perseverando

We're moving...sort of

2007-02-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

It's been more than a little while since I last updated this site. I haven't stopped doing what I do, I've just been doing it elsewhere. As of Sunday, February 11 it will be pretty clear who I am and more.

With that out there, I'll be moving my operations to a new site, Yellow Dog Strategy. This site will serve as both my blog and portfolio for my consulting business. So, drop by and take a look.

As for Perseverando, feel free to use the images here when you want, I only ask that you link back to here or to Yellow Dog Strategy.

We Won't Have Ole' Chad to kick Around Anymore....

2006-11-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

In a Nixon, circa 1962 way, Chad Dotson lets us know he is leaving the blogosphere. I have made clear my feelings about Chad. While I think he is talented and very intelligent, I continue to find it inappropriate for him to operate a blog while working as a prosecutor.

I will always believe there is more to the corruption in Wise County than will ever be told. Chad mentions his upcoming election, and I suppose it is a good time to be in the Pork Rind business.

While I will not miss Chad one iota, I wish Chad nothing but luck in his career. I also wish the good people of Wise County luck in next year's election.

Introducing Ceres...

2006-09-18T23:13:00.000-04:00

Okay folks, I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, and here it is, the introduction of another contributor to Perseverando. Meet Ceres. Ceres also appears on the reverse side of the Seal of the Commonwealth. Already an important influence in what goes on these parts, Ceres will now step forward post under their own name.

Ceres is a middle of the road Democrat with a independent streak about three miles wide. A parent and an activist in Southwest Virginia, Ceres brings new perspective to this blog. We won't always agree, but we have agreed to always listen to what the other person says.

CAPTION CONTEST

2006-09-18T14:22:00.000-04:00

Imitation is the highest form of flattery then here is about as close as I am ever going to come to Chad Dotson. I watched the MTP debate yesterday but do not remember seeing this moment as pictured in the Washington Post. I thought it might make for a good caption contest. Let the vitriol fly!!

Allen Website, "Bush sucks"

2006-09-17T14:43:00.000-04:00

In what must be a painful admission from "Allen's new blog guru," Jon Henke says, "Bush sucks." That's right, Mr. Henke predicted that in today's NBC "Meet the Press" debate between George Allen and Jim Webb, "Jim Webb will remind people that (1) he opposed the war in Iraq and (2) Bush sucks."

I admire Mr. Henke's honesty. After six years of dishonest leadership, moral bankruptcy, and thousands, upon thousands of lives destroyed, someone in the GOP finally has the nerve to stand up and speak truth to power, "Bush sucks."

Just in case Mr. Henke's little post is accidentally altered, here it is in screenshot format.

Mr. Henke's admission could be troubling to his fellow Republican bloggers. If they follow the logical path of his statement. If "A" is true and "B" is true, the sum of "A" + "B" must also be true.

"Bush sucks," and George Allen agrees with Bush 97% of the time, therefore, George Allen "sucks" 97% of the time.

God bless you Mr. Henke.

Welcome to the Real World of NORTH CAROLINA

2006-09-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

Last week, our esteemed junior Senator took to the Senate floor to introduce an amendment--minus the difference between "shall" and "will"--that was identical to Dick Durbin's proposed amendment. The Durbin amendment was circulated a full week prior to Allen's stunt.

Coming on the heels of Allen's use of the now famous "M-word," Allen's latest blooper earned him more derision in the national media and continued embarrassment for the Commonwealth.

Not Larry Sabato then posted a typo that appeared on the Senator's site where he spelled the word "rally" with an "e." Of course, there are those who cry foul and say, "Please tell me you're not talking about a typo. If you are, I assume you'll also make a post about this grammatical error on the front page of Webb's website."

I guess picking out typo's could be considered petty. My site is full of them-of course, I am not running for the U.S. Senate-but any of us could type a little ham handed at times. It's not like the guy posted pictures of North Carolina on his website and passed them off as Virginia. Now that would be ridiculous.

Er....
Is that the Linn Cove Viaduct that wraps around North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain? Come on! There is no way the Senator thinks this is in Virginia. Did he run out of Virginia landmarks? What about Craney Island?

Perhaps Senator Allen doesn't care. Or worse, he thinks we are too dumb to know the difference. This is pretty bad for a guy who makes a huge deal about Virginia geography. It is even worse for a guy with a developing reputation for claiming other people's ideas.

When you're a six-year incumbent with a 5 to 1 money advantage and are tied in the polls I guess you'll try anything for traction. I heard Dick Wadhams is polling to see if folks would be more or less likely to vote for George Allen if they knew he was married to former Senator Bob Dole.

5 years ago...

2006-09-10T01:33:00.000-04:00

Five years ago today, I was working in my office in Manhattan just blocks from the World Trade Center. I had lived there long enough to take the towers for granted.

That Monday afternoon, the small advertising firm I worked for had layed of several employees. The economy was tanking, and they were cutting back. I was fortunate to keep my job.

The following morning, I was heading in to work when a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately called home to Virginia to tell my mother there had been a freak accident in NYC, but I was safe and everything was okay. My mother had a propensity to worry about me, and would even call and check in after watching Law and Order. I knew she would be worried and I just wanted put her at ease.

Minutes after hanging up, I saw the second plane crash in to the World Trade Center. The shock of it all wore off rather quickly as it was apparent this was a purposeful attack. Panic set in.

I called home again, terrified. In that moment I just wanted to hear it would be okay.

There was a sense of disbelief as people leapt to their deaths, the sounds of sirens mixed with those of people praying aloud.

As I walked back to my apartment, I turned and watched as the first tower fell. I made it home and watched on television as other hijacked aircraft was reported. President Bush was flown from place to place and finally they announced he was en route to out nuclear facilities in Alabama.

My fears were capitalized as I genuinely thought this may very well be the end. I tried repeatedly calling home and repeatedly I received the "all circuits busy" message. I somehow made contact and remember my mother answering the phone. I had never heard her voice like that. I told her how afraid I was, and that I thought this might be the end. Her voice cracked as she told me she loved me and that it would all be okay, "This too shall pass."

In the days following, the city was virtually on lock down. Stuck in my apartment, I kept a constant pace going from staring at the plume of smoke rising over the skyline to pouring over the images flooding the internet. I ventured in to the city to volunteer some and passed by the memorials and walls walls of missing flyers.

September 11th changed us all. It would forever be a defining moment, a benchmark. I don't like to talk about the politics of 9/11. I know some folks do and that is fine. But I saw things that day that had nothing to do with a "D" or an "R." On September 11, 2001 I witnessed the frailty of humanity and the heroics of selfless service.

Over the course of the week following 9/11, I put together a short video of imagery from that day. As the five year anniversary approached I thought about making a different one. I decided to let the one I made in the moment of the event stand for itself.

This video does contain some troubling, but necessary imagery.

Falwell Jumps Into Virginia Senate Race

2006-09-01T18:27:00.000-04:00

"As an evangelical Christian"Falwell disagrees with Jim Webb on the social issues, I guess like the ones in Mark 12:29-31.

The Merits of Photoshop

2006-08-31T18:16:00.000-04:00

Our friends over at Virginia Virtucon, specifically Riley, Not O'Reilly have recently been on a Photoshop Watch. He has posted twice (here and here) in recent days regarding cases where the mainstream media used Photoshop® (and used it poorly I might add) to alter photographs without indicating that they had done so. Neither photo actually needed to be altered. Just some idiot playing with his mouse.

In some ways Photoshop® is a like a gun, in that it all depends on what you do with it.

I like Photoshop® and think it can be used for good in our community. Photoshop® can help people. Thats why, when I saw the photos of Senator George Allen on Flickr, I decided to help him out and whiten his horribly yellow teeth. (Just in case you doubt the authenticity of the original photo...)

I am glad I could use my copy of Photoshop® for good today. I can't be here every day to whiten the Senator's teeth, so I'm going to need him to accept some responsibility here and do something to fix the problem.

And hey, Senator Allen, if you're reading this, no need to thank me, pay it forward.

Who Was I Kidding? A New Look!

2006-08-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Alright, I admit it. This blog used to have a header that featured the Capitol and cutaways of the state seal. All of that is fine and dandy, but it just didn't fit the tone of the site. We have a new look now, and I think it is more in line with the content you see here.

While the name comes from the back of the Seal of the Commonwealth, the sentiment is applied to politics–persevere!

We talk an awful lot about the level of discourse and the tone of blogging. We all choose different paths. Personally, I am not into civics. I enjoy politics, the process and the rhetoric. Of course, civics and policy are so important, but what too many candidates fail to realize is that you don't get to write policy until after you get elected.

I hope you like the new look and here is to the campaign! Both sides. Fight for what you believe in, and never back down!

George Allen White Sale

2006-08-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

I just don't see how you explain this away.

Asked whether Allen supports or deplores the CCC, John Reid, his communications director pleaded ignorance. "I am unaware of the group you mention or their agenda and because we have no record of the Senator having involvement with them I cannot offer you any opinion on them," Reid told me in an e-mail response.

I suppose Mr. Reid hasn't seen this picture?

A Disaster Strikes and Bush is on Vacation...NEVER!

2006-08-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

I know its not "nice" to repost things. On this anniversary for Katrina, however, I thought this may be the best approach to acknowledging the one year anniversary of landfall.

Some folks think Katrina is yesterday's news, and frankly, I was close to being one of them. Then I saw this news story. The AP has uncovered video footage of FEMA briefing sessions held by Mike Brown and broadcast to president Bush at his ranch in Texas, and Michael Chertoff.

On the eve of Hurricane Katrina's fateful landfall, President Bush was confident. His homeland security chief appeared relaxed. Louisiana officials were heaping praise on the federal government.

And warnings of the coming destruction - breached or overrun levees, deaths at the New Orleans Superdome and overwhelming needs for post-storm rescues - were delivered in dramatic terms to all involved.

All of it was captured on videotape.

The Associated Press obtained the confidential government video and made it public Wednesday, offering Americans their own inside glimpse into the government's fateful final Katrina preparations after months of fingerpointing and political recriminations.

IF NOTHING ELSE, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO...

"Conflicted"

2006-08-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

A Special Session on Transportation was called by Speaker Howell. In a speech to GA finance committees, Governor Kaine said, "If we do not act, it will be our people and our future that will suffer."

Calling the public "conflicted" about higher taxes for roads, he said "they are aware that solutions will cost money. But they don't want to pay more taxes."
Instead, Kaine urged lawmakers to focus on areas where Democrats and Republicans in both chambers have already agreed: reform of the Virginia Department of Transportation, land use changes and modest increases in the amount of money spent on transportation.
"These points of agreement demonstrate a significant common ground from which we can craft a comprehensive solution," Kaine said in his 24-minute speech.

Folks like Morgan Griffith are already puffing out their chests and preparing for the fight. This could make September even more exciting than the fumbles ata stop on George Allen's listening tour.

Wrong turn? Lost? Need directions?

2006-08-28T00:42:00.000-04:00

Webb 47.9%, Allen 46.6%! In the words of John Zogby, "colossal political crackup."

It's not over by a longshot. 72 days until the only poll that actually counts. George Allen has a ton of cash and mean streak two miles wide, buckle up and get ready. You might alos gather up a few proverbial rocks to throw at the Senator, if you are so inclined.

Bloggers United ::: Martinsville

2006-08-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

(Left to right) Leslie Byrne, Alton Foley, Chris Saxman, Eileen Levandoski, Jerry Fuhrman, Josh Chernilla, Greg Letiecq, Carl Kilo, Brian Patton, Paul Anderson, Ben Tribbett, and Jay Hughes.

A quick word on this weekend...Fantastic. Alton Foley and crew did a great job organizing this event and making everyone feel at home. I am not sure what I was expecting, but I had a wonderful time, made some new friends, tore down some walls with some other folks, and learned a great deal.

The picture above captures just a few of those who participated. Some of those not pictured are Republitarian and his wife (I have the picture, just cannot see much with the burkha and all) Will Vehrs, Steve Minor, John Brownlee, Steve Sisson, Tucker Watkins, and others.

I think enjoyed meeting some of the conservative bloggers more than anything. Not because I was able to take pictures for future photoshopping, but because I realized they didn't have horns and were just as passionate about their beliefs as I am. In fact, Kilo almost convinced me Chad Dotson was a good guy. He did convince me that enough people respect Chad that I included him in my blogroll. (Yes, I am acutely aware that the addition of Chad to my blogroll will do nothing for Chad.)

Major kudos to Senator Roscoe Reynolds for attending Friday night's function at Chatmoss Country Club. It was great to get to talk to the Senator and I really appreciate his taking the time to attend.

