The Virginia Gentleman

Obama Leads Newt By Double Digits, But in a Dead Heat with Romney Says New Poll

2012-01-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

Obama leads Romney in the race for the commonwealth's 13 electoral votes by only one point, 45 percent to 44 percent, well within the poll's margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points. Eleven percent of likely voters are undecided. Romney leads by five points among independents, but Obama hoards 89 percent of Democrats to inch in front of the former Massachusetts governor.
While Romney runs virtually even with Obama, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich trails the president by a double-digit margin, 49 percent to 38 percent, with 13 percent undecided. Obama also leads Gingrich by 11 points among independents.

Mullins Comments on Obama's State of the Union

2012-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins gave the followingstatement:

"Itis abundantly clear that the current occupant of the White House has given upon governing and is doing nothing but campaigning from this pointforward," Mullins said. "This was two hours of re-election rhetoric, with no substance to speak of."

"We've heard this all before. Unfulfilled promises that come withexpiration dates, pie-in-the-sky policy proposals, designed for nothing morethan political expedience," Mullins said. "President Obama has norecord to run on, except one of failure. Unemployment is over 8 percent, oureconomy remains extremely weak, and under his radical policies, our nationaldebt that has spiraled out of control.

"All the flowery rhetoric in the world can't hide President Obama'smassive record of job-killing, anti-economic growth policies," Mullinssaid. "I have no doubt that Virginia voters will make sure in Novemberthat this was Obama's last State of the Union speech."

Allen Releases New Ad

2012-01-23T17:41:00.000-08:00

The Ridiculous Rick Perry Exits Presidential Race

2012-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

In all my years following politics I can honestly say I am hard pressed to think of a worse Presidential campaign. The stumbling, mumbling Rick Perry today ended his campaign for President. Here are some highlights of his campaign:

1) Called Conservatives who didn't support in state tuition for illegals "mean and heartless"
2) Failed to prepare for the debates, in fact he even forgot his own platform
3) Shrugged off as no big deal incidents of our soldiers urinating on dead enemy corpses.
4) In what sounded like it could have come from an occupy wall street press release Perry denounced 'Vulture' Capitalists
5) Decided to endorse the one Republican(Gingrich) who would probably lose to Obama, in order to hurt the one Republican(Romney) who would probably beat Obama.
6) Couldn't manage to get the needed 10,000 signatures to get on the Virginia primary ballot, so he decided to sue.

Good Riddance Rick!

Virginia Gentleman Interviews Lt. Governor Bill Bolling

2012-01-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Virginia Gentleman: First, on a politicalnote, there has been discussion of a rivalry or division between Northern Virginia Republicans and Richmond Republicans. Doyou think the divide is real or exaggerated?

Lt.Gov. Bill Bolling: I’m not aware of any division between Northern Virginia Republicans and Richmond Republicans. We’re areall on the same team and we’re all working toward the same goal of defeatingPresident Obama and Tim Kaine in November.

VirginiaGentleman:Withthe Senate now evenly split what type of power sharing arrangement do youenvision?

Lt. Gov.BillBolling: When the Senate organized last week we organized with a Republicanmajority, I was pleased to cast the tie breaking vote to give us thatmajority. As a result we now have a Republican floor leader, Republicanchairmen on all committees and Republican majorities on all but onecommittee. I think that will improve the quality of leadership in theSenate, and it will help Governor McDonnell and me advance ourlegislative priorities.

VirginiaGentleman:Whatwill be some of your top priorities this session?

Lt. Gov.BillBolling: Our focus has not changed. We will continue to emphasize theneed to govern Virginia in a fiscallyresponsible way and pursue policies that will help get our economy growingagain and create jobs. In addition, we’ll work to make investments in thecore responsibilities of state government, things like education,transportation, public safety and the like. Finally, we’ll be pursuing anaggressive government reform agenda this year, looking for ways to streamlinestate government and make it smaller and smarter.

VirginiaGentleman:Howwould you judge the McDonnell record as Governorso far?

Lt.Gov.BillBolling: I’m very pleased with the progress we have made in our first twoyears. We’ve worked hard to restore our state’s financialfoundation. When we took office we inherited a $6B budget shortfall, butby reducing spending and emphasizing economic growth we have balanced our budgetand produced surpluses of almost $1B over the past two years.We have alsoemphasized job creation, and we’ve had a lot of success there. In thepast two years, we have closed over 700 economic development deals in ourstate, we have created over 55,000 net new jobs and reduced ourunemployment rate from 7.2% to 6.2%. And now that our economy is growingagain, we have made significant reinvestments in higher education andtransportation. In fact, last year we made the largest investment inhighway construction and maintenance in 25 years. We still have a lot ofwork to do, but we’ve accomplished a lot in the past two years.

VirginiaGentleman: Do you think Republicans will carry Virginia in this year’s race forPresident?

Lt.Gov.BillBolling: I think so. Virginians recognize that President Obama has been afailed president. His policies have failed to improve the economy, andhis anti-business approach has actually made it worse. Andinternationally this President has abandoned our allies, embraced ouradversaries and made us weaker and less safe. In 2008, Virginians gavePresident Obama the benefit of the doubt and embraced his call for hope andchange, but they now know that was a mistake. I don’t think they’ll makethat mistake again. I think they’ll vote Republican this November becausethey now know that’s the only way to get the country back on the right track.

2012-01-11T18:55:00.001-08:00

Allen Campaign Releases New Ad

2012-01-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

Gingrich, Santorum, Huntsman, Perry, Sore Losers?

2012-01-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

A Federal Judge agreed to allow GOP Presidential candidates Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman to joinRick Perry’s lawsuit to force them on Virginia's primary ballot, even thoughthey didn’t get the signatures required by Virginia law. Expressinghis skepticism, Governor McDonnell told the Washington Post:

“Heck, I did it twice. It can’t bethat hard,’’ McDonnell quipped at a news conference on Capitol Square onWednesday.
McDonnell did say that he would be open to looking at changing the ballotrules for future elections, but not the current one. McDonnell also said Perry,a friend, had not called him about his lawsuit.
“No credible candidate for statewide office in Virginia has ever had troublemaking the ballot,’’ McDonnell said. “Everyone has known these rules for 40years. We certainly don’t want to do things after the fact because thecandidates didn’t make it.
“If you’re running for president of the United States, you ought to be ableto get 10,000 signatures in Virginia.’’

The Virginia Gentleman agrees with the Governor. The fact is they knew what they needed to doto get on the ballot in Virginia, and they failed to do it. Now Perry, Gingrich, Huntsman, and Santorum are in search of an activist, dare I say liberaljudge, to ignore the law and let them on the ballot. And is getting 10,000 signatures in a state with over six million residents really that tough?

Cuccinelli Changes His Mind on Primary Ballot Issue

2012-01-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

Last week Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said he was considering supporting aneffort to change the rules to allow the full range of presidential candidateson Virginia's ballot on March6th. However, after much thought Cuccinelli concluded, "we cannotfind a way to make such changes fair to the Romney and Paul campaigns thatqualified even with Virginia'sburdensome system."

Lt. Governor Bolling applauded the reversal saying:

“Needless to say, I am pleased that Attorney General Cuccinelli hasabandoned his call for legislative changes to Virginia’sballot access requirements in advance of the Republican presidential primary inMarch. While I do not object to the General Assembly considering changesto our ballot access requirements for future elections, it would have beeninappropriate to make such changes in the middle of the current presidentialnominating process. That would have been terribly unfair to GovernorRomney and Congressman Paul, both of whom successfully complied with theserequirements and filed a sufficient number of legal petition signatures toqualify for the Virginia ballot."

Gingrich and Perry Fail to get on the Ballot

2011-12-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Wilder Says Obama Should Dump Biden

2011-12-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

Post Debate Poll Shows Allen Leading Kaine

2011-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

A new Quinnipiac poll shows Allen with a slight lead over former Democrat National Committee Chairman, and part time Governor, Tim Kaine. It may be noteworthy to point out that the last Quinnipiac poll (October) – Kaine was leading Allen 45 to 44. Now Allen leads 44 to 42.

Also, this poll is post-debate. The debate was the first engagement of the campaign between Allen and Kaine that earned a lot of coverage (and for a lot of people it was the first time they saw the two different visions). It is also where Tim Kaine made his strongest defense of President Obama and his failed policies.

Democrats Complain that McDonnell's Budget Does not Include Tax Increases

2011-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Thousands of Virginia children will be expecting a new bike under the tree on Sunday. Well, for Virginia Democrats their great Christmas wish was a big tax increase. Sadly, for them, but happily for us, the Governor has no plans to raise taxes in next years budget. Check out this quote from Democrat Sen. Don McEachin in Washington Examiner:

"... 'It's invariable when you have a governor that does not believe in raising revenue that you're going to have cuts to those types of programs,' said Sen. Don McEachin, D-Henrico. 'I believe that's wrong...'"

Allen Holds Commanding lead for GOP Senate Nomination

2011-12-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

According to a new poll by Public Policy Polling George Allen has a commanding lead over his opponents for the GOP senate nomination. The poll finds:

"There continues to be very little appetite for a Tea Party challenge to George Allen in the
Republican Senate race. 65% of primary voters think he's ideologically about 'right' and
only 25% express support for a generic 'more conservative' alternative to him, compared
to 53% think who he should be the party nominee."

Support for Newt Surges in Virginia

2011-12-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

A new poll by Public Policy Polling finds that Republican candidate Newt Gingrich is the choice for President among Virginia Republicans.

"Youcan add Virginia to the list of states where Newt Gingrich has a hugelead in the Republican Presidential race. He's at 41% there to 15% for MittRomney withno one else in double digits. Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry at 8%, Rick Santorumand Ron Paul at 6%, Jon Huntsman at 3%, and Gary Johnson at 1% round out the field."

In Case You Missed It, Chairman Kaine Praising Obama Care

2011-12-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

2011-12-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

Kaine Cites Killing of Bin Laden as Obama Accomplishment

2011-12-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

It seems the press paid little attention to Kaine's remark in yesterday's debate where he listed the killing of terrorist Osama Bin Laden as one of President Obama's greatest accomplishments. Ironically, the team that went in, risked their lives, and did the job was based in Virginia. However, Kaine gave Obama the credit.

Allen Kaine Square off For Their First Debate

2011-12-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

This afternoon at the State Capitol George Allen and Tim Kaine squared off in their first debate. The debate was sponsored by the Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association.

I must confess I do think the haggard looking Kaine did well, in fact the only time he seemed flustered and unsure was when he tried to defend his attempt to pardon convicted killer Jens Soering. For 90 minutes he unstintingly defended the unpopular Obama, and he seemed to relish it. For example he gleefully reiterated his support for President Obama's job killing health care bill, which will cost Virginia $2.2 billion over the next decade, and he continued to defend the stimulus bill.

