I am honored that hundreds of hard working Virginians have invested more
than $300,000 in my reelection campaign in just a few short weeks," said
Bolling. "Given the fact that I could not raise money during most of the
reporting period, this is a very good result."

"I know that times are tough and people are worried about their budgets and
job", said Bolling. "That makes me appreciate even more the generous support
that I have received from so many people. I will use these valuable
resources to advance our message of New Ideas for a Better Virginia and our
plans to get the economy moving again and create new jobs for Virginia's
families."

Source: Bolling For Lt.Governor

VA-Gov: Dogfight Benefiting McDonnell

Here is a great article on the Democrat nomination battle by my good friend Jim Ellis.

"A new Research 2000 poll of 600 likely Virginia voters reveals that the pre-election set-up may result in a considerable advantage for Republican nominee Bob McDonnell. The survey, conducted over the April 6-8 period, reveals a tightly bunched group of Democratic candidates all with relatively poor favorability ratings, against an unopposed Republican who has the luxury of staying above the fray for the next several months.

Using an over-sampling of Democrats (400) to determine answers to questions involving the candidates of that particular party, former Alexandria Delegate Brian Moran, brother of US Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA-8), posts a small but significant lead. According to the sample, Moran would capture 24% of the vote; former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe who just reported raising $4.2 million to date – far ahead of any other candidate -- is second with 19%; and state Senator Creigh Deeds, who lost the 2005 statewide Attorney General’s race to McDonnell by just 323 votes, records 16%.

The Democrats have a real fear that the lack of a consensus nominee will cause the eventual winner to enter the general election in a badly bloodied condition. The fact that the primary is early in the cycle -- scheduled for June 9th -- might ease the situation somewhat but, a hard-fought, nasty primary battle will undoubtedly cause the party significant problems.

The three candidates’ current favorability ratings give credence to the argument that the eventual Democratic primary winner will own an upside down popularity score. According to the R-2000 poll, Moran is viewed favorably by 36% of those sampled versus 33% who have a negative image of him. McAuliffe is in even worse shape. He is already upside down with a 35:36% ratio. Even Deeds, who has tried to stay away from mixing it up with his other two opponents, only registers a 34:30% rating. By contrast, the same sample ranks Democratic President Barack Obama highly. Fifty-eight percent of the respondents have a favorable impression of Obama, as compared to 37% who rate him unfavorably. The fact that the trio of gubernatorial candidates have such anemic approval scores at this point in the campaign suggests impressions of them will become even more negative once the race intensifies.

By contrast, McDonnell scores a much better 48:31% favorability ratio. In the general election ballot test questions, the former Republican Attorney General leads all three Democratic contenders. The numbers are even more positive for McDonnell when discovering that the sample included 39% of people who consider themselves Democrats versus 32% who self-identify as Republicans. This is a bit lower than the at-large Old Dominion voting populace, meaning the numbers might be slightly better for McDonnell than the survey suggests.

Against Moran, McDonnell leads 37-36%. He opens up a seven point lead versus both McAuliffe, 40-33%, and his former general election foe Deeds, 38-31%.

While every pairing predicts a close race in a state that has trended Democratic since the turn of this century, the McDonnell camp has to be very pleased with these early results. Having a strong base upon which to build, and a set-up within the Democratic field that should play to their advantage, the Republicans have a legitimate shot at re-claiming the Virginia state house. The Commonwealth’s Governor, one of the stronger chief executive positions in the country, is also a pivotal post when overlaying the GOP 2011 national redistricting strategy."

Rudy Endorses McDonnell.

This actually too place earlier this year. Check it out.

Moran Leads Democrat field in Latest Poll

In what has to be a major blow to the McAuliffe camapign, Massachusetts liberal Brian Moran leads the Democrat field in the race for Governor, at least according to a new poll.

A new Daily Kos/Research2000 poll shows Moran leads with 24%, followed by Terry McAuliffe with 19% and Creigh Deeds with 16%.

I say it is a blow for McAuliffe because despite spending more money, and having a larger campaign staff, McAuliffe still trails the Massachusetts native.

The poll also showed that Republican Bob McDonnell beats all three Dems in head to head matchups.

Virginia Legislature Says No to Some Stimulus Cash

In a move that I applaud, the General Assembly narrowly rejected $125 million in Federal stimulus money, which would have provided for additional unemployment benefits to Virginia's laid off workers.

Republican leaders opposed the expansion of unemployment benefits, correctly in my view, stating that it would undermine the state's business-friendly reputation, since in exchange for accepting the money the state will eventually have to raise unemployment taxes on businesses. But isn't that the goal of Governor Kaine and the Democrats? In my opinion, this is their back door way of raising taxes on business.

Governor Tim Kaine was livid by the Assembly's rejection of the 125 million, telling reporters, "There's an awful lot of people who are hurting in Virginia, and the message to them seemed to be: 'We don't care. Fend for yourself."

While I think it is great to want to help the unemployed, this measure is bad for the state. The fact is this federal money is simply a gimmick which is designed to expand government, and increase taxes on Virginia businesses.

Nice try Governor but we ain't taking the bait.

Bedell Says He is Not a Candidate for State Party Chairman.