Everyone knows the genesis of this event and it is sad, if not shameful, that Delegate Ward Armstrong lives so close to Patrick Henry Community College and he chose not to attend. Perhaps he was live blogging at Raising Kaine and that is why Lowell Feld chose not to attend. Ho do you coordinate the netroots when you do not associate or participate in functions with your peers?

I genuinely enjoyed Chris Saxman's talk, and that of John Brownlee, but my favorite was Leslie Byrne. She tells it like it is, and lives with the consequences. She is a rockstar!!!

That Old Dotson Magic-REDUX

2006-08-24T16:26:00.000-04:00

Some of the best blog entries have been election return analyses. They are great because they give us an opportunity to suggest future scenarios based on past performance. I have read with some interest the news stories concerning voter fraud and the compounding gambling operation in Wise County–like this, this, this, this, this, this, and this and that, that, and this one too. I have even commented here, here, and here about the situation.

So I decided to go back and look at these elections in questions. Admittedly, I never made it that far. In looking through recent election returns in the tiny town of Appalachia, ground zero for the burgeoning scandal, one name stood out as having great success there–almost unbelievable success.

It seems that Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Chad Dotson, also known as Virginia's first elected blogger, is inexplicably popular in the town with a penchant for electoral subterfuge. Chad is more popular than George Allen, George Bush, and even Jerry Kilgore. In fact, Bush and Allen both lost the precinct of Appalachia and Kilgore came in at 56%. Dotson, who was recently identified as an accomplice to the Allen campaign, took Appalachia by storm with 65.2%.

In 2001, Mark Warner won the town of Appalachia by 70% of the vote. In 2005, when he was running against Leslie Byrne, widely touted as "the most liberal candidate in Virginia history," Bill Bolling could only manage 51.4% of the vote.

That is 15 points behind Chad Dotson who was running against a fellow resident of Wise County.

I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but Al Gore won the town of Appalachia with 62.7% of the vote.

What does all of this mean? I am just not sure, and I wouldn't dare accuse anyone of wrongdoing.

In a related story, read this interesting article on pork rinds.

That Old Dotson Magic

2006-08-23T19:50:00.000-04:00

The Hotline reports...

According to an e-mail circulating among conservatives, Chris LaCivita, Allen's longtime strategist, and other Allen aides believe that the campaign has so far failed to appreciate the generative role that bloggers can play -- and the consequences that pertain when the GOP Netroots aren't mobilizied on behalf of candidates.
LaCivita is looking for a prominent conservative online strategist to join the campaign's staff. Chad Dotson, a Virginia prosecutor who blogs as Commonwealth Conservative, is helping LaCivita with the recruitment effort.

That is actually not a bad idea. Folks down in Chad's neck of the woods have a way with turning elections. Even I would have to admit it is going to take a lot of pork rinds.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack

2006-08-23T12:35:00.000-04:00

After a summer spent traveling to the far reaches of the globe, including the Kingdom of Phaic Tan and the ancient land of Molvania, I have returned to take up the mouse and once again let the photoshopping begin.

We will be adding a new blogger to this site in the coming days and I am anxious for you to meet her. I am sure she will continue the long tradition of skewering, roasting, and lambasting.

Shaun Kenney on Ethics

2006-06-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Ethics and Blogging by Shaun Kenney

Ah-hahahahaha Hahahahahah Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha!!

No, seriously, Ah-hahahahaha Hahahahahah Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha!!

Whew! That is almost as good as someone writing about ethics when they are on the payroll for Media General, where Diana Cantor, wife of Republican Congressman Eric Cantor sits on the Board of Directors.

Webb Wins ::: Post Election Analysis

2006-06-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

Two Alices = Twice The Fun! ::: UPDATED

2006-06-12T18:07:00.000-04:00

UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE

First of all, I think the winner is picture number one.

Now let me explain something. This is political parody, no different than a political cartoon. Technology allows us, with considerable ease, to manipulate photos in order to render commentary. I could go on and on in paragraph form on why I think Alice is wrong to attack me. I could point out that she doesn't know me, has never met me, and posts about me based solely on rumor. She isn't the only one.

This site is published under a pseudonym because it allows a certain amount of latitude in what we discuss. There could be one person behind this site, there could be several. When the issue of who is posting gets more attention than what is being discussed, we will stop posting all together.

Pseudonyms are as American as apple pie–Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay all published under a pseudonym. Does that fact make the Federalist Papers any less important?

While this site is not even worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as the Federalist Papers, the point is still the same. If all you have against me is that I publish under a different name then get over it.

Finally, Alice Marshall is a good person, she is the only one who admitted Webb had indeed backed a Democrat previously when she commented on his support for Bob Kerrey. She is clearly loyal, and apparently a hard worker. None of that means I am not entitled to my opinion regarding her comments on me and this site. My only regret is that I took the time to explain any of this.

*************************************************

I recently noticed that Alice Marshall has unwisely decided to attack me. While I appreciate the link, I'd appreciate it even more if she kept her crazy in her own yard.

Now I have two pieces and can't decide which one best fits our friend Alice.

The first piece is entitled "FOUR ASSES."

666 Endorses Miller!

2006-06-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

IBEW Local 666 that is. Seriously, after being called the "anti-christ," I might be a little more sensitive about seeking the endorsement of anything to do with 666.

REWARD OFFERED

2006-05-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

That's right folks, I am offering a reward! I will give a free t-shirt from my store to the first person who sends me a full face picture of Alice Marshall.

She has officially crossed the line today in asserting that Jim Webb is anti-semitic. Calling someone the anti-christ is far from anti-semitic. In order to be anti-Christ, wouldn't you have to buy into the idea that he was Christ to begin with? But I digress. i won't play her game, but I will photoshop her until she repents!

I want her to know that each time she pops her head out from the bubbling water of hot tub, I will be there to post another classic moment in Alice Marshall's life!

If you don't like the t-shirts that are there I will design one on request all for a usable photo of Alice Marshall.

By "Forced," I Didn't Mean "Forced!"

2006-05-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

The Washington Post reports (via Not larry Sabato) "He also said it was the board of directors of that organization which forced him to contribute personally to some Republican candidates in recent years."

Can he really be that stupid? I know Bush went to Yale also, and he swimming in the shallow end of the think tank, but I gave Miller more credit.

Harris Miller has to know that is illegal, after all, he is a lobbyist!

Dear Mr. Miller...Please Write Back

2006-05-18T21:25:00.000-04:00

I sent the following letter three days ago. I haven't heard back yet, and the gallery is still no where to be seen.

Dear Sirs,

For more than two months I have visited your site viligantly looking for your photo gallery. Each time I am greeted with the same message, "Harris Miller Photos Coming Soon!"

Is there an actual time frame you have mapped out for posting your photos? I only ask because there was such fanfare when your staff was announced. Mr. Rohrbach was touted as quite a photographer and I am eager to see the fruits of his labor.

I am so anxious to see images of Mr. Miller on the campaign trail, I have conducted numerous internet image searches only to find what must be embarassing images of an otherwise continent candidate. I should think you would flood the web with other images in order to dilute the pool. No pun intended.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and viewing those campaign photos.

Sincerely,

Libertas

Pickel of the Week ::: For Real This Time

2006-05-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! Once again, we have several nominees for Pickle of the Week.

Our first nominee comes to us from the 33rd Senate District, Mark Herring. Apparently , two months serving in the midget colony that is the General Assembly went straight to Senator Herring's head. Despite never runningin a General Election, he is an expert on what it takes to win, "I know he (Harris Miller) is the only candidate who can beat George Allen in November."

What could he possibly know about running in a general election, much les what it takes in a statewide general election. Herring managed to get 10,000 votes in a January special election-that's less than some candidates got who lost last fall-and now he is an expert on Federal elections. Give me a break!

Our second nominee is none other than blog vivant, Will Vehrs. I know we are all about as tired of Will as we are Gerry Connolly. I no more pick up my copy of the Martinsville Bulletin yesterday and who was on the front page WITH THE WOMAN HE MALIGNED? That's right, Will Vehrs.

It seems that Will took his ten day suspension from work and in addition to doing a conservative's abridged version of Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed, he traveled to Martinsville to meet with the folks he flung poo at!

Now I guess you could say Will is building bridges. I would say he is clinging to his fifteen minutes of notoriety and cannot seem to let well enough alone. Not since little Jessica fell in the well has been there so much ado about so little! After all the fussin' and fightin' Will goes and sits down with the woman he commented on, "Cindy’s top was symbolic of the decline in Southside’s fabric industry."

Cindy's response, while just as sad in some way, was reflective of the sensitive, good hearted people of Martinsville, "I think all human beings make mistakes and I believe this man is sincere from the bottom of his heart when he apologizes, I forgive him."

Well, Cindy can do whatever she wants, but I'm staying mad for just a little while longer.

On a side note, I cannot believe that Cindy wore the same shirt Vehrs made fun of. You have to admire that kind of tenacity.

Finally, our third nominee and this week's winner is none other than Steve "Athletic and Toned" Chapman. As NLS posted and Black Velvet Bruce Lee expounded upon, little old, illegally voting Stevie is need of some loving!

Chapman exhausted every other means of finding a "Christian Chic"

It appears that Steve has posted not one but two personal ads on the dating site Match.com. Worse than that though, is the fact that he lists adress outide of the area he is now seeking to represent in the General Assembly. He also lies about how tall he is and his body type..."athletc and toned."

It's not that he uses match.com to find a date, more power to him on that one. It's that he wants to play hardball politics and represent folks in the General Assembly, but doesn't have the sense to remove things like this.

Did he think no one would find this? He is a lightining rod for controversey and should use better judgement before causing his party and his hometown more embarassment.

On the other hand, I could just as easily give the Pickle of the Week to the myopic activists who get behind candidates like this and continue to give them hope that just because you want to be a delegate means you should be one.

"C'mon Guys, Trust Me!"

2006-05-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

Alright y'all, let's fight!

You Mean Someone At Media General Isn't Fair?!?

2006-05-15T17:25:00.000-04:00

According to Not Larry Sabato, Jeff Schapiro of the Richmond Times Disgrace has used one of his barrels of ink to exact revenge on Will Vehrs, and in a way, bloggers everywhere.

At the end of the day though, just about everyone who put themselves in the middle of this mess came out dirty. Will shouldn't have been blogging at work. Ward Armstrong should have kept his mouth shut about inappropriate comments. Jeff Schapiro, if NLS is correct, should exact some of that revenge on his own paper, their corporate parent, and their obvious media bias.

ALERT::: NLS & Larry Byrne Plotting...

2006-05-15T12:44:00.000-04:00

It appears that Not Larry Sabato's Ben Tribbett and Larry Byrne were having lunch today and plotting. My NOVA source says they were seated nearby NLS and Byrne and over heard bits and pieces. They swear the two were looking at some documents at one point and began discussing Gerry Connolly! I asked if they were maybe discussing "Weenie of the Week" and my source guffawed at the idea that Larry Byrne would participate in that.

She said if Larry Byrne was meeting with NLS in public, then there must be something nefarious afoot! Okay, those weren't her exact words, but that sounds better than "There has to be some shit going down!"

Any ideas?

Our New Store

2006-05-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

Over the course of the past couple months I have had a few emails asking how folks could get my pictures on a t-shirt or other items. Thanks to Cafe press, that is now solved. We have set up a store with t-shirts, notebooks, mugs, stickers, etc. The stock will revolve with designs, so you never know when something will disappear.

Let me know if you have any good ideas or would like to see something in particular in the store.

Ewert Would Be First To Run WITHOUT Nose

2006-05-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

Twelve months ago when I first heard that Bern Ewert may seek the nomination I was hopeful. I think competition makes us better. I grew up around Roanoke and knew that if Bern were able to do for Southside, what he did for Roanoke, then that would be a good thing. I also knew that if Al Weed won the nomination, he would make an incredible congressman.

Here we are, one week from the 5th District Democratic Convention and things have drastically changed.

Al Weed has secured the nomination through hard work and honest means. Bern Ewert on the other hand has shown that he is in this solely for himself and the party and rules be damned.

I was horrified when Bern issued letters to Al Weed delegates encouraging them to go back on their written pledge and cast a vote for him. His rationale? No one would know. Now I have a six year old child, and I would be sadly disappointed if she used this rationale to justify her bahavior. I would like to think I could expect more from my congressional candidate.

Before I go forward, let me be clear that I enjoy negative campaign materials. As long as they are true, I firmly believe they fall within the realm of fair use. Except for minor children, I believe their is little or nothing in a candidates life that is off limits--AS LONG AS IT IS TRUE.

I am in receipt of a letter where Bern Ewert accuses Al Weed of utilizing illegal immigrant labor on his farm in Nelson County. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! Ewert's accusations are further evidence that he only offers more of the same divisive, dishonest, and destructive politics that already govern Washington, DC.