I thought Allen effectively attacked Kaine's record as Governor. Allen pointed to Kaine's effort to implement a $2 billion income tax hike, and his efforts to end car tax relief. Allen also mentioned the VDOT audit which showed that the Kaine administration forgot about nearly 1 billion dollars, which was sitting in an account and earmarked for roads, while at the same time closing down Virginia's rest stops.

Allen also attacked Kaine for leaving the Governor's office a year before his term was up to run the Democrat National Committee.

This debate showed that Virginians will have a clear choice. More taxes, regulations and federal power, or a more limited federal Government, lower taxes and less regulation.

State Senator Frank Ruff Endorses George Allen

2011-12-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, in an editorial State Senator Frank Ruff endorsed George Allen for the US Senate. A couple highlights of the Ruff endorsement:

· George Allen believes we get the economy moving with pro-growth policies that give America a competitive advantage, unleashing our energy resources and reining in the federal government.
· Tim Kaine believes it’s the role of the government – he’s supported the failed policies that got us 34 months of unemployment over 8% - and he wants to continue them.

If you get a chance check it out.

State Senator Mark Obenshain Expresses Intentions to Run For AG

2011-12-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Republican state senator Mark Obenshain has told supporters that he plans to run for Attorney General, if current Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli decides not to run for reelection and runs for Governor instead. In an email to supporters Obenshain said:

"Virginia will need continued conservative leadership in thatoffice, and that is why I am exploring a bid for Attorney General in 2013. I am committed to limited government, low taxes andindividual liberty. As an attorney, and state senator, I have dedicated myprofessional life to the cause of justice, and of defending the liberties thatmake this nation and this Commonwealth so great. As a husband and a father, Ihave been blessed to experience the joys, values and importance of family."

Virginia Needs Cuccinelli to Run For Re-Election

2011-12-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

While no official announcement has been made it seems thatVirginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is about to announce his candidacy forGovernor. Far be it from me to try todeny a man a promotion, but I think it is in Virginia’s best interest, theVirginia GOP’s interest, and Ken Cuccinelli’s best interest, that he runs forre election as Attorney General.

No one can deny that Ken Cuccinelli has been one ofVirginia’s finest Attorney Generals in history. He has defended the people of Virginia against a Federalgovernment that is out of control. Thecases that have been taken on by Cuccinelli will still go on, many lastingbeyond 2013. Would a Democrat AttorneyGeneral continue Cuccinelli's work? I doubtit. My worry is that if Cuccinelli doesn’trun for re election Democrats could take the office. I don’t think Democrats could beat the incumbent Cuccinelli, butthey might be able to beat an unknown Republican.

Now, I admit I am a Bolling supporter, I believe he willmake an excellent Governor. Bill is asolid conservative and an experienced leader. But, a nomination fight for Governor between Bolling and Cuccinelli willbe a disaster for the Republican party and conservative Virginians. Such a battle will mostlikely help the Democrats win back the Governors mansion, and undo all thegood that McDonnell, Bolling and Cuccinelli have done over these last fewyears.
In 2013 Virginia will need Bill Bolling for Governor and Ken Cuccinelli as Attorney General.

Bolling Issues Statement on Cuccinelli's Candidacy

2011-12-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued thefollowing statement on the 2013 Gubernatorial Election:

"Needless to say, I am very disappointed byMr. Cuccinelli's decision to run for Governor in 2013. During the 2009campaign, and since taking office in 2010, Mr. Cuccinelli had repeatedly statedthat he intended to seek re-election as Attorney General in 2013 and thatis what I and other Republican leaders had expected him to do. Unfortunately, he has now decided to put his own personal ambition aheadof the best interests of the Commonwealth and the Republican Party.

"In 2009, Governor McDonnell and I gave Virginia Republicansa blueprint for how to win statewide elections in Virginia. It startedwith our decision to join together and offer a united vision for the future ofour state. In order to make that possible, I decided to seek re-electionto the office of Lieutenant Governor and support Bob McDonnell's campaign forGovernor. Unlike Mr. Cuccinelli, I set aside my personal ambition and didwhat was right for the Commonwealth and our party.

"I have consistently stated my intention torun for Governor in 2013, and Mr. Cuccinelli's announcement will not alter myintended course. After serving 10 years in the State Senate and 6 yearsas Lieutenant Governor, I am uniquely prepared to succeed Governor McDonnelland lead Virginia into the future. I have also served for 2 yearsin Governor McDonnell's cabinet, which has provided me with the experience andknowledge of the executive branch of state government that is necessary tocontinue our successes. Throughout my public service I haveprovided conservative, results oriented leadership, and I have worked withRepublicans and Democrats to get things done for the people ofVirginia. That experience and record of results enables me to reachout to conservative and independent voters and makes me the strongest candidatefor Governor in 2013.

"In the months to come I will keep my focus ondoing a good job as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, fulfilling myresponsibilities as our state's Chief Jobs Creation Officer, and working toelect Republican candidates in 2012. I will also continue doing the workI have been doing to lay the foundation for my own gubernatorial campaign in2013. If I do that work well, the political future will take care ofitself."

Governor McDonnell Elected Chairman of Republican Governors Association for 2012

2011-11-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

The following is a release from "Opportunity Virginia PAC"

"Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell waselected Chairman of the Republican Governors Association today at the group'squarterly meetings in Orlando,Florida. With today's vote the Governor will continue hisservice as head of the organization. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey waselected to continue serving as RGA Vice-Chairman. Joining McDonnell andChristie on the RGA Executive Committee will be: Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, GovernorSusana Martinez of New Mexico,Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania,Governor Nikki Haley of SouthCarolina, and Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin. Additionally, Governor MitchDaniels of Indiana was elected to serve as RGA Policy Chairman to lead theRepublican Governors Public Policy Committee.

Speakingabout the election, Governor McDonnell remarked, "I am honored to beelected by my peers to chair the Republican Governors Association in2012. Our country is facing unprecedented economic and fiscal challengesthat require bold leadership and innovative solutions. Unemployment isunacceptably high, too many of our citizens lack access to a good paying joband the American Dream, and for too long our leaders in Washington haveover-promised, over-spent, and under-delivered. Republican governorsacross the country have been showing the way forward by balancing budgets bycutting spending, not raising taxes; reforming state governments to make themmore efficient, effective and user-friendly to taxpayers; and focusing onprivate sector job creation to get our fellow citizens back to work andreignite the economic engine of America. Across the country these effortsare producing positive results, and I look forward to working with mycolleagues over the next year to continue implementing good, fiscallyresponsible policy, and to working hard to build on the RGA's successes of2009-2011 to add to the ranks of our 29 outstanding Republican governors."

Darden and Tuck Talk About Harry Byrd

2011-11-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Big Spender Moran Votes Against Balanced Budget Amendment

2011-11-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Murray yesterdaycommented on Rep. Jim Moran's vote to deny Northern Virginians a ConstitutionalBalanced Budget Amendment on the Federal level.

"Continuing his dangerous track record of deficitspending and passing the buck, Jim Moran's vote to reject a Balanced BudgetAmendment highlights just how fast and loose he is with America's future -once again reverting to partisan politics over fiscal discipline," Murraysaid. "Balanced budget requirements are a fact of life in (49)states."

Why did Moran vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment in 1995when Bill Clinton was president but not today? Count one more vote for Moran'sangry, hyper-partisan style of representation.

"AsNorthern Virginia's Congressman, I will work with both sides to fix ourproblems and restore faith in America's economy and credit. Taxpayers can restassured that I will support sound governing policies, regardless of theirorigin."

2011-11-21T09:31:00.001-08:00

A New Book Claims Jim Moran, D-Va., Made 90 Trades One Day After Private Congressional Economics Meeeting

2011-11-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

A new book by Peter Schweizer claims that Democrat Congressman Jim Moran used his position to enrich himself. Wow! Jim Moran did something unethical? Does that count as news? Check out the Fox interview with Peter Schweizer.

Kaine Promises to Stand by His Man

2011-11-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

While most Virginians realize what a disaster Barack Obama has been for our country, at least one Virginian promises to stand by him.

From the Virginian Pilot:

"President Barack Obama's popularity in Virginia may have weakened, but former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who is making a bid to be elected U.S. senator, says he's standing firmly alongside the president.

"I'm not backing off an inch," Kaine said in a meeting last week with The Virginian-Pilot..."

Most other Democrats have fled from the President in a screaming panic, or tried to distance themselves from his massively unpopular policies - the 'stimulus,'
ObamaCare, Solyndra, etc...

The Allen campaign ought to consider running an ad showing Kaine and Obama together to the tune of Tammy Wynette's stand by your man.

Governor McDonnell Comments on Supreme Court’s Decision to Hear Obama Care Case

2011-11-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

GovernorBob McDonnell issued the following statementtoday regarding the SupremeCourt of the United States decision to heararguments on the constitutionality of President Barack Obama’s PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act.

“Acrossthe country, courts continue to rule on cases challenging the constitutionalityof the federal health care law, with differing conclusions coming from severalcircuits. Whether a federal mandate on every citizen to purchase healthinsurance violates the U.S. Constitution is a question that ultimately must bedecided by the United States Supreme Court. That is why, nine months ago,Virginia requested that thesesuits be expedited for resolution by our nation’s highest court. We arepleased that the Supreme Court has announced they will hear arguments from sixof these cases during the current term.

Ihave long argued that this is an issue that will have an enormous impact onstates, and one that demands finality as soon as possible. Each day thatthese cases remain unresolved means that states must spend more time and moneyto prepare for the expensive and burdensome requirements of the health carelaw, while uncertainty looms over its constitutionality.

Today’snews that the Supreme Court will hear arguments, possibly as soon as March, isreassuring news that we will soon reach finality on this critically importantissue. I am confident that the court will find that the act does overreachand is unconstitutional. I thank the U.S. Supreme Court for agreeing to heararguments on the federal health care law during this current term.”

Houck Concedes to Reeves, GOP Takes Control of the State Senate!

2011-11-11T23:02:00.000-08:00

Virginia Republicans picked up the extra seat they needed in Tuesday's election, and now with the help of the Lt. Governor, who casts any and all tie breaking votes, Republicans will effectively control the State Senate. And best of all, Janet Howell will no longer chair the Privilege and Election Committee..

McDonnell Endorses Allen

2011-11-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth Posts 3.1 Percent Revenue Growth in October

2011-11-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

From the Governor's office:
Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that October revenue collections increased by 3.1 percent over the prior year. This is the 19th month out of the last 20 in which state revenue collections exceeded the previous year’s amount. However, slowing growth, continued uncertainty regarding federal funding, and concerns about the national economy are prompting caution as the governor and budget officials begin preparing the 2012-14 budget.

Election Recap

2011-11-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Here are the (pretty much) final results from Tuesday.
House of Delegates

*Republicans picked up 7 seats in the House of Delegates.

*Republicans now have a 68 seat caucus in the House, the most in history.

*Republicans won 13 of 14 open seats in the House.

*Republicans defeated 2 Democrat incumbents in the House.

