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    <title>All Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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        <title>All Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
        <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-08T00:01:57-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>More McDonnell staffers added to transition team</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO08_20091107-220204/304359/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell&#8217;s transition team has announced additional placements from the gubernatorial campaign staff. McDonnell tapped Janet Polarek as deputy director for personnel and administration and Eric Finkbeiner as director of policy. On Wednesday, McDonnell named his campaign manager, Phil Cox, as transition director.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO08_20091107-220204/304359/#When:05:01:38Z</guid>
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          <title>Weakened Virginia Democrats seek strategy for comeback</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS08_20091107-222006/304395/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
History told Virginia Democrats it wasn&#8217;t going to be easy. For the past 32 years, the party that wins the White House has lost the governorship&#8212;a trend that sometimes portends shifts in national politics. However, this past Tuesday&#8217;s blowout has Democrats looking beyond cyclical inevitability to explain losses for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and perhaps six seats in the House of Delegates.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS08_20091107-222006/304395/#When:05:01:23Z</guid>
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          <title>Two Virginia Democrats vote against health bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL08S_20091107-235402/304457/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Two of the six Democrats in Virginia&#8217;s congressional delegation last night voted against President Barack Obama&#8217;s 10-year, $1.2 trillion health-care reform plan. Reps. Glenn Nye, D-2nd, and Rick Boucher, D-9th, were the only Virginia lawmakers to break ranks with their parties. Nye, who serves Hampton Roads, said in a statement that the bill does not sufficiently cut health-care costs that are harming families and small businesses.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL08S_20091107-235402/304457/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obstacles await McDonnell administration</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS08_20091107-222006/304397/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Big win notwithstanding, Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell will start his administration hampered by a slashed state budget, a politically divided legislature and a sour economy. Less than 24 hours after he was elected Virginia&#8217;s 71st governor, McDonnell acknowledged that he will face tough economic times when he takes office Jan. 16.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:59 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Three Va. House Democrats undecided on health&#45;care</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL07S_20091106-222806/304230/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Three of the six Democrats in Virginia&#8217;s U.S. House delegation remain undecided heading into this weekend&#8217;s pivotal vote on President Barack Obama&#8217;s 10-year, $1.2 trillion health-care overhaul. A fourth, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-11th, wants to listen to the debate but is leaning toward supporting the bill, his spokesman said. The Virginians conferred with constituents yesterday as House Democratic leaders acknowledged that they don&#8217;t yet have the 218 votes they need to pass the health-care package. House Democrats signaled that they might delay the vote until tomorrow or early next week.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL07S_20091106-222806/304230/#When:05:01:09Z</guid>
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          <title>UPDATE: Health bill vote could be tomorrow or Sunday</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/house_dems_push_for_votes_on_health_bill_tomorrow/304062/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
House Democrats are scrambling to secure enough support to pass President Barack Obama&#8217;s historic health overhaul initiative, working to soothe last-minute concerns from rank-and-file Democrats ahead of a make-or-break vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:44:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/house_dems_push_for_votes_on_health_bill_tomorrow/304062/#When:11:44:33Z</guid>
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          <title>U.S.&#45;brokered pact for Honduran crisis fails</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/HONGAT06_20091106-055002/304054/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras&#8212;Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said today that a U.S.-brokered pact failed to end a four-month political crisis after a deadline for forming a unity government passed. &#8220;The accord is dead,&#8220; Zelaya told Radio Globo from from the Brazilian Embassy where he has been hold up under threat of arrest. &#8220;There is no sense in deceiving Hondurans.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Cuccinelli transition team includes onetime McDonnell legal adversary</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CUCC06_20091105-221607/303992/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli is looking to predecessors from both parties for guidance on running the state&#8217;s law office, as well as enlisting the lawyer who beat Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in court on a transportation fix that was ruled unconstitutional. Cuccinelli, a Republican, announced yesterday that he selected as transition leaders former Attorneys General Andrew P. Miller, a Democrat; Republican Richard Cullen; and ex-state GOP Chairman Patrick M. McSweeney.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CUCC06_20091105-221607/303992/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine accepts part&#45;time post at UR</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/UOFRGATER_20091105-111201/303849/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has accepted a part-time teaching post at the University of Richmond after he leaves the Executive Mansion in January. The school announced that Kaine will have a joint appointment in the university&#8217;s School of Law and Jepson School of Leadership Studies. He will have additional responsibilities in advancing the university&#8217;s strategic plan, The Richmond Promise.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:12:03 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Senate Democrats advance climate bill without GOP</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/CLIMGAT05_20091105-104401/303846/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Ignoring a Republican boycott, Senate Democrats pushed a precedent-setting climate bill through a key committee today. Rep. Barbara Boxer, chairman of the Senate Environment &amp; Public Works Committee, had delayed the crucial vote for days because of a Republican protest over whether the cost of the legislation had been fully examined. But the California Democrat moved quickly to pass the bill, which for the first time would set mandatory limits on heat-trapping gases, without any of the seven GOP senators on the panel present. The measure cleared the panel on a 11-1 vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:44:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Cuccinelli details transition team</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CUCCGAT05_20091105-103802/303845/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli is looking to predecessors from both political parties for guidance on how to run the state&#8217;s law office. Cuccinelli announced this morning that his transition will be led by former Attorneys General Andrew Miller, a Democrat, and Republican Richard Cullen, as well as former state GOP chairman Pat McSweeney.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:38:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CUCCGAT05_20091105-103802/303845/#When:15:38:02Z</guid>