His attack is no different than one that would read, "If Virgil Goode were to find that Bern Ewert had been convicted of child molestation, he would surely use that against him." You see, Bern has never been accused of child molestation, much less convicted of it. It would be a shameful attack to make, just as Bern Ewert is now making shameful, baseless attacks against Al Weed.

All of this, Bern is doing with the justification that he simply wants to defeat Virgil Goode. Yet the only thing he is working for is the defeat of the Democratic nominee. Bern is apparently unable to see that he is cutting his nose off to spite his face.

Please Define "Everybody" ::: UPDATED

2006-05-10T20:36:00.000-04:00

Just when the dust was starting to clear from a weekend of flaming comments and threatening emails, I happened to pick up my copy of the Roanoke Times today to find another story on Appalachia, that quiet little town with a great big problem.

It seems more than a half million dollars has been confiscated so far in the bust up of three prominent gambling houses along Main Street.

As a team of law enforcement officers entered a bank in Big Stone Gap on Monday morning, McAfee said, one of the suspects was in the drive-through lane withdrawing money.
...

The raids on the suspected gambling houses are an outgrowth of a state police investigation into election fraud.

Authorities believe that some candidates for town council used illegal means to get into office -- buying some votes with beer and cigarettes and stealing absentee ballots from the mail -- in order to control a local police department that was then ordered to steer clear of the gambling establishments.

Apparently, the only way anyone knew about the gambling was through the election fraud case. Just makes me wonder who was gambling then? Also, didn't somebody at the bank notice a ne-er do well with a balance unbecoming them?

This excuse just doesn't pass the smell test.

"Everybody knows that gambling has gone on in Appalachia for a long time," said Rick Bowman, a former member of town council. "It's become a way of life, just like political corruption has been."

Although the investigation into election fraud has yielded an indictment charging 14 people with nearly 1,000 offenses, the gambling probe has yet to produce any charges.

The investigation includes "past and present public officials," some of them town council members who have been known to frequent the gambling establishments, McAfee said. He did not identify the public officials, or say how much they are suspected to have been paid by the owners of the gaming houses.

So, by "everybody," does he mean Chad Dotson? According to Mr. Bowman, this has not only been common practice, but common knowledge for years.

Chad Dotson worked for the Town of Appalachia and I understand that is why he had to recuse himself. In light of so many town officials now being implicated, Chad should explain his role in the town of Appalachia and his relationship with those now implicated in this growing scandal.

Why wasn't it busted up before the election charges even came to light?

Why did it take a special prosecutor to do what the local Commonwealth's Attorney wouldn't?

Why didn't Dotson see the big neon sign on the outskirts of town?

If he can't find a way to prosecute anyone in Wise County, how can he preside over their trials?

If I get answers to any of these questions, I'll be sure to post them. I suspect, however, I'll only get more threats and name calling.

Gerry Connolly Should Not Resign

2006-05-09T22:29:00.000-04:00

But he should be embarrased and ridiculed at very public appearance for the remainder of his tenure in office. Is there no line he will not cross? Is there no one he will not push into oncomng traffic in order to get in front of a TV camera?

It seems that yesterday, when Fairfax County needed a leader, Gerry Connolly failed his constituents, and moreover, the employees of Fairfax County miserably. When Connolly learned an officer had died in the line of duty, his first thoughts should have been that officers family and co-workers.

Not our Gerry! He yells, "I am ready for my close-up!" and reveals the name of the slain officer before the family could be notified. If it weren't for the forethought of the journalists covering the story, that poor family may have very well learned through the media that their wife and mother would not be coming home.

Gerry Connolly is a MEDIA WHORE and his reckless behavior should be called out and ridiculed.

New Feature :::: Pickle of the Week!

2006-05-08T20:21:00.000-04:00

In somewhat of an homage to Not Larry Sabato, we are beginning our own weekly award, "The Pickle of the Week!" Of course, this dubious award is also named in honor last week's fugitive, GOP tracker Hunter Pickels.

The award will be given at my own behest. Readers are of course welcome to make nominations of their own, but I'll make the final award--I'm the decider here.

The inaugural award nominees included myself for my post yesterday on Wise County CA, Chad Dotson. I clearly hold an opinion that is quite the opposite of Chad's friends and family. He is a lucky guy to have folks so willing to defend him. Their persistent posting and occasional abuse is, however, without effect. I stand by my opinion that it is inappropriate for a Commonwealth's Attorney to operate a political blog.

Another consideration was of course our namesake, Hunter Pickels. Mr. Pickels egregious behavior and zealous exectuion of his job led him afoul of the Commonwealth's criminal code. Pickels defenders were less apparent than Dotson's, but far braver in their attempt to defend his behavior. Pickels is of majority age, actually a bit older than any number of US casualties in Iraq. He is a college graduate and fully capable of defiling a beloved Virginia landmark. He stepped into the ring and started throwing punches. He deserves what he gets.

I also considered awarding the pickel to the editorial board of the Virginia Pilot for their puff piece on Harris Miller. With lines like, “Part of my challenge is to convince voters that we’re not running for student body president,” and "Webb labors in deep waters that Miller swims in easily," it quickly becomes apparent that the editorial boad of the Virginia Pilot know less about Jim Webb than I do about Chad Dotson.

But alas, I must make a decision. Without further hesitation I bestow the first "Pickel of the Week" to the three state legislators calling for the termination of Will Vehrs, and particularly Ward Armstrong. While Roscoe Reynolds and Danny Marshall both expressed disgust at Mr. Vehrs behavior, Ward Armstrong actually wrote Governor Kaine and asked that Mr. Vehrs be fired. Rather than criticize Vehrs for misuse of state time and resources, they blasted him for finding humor in a ridiculous photo. In fact, they all but blamed him for the current situation in Southside. Rather than accept responsibility for their own role in Martinsville problems and invite Mr. Vehrs to use his considerable knowledge of economic development to assist them in redeveloping Southside, these elected invertebrae feign outrage and commence passing the buck.

After years in office, who do you think is more culpable for the economic situation in Martinsville, Armstrong, Marshall, and Reynolds, or a blogger two hundred miles away?

Exactly what is it Chad Dotson does?

2006-05-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

I've never met Chad Dotson. I occasionally read his blog. I think he is probably a good guy who I disagree with vehemently on political issues. I also think he holds some responsibility for the total lack of law and order in Wise County.

As the chief law enforcement officer in the county, and an elected one at that, Chad needs to come forth and explain how these things continue to happen right under his nose without his acting to stop them.

The Roanoke Times reports today, "Authorities believe that "past and present public officials" in Appalachia took kickbacks from the businesses in exchange for directing town police officers to allow the illegal activities to continue, said Tim McAfee, the special prosecutor overseeing the investigation."

While Chad is not suspected of being one of those officials, what has he done to stop this behavior? There is no doubt in my mind that one can live-especially the Commonwealth's Attorney--in a small community like Wise County and not know that "some members and ex-members of Appalachia Town Council are suspected of frequenting the gambling houses, which are run out of vacant storefronts on the town's dusty and dilapidated Main Street. Open for business every day but Sunday, the establishments reportedly offer wagering on poker games and sporting events."

Maybe with his love of baseball, movie reviews, and self promotion, Chad just doesn't have time to do his job.

Chad loves to remind folks that he is Virginia's first elected blogger. I sincerely hope the Wise County Democrats get together and make him Virginia's first elected blogger to lose an election. If they don't at least put someone up there against him, then I am not sure they deserve to even have a committee.

Tracking the Tracker ::: UPDATED

2006-04-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE

Liz has deleted her journal, clicking many of the links below will lead you to the following message, "Error. Journal has been deleted. If you are aisling_merrow, you have a period of 30 days to decide to undelete your journal."

Never fear folks, I have a .gif image of the entires between April 28, back through February 24th. Click here to view and read the actual blog.

It is nothing new to note that those who live in glass houses should never, I repeat, never throw stones.

Senator Allen hired one James Hunter Pickels of Richmond, Virginia to work as a tracker, stalking Jim Webb and videotaping his every move, including private conversations.

As you can read in previous posts, Pickels was not adverse to breaking the law.

It has now been reveled that Mr. Pickels lover has kept an online journal titled, "Her Royal Cuteness."

Before you comment that this type of post is unfair, remember, this is exactly the kind of work Mr. Pickels took on and was paid for doing. Politics is a contact sport, and when you hit, expect to be hit back.

She has noted in two entries that her boyfriend was "famous." In that particular post, she laments,

"what i did was tell the people that he was only doing the job that he was paid to do, and that i felt they were acting very immature and unreasonable over something that in all honesty stemmed from a simple ideological difference of opinion. what a bunch of idiots."

Interestingly enough, her story refutes Pickels claim that he is a volunteer. I cannot help but wonder if he is paid to stalk Jim Webb, is the person paying him also liable for his actions?

On the 25th of April, this young lady talks of Hunters new job,

"Hunter now has a JOB. he is tracking around democratic candidates and filming them and they are sending him all over the state. so that means that on his way into the recesses of southwest virginia, he stopped by to see me last night. we had sushi from Hibatchi. then promptly went atop Mill Mountain and had glorious sex out in the wildflower garden."

Does Senator Allen condone this type of behavior? Mill Mountain is one of the most beloved spots in the Roanoke Valley. If his staff has no more respect for the families and law abiding citizens using this public space, then perhaps they should simply keep away.

As one reads this public journal, you begin to wonder about both Hunter Pickels and his girlfriend. You might also wonder about the traditional "Jeffersonian conservative values" they work for when you read that on April 16th, Liz wrote,

"the paycheck i will get on friday will be the first money that i have ever earned that has meant anything more than $ to blow on whatever i want. i'm excited, this should be a very liberating experience. i feel like i need to find a guy that's still a virgin and fuck his brains out. for some reason, i really think that would make me feel better. not entirely sure why but... hey."

Just when you start to think "poor, old Hunter," you read Liz's April 13th entry where Hunter lays out his principles and fear of his parents. It seems Hunter thinks living with a girl is only immoral if his parents know about it.

"he said, "oh, we would live together then."

i said, "WHAT? WHAT ABOUT YOUR 'PRINCIPLES' that caused this whole fight?"

he said, "We can live together if its not in Richmond."

i really cried then. I was like, "Why is Richmond such a big damn deal? Why would your 'principles' apply at all in any sense if you won't live with me there, but you will if we stepped over the city limits?"

"Well, because my parents are there. People will look down on me for being immoral."

i said,"Well, ok then... let's move somewhere else together."

he said, "No. I am comfortable in Richmond. And I want you *here*."

That was the last straw. I finally just said, it was over. absolutely over. i deserved so much more in a partner than that. he kept hollering, no it's not. no it's not. i finally hung up."

That must be some new form of evangelicalism that I am not familiar with.

Some of my favorite quotes in this little slice of GOP life are:

"I've never before had an experience where I was so busy and stressed out that I actually lost interest in making love. This happened, though. I've always had a really healthy sex drive but for some reason it was definetly lacking for a few days. I wonder if i'm going through "the change" at 24 lol.
...
On Friday morning, though, I woke up with the worst menstrual cramps I've ever had. They were so bad that I was throwing up (thank god the throwing up coincided with the arrival of my period-- can you imagine? GAK!) and I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon in Knoxville that I absolutely couldn't miss."

And

"I didn't even hate being in Wise when he was here and I always hate being in Wise. While we were waiting for the people to change my oil, I was out back finding flowers and playing with the owner's bassett hound while he lovingly watched me. And I had a thought... that if we married and lived in Wise and both taught school... I could be perfectly happy. Even here. Even with the entirity of nothing that Wise has to offer me. "

And

"mama gives encouragement but discouragement at the same time... such as "you know it's blatantly obvious that you-know-who doesn't care anything about you at all because of his extreme self-centeredness. he doesn't care about you. you need to start accepting that." then she says, "have you been taking your medicine lately?" and i say, "i'm not on medicine." and she pauses and says, "Oh. Why not?" she used to keep extra bottles of prozac in her cabinet and give them to me like they were tylenol."

And

"radford is full of nothing but little dumb twats i am convinced. cursing these little shitless brats into oblivion consumes my daily life. none. of. them. are. hollins. caliber. that's all i can think of when i see them."

There are just so many gems here I cannot possibly list them all. No worries, if they are removed, I have made screengrabs for future reference. Particularly the parts about Hunter stalking political candidates. Who knows that may be needed for evidence.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do?

2006-04-28T12:44:00.000-04:00

Sources indicate that warrants were filed this morning for James Hunter Pickels of Richmond, Virginia.

Sources confirm that Pickels, dubbed "The Dill" by Roanoke Police, was last seen fleeing down Salem Avenue. Testimony was given the Pickels did willfully and with malice of forethought ignore the warnings of one Dave "Mudcat" Saunders regarding trespassing on to Mr. Saunders private property.