*All 52 incumbent Republicans seeking re-election won.

Senateof Virginia

*Republicans have won a working majority in the Senate.

*Republicans gained two seats to make it 20-20 with Lieutenant Governor BillBolling holding the decisive tie-breaking vote.

*Republicans won 3 of 5 open seats in the Senate.

*Republicans defeated 2 Democrat incumbents in the Senate.

*All 15 incumbent Republicans seeking re-election won.

Justlook at the numbers:

HouseGOP Votes:757,000, about 61% of all votes cast

HouseDem Votes: 419,000, about 33% of all votes cast

Senate GOP Votes:771,000, about 57% of all votes cast
Senate DEM Votes: 554,000, about 41% of all votes cast

2011caps a remarkable three-year run for Virginia Republicans:

*In 2009,Virginia Republicans won all three statewide offices by massive margins andpicked up 6 seats in the House of Delegates.
* In 2010, Virginia Republicans defeated 3 incumbent CongressionalDemocrats and came within a few hundred votes of defeating a fourth, moving theCongressional delegation to 8-3 and clearing the way for our own Rep. EricCantor to become U.S. House Majority Leader.
* In 2011, Virginia Republicans picked up 7 more seats in the House ofDelegates and picked up 2 seats in the state Senate.

Republicans Tie for Control of the State Senate

2011-11-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

If Bryce Reeves maintains his slim lead over Edd Houck, which as of now is 224 votes, then Republicans will have 20 seats in the state senate, which will make the senate evenly divided with Democrats holding the other 20 seats.

And more good news for Virginia Republicans, in the House of Delegates Republicans picked up six seats for a two-thirds majority. There are also three races were too close to call.

All and all a good day for Virginia.

Vote Tomorrow!

2011-11-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

George Allen issued a statement urgingVirginians to vote tomorrow.

“The world is run by those who show up.

Tomorrow all of Virginia has an opportunity tobuild a better, more prosperous future for years to come.

What leaders like Governor Bob McDonnell, Lt. Governor BillBolling, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli started in 2009, was continuedwith big victories in the 9th, 5th, and 2nd Congressional Districts in 2010.

Over the past year Susan and I have traveled all throughout our beautiful Commonwealth campaigning withhardworking, conservative Republican candidates. In all, we headlined more than90 campaign events for our State and Local candidates. You can see the placeswe've been with our candidates by clicking here.

With your help tomorrow, Republicans can achieve the majority in the StateSenate, make major gains in the General Assembly, and elect strong,conservative leaders in local elections across the Commonwealth to help clearthe path for a pro-growth jobs agenda and lead the way for an Americancomeback.

But to do that, we need everyone on our team working hard, together, to push Virginia's strong Republicancandidates across the finish line!

We have the momentum, but we still need to execute.

Go out and recruit your like-minded friends, family members, neighbors andcolleagues and get them to the polls! The stakes are too high to stay onthe sidelines.

See you on Election Day Tuesday in Prince William, Loudoun, and FairfaxCounties where Susan and I will be working at polling places and making callsto help make sure every Republican vote is cast!

This election will ultimately lay the groundwork for historic change in 2012.We need to have a strong team to stand up to the Obama-Kaine machine.

Together we can send a message to President Obama and Tim Kaine that Virginianscan't afford any more of their failed policies!

Let's go out and get it done.

On to victory!”

Allen to Spend Election Day Campaigning in Fairfax

2011-11-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Fairfax County Republican Committee announced that George Allen will spend Election Day here in Fairfax getting out the vote. In a statement the committee announced:

“We need your help on Election Day. From 8:30AM to 6:45PM, we'll be following up with nearly 25,000 identified supporters. If you are not at the polls, or in between shifts at the polls, we need you here at the FCRC headquarters. Every vote is going to be critical. Former Governor George Allen will be firing up our volunteers for the final push. Students may use this final opportunity to earn Government Service Hours. Please RSVP! info@fairfaxgop.com 703-766-4467.”

This just in..Pam Danner Endorsed By the Washington Post!

2011-11-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

I was taking a nice leisurely walk today through McLean and I noticed that Democrat House of Delegates candidate Pam Danner has added "Washington Post Endorsed" to her campaign signs. I know Pam Danner, in fact I remember 20 years ago when she ran as a Republican. Even back then she was a lefty, but she called herself a Republican. Now she has decided to join the party headed by Barack Obama. Needless to say I know enough to know that I would never vote for her. However, I think it is very informative that she has added the Washington Post endorsement to her signs. It identifies her as the lefty she is. In fact, I think all Virginia Democrat candidates should disclose their Post endorsements on all signs and campaign literature..

I have the same feelings about "Teacher Endorsed", "Firefighter Endorsed", and "Police Endorsed", these monikers are informative. While I have nothing against firefighters, police officers, or teachers, lets face it their unions endorse candidates that will vote to raise the pay and benefits of their members. Their endorsements have very little, if anything, to do with putting out fires, stopping crime, or teaching.

So my poll question. Which would make you less likely to vote for a candidate. If they were:
"Teacher Endorsed", "Police Endorsed", "Firefighter Endorsed", or Washington Post Endorsed." In my book they are all negatives, but which is the worst?

George Allen: Mr. President, you are wrong!

2011-10-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

The following is a statement by George Allen:

“Yesterday, President Obama told a group of high-dollar donors that Americans "... have lost our ambition, our imagination, and our willingness to do the things that built the Golden Gate Bridge..." Mr. President, you are wrong.

Americans are the most productive, innovative and hard-working people in the world.

It is not the quality of the American people that is holding back our economic growth - it's Washington and its failed policies that keep digging us deeper into debt while strangling enterprising small businesses.

The federal government is taxing and regulating America out of the competition for jobs, and American working men and women and consumers are paying the price.

We must not be silent as President Obama blames Americans for the very policies that he and his liberal Washington allies imposed on us, with Tim Kaine's advocacy and help as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

We can envision a better future, and put an end to the wasteful government spending, burdensome regulations, uncertainty and higher taxes that are holding back our job creators.”

Dispirited Democrats Try to Run on McDonnell's Coattails

2011-10-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

While most Virginia Democrats are trying to distance themselves from President Obama, who they voted and campaigned for, there are several examples of Democrat candidates actually trying to attach themselves to Governor Bob McDonnell.

From the Washington Post:

"Sen. George Barker (Fairfax) features McDonnell in his latest TV ad and on his Web site. Sens. John Miller (Newport News), Janet Howell (Fairfax) and Toddy Puller (Fairfax) have him in campaign mailers."

Wilder: VA Dems Don't Want To Be Seen With Obama

2011-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Virginia Democrat Legislators Make it Clear They Don't Want Obama in The State

2011-10-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Like a virulent form of cancer, the list of Democrat incumbents distancing themselves from President Obama continues to grow. Currently Democrat legislators Puller, Houck, Barker, Reynolds have already said they won’t support Obama for reelection. From the Washington Post

Clearly Virginia Democrats would prefer Obama stay on the northern side of the Potomac.

Allen Says Obama Needs to Listen

2011-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

The following is from Republican Senate candidate George Allen:

"The President's first stop on his bus tour through Virginiais Emporia.

It suffers from nearly 12% unemployment. I hope President Obama takes thetime to listen to the good people of Emporialike I've been able to do many times myself over the years.

On my most recent stop, I met with the local Chamber ofCommerce, and those business leaders shared with me some oftheir frustrations and concerns about the future.

I asked how many people were leading a better life than did theirparents. Nearly everyone raised their hands.

But when I asked whether they thought their children would lead a better lifethan themselves, only a few hands remained in the air.

For the people in Emporia, and themen and women all across Virginiaand the United States,the promise of the American Dream feels like it's slipping away.

While there are some encouraging signs - like Café Soul just south of Emporiain Skippers - unfortunately there are too few of those stories these days.

It's the same almost everywhere. Families are cutting back.

Some are still struggling to find work or fighting to keep their homes, othersare worried about the high fuel prices or the increasing costs of groceries,and even more remain anxious and uncertain about the future in thisincreasingly troubled economy.

The President needs to hear from Virginians, because what we're getting fromhim and others in Washington showsthey just aren't getting the message.

Since his first failed stimulus - which my opponent Tim Kaine praised saying,"it would jump start the economy," - we've had 32 consecutive monthsof unemployment above 8%.

And 1.5 million people have lost their jobs.
President Obama and Tim Kaine are pushing yet another stimulus with highertaxes to pay for it. We know that won'tcreate jobs or get Americaback to work. Washington'sways aren't working.

That's what I heard from the people of Emporia. President Obama will hear the same thing too,if he only listens."

Commonwealth Posts 3.9 Percent Revenue Growth in September

2011-10-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Editors note: I am sure Obama is envious.

The following is a release from the Governors office:

“Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that September revenue collections increased by 3.9 percent over the prior year. This is the 18th month out of the last 19 in which state revenue collections exceeded the previous year's amount. However, lingering economic uncertainty and the lack of clarity in federal funding forecasts continue to prompt caution for Virginia officials planning for the 2012 budget.

September is a significant month for revenue collections because estimated payments from individuals, corporations and insurance programs are all due in September along with regular monthly collections of withholding, sales taxes and other sources. The revenue increase was primarily driven by a 17.3 percent growth in individual non-withholding payments and a 5.8 growth in sales and use taxes. Conversely, receipts for individual income tax withholding fell by 3.7 percent. On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 6.7 percent, ahead of the revised annual forecast of 3.7 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 5.6 percent, ahead of the economic base forecast of 3.5 percent growth.

"While Virginia's economy continues its trend of growth this month, all indicators at the state and national level highlight the need for caution in forecasting and budgeting as our economy struggles to regain its footing," Governor McDonnell said. "Virginia's economy continues to show modest growth and signs of improvement that surpass those of the nation's economy as a whole, but the fragile national economy, persistent uncertainty regarding federal funding decisions, and our economy's vulnerability to upheaval due to national and world events prompts economists and elected officials to take a cautious, conservative fiscal approach.

"Sadly, more than 250,000 Virginians are still out of a job. This is unacceptable and it is making daily life extremely difficult for Virginians struggling to find work. We must do all we can to help them find the good jobs they deserve. We also know that the nation's economic recovery has slowed in recent months, and that there are still many difficult days ahead. This is why it is vital that we do not lose our focus on the economy and job creation, and we take the steps now to ensure that we remain on solid financial footing in the coming months and years. Our administration is committed to implementing aggressive policies that reduce unnecessary spending, invest in the core functions of government, encourage economic growth, help private-sector companies add jobs, and nurture a strong and growing economy in the years ahead."

Wiretaps, Virginia, and the Left Wing’s Embrace of…. Ken Cuccinelli!?