In a Statement issued this Morning, Fairfax County Republican Party Chairman Anthony Bedell said he is not a candidate for State Party Chairman,

"At this time, I am not a candidate for Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. It is my intention to fulfill my campaign pledge and serve out the remainder of my term as Chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee. I have obviously been flattered to be mentioned by so many as a possible candidate for Chairman of the RPV, but right now my time and energy is focused on the FCRC."

There seems to be a groundswell of support for Bedell. Some supporters have started a Facebook group called "Draft Anthony Bedell for RPV and several GOP blogs have suggested his name as a possible candidate for state party chairman.

Bedell has received high praise for his leadership of the county party. Since he took over for Jim Hyland in December, Northern Virginia Republicans have done better than expected in three special elections, including one that saw Republican John Cook capture the Braddock District seat, a seat which has never been held by the GOP.

Bedell is doing a great job as County Chairman. In fact, he may be our best Chairman since Pat Mullins. Keep up the good work Anthony!

Disgraced ex Party Chairman Suggests He may run Again.

One of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day, this is the movie where a guy keeps reliving the same day over and over. And like the movie just when we think we finally got rid of Jeff Frederick, we wake up and see that he is still around.

It seems that the ego manic, and I think now we all have to accept that he is ego maniacal, Frederick is seriously considering running again for State Party Chairman.

His running of course defies logic. Even if he believes he was railroaded, and should have kept his job, his running again can only hurt his reputation and the State Party. It might also hurt his Wife’s chances at her own election to his seat in the House of Delegates.

I admire tenacity, but not insanity.

Why not Davis for Chairman?

Now with Jeff Frederick finally and happily gone, the Virginia GOP is considering names of possible successors. I have already said I think Tom Davis would make a good choice. Here is some of what I said back on March 9th.

"It seems to me that Davis would bring a lot to the job of Party Chairman, he is a big name, he has a great knowledge of state politics, he has a proven ability to raise money, and could help the party compete in vote rich Northern Virginia.

For two decades Davis has been one of Northern Virginia's most successful politicians. He managed to get elected and re elected in Fairfax County, a place where Republicans have struggled recently.

Also, after a decade of weak(and that may be a generous word)leadership, perhaps competence is what is now needed most. Davis successfully led the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2000-2002, helping to recruit good congressional candidates and raised money for the national GOP effort.

I doubt Tom would want the job, and certainly there would be many conservatives who would oppose him if he did, but I do think he would bring a lot to the job."

Picture by the Washington Post.

Frederick Ousted as Party Chairman

This afternoon the State Central Committee voted to remove Jeff Frederick as state party Chairman. The unofficial tally was 57-18 with one abstention.

Frederick has said he may still run again for the job when the full party convenes for its state convention at the end of May. For the sake of the GOP let's hope not.

State Central Committee Meets Today To Vote on Removing Frederick

My hope is that the Republican State Central Committee will vote today to remove current State Party Chairman Jeff Frederick.

The lovely Anita Kumar of the Washington Post reported this morning:

"The Republican State Central Committee began meeting this morning to determine whether to remove Jeffrey M. Frederick as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Sixty-seven members of the 77-member were present. Another 10 sent proxies. But the committee rejected one of the proxies because he did not live in the correct district. Frederick supporters believe the person carrying proxy want to keep the chairman and scrambled to find someone to replace him.

The meeting, which is taking place behind closed doors, is expected to last much of the day. Members will hear from both sides, who were passing around thick briefing books detailing both the evidence for and against Frederick."

We should no more later in the afternoon.

Violent Crime Drops by 36.8% in Prince William County

For the past couple years Prince William County has taken heat for wanting to stop illegal immigration. But those efforts may be paying off, in an end of the year statistics report released this week by the Prince William County police, overall violent crime declined by 36.8% in the county.

Board Chairman Corey Stewart said:

"There have been some high profile murders in our county, and they have hit us all hard. Our innovative policy on criminal illegal aliens has drawn a lot of attention, and with the eyes of the world upon them, there has not been on substantiated claim of racial profiling or intolerance among our sworn officers. I commend the Police Department and Chief Deane for continuing their excellent work. They are keeping all law abiding members of our community safe."

I wonder if the liberals will now acknowledge that there is a connection between illegal immigration and crime? For years they claimed a spurious connection with a weak economy and crime, but I guess it is too logical, and insensitive to claim that a large number of illegal immigrants have anything to do with crime.

Huckabee and McDonnell Jam Session

McAuliffe Raises Money in San Francisco.

It seems Democrat candidate for Governor Terry McAuliffe has been spending a lot of time out of state raising money. According to the Washington Post:

"McAuliffe, who spent decades building a reputation as one of the world's most successful political fundraisers, has traveled to New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, Houston, Miami and Syracuse, N.Y., for events often organized by those who count Bill and Hillary Clinton as close friends."

On this blog last month I commented on a story about McAuliffe going to San Francisco for a fundraiser. I guess it makes sense for Terry McAuliffe to raise money in San Francisco, he is after all a 1960's counter culture liberal, and what better place to find like minded liberals then the city by the bay.

In explaining why he is raising money out of state McAuliffe told the post:

"The nice thing is people are helping me from all over," McAuliffe said. "I've had a lot of long relationships. These folks don't want anything from Virginia. They think I'd make a great governor."

I agree, I am sure the people of San Francisco think you would make a great Governor.

(Picture is of me taken on my summer trip to San Francisco.)