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          <title>India restricts coverage of Dalai Lama&#8217;s visit</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/INDGAT05_20091105-063001/303828/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW DELHI&#8212;The Indian government refused today to allow foreign journalists to cover the Dalai Lama&#8217;s visit to a northeastern state at the heart of a long-running border dispute with China. Permits allowing foreign correspondents to travel to Arunachal Pradesh state were not given, and the government revoked passes previously provided to four of them, including two Associated Press journalists.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:30:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>GOP gains at least five Virginia House seats</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS05_20091104-214804/303734/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Republicans gained at least five seats in Tuesday&#8217;s elections for the House of Delegates, boosting Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell ahead of his first General Assembly session. The 21st District race remains too close to call. Republican challenger Ronald A. Villanueva, a member of the Virginia Beach City Council, leads Del. Robert W. Mathieson, D-Virginia Beach, by 16 votes out of more than 15,300 cast.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS05_20091104-214804/303734/#When:05:01:52Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine reflects on losses</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20091104-222008/303769/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even before the first tallies were in Tuesday night, the sign outside the Westin Richmond Hotel meeting room where the Virginia Democratic Party convened seemed a plea to forget what was about to happen: &#8220;Channel Your Energy, Replenish Your Spirit and Embrace The Endless Possibilities The Day Brings,&#8220; it stated. Yesterday, after Republicans had swept Virginia&#8217;s statewide offices and captured the New Jersey governor&#8217;s office, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine did not sound like he would be leaving his post as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20091104-222008/303769/#When:05:01:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Karzai opponent: Re&#45;election was illegitimate</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGH05_20091104-213401/303718/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
KABUL&#8212;The challenger in Afghanistan&#8217;s recent election called President Hamid Karzai&#8217;s victory illegal and his government a failure, saying yesterday that the tainted administration would not be able to check corruption or fend off the Taliban. Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah said he did not plan to challenge Karzai&#8217;s victory in court but would leave it to the Afghan people to decide whether to accept Karzai as their legitimate leader for another five-year term.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:20 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>McDonnell announces transition committee</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO05_20091104-222008/303770/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In his first day as governor-elect, Bob McDonnell yesterday announced his transition committee leaders, including Tom Farrell, chairman and CEO of the state&#8217;s largest utility, Dominion Resources.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:01:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO05_20091104-222008/303770/#When:05:01:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; Nov. 5th</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_nov._5th/303717/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
How far right? Political columnist Jeff Schapiro says governor-elect Bob McDonnell is a conservative with the good sense to gloss over some of his edgier views. That may not be the case with the new attorny general, Ken Cuccinelli, who could squeeze McDonnell from the right.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_nov._5th/303717/#When:02:32:18Z</guid>
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          <title>McDonnell begins naming members of transition team</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_begins_naming_members_of_transition_team/303617/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Advisers include Tom Farrell, head of Dominion Resources; Attorney General Bill Mims; and Kay Coles James, a cabinet official for Gov. George Allen and an official in the administration of President George W. Bush.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:14:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_begins_naming_members_of_transition_team/303617/#When:20:14:41Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama calls McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/obama_calls_mcdonnell/303608/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama called Gov-elect Bob McDonnell late this morning  &#8212;&nbsp; reportedly a pleasant, 10 minute conversation. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:10:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/obama_calls_mcdonnell/303608/#When:18:10:32Z</guid>
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          <title>White House distances itself from electoral losses</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_distances_itself_from_electoral_losses/303600/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The White House distanced itself Wednesday from Democratic losses in two states, saying the races hinged on local issues and were not a referendum on President Barack Obama.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:58:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_distances_itself_from_electoral_losses/303600/#When:15:58:57Z</guid>
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          <title>Former H&#45;P CEO Carly Fiorina announces Senate bid</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/former_hewlett-packard_ceo_carly_fiorina_announces_bid_for_u.s._senate/303598/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Fiorina says her priorities would be creating jobs, cutting government spending and expanding access to health care &#8212; but not through a national health care system.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:47:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/former_hewlett-packard_ceo_carly_fiorina_announces_bid_for_u.s._senate/303598/#When:15:47:34Z</guid>
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          <title>Republican chairman: Election returns show &#8216;transcendent&#8217; GOP</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/republican_chairman_election_returns_show_transcendent_gop/303597/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 An ebullient Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele asserted Wednesday that GOP victories in governors&#8217; races in New Jersey and Virginia demonstrate &#8220;a transcendent party&#8221; on the move again. Democratic Party Chairman Timothy M. Kaine said that nothing about the election returns amounted to a repudiation of President Barack Obama.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/republican_chairman_election_returns_show_transcendent_gop/303597/#When:15:20:34Z</guid>
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          <title>Congressman, late for flight, parks SUV on airport curb</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/PARKGAT04_20091104-093201/303595/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
CHARLOTTE, N.C.&#8212;A North Carolina congressman dashing to catch a plane dumped his sport utility vehicle at the end of a row of properly parked cars at Charlotte&#8217;s airport. The Gaston Gazette reports today that Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry parked his Ford Explorer straddling a curb in a parking lot at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport on Sunday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:32:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Republicans celebrate, Democrats talk of rebuilding</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLSGAT_20091104-073802/303589/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
National Republican chairman says victories in Va., N.J., mean party is on the move again; Democratic leader and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine says his party has a &#8220;higher platform&#8221; from which to rebuild.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:38:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLSGAT_20091104-073802/303589/#When:12:38:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine says Democrats faced uphill battles</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_democrats_faced_uphill_battles/303574/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is ascribing Democratic defeats Tuesday in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial elections to uphill battles against historical trends.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:02:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_democrats_faced_uphill_battles/303574/#When:11:02:55Z</guid>