2011-10-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

The following post is from my friend Tyler Bamberg:

"Onan issue related to security, Wire taps, I find a quite humorous situationhappening in my beloved commonwealth as we speak. What if I told you, as aninformed conservative Republican, that not one, but MULTIPLE left-wingorganizations have something in common with our “Conservative Rhinoceros” of anAttorney General Ken Cuccinelli? You would probably laugh at me in my face and sayI was crazy but surprisingly they do. Scariest of all, they are *Gasp* actuallyagreeing on something. A number of known left wing groups like the Human RightsWatch, Global Fund for Women, and the Service Employees International Unionhave filed a joint suit seeking to have a federal wiretapping law ruledunconstitutional.
Recently, a divided appellate court said a lower court could hear their case. The Obama Administration said their caseshould be thrown out, since “the plaintiffs lack the legal standing to bring achallenge.”
Wait… I’ve heard that somewhere before, but where….???
Oh that’s right; that is the exact same argument used by the administrationagainst Virginia's challenge to the individual mandate in Obamacare. I was atthe Roanoke Republican Luncheon where Ken was a guest speaker on the day the4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Virginia lacked the standing tochallenge the law and watched him as he was informed of this news.
The thing I cannot wrap my head around is, left-wingers ridiculed Cuccinellifor what seemed like an eternity for even suggesting that the Constitutionimposed power restrictions on the federal government. Now however, it’s ok forthem to fight for that same principle, that wiretaps exceed the boundaries drawnby the Constitution. I guess it really doesn’t sink in until it hits you whereit hurts right…. Let’s just hope in both cases, where each party is correct intheir legal merits, that justice can prevail."

Morgan Griffith Responds to Obama

2011-10-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

2011-09-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Allen Responds to Obama

2011-09-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Senate candidate George Allen comments on the President’s job speech:

“Our country has seen 31 consecutive months of unemployment over 8% (currently over 9%), nearly 14 million Americans are looking for work and 1.7 million jobs have been lost since the failed stimulus was passed.Yet last night Virginia families watched President Obama renew his calls for the same failed, big spending stimulus proposals that have added trillions to our debt.After nearly three years, it's clear the liberals in Washington have learned nothing from the disastrous results of their own failed policies.”

Kaine Says Washington Needs to Take New Action to Save the Economy

2011-09-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

After 3 years working in Washington as the head of the Democrat National Committee, where he claimed Obamapolicies were improving the economy, now Tim Kaine seems to change his tune. In a statement Kaine says:

"... Washington must take new action to encourage hiring and jump-start oureconomy,"

Is Kaine now admitting that Obama’spolicies, such as the nearly 1 trillion dollar stimulus package failed? He acknowledges we need 'new' policies - hey Tim do we also need a new President to go along we those new policies?

Kaine Uses Hurricane Irene in Fundraising Appeal

2011-09-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Tim Kaine’s latest fundraising appeal is sure to raise some eyebrows. In an email entitled ‘What’s at Stake’, Kaine claims that Eric Cantor wants to hold up aid to hurricane Irene victims. The email includes a sinister looking picture of Eric Cantor and an image of a tree on top of a house. The email also includes a ‘contribute now button’.

The appeal says:

“Two natural disasters – a hurricane and an earthquake – hit Virginia in the past week. Millions lost their power, and countless individuals lost their homes as the floodwaters wreaked havoc on so many of Virginia’s towns and cities.

But instead of coming together to provide relief for those who need it, Congressional leaders are holding emergency victims hostage in order to pursue a narrow ideological agenda.”

Kaine is obviously distorting Cantor’s comments. Cantor wants to get federal aid to the victims of hurricane Irene. He simply wants it paid for through spending cuts. In other words find the money, not just add it to the nations credit card.

FEMA Approves Governor McDonnell’s Request to Add Additional Localities to Federal Emergency Declaration

2011-08-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

The following is a release from the Governors office:

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Virginia’s request for 10 localities to be added to the pre-landfall emergency declaration that was issued Aug. 26, before the arrival of Hurricane Irene.

This federal emergency declaration does not provide disaster assistance to individuals. There is a separate process, which is under way, to request that assistance.

“I asked the President to add these localities because of the severe impact Irene had across the eastern half of the Commonwealth,” said Governor McDonnell. “We want to do everything we can to assure a fully coordinated response to this disaster on the local, state and federal levels. These additions allow us the maximum ability to do so.

These localities were added at the governor’s request: Essex, Gloucester, Henrico, King George, King and Queen, Louisa, Surry, Sussex and York, and the city of Richmond. These localities had to engage in extensive preparations to respond as the storm covered more of Virginia’s inland areas than predicted.

The President’s pre-landfall emergency declaration originally included the counties of Accomack, Northampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland and New Kent, and the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

A pre-landfall emergency declaration allows FEMA to provide supplies, equipment and other needed resources to state and local officials responding to the storm."

Dick Black Wins GOP Primary

2011-08-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Former Delegate Dick Black edged out Gainesville District Supervisor John Stirrup (R) Tuesday night to win the 13th district state Senate Republican primary. In a statement released last night Black thanked his supporters:

“Thank you to everyone for all of your hard work, prayers and encouragement. I am so grateful for everyone who worked so hard to make this victory possible. Hundreds of volunteers worked all day manning polls, talking to voters and getting our positive message out to the voters and our message resonated with voters.

As we head to the November elections, I am confident that we will have a party united like never before. With Republicans only a few seats away from gaining control of the Virginia Senate, this will be an important pick up.

I look forward to taking our positive message to voters in the General Election. On to November!”

Do Not Resuscitate the Political Career of Jeff Frederick

2011-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yes Virginia its true, that little bully boy Jeff Frederick wants to get back to Richmond to help save our state from ‘career politicians’ and ‘politics as usual’. In other words save us from people like him. Frederick served for six unimpressive years in the House of Delegates, and now is running for the 36^th state senate seat. You may have forgotten but Frederick was dumped as state party chairman couple years ago. He was such a bad chairman that every Republican member of the Virginia Congressional delegation wrote a letter to the state central committee urging them to impeach Frederick. Ironically during his term as state party chairman the party displayed its strongest moment of unity when discussing his impeachment. In addition to being a weak leader, it seems Frederick also managed to run up thousands of dollars of debt on the party’s credit card, so maybe he does know about spending other people’s money...

But fortunately, Republican voters in the 36^th senate district have another choice. Tito Munoz is Frederick’s opponent in the GOP primary. He is a small construction business owner, and Republican activist from Prince William County. On August 23^rd I urge Republican voters to vote for Munoz and say goodbye to Frederick.

Allen for U.S. Senate!

2011-08-17T12:17:00.001-07:00

Through his long career serving our great state George has been a strong and faithful fighter for conservative Jeffersonian principles. It is fitting that George had the distinction of holding Thomas Jefferson’s seat in the Virginia General Assembly, and no doubt Mr. Jefferson would approve. As Governor, George put into practice many of the ideas and concepts that he worked on while serving in Mr. Jefferson’s seat. Sworn in as Governor in 1994, George set about to bring sweeping reform that would make Virginia a national model in economic development, public safety, education accountability, welfare reform, and creative government. He challenged critics and sentiment that suggested it couldn’t be done, reining in government spending and substantially reducing the size of the state workforce. And he accomplished his reform agenda with bi-partisan support.
George has also proven that he can win elections in the old Dominion. He was elected Governor with nearly 59 percent of the vote, and in 2000 he defeated long time incumbent Chuck Robb.

Bolling to Chair Romney Campaign in Virginia

2011-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney tapped Lt.Governor Bill Bolling to be Chairman of his presidential campaign in Virginia. In a statement Bolling said:

"Over the past few years I have developed a strong personal relationship with Governor Romney. I am absolutely convinced that he is the right person to carry our party's banner into the 2012 campaign and the right person to lead our country toward a more prosperous future. Governor Romney's experience in the private sector and his success as a political leader uniquely equip him to find solutions to the significant challenges facing our country.

As a successful business leader, Governor Romney will do what is necessary to balance the federal budget, reduce our national debt and put Americans back to work. He is exactly the type of principled, conservative leader we need to get America back on the right track. I look forward to campaigning with him to victory in 2012.

With your help we can start taking steps today to put America back on the right track toward fiscal responsibility and economic prosperity. Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to hearing from you soon."

Kaine and Obama Play Fiddle while Economy Burns

2011-08-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Some good news! Virginia's own Tim Kaine will attend Obama's Birthday Party. According to 'Entertainment Tonight' it will be a 'star studded' bash. And no doubt Kaine deserves to be there. He has been President Barack Obama’s #1 cheerleader in Washington. Theformer DNC Chairman Tim Kaine touted the Democrats’ $787 billion stimulus as“one of the first flagstones on the road to recovery,” and promised it would “create or save more than 3million jobs.” The Democrats even projected that their massive spending spree would holdunemployment below 8 percent.

Butover the nearly 2-and-a-half years since the Democrats rammed their stimulusinto law, America’s economy has instead been mired inanemic growth and stagnant high unemployment. In the last 24 hours alone,the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged by more than 500 points, while thismorning’s disappointing jobs numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor revealthat Americans are now in our 30^th consecutive month withhigher-than-8-percent unemployment– and the country has actually lost 2.4 million jobssince President Obama came into office.

Economistsonce again fear a double-dip recession, as the New York Times reports that such a weak economy hasn’t beenseen in a generation:

It has been three decades since the United States suffered a recession that followed onthe heels of the previous one. But it could be happening again. The unrelentingnegative economic news of the past two weeks has painted a picture of a United States economy that fell further and recoveredless than we had thought.

Butinstead of supporting common-sense measures that will bring Washington’sexcessive taxes, spending and debt under control – providing job-creators withthe certainty they need in order to hire workers and grow our economy – Kaineand Obama continue to demand that struggling Americans foot the bill for theirreckless spending agenda with job-killing tax hikes.

Meanwhile,Kaine spent last night at what ABC reports was a “star-studded birthday party[for President Obama] at the White House,” where Politico notes that Kaine rubbed elbows with the likes of AlSharpton, Nancy Pelosi, Jay-Z and Charles Barkley – nodoubt a welcome reprieve from the work of trying to distract Virginia votersfrom his support of Obama’s deeply unpopular, failed economic agenda. Appropriately, as Politico also noted, Kaine was treated to a renditionof “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.”

“Giventhe fact that his views are so far outside the Virginia mainstream, it’s nosurprise that Tim Kaine loves to go back to Washington and hang out with hisliberal friends at every opportunity,” said National Republican SenatorialCommittee (NRSC) spokesman Chris Bond. “But it’s a safe bet that whileKaine was clinking glasses last night with Jay-Z, Nancy Pelosi, and AlSharpton, normal Virginians were focused on the reality that the stock marketjust tanked, millions of Americans are out of work, and now Tim Kaine andPresident Obama want to raise their taxes.”

Scott Martin for State Senate!

2011-08-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post from Fairfax County resident and GOP activist Mike Thompson.

"I now live in a new State Senate District – where Miller Baker and ScottMartin are running for the Republican nomination – a district that weaves from Prince William County through Fairfax Station and Clifton and meanders over to Alexandria. It is a district that we can win with the rightcandidate.

