Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Top Virginia Political News Stories of 2014

The following is my view of the biggest Virginia political stories of 2014. I define biggest not in terms of media coverage, rather, I define it as a matter of impact. 10 stories that will change the Virginia political landscape for years to come.

1) Senator Phil Puckett resigns, Republicans take the State Senate.
2) McAuliffe fails to expand Obamacare in Virgnia. Thanks in part to Puckett's resignation.
3) Dave Brat beats Eric Cantor. Cantor becomes the first House Majority Leader to lose a primary since 1899
4) Former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen convicted of corruption charges. A first in Virginia history
5) In an effort to stop Puckett from resigning, Senator Warner calls and asks if perhaps his daughter would like a Federal Judgeship in order for him to stay. Yes, that is illegal, but, he was just "Brainstorming".
6) Gillespie almost beats Warner. Bad polls showed Warner winning comfortably so national Republicans put money into other races. Just think a little more money and Gillespie would have won.
7)Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico enters plea deal on contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He says he will resign from the House.
8) Despite taking an oath to enforce the laws of Virginia, Attorney General Mark Herring decides not to defend Virginia's law against Gay Marriage.
9) Republican Bench expands with the election of Barbara Comstock and Dave Brat to Congress.
10) Susan Stimpson announces that she plans to run against Speaker Bill Howell in the Republican primary.

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