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          <title>UPDATE: Gay marriage vote fails in Maine</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/MAINGAT04_20091104-055802/303573/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
PORTLAND, Maine&#8212;Cecelia Burnett and Ann Swanson had already set their wedding date. When they joined about 1,000 other gay marriage supporters for an election night party in a Holiday Inn ballroom, they hoped to celebrate the vote that would make it possible. Instead, they went home at midnight, dejected and near tears after a failed bid to make Maine the first state to approve same-sex marriage at the ballot box.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:58:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling wins second term</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV04_20091103-222204/303523/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling last night won re-election to the part-time office that traditionally serves as both gubernatorial sidekick and as a steppingstone to the state&#8217;s top job. Bolling, 52, an insurance executive from Hanover County, soundly defeated Democratic challenger Jody Wagner of Virginia Beach, the 54-year-old former state treasurer who served as secretary of finance under Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV04_20091103-222204/303523/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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          <title>Analysis: GOP sweep shows policies, not parties, are paramount in Va. politics</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ANLY041_20091104-001003/303557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A year after tipping Democratic for president for the first time since 1964, Virginia fell to Republicans in a dramatic statewide sweep that is a historic reminder of its enduring competitiveness&#8212;but may not be a model for a national GOP comeback. &#8220;It&#8217;s not a red state,&#8220; said Jay Timmons, chief of staff in the governorship of George Allen, whose victory in 1993 led the last Republican resurgence.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ANLY041_20091104-001003/303557/#When:05:01:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Republicans retaining control of House of Delegates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS041_20091104-001404/303562/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republicans last night were well on their way to increasing their control of the Virginia House of Delegates. Heading into the election yesterday, Republicans held 53 seats and Democrats held 45. Two independents generally vote with the Republicans. Last night, it appeared that Republicans had a net gain of at least three seats and that three other races involving Democratic incumbents were too close to call.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS041_20091104-001404/303562/#When:05:01:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell leads GOP sweep of statewide races</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS041_20091104-001202/303560/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Double-digit victories by Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli, the party&#8217;s nominee for attorney general, reversed a recent string of defeats for Republicans.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS041_20091104-001202/303560/#When:05:01:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cuccinelli elected attorney general</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG041_20091104-001003/303558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia has elected Republican Ken Cuccinelli as its next attorney general, overwhelmingly favoring the state senator from Fairfax County who has pledged to protect the Virginia Constitution and the state&#8217;s right-to-work law. As polls had predicted, Cuccinelli won a crushing defeat over his Democratic opponent&#8212;and friend&#8212;Del. Stephen C. Shannon of Fairfax.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG041_20091104-001003/303558/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Challenger Newman wins in Hopewell race for commonwealth&#8217;s attorney</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/TRIC041_20091104-000002/303556/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
HOPEWELL&#8212;The incumbent commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Hopewell was defeated by a big margin last night, while Petersburg&#8217;s sheriff and Colonial Heights&#8217; commissioner of the revenue easily won re-election. Newcomer Richard K. &#8220;Rick&#8221; Newman defeated Anthony N. &#8220;Nino&#8221; Sylvester for Hopewell&#8217;s commonwealth&#8217;s attorney. Newman, 53, an assistant commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Petersburg who has lived in Hopewell less than a year, received 62 percent of the vote, compared with Sylvester&#8217;s 38 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/TRIC041_20091104-000002/303556/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Challenger Newman wins in Hopewell race for commonwealth&#8217;s attorney</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/TRIC04_20091103-222605/303527/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
HOPEWELL&#8212;The incumbent commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Hopewell was defeated by a big margin last night, while Petersburg&#8217;s sheriff and Colonial Heights&#8217; commissioner of the revenue easily won re-election. Newcomer Richard K. &#8220;Rick&#8221; Newman defeated incumbent Anthony N. &#8220;Nino&#8221; Sylvester for Hopewell&#8217;s commonwealth&#8217;s attorney. Newman, 53, an assistant commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Petersburg who has lived in Hopewell less than a year, received 62 percent of the vote, compared with Sylvester&#8217;s 38 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/TRIC04_20091103-222605/303527/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine out of Va. for parts of 14 days in October</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN04_20091103-202003/303430/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was out of state for at least parts of 14 days in October, according to a travel log that his office released late yesterday. Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was in Chicago and Boston on Oct. 15 and returned from Boston on Oct. 16. He traveled to New York on Oct. 20, stayed overnight, and stopped in Washington on the way back to Richmond the next day, according to the log.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN04_20091103-202003/303430/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Republican Christie captures NJ governor&#8217;s seat</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NJ_GOVERNOR?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;03&#45;17&#45;29&#45;56</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)&#8212;Chris Christie, an aggressive former prosecutor who racked up a perfect conviction rate in public corruption cases and became the darling of New Jersey&#8217;s Republican Party establishment, has unseated the deep-pocketed but unpopular Gov. Jon Corzine.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:15:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NJ_GOVERNOR?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;11&#45;03&#45;17&#45;29&#45;56#When:04:15:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cuccinelli elected attorney general</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/cuccinelli_elected_attorney_general/303400/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Sen. Ken Cuccinelli was elected attorney general tonight over Democratic Del. Stephen C. Shannon in a battle between lawmakers from Fairfax County.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:15:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/cuccinelli_elected_attorney_general/303400/#When:01:15:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bill Bolling re&#45;elected lieutenant governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/bill_bolling_re-elected_lieutenant_governor/303401/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling easily won a second term as lieutenant governor tonight, defeating Democrat Jody Wagner, a former state treasurer, according to unofficial returns.