I had thought I would just stay out of this race since I have goodfriends on both sides. But as we enter the final few weeks of this primaryrace, it has become clear to me that one of these candidates has stitchedtogether a more impressive organization and offers experience that is a better‘fit’ for this particular senate district.

I will support whoever wins this nomination, but I will be votingfor Scott Martin in the August 23 Primary. Here’s why.

Scott has put together an organization that brings the two mostpowerful pieces of the winning Republican coalition together – the Tea Party (Fairfax County and Prince William County Tea Parties actively supportScott) and the Business Leaders who understand that state government must keepour taxes and regulations low. These leaders include some of the mostsuccessful in our community and simply far outshine those of other candidatesand show why I support Scott. See Scott’s website: http://www.scottmartin4senate.com/endorsements

To win in the fall, our Republican candidate must have the enthusiasm ofthe Tea Party activists and the support of the business community. Scottis a successful Dean at George Mason University where he teaches cutting edge computer technology forbusiness development. He has helped several companies become successfulby serving as an active member of the Board of Directors. And he hasshown that he can appeal to a broad cross-section of voters who were born herein the United States andthose naturalized citizens who came here to have a chance at the “AmericanDream.”

Frankly, a successful business/technology Dean at George Mason University, who is a reasoned and rational conservative with a footsolidly in the Tea Party and Business camps, connects very well with the votersin this particular senate district. Scotts does this well.

After watching this primaryunfold, I feel Scott has the best opportunity to win this fall. And,after all, that is what we have to do – nominate the best candidate for thisfall. To my mind, that is Scott Martin.

Please join me in voting for Scott on Tuesday, August 23. If youdon’t live in this senate district, please call those you know who do live hereand ask them to vote for Scott Martin."

Governor McDonnell Signs “Ashley’s Law”

2011-07-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnelltoday ceremonially signed SB 762, also known as “Ashley’s Law,” which requiresemergency vehicles proceeding through a traffic intersection to flash emergencylights and either sound a siren or horn, or yield the right-of-way, beforeproceeding. This law is named in honor of Ashley McIntosh who wastragically killed in 2008 when her vehicle was struck by an emergency vehicleas it went through an intersection. The legislation was signed during anafternoon ceremony at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria.

Speaking about “Ashley’s Law,” GovernorMcDonnell remarked, “It is a sobering momentas I sign this legislation today that results from a tragic traffic accidentthat took the life of a young Fairfaxwoman with a bright future. We are constantly evaluating how we canimprove public safety to protect our citizens, law enforcement and firstresponders. It is because of the care, concern and activism of Ashley’sfamily and friends that this change in the law has become a reality, and forthat I commend the great work of everyone who advocated for the passage of thisbill. Virginia’s streetsare safer because of ‘Ashley’s Law.’”

Senator Toddy Puller (D-Fairfax County), who patroned thelegislation, commented, “I am very pleased to have carried ‘Ashley’sLaw.’ It took several years to get this passed and I am glad we werefinally able to get overwhelming consensus on the bill. I hope that itwill go far to save other lives in the future.”

Fairfax County Police Department Chief ofPolice Colonel David M. Rohrer, added,“The Fairfax County Police Departmentsupported ‘Ashley's Law’ because it puts the safety of the public and emergencyresponders first, as it should be. I'm pleased to say that our policiesand the training our officers receive in emergency and response driving mirrorthis new law.”

Webb and Warner Vote Against Cut, Cap and Balance

2011-07-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

I guess no surprise here, but both Senator Webb and Senator Warner votedwith their fellow Democrats and voted against the House approved “Cut, Cap and Balance”Bill. The deficit measure would mandateSubstantialcuts in spending that would reduce the deficit next year and thereafter. It would also place spending caps that wouldput federal spending on a path to a balanced budget. In addition it calls on Congressional passageof a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution -- but only if itincludes both a spending limitation and a super-majority for raising taxes, inaddition to balancing revenues and expenses.

Unlike The Feds, Virginia Runs a Surplus

2011-07-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

For the second straightyear, the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached the end ofthe fiscal calendar in the black. Governor Bob McDonnell announced todaythat the state concluded Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 with an approximately $311million surplus from general fund revenue collections and transfers. Totalrevenue collections rose by 5.8% in FY 2011, well ahead of the revised revenueforecast 3.5% growth. The main drivers of the revenue increase were growth inindividual income tax receipts from both payroll withholding andnon-withholding, key economic indicators. A comprehensive breakdown ofthe FY 2011 revenue surplus is attached to this press release.

The final FY 2011surplus number will be adjusted upward in the month ahead after the addition offinal tabulations of savings recognized through greater operationalefficiencies and incentives to control spending throughout state government. InFY 2010 the revenue surplus for the year was $228 million. The final FY 2010surplus, including savings, was $403 million. The final surplus figure for FY2011 will be released in August. The governor made today’s announcement at anafternoon press conference at the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square inRichmond. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Secretary ofFinance Ric Brown. It’s the second fiscal year in a row that Virginia hasconcluded the fiscal year with a revenue surplus. This is also the first yearsince 2008 that there has been actual revenue growth over the previous year.

2011-07-19T21:50:00.001-07:00

Governor McDonnell Announces ITT Exelis to Establish Headquarters in Fairfax County

2011-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell today announcedthat ITT Defense and Information Solutions, an operating segment of ITTCorporation, will invest up to $5 million to establish its new corporateheadquarters in Fairfax County following completion ofits previously announced spin-off from ITT later this year.

ITT’s Defense and Information Solutions segmentalready has a strong presence in Virginia with its headquartersin McLean, its Information Systems division based in Herndon and its GeospatialSystems division based in Roanoke.

Following completion of its spinoff from ITTCorporation (www.itt.com), the existing Defense and Information Solutionsbusiness segment will be renamed and rebranded as ITT Exelis – a new,publicly-traded standalone company and industry-leading provider of innovativetechnologies and operational services to meet the enduring requirements ofglobal military, government and commercial customers. The company's productsand services will include premier technologies such as next generation nightvision, integrated electronic warfare, networked communications, forceprotection, radar, global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissancesystems, composite structures, space-based satellite imaging, weather andclimate monitoring, and navigation and imaging systems, as well as maintenance,engineering and professional services.

The project to establish its corporateheadquarters will create 100 new jobs over the next 3-5 years across all of itsbusiness operations in the Commonwealth. Virginia successfully competedagainst Maryland and Washington D.C. for the project.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “ITT Exelisis a top-tier supplier of highly-engineered products and services to military,government and commercial customers around the world. Choosing Fairfax as the location fortheir corporate headquarters is a win for our economy and a testament to ourstate’s strong business climate. Our region offers access to one of the world’slargest information-based networks for defense and I am pleased that the newcompany will call Virginia home.”

“Governor McDonnell and I werecommitted to ensuring that ITT Exelis chose the Commonwealth for its corporateheadquarters,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Fairfax County offers a solid businessfoundation that is in line with the company’s ever-growing military, governmentand commercial customer base. We are thrilled that ITT Exelis will expand itspresence in Virginia.”

“We are pleased that the Commonwealth of Virginia will serve as ourcorporate headquarters as we continue to deliver essential products andservices to customers around the globe,” said David F. Melcher, currentlypresident of ITT Defense & Information Solutions, who will serve as chiefexecutive officer of ITT Exelis. “Virginia’s economics, proximityto a number of our customers and our existing relationship with the state madeit an ideal choice. I am thankful to Governor McDonnell, Secretary Chengand other Commonwealth officials who played a role in the process.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnershipworked with Fairfax County and the Fairfax CountyEconomic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $100,000grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with the project.Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department ofBusiness Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’srecruitment and training activities.

“In the process of restructuring and evaluatingits mission and goals, ITT Exelis had any number of options to locate theheadquarters of its defense business unit and it chose Fairfax County,” said Gerald L.Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic DevelopmentAuthority. “Its decision to choose Fairfax County again validates thelong-term, consistent effort to make this one of the best business locations inthe world and we are proud to have this company as part of a dynamic businesscommunity that is an important part of the quality of life here.”

BOLLING RAISES OVER $540,000 DURING PERIOD

2011-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

LieutenantGovernor Bill Bolling today announced that his political committee, Friends ofBill Bolling, received $540,994 in contributions during the most recentfundraising period. In reports filed with the State Board of Elections,Bolling also reported receiving 816 individual contributions and finished theperiod with $676,766 cash on hand.

LieutenantGovernor Bolling said, “I’m extremely pleased with the strong financial supportI have received from business leaders, political leaders and activists from allacross Virginia. Their support is a testimony to the successGovernor McDonnell and I have had in tackling the important issuescurrently facing our state. In the past 18 months, we have strengthenedthe Commonwealth’s financial foundation and turned budget shortfalls intosurpluses. We have focused on creating jobs and growing the economy, andas a result we have created 67,400 net new jobs and reduced our unemploymentrate from 7.2% to 6%. In addition, we have made historic investments intransportation and higher education and started the process of reforming stategovernment to make it work more efficiently and effectively. This is thetype of conservative, results oriented leadership the people of Virginia want and deserve and this is the type of leadershipwe will continue to provide.”

Bolling’s$540,994 in contributions is the most he has raised during any non-electionyear fundraising period. With $676,766 in the bank, Bolling more thandoubled his committee’s cash on hand from the previous period. This totalis 35% higher than Bolling’s cash on hand and 83% higher than then-AG Bob McDonnell’s cash on hand at the same point in the 2009 election cycle.

McDonnell Praises Offshore Drilling Bill

2011-07-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell issued thefollowing statement this morning regarding The Virginia Outer Continental ShelfEnergy Production Act of 2011 that has been introduced by Virginia’s two UnitedStates Senators and would open up Virginia’s coast to offshore oil and naturalgas exploration and production, increase the area open to that exploration andproduction, and provide the Commonwealth with 50% of all leasing revenuesderived from offshore operations. The legislation would begin the offshoreexploration and production in 2012.

“I applaud Senators JimWebb and Mark Warner for this common-sense proposal. Allowingenvironmentally-responsible offshore energy development off the coast of Virginia will help move ournation closer to energy independence, while bringing much needed jobs andrevenue to the Commonwealth. There is strong, bipartisan support for offshoreenergy exploration and production in Virginia. That support isevident in this legislation, just as it was evident in the General Assembly’spassage of legislation officially declaring the position of the Commonwealth tobe in favor of offshore energy development. We need more safe and reliablesources of domestic energy. We need more jobs. Utilizing our offshore oil and naturalgas resources accomplishes both of these goals. I urge the United StatesCongress to take up this legislation immediately, and pass it swiftly. It istime we got serious about American energy security. This legislation does that.I thank the Senators for their efforts, and look forward to working with themto get this legislation passed and offshore oil and natural gas productionunderway in Virginia.”