Even after the warnings were issued and Pickels entered the private property of Saunders, he refused to leave once he was asked to do so.

"The Dill" indicated that he wanted proof of Saunders ownership.

Well, he looks like he just got all the proof he needs.

As of this reporting, Pickels is still on the run, authorities describe him as a white male, approximately 6'2" tall, 180 lbs, with blonde hair and glasses. Mr. Pickels is a smoker and may be seen lurking in doorways with a camcorder and Marlboro light.

Investigators have established a satellite cam on his last known address in Richmond, Virginia.

UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE

Here is another pic of another Allen stalker, Brian Sullivan, this time we have evidence of the young man filming a personal conversation that Jim Webb is having. Why so intent on capturing every word?

This young man gave a comment to the Staunton News Leader, admitting his tracking.

Is it because George Allen tells so many lies and half-truths that he thinks everyone else does the same.

Forget Osama, Let's Get Hunter!

2006-04-28T00:22:00.000-04:00

Hunter Pickels, a graduate of Hampden Sydney and Douglas Freeman High School made the mistake of not heeding a trespassing warning this evening at Jim Webb's kick-off event in Roanoke.

Mudcat warned Mr. Pickels that if he came on to his property he would have him arrested. Pickels ignored the warning and came into the building. He then refused to leave and after a loud altercation was finally escorted outside.

He then waited to get back in Jim Webb's face as soon as he left the premises owned by Mudcat. Unfortunately for Pickels, Mudcat owns the entire block.

The Pickels guy has stalked Webb for days taping every conversation he could weasle his camera into. He was warned and warned again but did not believe anyone would call the police.

Once the police were called he took off running, camera bag and all.

Mudcat noted that if George Allen had been able to run like that, he might have seen some playing time at UVA.

A reward, including a signed copy of Foxes In The Henhouse, is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mr. Pickels. Contact Libertas to pass the information on.

Is this the end of Perseverando?

2006-04-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

First, Harris Miller ends the need for photoshop with his elastic waddle and innate inability to take a good photo, and now we learn that George Allen has hired this guy to stalk Jim Webb. What's this guy's name...Hunter Pickles. That's right folks, PICKLES, the Rugrats are indeed, "All Growed Up!"
With bad photos and a stalker named "Pickles," I'm not sure there is a need for my brand of satire anymore. In the words of Aretha Franklin, "Sisters are doing it for themselves!"

Who Needs Photoshop?

2006-04-24T20:13:00.000-04:00

5th District Shocker ::: Photos Doctored?

2006-04-21T14:08:00.000-04:00

There is word out (and a flying toupee) and that 5th District Congressional candidate Al Weed has produced a mail piece with a doctored photo of fellow democrat Bern Ewert.

I have obtained copies of both photos and must say that I believe Mr. Weed is innocent. As you can clearly see by the two photos below, this is simply a difference in lighting.

Why Does Not Gretchen Bulova Hate Freedom?

2006-04-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, maybe she doesn't hate freedom, but she apparently does hate reality. Since when is it the job of any campaign, Jim Webb's, Harris Miller's, or even George Allen's to troll the blogosphere and correct or clearly state information regarding their campaigns.

Not only is it just not possible, it doesn't make sense. Can you imagine the outrage and flashing sirens if a blogger produced an email where a campaign tried to silence them?

These guys are politicians, not ombudsmen.

Further, why is NGB making such a big deal about nothing. The electorate only cares that campaigns are funded legally (and they care about that only marginally). No one cares if a candidate is self funded. By no one I mean folks who actually have lives and aren't choosing to be stuck behind a computer for 18 hours a day tracking every minute detail about a campaign.

So why is NGB shilling for Miller? I'm not sure she is. I hope this turns out to be an over zealous sense of fairness where the popular kid in class occasionally gets scolded just to make others realize there are no favorites.

I must however, thank NGB. She graciously agreed to pose for the photo above knowing I was going to complain about her post.

Welcome to the "WORKING FOR CHANGE" Tour

2006-04-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Nothing Says "One of Our Own" Quite Like a Volvo

2006-04-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

"Don't hire from the outside. You don't know what you're getting." Well, you know Don has a point. Can you imagine what it would be like if we had a Governor from Kansas, or even Connecticut. Ha!

Come on, nothing says "inside" quite like a Volvo dealership...well, that and outsourcing thousands of high tech jobs to India and China. It is hard to stand next to Jim Gilmore and not look like the most competent person in the room, but Don Beyer has done a marvelous job of letting Jim shine.

Here is an abridged list of prominent Virginia Democrats who have roots outside of the Commonwealth. I hope Don is asking us to choose, I know where I stand...

Delegate Amundson
Delegate Bowling
Delegate Brink
Delegate Caputo
Delegate Ebbin
Delegate Eisenberg
Delegate Englin
Delegate Joannou
Delegate Jones
Delegate McEachin
Delegate Melvin
Delegate Miller
Delegate Moran
Delegate Poisson
Delegate Shannon
Delegate Toscano
Delegate Valentine
Delegate Ware
Delegate Watts
Senator Colgan
Senator Howell
Senator Locke
Senator Miller
Senator Puller
Senator Saslaw
Senator Ticer
Senator Whipple
Governor Warner
Governor Kaine
Congressman Scott
Chairman Cranwell

and yes, even candidates Miller and Webb.

"Would you be more likely or less likely...?"

2006-04-04T16:20:00.000-04:00

"Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for a man too cowardly to do his own fighting? A man who race-baits, splits his own party, and attacks one of our Nation's greatest heroes?"

"Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for a man personally responsible for thousands of high tech jobs being sent overseas, a player in the beltway culture of corruption, and a significant donor to several high-profile republican politicians?"

"Thank you for participating and this poll was sponsored by Ha...Ha...Have a nice day."

ATTENTION HENRY MARSH

2006-04-04T00:05:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this? Do you know the story?

Do you really believe that a man who has a noose hanging in his office better serves the African American community?

Mr. Marsh, your support of Miller IS support of George Allen...

NOT LARRY SABATO MUST WITHDRAW

2006-04-02T13:37:00.000-04:00

It is with great sadness and shock that I opened my mail yesterday.

This is a copy of a note I received.

Below is a picture that was enclosed.As it turns out, the critics were right.

I cannot support a candidate who drinks with Tom Davis.

That is why I am calling on Not Larry Sabato (if that's what your real name is) to withdraw his candidacy for the 2009 Lt. Governor's race.

In the word's of my informant, "I am waiting..."

UPDATE ::: SCANDAL BREWING IN 2009 LT. GOVERNOR'S RACE

2006-03-31T14:35:00.000-05:00

Sources within Not Larry Sabato's emerging campaign have reported threats of blackmail. Word is there are compromising pictures floating around. Not Larry released a statement accusing naysayers of "photo doctoring."

If anyone is doctoring photos, they should be ashamed of themselves.

I am trying to get copies of the pics now!

UPDATE :::

This just arrived from a source I am unable to verify so judge for yourselves. BTW, does anyone know someone with the email address dmarsden@ayhoo.com?

Not Larry has some explaining to do!!!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE PICS

Zogby Shows Allen Slipping

2006-03-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal reports today,

"The Democrat polling best against Allen is James Webb, former Secretary of the Navy under the Reagan Adminstration. Harris Miller, a former telecommunications lobbyist who has formally declared his candidacy, performs WEAKER (emphasis added) than Webb in polls against Allen."

"Because Virginia Needs Gossip!"

2006-03-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

I just returned from Not Larry Sabato's Campaign Kickoff and have to admit it was one of the most exciting events I've been to in a long time.

The big announcement of the evening was that Waldo has tasked J.C. Wilmore to manage the campaign. The announcement brought a great cheer from those in attendance.

There was a call for volunteers and Lowell Feld was first to raise his hand. Lowell said, "I first thought of asking Not Larry to run six years ago when I drove by his high school. I started the Draft Not Larry movement and hope that this campaign will stay focused on me and where I stand on the issues." Josh Chernila nodded in agreement.

A lowpoint of the evening was when Alice Marshall openly attacked Not Larry, questioning his credentials as Democrat and calling Wilmore a Richmond carpetbagger. Wilmore responded by calling her a "Philistine," adding "You'll never be a bon vivant!" There was a sudden gasp of disappointment that Wilmore could not muster any better of a comeback.

Honestly, if Pixie Bell hadn't been there to hold her back I am uncertain how far Alice would have carried this.

The final fireworks of the evening occurred when Republitarian's wife was passing around cookies on a tray and tripped on her burkha.

All in all it was good evening.

Allen Hires Rove's Baby

2006-03-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

The National Journal is reporting that George Allen will enlist the help of Dick Wadhams in his reelection bid this fall.

Dick Wadhams, the chief of staff for Sen. George Allen (R-VA) will take a leave of absence from Allen's congressional office to manage his tougher-than-expected re-election campaign in Virginia.

He'll start on 4/10.

Wadhams, touted as "Karl Rove's Heir Apparent" by too many publications to list, is a tough and experienced veteran of Senate races. He ran now-Sen. John Thune's successful bid to kick out Sen. Tom Daschle. Before that, he rescued Sen. Wayne Allard in CO. Wadhams joined Allen shortly after the '04 election to much fanfare about his political prowess.

Let the swiftboating begin!

ANYONE who thinks Wadham's in this race because he fears Harris Miller needs to have their head examined.

I said ROY Clark...ROY!

2006-03-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

Grand Poopah! :::: By Request

2006-03-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know Gerry Connolly, and after Ben's story, I wouldn't shake his hand. John Dalton made a request and I mean to please, so here goes!

By Request - Cheney Singing It Loud and Proud!

2006-03-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday rejected charges by Democrats that the Bush administration was mishandling Iraq and said: "If they are competent to fight this war, then I ought to be singing on American Idol."

Special Note to Dick Cheney: We only have two and half years left together and I already miss you.

Priceless and Worthless are Separated by a Thin Line

2006-03-23T17:33:00.000-05:00

Word Press software to run your personal blog: Free

Hosting for one year for your site: $89.79

Using said site to brag about your credit score: Priceless
I wrote this the other day and decided not to post it. The I read Waldo this morning and was horrified at this post. This guy may have the credit score of a robber baron, but he also has the maturity level and judgment making abilities of a seven year old bully.

Of course, this could just be Waldo fulfilling his need to "attack a fellow Virginia political blogger."

Can't Buy Me Love!

2006-03-18T00:26:00.000-05:00

Poor Harris Miller, we've all had a bad St. Patrick's Day at some point or other!

Enough is enough...

2006-03-17T17:18:00.000-05:00

I don't want to be the fool who doesn't know when to stop! So, no more send ups on endorsements (unless they are just too good to be true).

I'll save my photoshop skills for other editorial uses.

What I am trying to say here is that endorsements say very little about winning a campaign. I belive Chap and Leslie will make a difference in NoVA. Mainly because they have both ran statewide campaigns (aggressive primaries) and in addition to endorsements, can offer great advice to the campaign.

The Claudia Kennedy's of the world are a dime a dozen-opportunistic and seemingly desperate in their attempt to actually matter. The legislators who came out for Miller yesterday will have little impact statewide-if even in their respective districts. Next time you are in a setting that is not political ask the first stranger you meet who their state senator is.

Endorsement only matter if the person endorsing you has some name recognition. Endorsements are opinions and I think we all know the rest of that saying.

As an aside, Louise Lucas will help Webb immensely if she will put a Miller sticker on her tacky Hummer!

Golden Girls Endorse Miller (and sabotage Perseverando)

2006-03-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

Poor Janet Howell, always a bridesmaid, never a bride!

UPDATE: I know Janet Howell is married, but you cannot deny the uncanny likeness she has to Rue McClannahan!

Just the two of us...

2006-03-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

Jim and Chap prepare for the straw poll. It just gets better and better!

Enough Said...

2006-03-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

How Much is that Congressman in the Window?

2006-03-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

In what has to be a classic "Jim Moran Profile in Courage" moment, the besotted Conrgressman form Virginia's 8th District has chosen to endorse lobbyist Harris Miller for the Democratic nomination to run against George Allen.

In classic Moran style, the congressman manages to even screw up his endorsement. When asked if he thinks Miller will beat Allen, "At this point in my career I am going to support the people I know and the people who supported me. Endorsements are about who you want to see elected, not about hypothetical matchups."

As I said earlier when I first heard this news, I think most saw this coming. The Congressman from Massachusetts endorses the candidate from Pennsylvania to represent Virginia.

Harris Miller should be elated. Moran endorsed Weed in 2004 and picked Germany in both wars. We see how that turned out.

Besides, what was Moran supposed to do? Once Webb wins this primary, Miller goes back to lobbying and Moran needs to sell his vote to someone, right?