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:10:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/bill_bolling_re-elected_lieutenant_governor/303401/#When:01:10:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bob McDonnell elected Virginia&#8217;s 71st governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/bob_mcdonnell_elected_virginias_71st_governor/303402/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bob McDonnell led a Republican sweep of Virginia&#8217;s statewide races tonight, restoring the Republicans to power after eight years out of the governor&#8217;s office. The dominant victories by McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli, the party&#8217;s nominee for attorney general, reversed a recent string of defeats for Republicans, who lost races for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and 2008 and the presidential election in Virginia in 2008 for the first time in 44 years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/bob_mcdonnell_elected_virginias_71st_governor/303402/#When:01:00:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>George W. Bush watching postseason baseball&#8212;in Japan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/BUSHGAT03_20091103-095401/303373/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TOKYO&#8212;Former President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the Japan Series between the Yomiuri Giants and Nippon Ham Fighters. Bush, wearing a Yomiuri warmup jacket, took the mound today at Tokyo Dome and threw a pitch to Giants catcher Shinnosuke Abe that bounced once in the dirt before being caught.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/BUSHGAT03_20091103-095401/303373/#When:14:54:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gubernatorial candidates cast their ballots</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/gubernatorial_candidates_cast_their_ballots/303371/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s gubernatorial candidates cast their ballots this morning.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:24:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/gubernatorial_candidates_cast_their_ballots/303371/#When:14:24:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Long&#45;distance call from Alaska?</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/long-distance_call_from_alaska/303366/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a long-awaited entry into the Virginia governor&#8217;s race via an automated call to as many as 350,000 state residents urging them to vote.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:32:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/long-distance_call_from_alaska/303366/#When:12:32:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Election updates: McDonnell leads in early returns</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/early_voters_likely_to_find_shorter_lines_than_in_nov/303361/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell held an early lead in the race to become the 71st governor of Virginia today. First Virginia Board of Elections results showed McDonnell leading Democrat R. Creigh Deeds by a wide margin.&nbsp; 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:41:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/early_voters_likely_to_find_shorter_lines_than_in_nov/303361/#When:11:41:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Beijing says Dalai Lama shows anti&#45;China bias</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/beijing_says_dalai_lama_shows_anti-china_bias/303359/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
China said it expressed grave concern to India about a visit by the Dalai Lama to a state in the country&#8217;s northeast at the heart of a long-running border dispute, saying it showed an anti-China bias.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:28:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/beijing_says_dalai_lama_shows_anti-china_bias/303359/#When:11:28:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama welcomes foreign leaders to the White House</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_welcomes_foreign_leaders_to_the_white_house/303357/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama is welcoming German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House. The two leaders will hold a morning meeting in the Oval Office.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:21:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_welcomes_foreign_leaders_to_the_white_house/303357/#When:11:21:30Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Afghan president says all welcome in his government</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGHGAT03_20091103-060001/303352/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
KABUL&#8212;Afghanistan&#8217;s president says he wants people from &#8220;all parts of the country&#8221; in his government. President Hamid Karzai told reporters today that he will welcome anyone from the opposition into his government and will institute reforms to stamp out corruption. Yesterday, he won a drawn-out election by default following a first-round vote that was marred by fraud. Election officials proclaimed Karzai the winner of the runoff after his only challenger dropped out saying that the election could not be free or fair.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGHGAT03_20091103-060001/303352/#When:11:00:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Election Day Q&amp;A</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03G_20091102-222809/303331/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Q. What&#8217;s on the ballot? &nbsp; A. Voters statewide will elect a governor, a lieutenant governor and an attorney general. All 100 House of Delegates seats are up for election, but only 69 are contested. State senators are not on the ballot until 2011. &nbsp; Q. What else is on the ballot? &nbsp; A. It varies by locality. Part of Richmond will select a City Council member in the 7th District. Hopewell will elect a commonwealth&#8217;s attorney; Petersburg will elect a sheriff; Colonial Heights will elect a commissioner of the revenue.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03G_20091102-222809/303331/#When:05:01:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates finish campaigns with final bids for votes</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20091102-222809/303330/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginians cast ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. Virginia, N.J. are the only states electing governors today.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20091102-222809/303330/#When:05:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tight N.J. governor&#8217;s race goes down to the wire</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/tight_n.j._governors_race_goes_down_to_the_wire/303194/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
New Jersey&#8217;s candidates for governor are darting through the state on the last day of a campaign being billed as a vote on President Barack Obama&#8217;s popularity.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:26:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/tight_n.j._governors_race_goes_down_to_the_wire/303194/#When:18:26:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>President says private, public sectors must create jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/president_says_private_public_sectors_must_create_jobs/303190/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama says the public and private sectors must find more ways to create jobs to continue the U.S. climb out of an economic recession.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/president_says_private_public_sectors_must_create_jobs/303190/#When:16:58:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Romney says Obama economic stimulus plan is a failure</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/romney_says_obama_economic_stimulus_plan_is_a_failure/303180/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney says the time has come to stop the economic stimulus program, contending that it has not worked as the Obama administration planned.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:11:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/romney_says_obama_economic_stimulus_plan_is_a_failure/303180/#When:15:11:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Clinton to meet Arab ministers on peace prospects</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/clinton_to_meet_arab_ministers_on_peace_prospects/303169/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton prepared Monday to consult with Arab foreign ministers on Obama administration efforts to get Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace negotiations, two days after she raised Arab ire by praising Israel&#8217;s offer to limit &#8212; but not stop &#8212; Jewish settlement construction.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:44:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/clinton_to_meet_arab_ministers_on_peace_prospects/303169/#When:12:44:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cheney FBI interview: 72 instances of can&#8217;t recall</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/DICKGAT02_20091102-062402/303162/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald famously declared in the Valerie Plame affair that &#8220;there is a cloud over the vice president.