State Senate Candidate Gerarda Culipher's Happy Independence Day Message

2011-07-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

On This Day in Virginia History

2011-07-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

On this day 148 years ago the army of Northern Virginia suffered its greatest defeat. Yes, on July 1863 the confederacy ended. The fatal blow was struck in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the final day of battle General George Pickett lead his Virginia soldiers in a last disparate charge. Here is his report of what happened,

"On the Fourth—far from a glorious Fourth to us or to any with love for his fellow men—I wrote you just a line of heartbreak. The sacrifice of life on that blood soaked field on the fatal third was too awful for the heralding of victory, even for our victorious foe, who I think, believe as we do, that it decided the fate of our cause. No words can picture the anguish of that roll-call—the breathless waits between the responses. The "Here" of those who, by God's mercy, had miraculously escaped the awful rain of shot and shell was a sob—a gasp—a knell—for the unanswered name of his comrade. There was no tone of thankfulness for having been spared to answer to their names, but rather a toll, and an unvoiced wish that they, too, had been among the missing. Even now I can hear them cheering as I gave the order, "Forward!" I can feel the thrill of their joyous voices as they called out all along the line, "We'll follow you, Marse George. We'll follow you—we'll follow you." Oh, how faithfully they kept their word—following me on—on—to their death, and I, believing in the promised support, led them on—on—on—Oh, God!

...Poor old Dick Garnett did not dismount, as did the others of us, and he was killed instantly, falling from his horse. Kemper, desperately wounded, was brought from the field and subsequently, taken prisoner. Dear old Lewis Armistead, God bless him, was mortally wounded at the head of his command after planting the flag of Virginia within the enemy's lines. Seven of my colonels were killed, and one was mortally wounded. Nine of my lieutenant colonels were wounded, and three lieutenant colonels were killed. Only one field officer of my whole command, Colonel Cabell, was unhurt, and the loss of my company officers was in proportion."

On this day we should remember those brave Virginians that made that charge.

2011-06-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

Celebrate with Spike Tonight!

2011-06-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Last week, Spike Williams became the official Republican candidate for Chairman of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors. Come celebrate with Spike and his Candidate Committee this Tuesday night at 6 pm at PJ Skiddoo's, 9908 Fairfax Boulevard

Fairfax, VA 22030. For more infomation see below.

Spike is within striking distance of outraising Sharon Bulova this quarter, and we need your help to do it! Tickets for this event are only $50, or $20 for college students. Spike wants to celebrate the end of the fundraising quarter with a couple hundred of his closest friends, and you are invited to come, mingle, and tell Spike your opinions on issues such as the Silver Line, Rt.1 Corridor, Jobs, Schools, and everything important to your quality of life.

Spike is the only candidate with the vision, experience, and priorities to carry Fairfax into the future. Help carry him to victory in November by coming to join Spike at PJ Skiddoo's on Tuesday evening!

Liberal Groups Seek Another Maccaca Moment

2011-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

National publications are reporting, "three separate groups have all puttrackers on George Allen." The election is 16 months away - that's morethat 500 days.
In this day and age, video-taping candidates with "trackers" hasbecome the norm. They are expected.

Why the scrutiny of Allen? Wellaccording to Allen’s campaign manager Mike Thomas:

these new trackers have troubling ties to national liberal special interestgroups that will pour tens of millions of dollars into Virginia to fuel an onslaught ofdistortions and false attacks on George Allen.

In fact, one of the groups American Bridge, a liberal group tiedto Media Matters and led by David Brock, labeled George Allen a "top priority."It has also been reported that Chairman Kaine's Research Director at theDemocratic National Committee is leading this group's research efforts.

Thomas in a recent fundraising letter went on to say:

“Friends, we cannotafford to let these outside liberal groups come in and shape this Senate raceto their advantage.

We need your help today to fight back against Chairman Kaine's Washington allies. Please visitour website at www.GeorgeAllen.comand join our cause by making a donation to our campaign. Clickhere to donate.

Now is the time to take a stand and say, "Not here!"

Governor McDonnell Signs Tax Credit Legislation to Spur Economic Growth and Job Creation Related to Port of Virginia

2011-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Governor's office released the following statement:

Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signedthree new tax credits today designed to spur economic growth and job creation,and reduce congestion, related to the Port of Virginia. The ceremony tookplace at the Virginia Port Authority’s APM Terminals facility in Portsmouth.

“The Port of Virginia is one of theCommonwealth’s greatest economic assets. The port and its related businessesannually sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs and generate billions inrevenues and payroll. We have to maximize the tremendous advantages the portprovides us with in the global economy,” said Governor McDonnell. “As the economybegins to recover, and the Panama Canal expansion is completedin 2014, we must be proactive in providing incentives to attract new companies,and help existing businesses expand their operations, in order to maximize theport’s full potential. The port is a jobs and economic investment magnet. Thesecredits are designed to capitalize on Virginia’s tremendous portassets and continue the pro-growth and job creation policies that have made theCommonwealth the best state in the nation for business.”

The governor continued, “The Commonwealthcannot take advantage of the port’s potential without addressing our transportationinfrastructure needs in Hampton Roads. Our transportation plan, which wasadopted with bi-partisan General Assembly support earlier this year, provides asignificant investment in Hampton Roads’ transportation infrastructure. But, westill must do more to ensure that containers can get in and out of the port byproviding incentives to shippers to use more environmentally friendly andcongestion-reducing alternatives such as barge and rail.”

Senator Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach), who sponsored twopieces of the tax credit legislation, said, “With our 50-foot deep channel andour right-to-work laws, Virginia is ripe for investment.These new tax credits will encourage existing Virginia business to expandtheir operations and national and international manufacturing and distributioncompanies to locate in the Commonwealth.

“As along-time advocate for the Port of Virginia, it is great to seeGovernor McDonnell and the General Assembly recognize theimportance of the port to the Virginia economy and take stepsto enhance its competitiveness.” said Delegate Bob Purkey (R-Virginia Beach). “Our competitors upand down the East Coast have long utilized incentives to attract new business,and these credits will level the playing field and help create much needed jobsthroughout Virginia.”

Spike Williams Gains Republican Nomination for Chairman of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors

2011-06-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

At 5:01 pm June 15, local businessman Michael “Spike” Williams officially gained the nomination for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. He will face off against Democrat Sharon Bulova in the November election.

“I am honored and privileged to be the Republican Nominee for Chairman”, said Williams. “This campaign is about vision and leadership; my vision puts Fairfax on a path to shrink our county budget, reduce taxes, preserves our quality of life, and attracts jobs. It will take strong leadership to stand against toll increases that threaten to choke the economy of the Dulles corridor and to demand visibility into how our Education dollars are being spent. Your incumbent is a caretaker for failed policies that doubled your taxes once in the last ten years, I will not sit idly by and allow them to double again. Our County’s future begins today."
“My campaign is your campaign. My vision is your vision. We care too much about this county, our home, to allow it to slip into mediocrity and lose control of our own destiny. I am the only choice for residents, employees, taxpayers, and parents who are looking for accountability in their government, schools, and taxes, and I will seek accountability every day I am in office."

Go Spike!

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the Celebration of Flag Day and Commemoration of the Anniversary of Establishment of the U.S. Army

2011-06-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell issued thefollowing statement today in recognition of June 14 as Flag Day, and as the236th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. The governor has alsoissued a proclamation for the U.S. Army anniversary, which can be found at http://governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/2011/236thBirthday.cfm.

“When the SecondContinental Congress adopted the stars and stripes banner designed by Betsy Rossas our young nation’s flag in 1777, it provided an enduring symbol representingthe ideals upon which our nation was born. While our founding fathers dreamedof a country built on liberty, personal freedom, and opportunity for all of itscitizens, surely even they could not envision the world leader and bastion ofhope that the United States flag has evolved torepresent today.

“President Woodrow Wilsonfirst formally established a day to recognize the adoption of our nation’s flagin 1916 when soldiers from around the globe were battling tyranny in a conflictthat would become known as World War I. Today, our flag flies above soldiers inAfghanistan, Iraq, and throughout theworld who are fighting to protect those same freedoms from agents of tyranny,oppression and evil.

“June 14 is also the236th anniversary of when Congress adopted ‘the American continental army,’ America’s first standingmilitary organization. As our soldiers celebrate the Army’s birthday on basesat home and abroad and as Americans fly their U.S. flags around the globein recognition of their patriotism, let us pause and reflect on the ideals ourflag represents, and thank those past and present who have sacrificed toprotect the freedoms for which it stands.”

Reagan Leadership Dinner

2011-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Join conservative leaders from across Virginia on 6/18 at the Crowne Plaza for dinner and this excitingopportunity to hear from conservative leaders across Virginia and candidatesfor US Senate. The Reagan Institute recruits,trains, and equips citizens to serve as both community leaders and electedofficials who will defend conservative, constitutional principles ingovernment. Their programs have become known as the “conservative and tea partymovement’s boot camp". With these speakers, this event is sure to be agreat one!

Guest Speakers:
Mark Lloyd - Chairman, Virginia Tea Party PatriotsFederation (VTPP)
Bishop E. W. Jackson - US Senate Candidate andFounder of STAND
Jamie Radtke - US Senate Candidate and Founder ofVTPP
Ron Miller - President of Regular Folks United andAuthor of SELLOUT: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch

VIP Reception 6pm-7pm
Dinner with Guest Speakers 7pm -9PM

For more info check out http://thereaganinstitute.com/events/Richmond/

Schoeneman kicks-off House of Delegates campaign

2011-06-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by supporters and elected officials, Brian Schoeneman kicked offhis campaign Saturday afternoon with an event in the heart of Fairfax City. The event, held at theOld Fire Station #3 on University Drivein Fairfax City,was the formal launch of Schoeneman’s bid to defeat incumbent Democrat DavidBulova in the 37th House District this November.
“My wife and I chose to live in Fairfax.We settled down here, got married, started our family. This is where our sonwas born and we love this community. I want to see it move in the rightdirection,” Schoeneman said in a speech rallying the crowd.
The event was well-attended, and included visits from a variety ofRepublican elected officials from across northern Virginia,including Fairfax City Councilmembers Steve Stombres and Ellie Schmidt,Delegate Jim Lemunyon, Braddock Supervisor John Cook, Fairfax Clerk of theCourt John Frey, and a number of State Senate and School Board candidates.
“Brian understands the issues and the needs of Fairfax City and the 37th House District,”said Councilman Steve Stombres in his remarks introducing Schoeneman. “He’ll godown to Richmond and focus on thereal needs of our community – transportation, jobs, education. And he’ll do itthe right way, by keeping taxes low and getting Northern Virginiaour fair share.”
“I’ve been out knocking doors for the last month, meeting voters andlistening to what they’ve been saying. And what I’ve heard overwhelminglyfrom them is that they want effective leadership in Richmond.They want a delegate who shares their priorities and who understands the issuesthat really matter to them. In short, they want a delegate who ‘gets it,’who understand the issues they deal with every day,” Schoeneman said in hisremarks. “I get it. And we’re going to get it done in November, and get to workfor Fairfax.”
The 37th House District includes Fairfax City, George Mason University,Fair Oaks and points west along Lee Highway and ending at Centreville. Aswing-district, it went 53% for Bob McDonnellin the 2009 gubernatorial election. The district was one of the mostchanged in redistricting, with 8 new precincts being added. The new 37th hasshifted west and added almost 38,000 new residents, nearly half of the total of79,746 residents. The seat, which has been held by the Democrats since2005, is likely to be the top challenger race in Fairfaxthis year.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.brianfordelegate.com.