And sell his vote he does! According to opensecrets.org, Harris Miller has given Moran more than $19,000.00. On two separate occasions, Miller's daughter Alexis, who listed her occupation as student, gave Moran $1,000.00.

On top of that, Moran has taken more than $207,800 from the technology and electronics industry.

In a year when the national sentiment leans towards throwing the bums out, we have a congressman who embraces lobbyists and the pay-to-play way of getting things done in DC. It is a shame that Democrats cannot do any better than this.I guess we know that Moran doesn't come cheap.

I just hope he is around to endorse his brother in four years, with stunts like this, he'll be the only one!

Have you ever noticed?

2006-03-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

I know I am gonna take hit on this and probably deserve it, but it's been running around in my mind since I saw the cover. Besides, I have never seen them in the same room at the same time...

Makes you wonder!

A Horse is A Horse, Of Course, Of Course...

2006-03-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

When I first glanced at this cover, I thought it may be a preview of the 2006 Triple Crown, then I realized this was about a horse of a different kind. An interview with Mark Warner will be the feature of this week's New York Times Magazine. The article frames Warner as the anti-Hillary candidate, and traces his careful plodding from one high stakes event to the next.

In the article, Warner bemoans the litmus tests that Democrats issue in order to lend support. Those who pass the test are rarely electable on a national level.

Democrats, he liked to say, could not afford to keep trotting out nominees who could expect to win only 16 blue states and then hope, just maybe, for the "triple bank shot" that might deliver Ohio or Florida. They needed a candidate who could compete everywhere.

The article goes on to paint the severe fundraising disadvantage Warner will have against Clinton. Not only is she able to raise money now and turn it over to her presidential committee, she has a lock on party activists and key players in Democratic campaign finance.

The piece also looks at Warner and his campaign in 2001.

When a lot of national Democrats first took note of Warner in 2001, they didn't love what they saw. Running for governor in a state where Democrats were in sharp retreat, Warner courted the National Rifle Association and let it be known he'd support parental notification for minors seeking abortions. His outreach to Nascar devotees and bluegrass fans in southern Virginia struck Democrats in the urban North-as well as many of those across the Potomac River in Washington-as unseemly pandering.

They go on to note...

As governor, he was known for inviting his opponents over to the mansion for drinks and then inviting them back again, until he'd earned their trust. The less inclined you are to like Warner, the more inclined he is to court you, which probably explains his counterintuitive bond with Virginia's rural, less-educated voters.

As an aside, that quote certainly isn't Warner's, but he could go along way and express some regret that rural voters here are generalized as less educated. That's why rural voters do not trust Democrats, and specifically Northeastern liberals. there is no appreciation of the culture. In fact, our difference in culture is most often characterized from the outside as our actually lacking any culture.

I felt Warner came across best in this article when they actually discussed issues and his perspective on standard Democratic talking points.

What makes Warner, the former entrepreneur, sound more credible than your average Democrat is that he comes at these issues primarily from an economic, rather than a social, standpoint. On health care, for instance, most Washington Democrats will, as a matter of both habit and perspective, talk about the moral imperative of covering workers and the uninsured - and only then might they add, as an afterthought, that the current morass is an impediment to business too. Warner, on the other hand, begins with the idea that if American businesses can't keep up with spiraling health-care costs, the nation will lose the competition with India and China for jobs.

Of course, a centrist Warner is not the coziest fit for some of the Democratic parties wealthiest elite. Warner's meetings with some blue-state bigwigs have ended on a sour note.

At the end of the evening, according to people who were there, as some of the guests walked Warner to his car, one woman vowed to educate him on abortion rights. That was all he could take. "This is why America hates Democrats," a frustrated Warner blurted out before driving away.

Warner, I am sure, is getting all sorts of advice from all sorts of sources. While he certainly doesn't need mine, I hope he will clip thelast paragraph of his article and commit it to memory.

It's fine for Warner to say now that he doesn't need purists or populists, that he wants to run a campaign that is about what he's for rather than what he's against. But such aspirations are a luxury generally afforded to front-runners and fools, and Warner is neither. The party's more successful insurgents have all had one thing in common, whether they came from the left or center: each ran hard against the party machine itself. However much Warner may want to avoid this kind of populist appeal, recent history suggests that if you want to emerge as the alternative candidate in 2008, you probably have to be willing to harness and exploit the anger of Democrats who feel disconnected from the Washington establishment and who resent the idea that powerful insiders seem to be choosing a nominee for them. You have to be ready, as an earlier generation of Democrats would have put it, to take on the Man-even if the Man this time happens to be a woman.

Is Harris Miller Desperate?

2006-03-09T01:57:00.000-05:00

Yes.

If you don't believe me, just read the news. One day after Jim Webb's announcement, the Miller campaign drags out a dusty, disgruntled, and retired Claudia Kennedy. General Kennedy says, "He's certainly made it clear that he doesn't think women are essential in the military."

As the AP noted, "She was referring to comments Webb made and articles he wrote in the 1970s and 1980s. One of them was a 1979 article in The Washingtonian magazine titled "Women Can't Fight."

Harris Miller thanked General Kennedy and stood by her side as she attacked Jim Webb. Kennedy's attacks on Webb are based on opinions expressed 27 years ago. They are weak and desperate. The only thing more desperate is Harris Miller letting others do his dirty work. If he wants to attack Webb, he should do it himself. Of course, I don't expect much honor from a man that has sold his soul courting favor for special interest groups over the average citizen.

With all of the media attention being paid to this campaign, one might wonder if Kennedy is just trying to promote her own lackluster book. Amazon shows her just 740,823 positions behind James Webb.

If you want to know who trusts women in positions of importance, lets look at the staff makeup of both campaigns...

Miller's campaign is clearly dominated by males. Andrew Resnick, Adam Goers, Taylor West, Brian Cook, Mo Elleithee, Geoffrey Garin, Jim Mulhall, Jim Crounse, Alan Moore, Greg Scanlon, and John Rorhbach. After months of operation, Miller has appointed just one female to a leadership role in his campaign.

Now look at Webb's team with Jessica Vandenberg, Kristian Denny-Todd, Susan DiLiddo, Liz Reiter, Pete Brodnitz, Steve Jarding, Dave Saunders, and Joe Stanley. Two days out of the box and the Webb campaign is being led by women.

Finally, as was noted on a blog earlier. Isn't it funny that Miller has to enlist Genreal Kennedy as a resident expert on National Security when the Webb campaign has an expert for a candidate?

UPDATE: Here is another great question. Why was Miller scheduler Greg Scanlon (at left) in attendance at the Webb announcement with a video camera. Perhaps he caught the part where Jim Webb chose not to disparage Harris Miller.

Does Harris Miller have nothing else to schedule? The next time the Miller camp sends a spy, they may want to send someone capable of dressing appropriately for the surroundings. This kid had on dirty jeans and a ratty flannel. His presence was poor form, and his attire was poor taste.

Out of The Gate and Running...

2006-03-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

The Roanoke Times gets it right when they say, "James Webb may have worked for President Reagan two decades ago, but he made his political allegiance perfectly clear Tuesday when he formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate."

Jim Webb came out of the box yesterday with a strong press conference and whirlwind tour of influential Democratic leaders in Richmond. Webb held command of a room that was dominated by lions of the Virginia press corps.

After he made a brief statement about why he was running he took question from a number of eager reporters. Webb made it clear, "Our government isn’t working for our people. It’s working for the political machines and lobbyists that feed on corruption. And who pays the price of that corruption? Our families – they are the ones suffering the consequences."

"Look at our foreign policy and national defense. We need to get our foreign policy and defense policy back on track – to making the right kind of strategic decisions. We need to be fighting terrorism, protecting our ports and borders, and keeping America safe. Instead, we’re spreading our troops thin, we’re not giving them enough of the armor, armaments, or the support they need. And worst of all, we don’t have a plan to bring them home. When you don’t have the leadership that’s asking the right questions, the consequences are deadly."

Secretary Webb also showed that he would not be a one-issue candidate. He commented on the economy saying, "Look at our economy – we’re breaking into a three-tiered class system. We’re losing our middle class: we’re shipping more jobs overseas, we’re not doing enough to make sure our working families have the health care they need, or the education they need to move ahead. And at the other end of the spectrum, we’re giving tax cuts to millionaires. They’re doing just fine – it’s our families who are paying the price."

Webb clearly presented himself in a senatorial manner. I think everyone in that room was impressed with his command of the moment and ability to answer tough questions with meaningful answers.

Hopefully, Harris Miller will see the writing on the wall and drop his "also ran" campaign. Virginia needs Jim Webb.

Grand jury indicts 14 on election fraud charges

2006-03-02T15:39:00.000-05:00

THIS JUST IN FROM ROANOKE TIMES

Fourteen people - including the mayor of Appalachia and other town officials - have been charged with hundreds of counts of election fraud in a 300-page indictment handed down today by a Wise County grand jury.

Special prosecutor Tim McAfee is scheduled to hold a press conference at 3 p.m. to provide more details about the charges.

The investigation into the Appalachia elections began in earnest nearly a year ago, when town resident Christina McKinney said a supporter of a town council candidate dropped by her home and offered her cigarettes and pork rinds in exchange for her vote - apparently because she happened to be eating a bag of fried pork skins at the time.

McKinney and several other residents of her low-income apartment complex said they were offered beer and cigarettes in exchange for their absentee votes. Close to 20 percent of the votes cast in the town election were by absentee ballot, nearly four times the state average.

As it turned out, McKinney never got to vote absentee. Someone stole the ballot from her mailbox and cast it without her permission, she told police at the time.

A subsequent investigation of McKinney's complaint revealed that many other mail-in ballots were stolen, forged and fraudulently cast. Investigators also uncovered problems with the town police department, which is headed by former town council candidate who dropped out of the race at the last minute and was later appointed captain of the five-man force by the new town council.

Damning New Video Uncovered

2006-03-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

Some folks think Katrina is yesterday's news, and frankly, I was close to being one of them. Then I saw this news story. The AP has uncovered video footage of FEMA briefing sessions held by Mike Brown and broadcast to president Bush at his ranch in Texas, and Michael Chertoff.

On the eve of Hurricane Katrina's fateful landfall, President Bush was confident. His homeland security chief appeared relaxed. Louisiana officials were heaping praise on the federal government.

And warnings of the coming destruction - breached or overrun levees, deaths at the New Orleans Superdome and overwhelming needs for post-storm rescues - were delivered in dramatic terms to all involved.

All of it was captured on videotape.

The Associated Press obtained the confidential government video and made it public Wednesday, offering Americans their own inside glimpse into the government's fateful final Katrina preparations after months of fingerpointing and political recriminations.

IF NOTHING ELSE, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO...

"I believe you have my stapler"

2006-03-02T00:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday, and I received what may very well be the best gift ever. The Rio Red, #747 Swingline Limited Edition Stapler. Yes, Office Space fans, MILTON LIVES!

Even If Kilgore Said It, "Illegal Is Illegal!"

2006-02-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a first, (and hopefully a last) I agree with Jeff Frederick and his bill that authorizes the Governor to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that would give 50 state troopers the ability to detain illegals based on their immigration status.

The Washington Times reports,

"The governor clearly already has that authority, and he doesn't need the General Assembly to tell him to do that," said Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle, chairman of the Courts of Justice Committee. "It's a message bill, and that's not a message that I want to send."

The Virginia Beach Republican said he also opposes the policy because police should be enforcing criminal laws, not civil laws. In addition, state troopers are short-handed as it is, he said.

If I may digress for a moment, "Troopers are short handed as it is..." Yet we are willing to place the burden of financing Virginia's transportation crisis in their laps. They are too over burdened to enforce the laws on the books, but not too over burdened to kick up their pursuit of abuser fees!

Jeff Frederick responded,

"It sends a clear message to the governor and to the public that the General Assembly wants something done about the illegal-immigration issue," he said. "He's right that the governor can do this already, but the governor hasn't. The people want us to do something."

Mr. Kaine, who took office last month, has said he thinks most Virginians are not very interested in immigration issues, compared with transportation, health care or education.

The governor said last week that Virginia taxpayers should not be picking up the cost of the federal government's shirking its duties.

If Tim Kaine thinks this isn't an issue he is either crazy or receiving very bad poll numbers. I know for fact that in Southwest Virginia, this issue polled at 87% thinking it was a critical issue just last fall.

This truly seems like a no-brainer to me. If you are breaking the law, you should be stopped. How can you argue with that?

A similar argument would be to say that curbing prostitution hurts the economy. Those prostitutes, I would assume, spend that money on something.

I fully recognize the human tragedy that lies behind this issue. I am not advocating amnesty or deportation. I'm not sure there is a black and white answer there. But what I am sure of is that when someone is breaking the law, and they are caught, they should be dealt with.