&#8220; Last week&#8217;s release of an FBI interview summary of Dick Cheney&#8217;s answers in the criminal investigation underscores why Fitzgerald felt that way. On 72 occasions, according to the 28-page FBI summary, Cheney equivocated to the FBI during his lengthy May 2004 interview, saying he could not be certain in his answers to questions about matters large and small in the Plame controversy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:24:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/DICKGAT02_20091102-062402/303162/#When:11:24:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia candidates step up efforts in waning hours</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS02_20091101-222403/303131/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democrat R. Creigh Deeds took his campaign to Hampton Roads yesterday, while Republican Bob McDonnell flew around the state in late efforts to drive up turnout in a contest that has taken on national significance.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:01:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS02_20091101-222403/303131/#When:05:01:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell, Deeds push key campaign themes as race nears end</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS011_20091031-234602/302997/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell said yesterday that his jobs-and-economy theme has helped push him ahead, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds continued promoting themes of education and transportation as the gubernatorial campaign headed into its final two days. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour joined McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and GOP attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli for yesterday&#8217;s first two stops in Springfield and Fredericksburg, before the trio headed to stops in Chesterfield County and Williamsburg.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS011_20091031-234602/302997/#When:04:01:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sunday talk shows</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK01_20091031-212601/302895/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh. &nbsp; Meet the Press (NBC, 9)  Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner; Obama campaign manager David Plouffe; author Jon Krakauer. &nbsp; This Week (ABC, 10)  White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett. &nbsp; Face the Nation (CBS, 10:30)  White House senior adviser David Axelrod; Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK01_20091031-212601/302895/#When:04:01:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Attorney General</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01ATTG_20091031-210003/302888/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stephen C. Shannon (Democrat) Ken Cuccinelli (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Cuccinelli: Virginia is currently rated the No. 1 state in which to do business by Forbes magazine. One of the main reasons for this success is that we have had Republican attorneys general over the last 15 years who have protected the people of Virginia while staying out of the way of businesses &#8220;doing business,&#8220; unlike the Democrats&#8217; vision of heavy regulation and the promotion of unions. As attorney general, I will seek to bolster our economy by protecting the commonwealth of Virginia&#8217;s right-to-work status and by working to keep state government regulations to the minimum possible to keep our citizens safe and productive. In Virginia, state law today secures employees&#8217; rights to decide for themselves whether to join or support a union. The law makes it illegal for any employer to come to an agreement with a union that non-union employees will be excluded from its rolls. This statute is very important for the business climate of Virginia, as right-to-work states generally experience higher economic growth, higher job creation and lower unemployment rates than do non-right-to-work law states. I believe it is not a coincidence that in recent years almost all of the new auto factories have been located in right-to-work states. Unfortunately, the federal government has chosen to push legislation&#8212;commonly called &#8220;card check&#8221;&#8212;that would dramatically undermine Virginia&#8217;s right-to-work law. . . . As attorney general, I will seek to use the 10th Amendment to prevent the Congress and the president from undermining our right-to-work law. Currently, the Virginia Administrative Code contains over 23,000 pages, and Virginia citizens and businesses are expected to understand and comply with the legal requirements contained within these 23,000 pages. This requires money by these citizens, which is eventually passed along to the public at large by higher prices for the products. In 2006, Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced his Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force, which worked in a bipartisan fashion to eliminate excessive and unnecessary government regulations. The task force produced its final report on June 11, 2009. As attorney general, I will continue to implement these suggestions, if any remain, and to prevent the continuing buildup of unnecessary new regulations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01ATTG_20091031-210003/302888/#When:04:01:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell extends advantage in Times&#45;Dispatch poll</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL01_20091031-222608/302949/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell is favored by 53 percent, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is preferred by 41 percent&#8212;a widened lead from an early October survey for the newspaper. Six percent are undecided in the latest poll.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL01_20091031-222608/302949/#When:04:01:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01GOV_20091031-205404/302883/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
R. Creigh Deeds (Democrat) Bob McDonnell (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Deeds: The first job of the next governor is to restore confidence in the economy. I&#8217;ve put forward a comprehensive plan to create jobs in every area of the commonwealth, preserve our low-tax, business-friendly climate, and finally pass a statewide transportation plan. My plan will work best because it gives immediate incentives for job creation, giving a tax cut for every job created. It builds to last by investing in education and training and emerging industries like renewable energy. I led the effort to create the modern Governor&#8217;s Opportunity Fund, which has created or saved over 79,000 jobs in Virginia. I&#8217;ll double that fund and add $10 million for job training to help Virginia compete with neighboring states for top companies to move here. I&#8217;ll make it easier to start and expand a small business, train more nurses and health-care professionals to work in high-need areas, and double our investment in tourism. McDonnell: The top issue in this campaign is jobs and the economy. I&#8217;m running to be a jobs governor. I have laid out innovative ideas to create new jobs and get our economy back on track. I want to make Virginia the best place in America to open and grow a small business. I support expediting the permitting process for small businesses, the enterprise zone program and tax credits for green jobs. I will double the Governor&#8217;s Opportunity Fund to help attract new business. I will give tax credits to businesses that expand or create jobs in economically distressed areas. I will protect the jobs we have by standing up against federal policies like card check and cap-and-trade that, if enacted, threaten thousands of jobs in the commonwealth. We must send a clear message that Virginia is open for business, with a pro-business climate that stands out because of low taxes and incentives for job creation, limited regulation and a fiscally sound government that lives within its means.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01GOV_20091031-205404/302883/#When:04:01:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Lieutenant Governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01LG_20091031-205404/302884/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jody Wagner (Democrat) Bill Bolling (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Bolling: I have put forth a detailed Jobs for Virginians program . . . that focuses on providing additional tax incentives for businesses creating jobs in Virginia, reducing the regulatory burden on Virginia businesses and investing in proven economic development and job-creation programs. In addition, my More Energy, More Jobs program is designed to make Virginia the East Coast&#8217;s leader in developing traditional, renewable and new and emerging energy technologies. Finally, I will stand in firm opposition to tax increases and misguided federal policies like &#8220;card check&#8221; and cap and trade, which will kill jobs and drive our economy deeper into recession.