Allen Comments on the Latest Unemployment Figures

2011-06-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

The following is a statement from Republican senate candidate George Allen

"Unemployment has risen to 9.1 percent, single family home prices have dropped to their lowest level since April 2009, and not surprisingly consumer confidence has declined. This bad news underscores the recklessness of Washington's anti-jobs agenda of counterproductive energy policies, irresponsible spending, and dangerous debt. To Virginians this news only confirms what we have been saying - that the Washington liberals' big-government, tax-and-spend policies aren't working.

It has been over two years since Tim Kaine's allies in Washington passed their nearly $800 billion jobless stimulus. And in the past two years we have seen unemployment stuck at 8% or higher, gas prices have risen 52%, and trillion dollar deficits have become the norm.

It is time Washington gets the message.

Instead of blank checks, we need to put a priority on spurring economic growth and putting people back to work as we aggressively rein in the escalating spending in Washington. As I've repeatedly asserted, there should be no increase in the federal debt ceiling without meaningful reforms like a balanced budget amendment vote and significant, ironclad spending cuts. The current path we are on is dangerous and unsustainable, it will hinder our children's future ability to achieve the American Dream.

We also need an American job growth plan that creates the competitive, pro-growth tax and regulatory environment that will spur private sector jobs, and allow us to unleash our American energy resources for prosperity, security, and revenues to balance the budget.

It's time for an American comeback and that starts with a pro-growth agenda based on our foundational principles of freedom, opportunity for all, and personal responsibility. Join our team as we fight against the mandates, dictates, and dependency coming out of Washington. Together we will bring Virginians' values and voices to Washington."

RTD Profiles Bill Bolling

2011-06-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

ACTION ALERT: HOUSE TO VOTE ON RAISING THE DEBT CEILING THIS WEEK -- Contact YOUR legislators

2011-05-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post by my friend Tammy Parada

"We have just learned that the House of Representatives will vote early nextweek on whether to raise the debt ceiling. This is the first opportunity foryour Representative to go on record regarding the very important issue ofraising the national debt limit.
A clear majority of Americans (65%) oppose raising the debt ceiling.Congress is expected to debate and vote on this issue. Please send A MESSAGE TOYOUR CONGRESSMAN (AND SENATORS)!
OUR MESSAGE: "I OPPOSE raising the debt ceiling, period."
Recommended language:
"Whereas politicians have amassed an unsustainable debt burden totaling$1.6 trillion this year, $15 trillion by the end of this year and more than$113 trillion when counting unfunded liabilities, and; Whereas the currentPresident and Congress have shown no capacity to significantly reduce spendingand debt,
Therefore, I am forwarding this communication stating my opposition to anyincrease in the legal federal debt limit. It is time for Congress and thePresident to get serious about cutting spending. Do Not Increase The DebtCeiling! Cut Spending!" (Grassfire.com)
Contact info for your Representative: http://www.opencongress.org/people/representatives
Contact info for your Senators: http://www.opencongress.org/people/senators

Governor McDonnell Declines to Intervene in Soering Parole Request

2011-05-25T08:40:00.001-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell today issued thefollowing statement regarding inmate Jens Soering’s request that the Governorintervene in Soering’s parole review.

“Jens Soering wasconvicted by a Bedford County jury in 1990 for the1985 gruesome murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom, crimes he confessed, onmultiple occasions, to committing. He is currently serving two lifesentences in a Virginia prison.”

“At the request ofSoering’s attorney, I have reviewed Soering’s request for parole, and nothingin the information provided by Soering or his attorney provides any basis forme to doubt the judgment of the jury in this case or the veracity of Soering’sown confessions. Under Virginia law, the Parole Boardis responsible for determining whether parole should be granted. Withthis in mind and based on my review, I decline to intervene.”

“Additionally, to theextent that Soering’s petition is a request for a pardon or any other form ofclemency, that request is also denied. Consistent with my statement lastyear denying his transfer to Germany, it is imperative that Soering serve outhis punishment in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

And you thought the EPA was bad for job creation.

2011-05-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

A common complaint is that the EPA is the biggest job killer in the Federal bureaucracy. So much so that EPA should really stand forEmployment Prevention Agency. However,it seems that the Department of justice is also getting into the act of killingjobs.
Gov. Bob McDonnell, Virginia U.S. Sens. JimWebb and Mark Warner, and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) sent a joint letter May 19to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’santitrust lawsuit challenging George’s Inc.’s acquisition of Tyson Foods Inc.’spoultry processing facilities in Harrisonburg.
George’s purchase of the Tyson’s plant March 18, rescued it from likelyclosure by Tyson’s and preserves nearly 500 jobs and 121 grower contracts withShenandoah Valley farmers.
USDOJ is challenging the sale based on a reduction in competition amongpoultry companies, despite the fact that Tyson’s departure would haveaccomplished the same reduction.
The letter urges Holder and his agency to consider the impact of thislawsuit on the local workforce and to “seek a resolution that will ensure thatthis important facility in Harrisonburgcan continue contributing jobs and revenue to the local economy.”
Agriculture is Virginia’slargest industry. The industry has an economic impact of $55 billion annuallyand provides more than 357,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.
The largest subsector of the state’s agricultural economy is the poultryindustry, consisting primarily of poultry integrators and the farmers who maketheir livelihoods as contract growers for companies like Tyson Foods, George’s,the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative and others in the Valley, Southsideand on the Eastern Shore.
In 2010, farm sales of Virginiachickens and turkeys accounted for more than $760 million.

Governor Recognizes May 22-28 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week

2011-05-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Governor's office released the following:
Virginia’s families should take action now in order to get ready for hurricane season, which begins June 1 and can be accompanied by significant flooding. To emphasize the importance of emergency preparation, Governor Bob McDonnell has recognized May 22-28 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week.

“For the last several weeks in Virginia we have seen first-hand how extreme weather events can take lives, as well as destroy homes, disrupt businesses and burden families,” said Governor McDonnell. “As we recover from the historic outbreak of tornadoes, we need to be especially mindful that hurricane and flooding season is rapidly approaching. I urge every citizen of the Commonwealth to take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and their property.”

Virginia on the move

2011-05-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Retirement of Watkins Abbitt from the General Assembly

2011-05-18T11:45:00.001-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following news that Delegate Watkins Abbitt has decided not to run for re-election to the General Assembly.

“Watt Abbitt has dedicated his life to public service, following in the footsteps of his father who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. For over 25 years, Watt has devotedly served the people of Appomattox and Virginia. A public servant with keen political instincts, Watt always worked with both parties to get things accomplished for his district and the Commonwealth. He served on the House budget where he has been a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and restraint. He was also an outspoken advocate for wildlife and conservation issues – that was his passion. I will truly miss working with Watt. He’s a longtime friend and he will be missed in the General Assembly. I wish him and his family all the best as he retires from 25 successful, accomplished years serving the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Retirement of Bill Cleaveland from the General Assembly

2011-05-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following news that Delegate Bill Cleaveland has decided not to run for re-election to the General Assembly.

"Bill has been a force for good as a leader in the Roanoke community and in his time representing the 17th District of the House of Delegates in the Virginia General Assembly. As he departs the House of Delegates, the role he played in the passage of important transportation, public safety and education legislation will continue to be felt throughout the Commonwealth for years to come.

"I wish Bill the best in his future endeavors. I know he will enjoy spending more time with his wife Deborah and the rest of his family, and I commend him for his service to the people of the Commonwealth."

Cantor Press Conference

2011-05-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;Talks About Stuff&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;</p>

Statement By George Allen On Congressman Wolf’s Bill To Change MWAA Board Appointment Rules

2011-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

"Icommend and strongly support increasing the representation of Virginians on theMetropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) board as proposed CongressmanWolf. Decisions made by MWAA directly affect the daily lives of the familiesand businesses in Northern Virginia. If elected as Virginia'sU.S. Senator, I will work with Congressman Wolf and Governor McDonnellto ensure that the MWAA board is more accountable and attuned to the views andinterests of Northern Virginians". Congressman Wolf’s statement

I agree wholeheartedly! The Washington Metrosystem is a boondoggle. It is a system governedby waste, inefficacy, and poor management. I have never been to a metro stop where all the escalators were working. Never in the last 30 years. We need adult supervision at metro!

Virginia Opens Trade Office in Shanghai

2011-05-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell today expanded Virginia’s international economic development presence with the opening of the Commonwealth’s new marketing office in Shanghai. The Governor announced the opening of the new office during a press conference at the JW Marriott in Shanghai. The Governor is currently on a two-week job creation and marketing mission to Japan, China and Korea.

Speaking about the opening of the new marketing office, the Governor noted, “Virginia has a compelling story to tell, and we must tap into the Chinese market if we want to be successful in today’s global economy. Success in China will mean good jobs for Virginians. A strong economic relationship with China will grow the Commonwealth’s economy and that is why I committed in my campaign to establish this office. Unfortunately Virginia has failed to properly devote resources in recent years to market to China, putting us behind other states in competing for investment opportunities. That is no longer the case. I applaud the Virginia legislature’s decision to invest in the Commonwealth’s efforts to expand its international reach. When we market the Commonwealth to China, and the world, we help create good paying jobs and more opportunities for Virginians. We look forward to sharing globally the many benefits of doing business and creating jobs in Virginia. Virginia is wide open for business.”

Virginians Give High Marks to McDonnell

2011-05-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

A new Washington Post poll finds Virginians optimistic about the direction of the state and in favor of the job Bob McDonnell is doing as Governor. The Post poll found:

"Fifty-two percent of adults polled think that the state is generally moving on the right course, while only 31 percent think the same about the nation, according to the newly released poll.
Even more — 62 percent — approve of the way Gov. Robert F. McDonnell is handling his job, while 26 percent disapprove."

What a contrast to the national mood. Governor McDonnell is doing an excellent job. Perhaps someone should start a draft Bob McDonnell for President campaign.

Allen, Kaine Tied at 46 Percent

2011-05-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

According to the latest Washington Post poll, Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine are tied at 46 percent apiece.

Kaine Plans Fundraiser in Hollywood

2011-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is sure to raise some eyebrows..Democrat candidate for the US Senate Tim Kaine plans to raise money in Hollywood. According to the Richmond Times Dispatch:

"Liberal soap opera star Nancy Lee Grahn of General Hospital fame Tweets that she’s hosting a Hollywood fundraiser for U.S Senate candidate and former Virginia governor Timothy M. Kaine."