If you disagree with the law in the first place, that is fine--work to change that law. To pick and choose which laws you enforce is a big step down a slippery slope. Law enforcement officials should not have the power to play judge and jury in that manner no more than they should be allowed to exact punishment.

I do not know of any law enforcement officer at any level that takes an oath to only enforce local laws.

The Times reported, "Mr. Stolle predicted Mr. Frederick's bill would not pass his committee when it is heard on Wednesday, even though it passed the House 77-22." I cannot help but wonder if Brandon Bell will hold a press conference then calling for a fair hearing.

While this bill authorizes something that the Governor can do already, it does send a message that this issue needs addressing. Each year we pass hundreds of resolutions and proclamations. I can

Finally there are two or three little facts in this story that caused me to raise an eyebrow...

"Mr. Frederick, Prince William County Republican, who is the legislature's only Hispanic member..." Really?

Allen Dudley, known harborer of illegal aliens is a co-sponsor of this legislation.

Ken Stolle has accepted thousands in donations from the Commercial Development PAC, and the Homebuilders Association of Virginia. Both organizations represent individuals and businesses who stand to profit from an undocumented workforce.

When Your town Could Easily Be Mayberry...

2006-02-26T12:41:00.000-05:00

DON KNOTTS

1924-2006

It's not political, or even pertinent really, but when you come from down here, and you grow up watching Andy Griffith everday with your grandparents, you feel like you may have lost one of the funniest ever.

"When you wish upon a star..."

2006-02-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

I will be keeping vigil out in the yard this evening. You see, I am looking for the first star to make a wish upon. My wish is a secret, but I'll give you a hint (see left).

Oh, what I wouldn't give for the chips to fall in place and see the esteemed Congressman from Rocky Mount placed in cuffs!

With Virgil's sugar daddy pleading guilty, and Duke Cunningham being fitted for a orange jumpsuit, one can only hope that Virgil is a little uneasy tonight.

Virginia's number one pseudo-populist has somehow taken this scandal and turned it into a boon for himself. Fifth District Democrats need to stop worrying about where Ewert and Weed stand on the issues. Neither has the ability to beat Virgil themselves. His numbers are way to high. If Virgil is defeated, it will be at his own doing. This scandal could very well develop into that scenario if Democrats can make it stick.

I recently heard Al Weed say that while "Virgil is not necessarily the problem, he will never be a part of the solution." I don't know what you have to do to be considered a problem, but this sounds pretty dirty to me!

NOTE: Don't know who they belong to, or who this site is run by, but here is a little gem I found while snooping around. It is Virgil and Mitchell Wade at the opening of the MZM headquarters in Martinsville. PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP. Wade actually jokes that he paid people to say nice things!

World's Greatest Democrat

2006-02-24T12:38:00.000-05:00

Over the course of the past few days, the blogosphere has been filled with accusations of individuals not being "good democrats" or "real democrats."

Some of the remarks have been levied at me and some at the guys over at Raising Kaine. If Ben Tribbett had a nickel for every time he was accosted, he could afford hair restoration surgery for his namesake. Chap Petersen gets hit as does Phil Puckett, and now James Webb is the target.

So the question begs to be answered, what is a "Democrat"?

The Democratic Party of Virginia defines a Democrat as

Section 2.1 Membership
Every resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia who believes in the principles of the Democratic Party is hereby declared to be a member of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

I know that isn't good enough for some folks. So lets take a minute here and define what a "real and good Democrat" is exactly. I'm looking for what a Democrat is, not what they aren't--I hope we will avoid the temptation to bash others.

Rock Star Warner Stumps for Lesser Star

2006-02-22T12:27:00.000-05:00

The WaPo has noted the Mark Warner will be the honored guest at an upcoming fundraiser for Harris Miller in campaign against James Webb for the Democratic nomination to challenge George Allen.

According to the invitation, "Friends" who want some intimate time with the ex-governor can contribute $500, "Sponsors" may give $1,000, "Benefactors" may offer "$2,100" and "Co-Hosts" can provide Miller's campaign with"$4,200.

Can you even give $4200 at once? I thought it was $2100 in the primary cycle and $2100 in the general. Honestly though, that isn't even what bothers me about this fundraiser. My problem lies with Warner and his intentions--which I perceive to be self serving.

Whether you like how his campaign is starting out or not, James Webb is heads and tails a better candidate than Harris Miller. James Webb can actually win this thing. Not just spouting off here, look at the numbers where Allen succeeds, and ask yourself, "Culturally, which candidate can eat into the base better, Miller or Webb?"

But here is Mark Warner, the rockstar, throwing his support behind Harris Miller. In a sense I understand that. I would imagine that a man whose greatest struggle in life was his decision to go into business rather than practice law would find it hard to shine next to a man who served with the Fifth Marine Regiment in Vietnam, where as a rifle platoon and company commander in the infamous An Hoa Basin west of Danang he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts.

What Warner is telling us here is that he is for politics as usual. He thinks the Commonwealth is better served by a lobbyist who "pays to play" rather than a REAL AMERICAN HERO famous for speaking truth to power. This all causes me to question Warner's sincerity. In the next two years he is going to appear before various Veterans groups, and crowds of men and women who offered their best for us all. Do you think he will have the courage to tell them that when he was offered a choice, he chose the other guy, the lobbyist?

Ellen Qualls, a spokeswoman for Warner, said the former governor -- who is busy thinking about running for president -- has not formally endorsed either Virginia candidate.

"Harris is a longtime friend of the governor's and he promised to help with a fundraiser before Jim Webb got in the race," Qualls said. "It should not be considered a formal endorsement."

Well, now Webb is in the race. So when is Mark gonna pony up and help all Democrats, not just those who make him look better when standing next to him?

As I said in an earlier post, I guess thats why the Backstreet Boys would never open for the Rolling Stones. Simply put, its the difference between ego and the real thing. Besides, I imagine lobbyists laugh harder at that stale cell phone "Ka-ching, ka-ching" joke.

Speaker Howell and the Smithfield Lady...

2006-02-21T16:21:00.000-05:00

In a move that surprises no one in Virginia, the Senate and House proposed two very different budgets this past Sunday. Speaker Bill Howell of Stafford wasted no time in applying "lipstick to the pig" that his chamber submitted.

Howell called the House proposal a "balanced, well-constructed state budget," he then went to justify fixing the transportation crisis in Northern and Eastern Virginia and sticking the bill on the whole state.

According to the Roanoke Times, "The House Appropriations Committee's plan would increase transportation funding by $1.2 billion over the same period, relying on a combination of revenue from the state's general operating fund and increased fines for driving violations. Roughly half of the transportation spending in the House budget is a one-time payment from the state's general fund, some of which is diverted from items in Warner's proposed budget."

This is a serious diversion from the system where transportation and education funds are kept separate.

The Washington Post aslo highlights the House budget proposal and some of the politically targeted items they cut.

But they cut spending for many of the smaller programs that Warner had started, including many he is using as evidence of his success in what could become a bid for the presidency.

The GOP eliminated $409,000 for a Warner program that uses NASCAR imagery to encourage adults to finish high school. They deleted $4.37 million to help poor youths pay for Advanced Placement tests. They cut $143,000 for Warner's program to train principals to be "turn-around specialists" in troubled schools. And they cut $6 million that would have paid for bonuses to encourage teachers to work in difficult schools.
They cut $12 million for a fire department program that matches state money with federal funds and cut $6.7 million for a project Warner backed to encourage creation of electronic health records.

Democratic caucus chairman, Brian Moran said, "not because of objective analysis but merely [because of] a political reaction."

A spokesman for Morgan Griffith, the House Majority Leader said, "'Stripped out' is such a harsh word," he said. "Why not say 'redirected'?"

The Senate Finance Committee, comprised mainly of moderates, endorsed a package that will increase transportation spending by $1.8 billion over the next two years, largely through a combination of tax and fee increases that would include a 5 percent sales tax on gasoline. Gov. Tim Kaine also has proposed tax increases to create new, dedicated funding for transportation.

The Richmond Times Dispatch reports,

The finance committee leader, Sen. John H. Chichester, R-Northumberland, again challenged House claims that long-term funding for transportation is somehow possible without a second huge tax increase since 2004.

Chichester depicted as irresponsible financing highways with a surplus -- "by its very definition . . . unpredictable and unreliable" -- and forcing the state to retreat from its long-standing practice of supporting from separate cash boxes transportation and services such as education.

Kevin Hall, Kaine's press secretary said, "Except for one-time, upfront money, the House plan simply authorizes a credit card for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, but sends the bill to the rest of the state."

WAPO reports,

"I don't think it produces enough dollars that are reliable and long-term to meet the magnitude of the transportation challenge we have," Kaine said of the House budget, which was approved Sunday by the Appropriations Committee.
The governor said the House committee's refusal to consider tax increases for road and transit spending led it to cut "really good, important programs" in the state's operating budget.
"You just have to look at things like school breakfast programs, school efficiency reviews," Kaine said. "Drinking water funds for southwest Virginia. These are necessary programs."
House leaders rejected Kaine's comments about their spending proposals. They said their transportation plan would pay special attention to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, places where traffic congestion is acute, while helping other regions.

It will be interesting when this comes to a vote to see how the following Delegates vote. They are all from rural districts in Central, Southwest, and Southside Virginia.

Abbitt, Bell, Byron, Carrico, Cline, Crockkett-Stark, Dudley, Fralin, Gilbert, Griffith, Hogan, Kilgore, Landes, Lohr, Nutter, Putney, Saxman, and Wright

Democrats should begin today recruiting opposition for anyone of them who votes in favor of the House proposal.

Lauren O'Neil Awarded Trent Lott Scholarship

2006-02-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lauren O'Neil (pictured above with the all white College Republicans from Virginia Tech) is quoted in today's Roanoke Times, "The college campus is a place for diversity of ideas, not diversity of ethnicity."

Her comment comes in response to Virginia Tech experiencing a decline in those applicants willing to indicate their ethnicity. The Director of Admissions indicates the pattern may be due in part to "white students who are afraid their ethnicity will hurt their chances of being accepted."

While those fears are unfortunate, I suppose they are the natural product of some hateful rhetoric. This argument that a less qualified minority will succeed is cut from the same cloth of Jim Crow and separate but equal. While the indication of ethnicity is an option, what should not be an option is the continued behavior of Ms. O'Neil. Those of you who happen to read Not Larry Sabato will remember the discussion of her behavior at the recent CPAC Convention in DC.

This is where Ms. O'Neil allegedly made crank phone calls and the list of her victims grew to include Jerry Falwell, and Mayor George Fitch. Here is a copy of her phone call.

Ms. O'Neil is guilty of at least one of three things here- ignorance, racism, or both.

The sad statement this really makes is that apparently Virginia Tech offers no courses in 20th Century American History. The other hard part to believe, is that of the 24 College Republicans pictured above, they all seem to think she is the best person to represent them.

In honor of Ms. O'Neil's comments and her continued leadership of the monochromatic College Republicans, we are proud to bestow upon her the Trent Lott Memorial Scholarship.

I’m an Old Testament kind of guy... Blue Laws, Stoning, and Animal Sacrifices.

2006-02-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

"I support the death penalty. I’m an Old Testament kind of guy. I understand that often the legal representation isn’t what it needs to be…but if somebody killed my wife or killed my kids not only would I wanted to see them executed, I’d flip the switch… Criminals need to be treated for what they are, as criminals. I know a lot of people in the Democratic Party don’t necessarily agree with that…"
- Harris Miller

Of course Harris Miller didn't mean to also defend blue laws, stoning, or animal sacrifices. I assume he is also not in favor of stoning those who have been tattooed, much less pierced. I have also made note that in addition to these discrepancies, Mr. Miller shaves his beard and his suit appears to be a fiber blend.

All of these "transgressions" and more are addressed in the laws of the Old Testament. My reading of Leviticus leaves me with the impression that things are black and white-either you're Old Testament or not!

Is this an unreasonable analysis of his statement? Not really.

There are numerous reasons to be in favor of capital punishment (none of which I agree with). If the only reason you can muster is Leviticus 24:20-21, then you are wrong. The simple fact is no matter how often it is done, you don't get to pick and choose what verses you like.

The scripture is pretty clear on a multitude of sins. My Bible didn't come with a disclaimer or color coding that told me what was important and what could be cast aside.

I don't think for a second that Harris Miller has such a Bible either.

Harris Miller simply has some consultants trying to paint him as a man of faith. They'd love to be able to talk about his year as a missionary. Ignoring the facts behind Kaine's victory, Democrats will now apply the faith formula universally.