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01LG_20091031-205404/302884/#When:04:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell holds wide lead in Times&#45;Dispatch poll</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_holds_wide_lead_in_times-dispatch_poll/302894/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bob McDonnell is favored by 53 percent, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is preferred by 41 percent &#8212; a widened lead from an early October survey for the newspaper. Six percent are undecided in the latest poll. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:19:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_holds_wide_lead_in_times-dispatch_poll/302894/#When:01:19:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Clinton calls Israeli concessions &#8216;unprecedented&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/clinton_calls_israeli_concessions_unprecedented/302853/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Israel is making &#8220;unprecedented&#8221; concessions on West Bank settlement construction.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:55:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/clinton_calls_israeli_concessions_unprecedented/302853/#When:21:55:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>After all the fuss, government health plan would cover few</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/after_all_the_fuss_government_health_plan_would_cover_few/302845/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
What&#8217;s all the fuss about? After all the noise over Democrats&#8217; push for a government insurance plan to compete with private carriers, coverage numbers are finally in: Two percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:48:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/after_all_the_fuss_government_health_plan_would_cover_few/302845/#When:16:48:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Winfrey, Clooney among first White House guests, newly released records show</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WHITE_HOUSE_VISITORS?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;10&#45;31&#45;10&#45;07&#45;52</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Celebrities George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey and prominent lobbyists, corporate executives and Democratic fundraisers were among the first to score visits with President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle or top aides at the White House, newly released records show.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:39:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WHITE_HOUSE_VISITORS?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;10&#45;31&#45;10&#45;07&#45;52#When:16:39:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama highlights fresh signs of economic growth</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;10&#45;31&#45;09&#45;46&#45;25</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama said Saturday that reports the economy is growing again and that more than 1 million jobs were saved or created by his stimulus plan show &#8220;we are moving in the right direction.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:30:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_ECONOMY?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=US&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;10&#45;31&#45;09&#45;46&#45;25#When:16:30:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gubernatorial campaigns rely on social media</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SOCI311_20091030-235602/302821/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the two men campaigning for Virginia governor make last-minute sound bites to get out the vote on Tuesday, the virtual cocktail parties they host on their Facebook fan pages have exploded in activity. Both campaigns have rolled out Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, YouTube videos and other social media tools to reach voters over the course of the race, in addition to their primary Web sites.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SOCI311_20091030-235602/302821/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>T&#45;D Poll: Republicans lead in down&#45;ticket races</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL31_20091030-223207/302801/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Things are looking up for the Republicans&#8217; down-ticket candidates, according to the latest poll for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL31_20091030-223207/302801/#When:05:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates begin last campaign weekend</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS31_20091030-222604/302769/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
McDonnell Deeds The Republican statewide ticket rolled into the GOP heartland yesterday exuding confidence but urging stepped-up get-out-the-vote efforts. &#8220;Put up the last sign, talk to someone at the water cooler, send out another e-mail,&#8220; gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell told about 75 Republicans crowded into the Homemades by Suzanne catering shop in Ashland.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS31_20091030-222604/302769/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Barnes defends Obama&#8217;s handling of stimulus</title>
          <link>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/flash/Barnes/Index.html</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In a conversation with Times-Dispatch Staff Writer David Ress, Obama domestic policy advisor says federal role isn&#8217;t &#8220;master puppeteer.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:20:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/flash/Barnes/Index.html#When:19:20:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>N.C. panel penalizes former governor for unreported flights, seeks inquiry</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/n.c._panel_penalizes_former_governor_for_unreported_flights_seeks_inquiry/302601/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
North Carolina elections officials have penalized former Gov. Mike Easley&#8217;s campaign $100,000 for unreported airplane flights and asked prosecutors to investigate whether laws were broken.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:19:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/n.c._panel_penalizes_former_governor_for_unreported_flights_seeks_inquiry/302601/#When:17:19:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Congressional ethics report leaked, discloses internal probes</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/congressional_ethics_report_leaked_discloses_internal_probes/302579/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Internal investigations into the conduct of several House members have been exposed in an extraordinary, Internet-era breach of security involving the secretive process by which Congress polices lawmaker ethics.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:08:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/congressional_ethics_report_leaked_discloses_internal_probes/302579/#When:12:08:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>HIV, Afghanistan, and Pakistan on Obama&#8217;s agenda today</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/hiv_afghanistan_and_pakistan_on_obamas_agenda_today/302568/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama is set to sign an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS bill.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:19:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/hiv_afghanistan_and_pakistan_on_obamas_agenda_today/302568/#When:11:19:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lt. gov.: few duties, but steppingstone to higher office?</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV30_20091029-222404/302522/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s lieutenant governor has just two constitutionally mandated responsibilities. Yet the short job description hasn&#8217;t stopped Republican Bill Bolling or Democrat Jody Wagner from spending millions of dollars to win election.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV30_20091029-222404/302522/#When:05:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Governor candidates begin last dash to race&#8217;s end</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS30_20091029-223203/302540/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sensing a winner, out-of-state high rollers are pumping fistfuls of cash into Bob McDonnell&#8217;s gubernatorial campaign, while Democrats suggest Republicans and their allies are outspending R. Creigh Deeds on television nearly 2-to-1. While burning through millions of dollars on advertising, mail and voter mobilization in the run-up to Tuesday&#8217;s election, the candidates yesterday dashed through the Richmond area, reaching out to key constituencies.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS30_20091029-223203/302540/#When:05:01:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates gather force in march to Election Day</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/candidates_gather_force_in_march_to_election_day/302361/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