I have never heard of Nancy Lee Grahn, which is probably a good thing. She describes herself as “left handed, left minded nice half jewish soap star from skokie” The only Republican soap opera star I know of is the beautiful Susan Lucci. Perhaps she might consider doing a fundraiser for George Allen?

A Virginia Gentleman Announces His Retirement

2011-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnellissued the following statement today following news that Delegate Harvey Morganhas decided not to run for re-election to the General Assembly.

“For more than 30 years, Harveyhas been a dedicated and stalwart advocate for his constituents in the 98^thDistrict and for all the citizens of the Commonwealth. While passionatelyadvocating on issues such as mentalhealth reform, the environment and the Chesapeake Bay,Harvey has always been a truestatesman and the epitome of a Virginia gentleman.

“I had the pleasure of serving with him in theGeneral Assembly and learned much from him about how to best represent theinterests of our constituents. I have known Harveyfor more than 20 years. We served on committees together, and were roommatesduring the legislative session for 8 years. In that time, he has become a closefriend, an advisor and a partner in government. The General Assembly will misshis strong, but congenial manner of advocacy and his leadership as the chairmanof the House Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee and a member ofthe Appropriations and Commerce and Labor Committees.

“I wish Harvey the very best inhis future endeavors. I know he will enjoy spending time with his wife MaryHelen and the rest of his family, and I thank him for his tremendous service tothe people of the Commonwealth.”

Trump's Connection to Virginia Politics

2011-05-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Donald has given money to Virginia politicians, According to the Washington Post:

"Trump was an early supporter of fellow businessman Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the 2009 gubernatorial campaign. He gave McAuliffe a hefty $25,000 donation in March 2009, more than two months before McAuliffe lost in the Democratic primary in June.
But Trump apparently came around before November--donating $25,000 to Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) on Oct. 28, 2009, just before Election Day. (McDonnell is now a fan--he recently credited Trump with bringing straight talk to the national political debate.)"

It's hard to imagine a conservative, or even a nominal Republican giving money to Terry McAuliffe.

McDonnell Does Meet the Press

2011-05-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

McDonnell Says He Will Sign New Redistricting Plan

2011-04-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement regarding the redistrictinglegislation passed by the General Assembly this evening:

“I thank the GeneralAssembly for passing this new redistricting plan. I will sign this legislationas soon as it reaches my desk. The plan as passed does address most of thecriteria I outlined in my veto letter, and ensures that the elected members ofthe legislativebranch fulfill their constitutional obligation to draw ourelectoral lines every ten years.

In my veto letter, Iasked the Senate to send me a plan that was bipartisan and addressed potentiallegal issues. The plan approved today is inline with those goals. This plan retains more geographic andmunicipal boundaries, contains districts that are somewhat more compact, andpassed the Senate on a strong bipartisan vote. In these aspects it is similarto the House plan. It is a great improvement over the previous plan that Ivetoed, and which failed to gain a single vote from the minority party. Iapplaud the Republican and Democratic members of the Senate who worked welltogether to craft this compromise plan.

At my request, the AttorneyGeneral's office has reviewed the preliminary data regarding theplan. Based on this review, they concluded that the plan meets therelevant legal requirements of the U.S. Constitution,the Virginia Constitution, and the Voting Rights Act. I have asked the Attorney General toensure that the legislation will be precleared in a timely fashion sothat the 2011 election process can get underway.

While additionalimprovements in measures of compactness and preservation of communities ofinterest would have been ideal, and no plan is perfect, the Constitutionof Virginia tasks the General Assembly with drawing lines, andfurther delay could have turned that authority over to the courts. Withstate and federal lawsuits currently pending that request court-drawn lines,prompt action was required to preserve this inherently legislative function,and permit timely pre clearance under the Voting Rights Act.

I also wish to thank themany groups that have been involved throughout the redistricting process,including the Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting. I am confident that their involvement and detailed report had asignificant positive impact on the process by allowing members of the GeneralAssembly to consider further options as they worked together to pass today’splan. I look forward to continuing to work with the members of the GeneralAssembly, and all Virginians, in our crucial ongoing effort to bring new jobsand more opportunities to every region of Virginia.”

McDonnell to Appear on 'Meet The Press' This Sunday

2011-04-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob Mcdonnell will make an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. According to the Washington Examiner:

"McDonnell is scheduled to appear with David Axelrod, an advisor to President Barack Obama who has left for Chicago to work on the president's 2012 re-election campaign, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, to talk about the 2012 presidental race and the economy."

McDonnell always does well on the talking heads show.

Steve Waters Joins the Allen Campaign

2011-04-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Conservative activistSteve Waters has joined the Allen campaign. In a statement Allen said ofWaters:

“Steve Waters is anoutstanding addition to our energetic campaign team. To win this pivotal electionin 2012 and bring the voices of Virginians to the U.S. Senate, we must unite,welcome and enlist the help of millions of Virginians who share our values, andwho want to make a real change in Washington and improve theopportunity for Americans to achieve their dreams.

“Steve’s experience in organizing and educating grassroots activists will bevaluable to our grassroots insurgency as we take our positive, motivatingmessage to men and women throughout Virginia. Susan and I aregrateful that Steve is joining as a leader on our team.”

Text of Steve Waters’email:

It is with great pridethat I join George Allen’s campaign for the U.S. Senate as Advisor on FamilyPolicy Issues.

The 2012 election is a turning point. The outcome in Virginia could decide whether America continues down a pathof fiscal ruin, moral decline and infringement on the Constitution and ourliberties. It will determine whether our children will be burdened with amountain of debt or enjoy a future of prosperity, and whether we as a nationuphold our enduring values of life, family, freedom and faith.

Moreover, this election will not be easy. Tim Kaine, former Governor andDemocratic National Committee Chair, is the presumed nominee of the DemocratParty. He is an extension of the policies of President Obama, which donot represent our Nation or Virginia favorably.

At this critical juncture, we, as Republicans need to unite behind thestrongest candidate we can field for the U.S. Senate. We need a provensocial, fiscal and Constitutional conservative with a record of leadership andelectoral success.

As an elected leader, George Allen has led on issues such as parentalnotification of abortions for minors, banning of partial birth abortions andmany other issues. And with my appointment as Family Policy Advisor,Governor Allen is demonstrating that his commitment to our values is for thefuture as well. He will be a champion for Virginia families in the Senate,fighting for policies that empower parents, protect our children and promotelife.

I look forward to working with Governor Allen and his team to get out the wordabout his unquestioned commitment to Virginia values, as well as toengage Virginians throughout the Commonwealth to the strengths and principlesof the Republican Party, which helped forge a great Nation. I am excitedabout being a part of a massive grassroots campaign for our children’s future. We can stand in Victory together or lose divided. With so much atstake, there is not a moment to lose, and I encourage my fellow pro-familyconservatives to join me in closing ranks behind George Allen today.”

Spike Williams for Chairman Kickoff Tour

2011-04-26T09:58:00.001-07:00

The "New Vision for Fairfax" tour is coming to your neighborhood April 30!

Spike Williams, a businessman born and raised in Fairfax, is kicking off his campaign for Chairman with a 9-district whistle-stop tour of Fairfax April 30.

"This campaign is about creating a prosperous and sustainable future for Fairfax County", said Williams. "Saturday, April 30, we will be bringing that vision to every neighborhood in a one-day, 9-stop, tour that will communicate our message of spending control and government efficiency to every district in the county".

"It is important, in a county as diverse as ours, to have someone who knows and understands the local concerns in every part of Fairfax. I am that candidate because I have spent a lifetime living and working in every part of the County. I look forward to a vigorous debate over two very different visions for the county and its future".

The Tour will start at the South County Government Center in Alexandria at 9 am. All are invited to attend; please rsvp to michael@vote4williams.com or call 703-473-2983 to reserve your spot at the Tour stop nearest you.

Admission is free and guests are welcome!

Statement of Lt. Governor Bolling on Passing of House of Delegates Clerk Bruce F. Jamerson

2011-04-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

LieutenantGovernor Bill Bollingtoday issued the following statement in response to the passing of House ofDelegates Clerk Bruce F. Jamerson:

“I was saddened to hear of the death of Bruce Jamerson. Bruce was a friendwho I enjoyed working with for the past several years. Bruce was adedicated state employee who was recognized among his peers for being one ofthe most effective and innovative Clerks in the nation. Bruce will bemissed by his family, friends and all who knew him. In particular, ourthoughts and prayers are with Bruce’s family as they go through this verydifficult and challenging time.

Obama May be Ruining the US Economy, But Virginia is Gaining Jobs!

2011-04-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

We Should Have Taken Allen's Advice in 2006

2011-04-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

The following is a release from the Allen for Senate Campaign. Needless to say I agree 100 percent.

Five years ago today, with gasoline prices at $3-a-gallon, George Allen issued a call for a full-scale effort to achieve American energy independence, an effort which begins with using America’s own resources. A member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Allen championed a comprehensive energy strategy designed to unleash American energy resources and American creativity, including bills that would allow individual States to determine for themselves if they want to explore for natural gas and oil in the deepest waters off the outer continental shelf and to allow the use of oil reserves on the barren north slope of Alaska.

“If Americans don’t want to see skyrocketing gas prices we must make the decision to explore for and use domestic oil,” Allen said. “Some of us in the Senate have been working in the face of great criticism for our energy independence, to lower gasoline prices and provide adequate supplies through energy production, innovation, and diversity… For our own energy security and to bring those prices down we must make the sustained commitment to create, produce and grow more of our own energy here in America for America’s jobs, America’s economy and American security.”

Today, $4-a-gallon gas is imposing a greater burden than ever on the families and businesses of Virginia, while America is no closer than it was five years ago to controlling our own energy destiny. It is time for Washington to stop throwing up roadblocks to achievable energy solutions that encourage conservation and innovation and utilize all of our plentiful resources including clean coal technology, natural gas and oil.

Bolling Dominates The Shad Planking

2011-04-20T18:20:00.000-07:00


Lt. Governor Bill Bolling confers with the Virginia Gentleman

Nearly 2000 Virginia political activists gathered in the town of Wakefield this afternoon to drink beer, eat fish and listen to political speeches, not necessarily in that order. The annual gathering is a must for anyone interested in Virginia politics. A couple observations, the crowd was overwhelmingly Republican, which is usually the case, but more so this year. The only two Democrats I saw were Senator Mark Warner, and Congressman Bobby Scott. Usually former Governor Gerald Baliles is there to represent the Democrats, but I didn't see him today. My other observation is that without a doubt Bolling dominated, in terms of a presence. He had loads of signs, stickers, tee shirts, volunteers, and free hotdogs!

I have been to about a dozen Shad Plankings. Always a fun event, and this years was great. Also, special thanks to David Johnson who convinced me to try the shad roe. Very good!