Before they start quoting the Bible however, they may want to read one. While Leviticus 24:20 justifies the death penalty, Leviticus 19:18 states "Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Hollow rhetoric like this makes Miller look neither spiritual nor strong.

For the record, someone might want to point Miller to Leviticus 5:4, "Or if they make a rash vow of any kind, whether its purpose is for good or bad, they will be considered guilty even if they were not fully aware of what they were doing at the time."

Duplicit Democrats Shock Internet Activists

2006-02-15T14:40:00.000-05:00

So, in a "disappointing decision" Paul Hackett has left (read forced) the race for Democratic candidate in Ohio's closely watched Senate race. Hackett stated, "This is an extremely disappointing decision that I feel has been forced on me." He said he was outraged to learn that party leaders were calling his donors and asking them to stop giving and said he would not enter the Second District Congressional race.

"For me, this is a second betrayal," Mr. Hackett said. "First, my government misused and mismanaged the military in Iraq, and now my own party is afraid to support candidates like me."

Hackett has long been the darling of internet activists. His fame rose exponentially last year when his House campaign in a conservative Cincinnati-area district raised $850,000 in two months, $500,000 of it through blogs. Hackett went on to lose his campaign but garnered 48% of the vote. He is also the first Iraq war veteran to seek national office.

To Mr. Hackett, and those shocked that Democrats could do this to other Democrats, I would simply ask, "How does that coffee smell?"

I suppose it easy for a candidate in a special election to be led up the garden path on party funding. The reality is that when you are the only gig in town--every one shows up!

General elections are whole other story. There are a million spineless, analysts who lack the ability and willingness to get out there and run for themselves. These self-appointed naysayers make a living handicapping races and pulling resources form "less-viable" candidates. Instead of working for change, much less making a case for it, our future is determined by a few self-defeating acronyms-DCCC, DSCC, DLC, and most hideously NCEC. Of course these organizations have good track records, they are prognosticators of self-fulfilling prophecies.

This pattern of self-flagellation is visible at the state level as well. We have only to look back at the 2005 General Assembly races to see this type of inner-party subterfuge.

Two prime examples are Bruce Roemmelt in the 13th District and Eric Ferguson in the 9th. Both candidates ran "give'em hell" campaigns that took no prisoners. Both were viable candidates who ran towards the mainstream. At every turn, the state organization tried to pull their legs out from under them.

Of course, the House caucus had done their homework. They knew if they poured money into Hilda Barg and Greg Werkheiser, they would win.

Here is the breakdown (cash only) ...

Hilda Barg
23,000 Democratic House Caucus
50,000 Warner's One Virginia
She garnered 48% of the vote.

Greg Werkheiser
50,000 Democratic House Caucus
30,000 Warner's One Virginia
He garnered 48% of the vote.

Eric Ferguson
3,000 Warner's One Virginia
He garnered 48% of the vote.

Bruce Roemmelt
5,250 Democratic House Caucus
5000 Warner's One Virginia
He garnered 44% of the vote.

What could $100,000 have done for Bruce or Eric? A post election analysis by the Roanoke Times answered that question for Eric Ferguson.

This type of circular firing squad is also evident in James Webb's see-sawing commitment to seeking the Democratic nomination to run against George Allen this fall. Political insiders say Webb received numerous phone calls from the Mark Warner camp telling him not to run. Of course the calls didn't come from Mark Warner himself (suppose Nextel has limited coverage in NH.) It would be interesting to see Mame Reilly's phone logs though. I suppose Warner is against Webb for the same reason U2 doesn't open for the Rolling Stones.

Sadly for Paul Hackett, politics is a contact sport. Sadly for us Democrats, the hits usually come from within. Hell, even Howard Dean agrees with that, "I think there was some skullduggery in Washington, that was going on, which I don't approve of. And I frankly think that's a shortcoming of the Democratic Party."

UPDATE: I missed a 5k donation to the Roemmelt PAC in May of 2005. I have updated the post to reflect that. I do not feel that 5k makes up for the vast difference in support.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Deal With It

2006-02-15T11:29:00.000-05:00

With the Senate's passing of SB648, Indoor Clean Air Act, logic would have you believe that we would now work to clean up the other things that are harmful to us, and that as individuals we have no control over. I have compiled a list so that we can get started today!

New Car Smell - Researchers in Australia say the smell of new cars can be toxic and can even cause cancer. A two-year study by an Australian government research organization found gases from vinyl and plastic materials in new cars cause headaches, nausea and drowsiness. The chemicals involved include benzene - a known cancer-causing agent - which was found in one case at five times the recommended exposure limit.

Wood Stoves - Women in developing countries who cook over a wood stove for years and inhale the smoke can develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and experience the same clinical characteristics, diminished quality of life and increased mortality rates as tobacco smokers. These findings from a Mexican study appear in the second issue for February 2006 of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.
Perfume - Fragrances can enter the body through the nose by inhalation, the mouth by ingestion, or the skin by absorption. Fragrance chemicals can affect the lungs, nose, skin, eyes, and brain. Studies have shown that shortness of breath or asthma-like symptoms have been caused by fragrances. Most of the fragrance chemicals consist of volatile organic compounds, which are known to be respiratory irritants. More than 5,000 different fragrances are in products that are used on a daily basis. These products include health and beauty aids, household cleaners, laundry aids, drugs, paper products, plastics, industrial greases, oils and solvents, and even foods.

Nuts - Allergic reaction to nuts can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is responsible for more fatalities than any other type of allergy. If you suffer from a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts like cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction. But, it is not always easy to avoid these foods since many unsuspecting products contain nuts.

Carpet - Carpet is usually made from synthetic fibers, such as nylon, which are produced from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Petrochemical processes for synthetic fiber production require high inputs of energy and water and produce harmful air emissions (hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog). Carpet production itself is energy and water intensive, and toxic dyes have been used to produce the attractive colors we demand, which sometimes end up in streams. Carpet has also been identified as a contributor to indoor air pollution, particularly from adhesives used for installation. Finally, old carpet has been typically disposed of in landfills, taking up valuable landfill space and wasting resources that could be reused or recycled. The carpet industry continues to address each of these major environmental impacts with different approaches depending on the company and the type of carpet being manufactured.

Of course, this isn't everything that we need to be protected from but if the GA will work on these things first, it should take them through the March 11 adjournment.

On the other hand, we could decide that life in itself is terminal and that we all have choices to make, including dining at Ruby Tuesdays or throwing back a few shots at Buffalo Wild Wings.

When the government takes on the role of nanny, where does it stop? Moreover, where is the consistency?

Our legislators are constantly lowering air and water quality standards. Then they turn and put some silly bill in to stop an individual from taking a drag on a cigarette. I don't know about you, but I would much rather someone exhale a little stinky smoke than for me to guzzle down mercury laden water.

Brandon bell and the other Senators who voted in favor of this bill aren't fooling anyone. If you want to take on public health and public safety, do it with a modicum of sincerity-do something that matters.

UPDATE/DISCLAIMER: For the record, let me state that not only do I not smoke, I hate going to smoking establishments. It is a nasty habit...but so is driving a Hummer.

Getting Around to the Virginia Blog Carnival

2006-02-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

The latest edition of the Virginia Blog Carnival is up and ready at Bruce Roemmelt's Getting Around. Give it a onceover..there are some good posts.

Cheney Asks Libby and Abramoff To Go Hunting

2006-02-12T15:37:00.000-05:00

Vice-President Dick Cheney has invited former aide, Scooter Libby to go quail hunting with him in Texas. Also invited to attend was lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

In a completely un related story, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, has told a federal grand jury his superiors – not mentioning anyone by name – authorized him to leak information to reporters as part of a justification for invading Iraq.

Additionally, the White House on Sunday acknowledged the authenticity of the first photograph made public that shows President Bush and embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff, while stressing it does not mean the two had a personal relationship.

Congratulations to Brian Patton

2006-02-12T14:50:00.000-05:00

Brian Patton was duly awarded the Ninth Congressional District's Grassroots award last evening. It was great to see him and his fiancee Jane. Congratulations to Brian, one of the most deserving recipients in recent memory. Not to take away from the other awardees, it just happens that I am familiar with Brian's work and he exemplifies everything that is good about rural demcrats and has a very bright future ahead of him!

JJ Dinner Review

2006-02-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

I attended the annual JJ Dinner in Richmond last night. Because of snow, I was unable to attend Patron Reception and actually after the dinner skipped Miller's JJ After Dark reception.

I did however get to make the rounds in the lobby prior to the dinner and catch up with some old friends and some new ones from the past election cycle. I was also very disappointed in the lineup of 2006 Democratic Candidates and their showing last night.

Bern Ewert had an unattended table with some photocopies spread out and a couple of ink-jet signs pinned to the table. There was no one there to greet folks or glean supporter information. On the other side of the lobby was Al Weed's table (shared with Harris Miller.) Weed did have someone there to greet people and had some folks wearing stickers and buttons. I didn't see any one gathering info though. Unwise on both counts as you were in a room with 1000 people willing to $150 plus for a dinner.

Harris Miller certainly had a presence. He had a table with Weed where you could get some stickers and rally signs. I didn't see Miller in the lobby, but it was crowded. Webb had a great bluegrass band playing for him, but to little effect as there was a sad little sign next to the band that said "George Allen's Worst Nightmare!" and included a picture of James Webb in Vietnam. You had to be within two feet of it to read it though. Webb had a bevy of zealous young men attmepting to place stickers on folks. They seemed to be directed by Lowell Feld who wandered around eyeing people and "receiving" folks. He was the only person I saw wearing a name badge. I suppose he wanted us to know he was.

I want to support Webb, I really do, but he needs to get his act together. I understand he was recovering form surgery. But his letter was read poorly by Viola Baskerville, and simply not suitable as a counter to his absence. A vast web of eager supporters is no substitute for a well coordinated effort. These guys pushing him may do well in the "Golden Crescent," but will not be well received in the Blue Ridge. He needs some professional advice and must come to this with the presence of a US Senator.

In addition to the victorious folks from 2005, I noticed Bruce Roemmelt, Greg Werkheiser, and Eric Ferguson all in attendance. Roemmelt and Ferguson were seen talking. Werkheiser kept pulling people to the side to have very serious conversations. Warner was noticeably absent, but for the better. Whenever he is there, Kaine looks like his inept little brother. Kaine is Governor and won in his own right. It is his time to shine. On that note, he does love to talk about how he won.

Ed Rendell gave a great speech hitting all the partisan points.

Rendell praised Kaine's successful campaign for governor last fall.

"He did not let the Republicans pre-empt moral and religious issues," he said.

"If you read the Old Testament and New Testament, there is very little about gay marriage and abortion," Rendell said. "There is a lot about healing the sick and feeding the hungry."

He encouraged Democrats to run on the issues that made us the majority for so many years. It is a point that many Democrats have made, now it is time to do it.

Allen Protects Paycheck with Rubber Stamp

2006-02-10T01:12:00.000-05:00

In another "Profiles In Courage" moment, George Allen suggests that Congressional paychecks be withheld if congress fails to pass approrpiations bills by the start of the new fiscal year. According to Allen, it is "absurd" that "full-time legislators can't get their job done on-time by October 1 -- then several months later -- all kinds of unknown, unchecked spending occurs." Allen commented that his pay check penalty "provides powerful incentives for senators and congressmen to perform their jobs on time, with discipline."

The funny thing that Allen fails to remind voters of is that he voted in favor of every single appropriations bill last year and the most recent "omnibus" appropriations bill in November 2004.

Of course, Allen's announcement before the CPAC convention has nothing to do with the recent announcement of James Webb seeking the Democratic nomination to unseat the fine Senator.
Roll Call reported that "one GOP strategist aligned with the Allen campaign acknowledged that the Senator would have to spend more on his re-election than once anticipated but still maintained that the outcome would be the same."

“They found themselves two people who, yes, will force George Allen to spend more money on a campaign in Virginia instead of anywhere else, whether that’s helping other candidates or on something in the future,” the source said.

The Hotline points out that "because Allen can't travel too often, he is more likely to attempt attention-grabbing gambits like this one, hoping to generate buzz among conservatives and party donors."

I don't think it is the hat or the horse that causes folks to think he is a cowboy as much as it is the incessant smell of manure!

On a side note, I admire Allen's courage in finally acknowledging that things are so bad economically that even US Senators live paycheck to paycheck.

Faith and Values Remain Constant

2006-02-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Hotline discusses a recent poll in their Margin for Error section that surveys church attendance and importance of religion. Interestingly enough, yet not really surprising is that attendance and importance of faith have remained steady over the past 30 years.

In spite of all the talk about values and the importance of faith today, results of the survey have changed little in 30 years—dropping from 79% of respondents saying religion was an important part of their life in 1978 to 77% in 2004.