GOP&#8217;s Bob McDonnell warns against overconfidence while Democrat Creigh Deeds said he can prevail despite gloomy forecast in public opinion polls.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:39:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/candidates_gather_force_in_march_to_election_day/302361/#When:17:39:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama extolls new GDP figures as &#8216;welcome news&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_extolls_new_gdp_figures_as_welcome_news/302357/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama is hailing new figures showing the economy grew at a 3.5 percent rate in the third quarter, saying the country has &#8220;come a long way&#8221; since early this year.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:34:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_extolls_new_gdp_figures_as_welcome_news/302357/#When:16:34:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Group halts Va. voter mailing amid legal questions</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/group_halts_va._voter_mailing_amid_legal_questions/302348/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A nonprofit group has halted a planned mass mailing that would have the disclosed the voting history of thousands of Virginians after questions were raised about its legality.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:53:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/group_halts_va._voter_mailing_amid_legal_questions/302348/#When:15:53:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP headliners hopscotch Virginia for McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS29_20091028-223202/302298/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, ex-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York campaign for McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS29_20091028-223202/302298/#When:05:01:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Protesters push to have late absentee ballots counted</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX29_20091028-222809/302274/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Louise Amato stood outside the State Board of Elections office at 1100 Bank St. in Richmond yesterday and held up a large sign that read: &#8220;Those who count the votes, decide everything.&#8220; She was quoting the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and making the point that late absentee ballots from military personnel serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere should be counted.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX29_20091028-222809/302274/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; Oct. 29th</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_oct._29th/302209/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This past week, Creigh Deeds was very much an Obama Democrat.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:39:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_oct._29th/302209/#When:02:39:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>At Norfolk rally, Obama urges backers to boost Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED28_20091027-222807/302037/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Having previously distanced himself from the president as a potential liability, R. Creigh Deeds now is embracing Barack Obama in what may be the Democratic gubernatorial candidate&#8217;s last chance to shift momentum.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED28_20091027-222807/302037/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Money rolls in for statewide candidates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH28_20091027-223204/302049/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A.T. Massey Coal Co. gave $40,000 on Monday to Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell and $10,000 to GOP attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli&#8212;an example of the kind of money being plunked down in the closing days of the statewide contests. While those were among the larger contributions that came in this week, donations of $5,000 or more are being received by candidates of both parties, and special-interest groups are continuing their push, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH28_20091027-223204/302049/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>16 Va. localities fail to meet absentee&#45;ballot deadline</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VOTE28_20091027-222602/302033/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Despite court prodding and changes in state election laws, 16 Virginia localities have failed to meet a deadline to allow absentee ballots of military personnel serving overseas to be counted on time. Nancy Rodriques, secretary of the State Board of Elections, said she did not know how many ballots will not be counted. The local election districts include the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights and Williamsburg as well as Caroline County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VOTE28_20091027-222602/302033/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Language in D.C. same&#45;sex marriage bill is debated</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DCGA28_20091027-221607/302003/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Take the terms &#8220;bride&#8221; and &#8220;groom&#8221; off D.C. marriage licenses and replace them with the word &#8220;spouse.&#8220; That&#8217;s one change being suggested as supporters and opponents of a proposed bill to allow same-sex marriage in Washington take a hard look at the bill&#8217;s language. The bill was introduced this month and had its first hearing in a City Council committee Monday. Part of the reason for the hearing is to rigorously examine the bill&#8217;s language and propose changes.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DCGA28_20091027-221607/302003/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Diradour drops bid to unseat Cantor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT28_20091027-215604/301972/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One month after announcing his bid to unseat Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, Richmond businessman Charlie Diradour is bowing out. He cited dedication to his family and to Richmond in a statement released yesterday announcing his withdrawal. Diradour, who doesn&#8217;t live in the 7th Congressional District, was seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Cantor in 2010.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT28_20091027-215604/301972/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell leads Deeds in poll, cash</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20091026-221205/301774/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell enters the countdown to the gubernatorial election comfortably ahead in the latest poll and flush with cash, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is looking to a presidential visit today to boost his lagging campaign. On the eve of President Barack Obama&#8217;s appearance with Deeds at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, a poll by The Washington Post yesterday showed McDonnell leading by 11 percentage points&#8212;55 percent to 44 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20091026-221205/301774/#When:05:01:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deadly day in Afghanistan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGH27G_20091026-230401/301841/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Brings the number of U.S. service members killed in October to at least 47.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGH27G_20091026-230401/301841/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general candidates have similar stories, different views</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG26_20091025-221604/301586/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli stepped offstage last week after a particularly heated debate with rival Stephen C. Shannon and quipped that people never would believe they are friends. They do get along and in some respects have moved in similar circles. Both attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Both attended the University of Virginia, though years apart.