For me, the most noticeable difference in polling occurs in the denomination of respondents. In 1978, 65% of respondents identified themselves as Preotestant and 10% other. While in 2004, 55% identified themselves as Protestant and and full 17% identified themselves as other.

Hotline's Aoife McCarthy says,

So what do these numbers show us? Well first, more women vote than men. No shocker here, especially since they make up more of the general population. In regards to income, the more affluent are also the more prolific voters. But keep in mind that the ANES groupings are not evenly divided. Consider the bottom two brackets together to make up the low end of the spectrum (24% based on '04 breakdowns), the middle group stands alone (30%), and finally the top two groupings comprise the final 34%.

The most interesting demographic in this first installment of our electorate watch is the prominence of religion throughout the electorate. In '04, 77% say religion is an important part of their lives. In addition, 35% attend services weekly or almost weekly with another 15% attending once or twice a month, bringing the total of regular/semi-regular church goers to 50%. This is not something that Dems can ignore -- again that is. Looking back at the summer of '04, when it was still anyone's game, the Dems misstepped in a way they are coming to terms with today -- that is, they failed to address the the moral conscious of the nation.

What Dems missed in 2004, Governor Kaine will never forget, as he starts every speech/conversation/interpersonal greeting with, "As a young missionary in Honduras..."

The fact that Dems needed a poll to know that spirituality and faith are still universal concepts is particularly troubling. I personally believe it is evident, however, in their abandonment of Southwest and Southside Virginia. What they still seem unable to grasp is that for much of the Old Dominion's hinterlands, faith isn't measured by taking a year to find yourself when you are 21. If you are 21 and lost in Dickenson County, you just might end up finding yourself in a mine.

This isn't a swipe at Kaine, but an expression of amazement that our party leaders have divided Virginia geographically and continue to play a zero sum game at the expense of those furthest from Richmond.

Further, it isn't like the faith issue takes a theology degree to crack. In fact, you can learn most of what you need about faith in Virginia's hinterlands by watching some old episodes of the Walton's and perhaps a couple Ralph Stanley tracks.

It isn't that Dems can't break through the culture of the region, it is that they don't even try. While Kaine won, what about Deeds and Byrne. Neither ran with a scenario that included SW or South Side and both came very close. How many votes could either candidate have turned just by making an effort.

I'm digressing, so let me bring this truck around. I recently heard someone say that while Deomcrats constantly talk about leading people, Republicans talk about representing. And yes, there is a difference. Down in the Blue Ridge, we have all sinned and come short of the glory...

VA's Mudcat on Carlson

2006-02-08T14:58:00.000-05:00

In order to write this post I have to admit publicly that I sometimes watch Tucker Carlson on MSNBC. In my own defense, it comes on at eleven and it allows me to skip Mikki Spencer drawing numbers for the Virginia Lottery. Anyone who has seen Miss Spencer knows exactly what I am talking about.

But I digress.

I was watching last night and up pops Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, Virginia's own political pundit and a bit of a lightining rod for criticism himself.

He is on the show giving a preview of his upcoming book with Seve Jarding, Foxes In The Henhouse. It was a great interview, very entertaining. Mudcat called New York rednecks "Vinnies" and then went on to talk about Hillary Clinton. The entire transcript is up on their new blog.

Here is my favorite bit...

SAUNDERS: Right. And there is not 50 cents difference in (INAUDIBLE) in New York in southwest Virginia and Iowa. The Gallup poll that‘s out that said that 51 percent of Americans said that under no circumstances would they vote for Hillary Clinton.
CARLSON: Yes.
SAUNDERS: You know, I believe that they believe that, but nobody knows anything about Hillary Clinton. I mean, all they know is they don‘t like her. And, you know, I do my own little focus groups amongst my hunting buddies, and such, and the neighbors. And, you know, you ask somebody about Hillary Clinton in the South, the first thing that comes of their mouth is she‘s a bitch.
CARLSON: Yes.
SAUNDERS: And you say why? And they said, “Well, because she is.” And then you get to talking to them a little bit more, and they say, “Well, you know, she tried to fool with health care.” And then you say, “Well, shouldn‘t somebody be fooling with health care?” And then when you get down to the bottom of it, what they don‘t like about her is that she‘s—they say she‘s got big ankles. And then they come back...
CARLSON: And what can you do about that?
(CROSSTALK)
SAUNDERS: Well, I‘ll tell them exactly this: She‘s not running for Miss America; she‘s running for president of the United States.

That is some funny stuff!!

Webb Is In...Let The Circular Firing Squad Take Aim

2006-02-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post, Richmond Time Dispatch and The Roanoke Times all carried stories today about James Webb throwing his hat into the ring for US Senate to challenge to George Allen.

All three stories noted that Webb is a former Republican and Navy Secretary under Ronald Reagan.

Of course, one can only expect Democrats to be split on the two men-a battle between lobbyist Harris Miller(left) and former Republican James Webb(right).

If there is indeed a national trend to "throw the bums out," I'm not sure Virginians are willing to replace a special interest influenced Senator with a special interest lobbyist. I don't think the the majority of voters really give a damn about what a "loyal Democrat" Miller has been. To most folks concerned with influence and corruption in the halls of Congress, either you are a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Try as I might, I fail to see how a lobbyist can be spun into the solution.

On the other hand, Webb is a new comer to the Democratic Party and once served as a Reagan appointee. Again, these are two facts that I think Joe Voter couldn't care less about. There are an awful lot of Virginians who identify their politics with Ronald Reagan. To have a like minded candidate come forward and say that George Allen and today's GOP aren't what they once were is powerful. After all, that is what Reagan said when left the Democrats.

Webb also has a resume that only a character played by Robert Redford could live up to. He was awarded every medal possible, shy of the Congresional Medal of Honor, for his service in Viet Nam. He has roots in Southwest Virginia and understands the culture that can put him across the finish line this fall.

In short, James Webb appears to be everything that George Allen wants you to belive he (George) is.

Rumors around this story have prominent players in the Democratic Party trying to squash Webb's candidacy. Rumors have Mark Warner backing Miller while he sicks Mame Reilly on Webb. Apparently Miller and Webb are going after some of the same talent to build their campaign teams. I suppose Warner is against Webb for the same reason the Backstreet Boys will never open for the Rolling Stones.

The Washington Post quotes Steve Jarding as saying about Webb, "He's fearless and a tremendously exciting candidate. I'm unbelievably impressed with him. He's got the perfect profile to run against George Allen."

Considering that Jarding has worked for some of the best bona-fide Dems around, that is enough for me.

Jimmy Carter Once Again Serves as the Conscience of A Nation

2006-02-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

Along with President Bush and former Presidents Clinton and Bush, Jimmy Carter made an addres at the funeral of Coretta Scott King today. He has been criticized for his reamrks and their overt political tone.

President Carter praised the Kings for their ability to "wage a fierce struggle for freedom and justice and to do it peacefully."

Carter brought up the government response to Katrina, saying, "We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi" to know that inequality exists. He also noted that the Kings once were "victims of secret government wiretapping" — echoing Bush's domestic spying program.

Oddly enough, there were those who once condemned Reverend King for politicizing the gospel. Thank goodness we had folks like MLK and thank goodness we still have folks like Jimmy Carter.

Star City Sees Lackluster Dem Performance

2006-02-07T01:56:00.000-05:00

Over at Not Larry Sabato there is an interesting post on Roanoke and recent GOP surges in the region.

Some plausible points are made but I disagree-wholeheartedly-with any excuses made for statewide dems and their failure to campaign in and around the region.

NLS says, "Tim Kaine lost 3,163 votes in these localities from Mark Warner. It's hard to beat Tim up for this, he clearly figured out early on that he could not be Mark Warner in this area, and correctly focused his resources elsewhere. "

Lackluster Dem preformance in this region is cyclical. Statewide Dems feel they would have to run too close to center here, so they bypass the area. Because they are not on the ground here, there is little excitement for statewide Dem candidates, and thus it continues in cycles.

Statewide, elected Dems play to the Golden Crescent. There is no better example in recent history than the campaign of Eric Ferguson for the Ninth District House of Delegates. A lame duck Warner made one twenty minute stop on behalf of Ferguson. Kaine and Deeds both ran in the other direction. Fortunately for Kaine, he ran strongly enough elsewhere.

As for Deeds, you can't tell me there weren't 350 more votes to be had in Franklin County. Ferguson outperformed Deeds in Franklin County by some 828 votes alone.

Bush's Budget Bluff

2006-02-06T13:39:00.000-05:00

So what does it mean when our compassionately conservative President reveals his 2007 budget and the likewise conservative Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation feel he is way off base?

Forbes Magazine reports the following...

Bush will easily meet his pledge to halve the deficit from a projected peak of $521 billion, or 4.5% of gross domestic product, by 2009, boasts Joshua Bolten, the Administration's budget czar. By that time, the deficit will hover around 1.4% of GDP, he predicts.

Yet in truth, the belt-tightening is quite modest--especially considering that it comes on top of a stretch of profligacy. In the first six years of the Bush Administration, spending excluding defense and entitlements increased by a whopping 42% compared with the first six years of former President Bill Clinton's Administration, according to Brian Reidl of the Heritage Foundation in Washington.

This year, Bush says he will cut the budgets of 141 programs to produce $14 billion in savings. But these "savings" are realized only when skimmed off what discretionary spending was expected to be in 2007--not the actual amount budgeted in 2006. In net terms, argues Stephen Slivinski of the Cato Institute, they amount to a mere $2 billion in cuts.

Perhaps it means that Bush has delivered us another heaping, steaming pile and insists we all take a bite!

Paris Thanks You!

2006-02-03T22:05:00.000-05:00

In a show of overwhelming support for millionaires, the House passed a repeal of the Commonwealth's estate tax on a 93-7 vote. I feel better knowing that my delegates are out there protecting hard working, salt of the earth types like Paris Hilton.

Most appropriately, the chief patrons of this repeal are named "Tata" and "Welch."

Why shouldn't we repeal the tax, we have a surplus and it isn't like we have any other needs in Virginia. Our roads are fine and our teachers are making plenty. Besides, it's not like those people who inherit less give that much to political campaigns anyway!

ROANOKE TIMES
House opts to repeal estate tax on a 93-7 vote

Legislation that would repeal Virginia's inheritance tax on large estates passed the House of Delegates overwhelmingly on Thursday, and appears likely to become law.

By a 93-7 vote, the House passed House Bill 40, which would end the tax on estates valued at $1 million or more next year. Senate leaders and Gov. Tim Kaine have expressed support.

Supporters have insisted the tax places an unfair burden on family farms and small businesses and forces some heirs to sell off assets to cover their tax liability. They also have said the legislation would allow Virginia to conform its repeal with the 2010 expiration of the federal estate tax.

The tax cut would cost an estimated $144 million in its first full year of implementation and $120 million in each of the following four years.

In fact, I say we bring back the days of primogeniture, and great big turkey drumsticks too!

George Allen - Making Us Proud!

2006-02-03T22:02:00.000-05:00

The New York Times reported on the nomination of Ben Bernanke for Fed Chairman. Considering the immense influence this position carries and the fact that fortunes were won and lost on Greenspan's every breathe, you'd think that someone running for President might have a clue who he is. Think again.

...here is what Senator George Allen of Virginia, who is considering a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, said when asked his opinion of the Bernanke nomination.

"For what?"
Told that Mr. Bernanke was up for the Fed chairman's job, Mr. Allen hedged a little, said he had not been focused on it, and wondered aloud when the hearings would be. Told that the Senate Banking Committee hearings had concluded in November, the senator responded: "You mean I missed them all? I paid no attention to them."

November?!?

Well, that was right after Halloween. George was tied up. Literally-he got all twisted up in that noose he keeps in his office. While I don't agree with litmus test issues when running for President. I might just get behind an aptitude test.

Virgil Gets His Wings (and a cash bonus)

2006-02-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

Congressman Goode has taken his $90,000 in tainted campaign money and "bought" almost two hundred press releases about his generosity.

So, let's look at the path here. Mitchell Wade (pictured here with Congressman Goode) made a fortune off of pork projects proposed by Virgil. Those pork projects are paid for, of course, by taxpayer money. Mitchell Wade then spreads the wealth (and consequently purchases further influence) by giving heavily to Virgil's campaign fund.

Once Virgil and Wade are caught, Virgil gives the $90,000 to non-profit organizations in his district. However, in an effort to gain as much political capital as he can, he gives $220 to 194 different volunteer fire and rescue squads and all on Christmas eve.

This November, those men and women who provide critical services to Goode's rural district will remember that he sent them a check-let's hope they remember where he got the money in the first place.

If Virgil Goode were focused on serving his constituents rather than himself, perhaps there wouldn't be such a grave need for blankets in his district.