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG26_20091025-221604/301586/#When:05:01:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Six seek 7th District seat on Richmond City Council</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ELEX25S1_20091024-233401/301535/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bond Kenney Lewis Newbille Powell Robinson The political shuffling that began when Dwight C. Jones was elected Richmond mayor last year will end Nov. 3 with a special election for the 7th District seat on the City Council. Six candidates are vying to represent the East End: Ronald L. Bond, Clarence Kenney, Deanna Lewis, Cynthia I. Newbille, Garry F. Powell and Robin D. Robinson.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ELEX25S1_20091024-233401/301535/#When:05:01:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sunday talk shows</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK25_20091024-210403/301443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah; Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.; R. Bruce Josten of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Mike Tuffin of America&#8217;s Health Insurance Plans. &nbsp; Meet the Press (NBC, 9)  Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y. &nbsp; This Week (ABC, 10)  Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK25_20091024-210403/301443/#When:05:01:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hopewell, Petersburg, Colonial Heights races</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ELEX25S2_20091024-221406/301491/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new city resident is challenging incumbent Anthony N. &#8220;Nino&#8221; Sylvester in the race for commonwealth&#8217;s attorney. Sylvester, 44, was first elected in 2000 and ran unopposed for re-election in 2001 and 2005. Challenger Richard K. &#8220;Rick&#8221; Newman, 53, an assistant commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Petersburg, is promoting a new focus on gang activity.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ELEX25S2_20091024-221406/301491/#When:05:01:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Politics in the blood of rural Democrat Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED25_20091024-222204/301506/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A steady, raw drizzle descends on Petersburg as the Chevy Suburban carrying Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Creigh Deeds pulls into the parking lot of Virginia State University. On this soggy Thursday night, VSU is playing host to Virginia Union University in the annual gridiron clash between the historically black schools. Deeds, 51, a state senator from rural Bath County, isn&#8217;t about to play favorites. To have any chance of winning Nov. 3, he will need just about every eligible vote in the sodden stands.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED25_20091024-222204/301506/#When:05:01:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State accepts only parts of Northrop Grumman&#8217;s plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24S_20091023-221606/301295/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While acknowledging parts of a Northrop Grumman fix-it plan for the government&#8217;s troubled IT network could work, Virginia is not retreating from its claim that the giant company has violated its contract with the state. Northrop Grumman, hired under a 10-year, $2.3 billion contract that is at least a year behind schedule, is asking for more time and a freer hand to complete Virginia&#8217;s switch to a privately managed information-technology system.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24S_20091023-221606/301295/#When:05:01:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>After delay, PCs headed to health agency for swine&#45;flu effort</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20091023-223008/301343/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Extra computers are headed to health offices as part of Virginia&#8217;s response to swine flu after the company providing IT services to the state initially resisted supplying the gear because it was uncertain it would be paid. Northrop Grumman attributes the holdup to a misunderstanding. The Virginia Health Department blames confusion that, once cleared up, led to a better deal for the agency.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20091023-223008/301343/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds urges aid for Isle of Wight paper&#45;mill workers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS241_20091023-234002/301406/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
R. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor, is promising fattened jobless pay and health insurance for thousands who will be thrown out of work by the shutdown of a paper plant near Franklin. Deeds, who visited the International Paper Inc. factory Thursday, said on a conference call with reporters yesterday that the closing is &#8220;just devastating&#8221; and will leave a &#8220;gap in the landscape of Isle of Wight County.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS241_20091023-234002/301406/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Petersburg sheriff&#8217;s candidate arrested on voter fraud charge</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/petersburg_sheriffs_candidate_arrested_on_voter_fraud_charge/301217/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A candidate for Petersburg sheriff was arrested today on a misdemeanor count of committing voter fraud in last year&#8217;s November elections. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:03:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/petersburg_sheriffs_candidate_arrested_on_voter_fraud_charge/301217/#When:22:03:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general hopefuls&#8217; debate takes on racial overtones</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEBA23_20091022-223007/301144/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cuccinelli Shannon The final debate in the campaign for attorney general took on racial overtones yesterday as Democrat Stephen C. Shannon accused Republican Ken Cuccinelli of being &#8220;an ideological crusader&#8221; who favors states&#8217; rights. Shannon, a delegate from Fairfax County, likened it to an agenda that produced some of Virginia&#8217;s worst movements, such as secession and the fight to maintain segregation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:01:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEBA23_20091022-223007/301144/#When:05:01:24Z</guid>
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          <title>Virginia tribes take another step on road to federal recognition</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/INDI23_20091022-223007/301146/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Six Indian tribes in Virginia and the Lumbees of North Carolina yesterday took another step toward federal recognition, which would make them eligible for federal aid. The tribes would be eligible for up to $800 million in federal funds under two bills passed by the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The bills, which bar the tribes from building casinos, already have passed the House.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/INDI23_20091022-223007/301146/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Senate panel passes bills to recognize 6 Va. tribes, Lumbees of N.C.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_panel_passes_bills_to_recognize_6_va._tribes_lumbees_of_n.c/300984/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Six Indian tribes in Virginia and the Lumbees of North Carolina would gain federal recognition and become eligible for federal aid under legislation approved Thursday by a Senate committee.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:12:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_panel_passes_bills_to_recognize_6_va._tribes_lumbees_of_n.c/300984/#When:21:12:24Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>When they were young &#8212; Deeds, McDonnell. Special video report</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/gubernatorial_election/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When they were young &#8212; Deeds, McDonnell. Special video report           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:27:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/gubernatorial_election/#When:14:27:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>When I was very young: Bob McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_bob_mcdonnell/300953/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As a young man in northern Virginia, Bob McDonnell held his faith and ethics close to his heart, and a pigskin close to his jersey.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:24:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_bob_mcdonnell/300953/#When:14:24:07Z</guid>
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