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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>
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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>2009-11-21T00:01:52-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Health&#45;bill foes protest at Richmond offices of Warner, Webb</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL21_20091120-222202/307053/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Both of Virginia&#8217;s U.S. senators say they will vote to allow debate on the Senate version of health-care overhaul legislation, but neither has committed to voting for the actual bill. Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., got an earful on the subject from a group of small-business owners in Carytown yesterday while protesters rallied outside Warner and Sen. Jim Webb&#8217;s Richmond offices.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Protesters march in Richmond against health care proposals</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEALGAT20_20091120-130401/306973/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More than 100 people gathered outside the downtown Richmond offices of Sens. Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today to protest the proposed health care plans pending before Congress. Neither Virginia Senator, both Democrats, has committed to vote in favor of the plan that was unveiled this week in the Senate. Richmond police officers stood by to make sure the protests were peaceful. Protesters held signs and shouted slogans.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:04:05 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Warner: More cost containment needed in Senate health&#45;care bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/WARNGAT20_20091120-115601/306971/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sen. Mark Warner said he wants to see more cost containment in the Senate&#8217;s health care bill before he can support it. The Senate version is better than the bill narrowly passed out of the House of Representatives on that grounds, he said. &#8220;I think it&#8217;s gotten better but it&#8217;s still got a ways to go before I get to yes,&#8220; he told a group of small business owners gathered this morning at Can Can in Carytown.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:56:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Va. faces $3.5 billion hole in next two&#45;year budget</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SFIN20_20091119-223008/306915/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Local governments aren&#8217;t likely to escape the pain when the General Assembly attempts to eliminate an estimated $3.5 billion hole in the next two-year budget. That estimate does not include the losses faced by local school districts to replace federal stimulus money that will dwindle next year and then disappear entirely in the second year of the budget.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SFIN20_20091119-223008/306915/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>European Union leaders deadlocked over top 2 jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/european_union_leaders_deadlocked_over_top_2_jobs/306716/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The European Union&#8217;s 27 leaders were facing an all-nighter Thursday as a bruising battle loomed over who to name as the bloc&#8217;s first full-time president and new foreign policy chief.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:17:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/european_union_leaders_deadlocked_over_top_2_jobs/306716/#When:12:17:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama says U.S., allies discussing Iran sanctions</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/obama_says_u.s._allies_discussing_iran_sanctions/306704/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Showing impatience with Iranian foot-dragging, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the U.S. and its allies are discussing possible new penalties to bring fresh pressure on Iran for defying international attempts to halt its contested nuclear program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:57:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/obama_says_u.s._allies_discussing_iran_sanctions/306704/#When:10:57:27Z</guid>
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          <title>Gov. Kaine cites concerns on Virginia&#8217;s budget, roads</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN19_20091118-222007/306650/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In a meeting yesterday with the Richmond Times-Dispatch&#8217;s editorial board, Kaine voiced concerns that lawmakers confronted with the tough budget he&#8217;s crafting for the next two fiscal years will shrink from some of the sacrifices it will require to keep the state fiscally sound in a tough economy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:41 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Local governments&#8217; rates for retired locality workers&#8217; health care could rise</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS19_20091118-222007/306649/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The cost of retiree health care is turning into a hot-button issue for state legislators and local officials, who will learn today how much more local governments will have to pay for employee retirement plans. The increase that will be recommended to the Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees by its actuary is small&#8212;about 1 percent overall on average among all localities covered by the state system.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS19_20091118-222007/306649/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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          <title>Senate health bottom line: $849 billion overhaul</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/HLTH191_20091118-233601/306696/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;Setting up a historic year-end debate, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid revealed his long-awaited version of legislation to reshape the nation&#8217;s health-care system last night, a measure designed to extend coverage to 94 percent of eligible Americans and bar private industry from denying insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Analyst proposes putting corrections projects in Va. on hold</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG19_20091118-223004/306678/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia and its localities should stop building more prisons and jails because a decade-long building program has led to undercrowding, a state budget analyst said yesterday. &#8220;There is no need to approve any additional prison or jail construction for the foreseeable future,&#8220; Paul Van Lenten Jr. told members of the House Appropriations Committee and House Finance Committee.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG19_20091118-223004/306678/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Federal grand jury subpoenas House documents related to Hamilton</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMI19_20091118-212403/306585/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A federal grand jury has subpoenaed from the Virginia House of Delegates documents related to former Del. Phillip A. Hamilton&#8217;s job at Old Dominion University. Bruce Jamerson, the House clerk, confirmed yesterday that he turned over to authorities Hamilton&#8217;s economic interest forms, travel vouchers and documents relating to the Old Dominion University teaching center.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMI19_20091118-212403/306585/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. budget expert: Don&#8217;t build any more prisons</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PRISGAT18_20091118-151402/306494/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia has more than enough jail and prison space and can stop its prison building binge, the House Appropriations Committee was told today. Paul.Van Lenten Jr., a budget analyst with the committee, said some prisons under consideration might be delayed to save operating costs for the state. That was good new for the budget writers, who are facing huge budget shortfalls.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PRISGAT18_20091118-151402/306494/#When:20:14:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Schwarzenegger rules out another run for office</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/schwarzenegger_rules_out_another_run_for_office/306483/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger won&#8217;t say what his plans are when his term expires next year, but it won&#8217;t be running for another office.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:53:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/schwarzenegger_rules_out_another_run_for_office/306483/#When:15:53:03Z</guid>
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          <title>Roving S.C. governor due for ethics panel review</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/SCGAT18_20091118-075001/306470/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
COLUMBIA, S.C.&#8212;South Carolina&#8217;s State Ethics Commission is set to decide whether a three-month investigation provides enough evidence that Gov. Mark Sanford broke state laws. The closed-door commission meeting today is pivotal to efforts by some state legislators to impeach Sanford. House Speaker Bobby Harrell says he&#8217;s seen nothing so far that merits removing Sanford from office and the investigation would have to show serious crimes or misconduct.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:50:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Obama says he&#8217;s not losing weight</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/OBAMGAT18_20091118-070201/306466/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BEIJING&#8212;President Barack Obama says he feels the pressure of being commander-in-chief but it&#8217;s not causing him to lose weight. Obama says media reports that he&#8217;s skipping meals and shedding pounds under the stress of deciding a new Afghanistan war strategy are untrue. He says his weight fluctuates about five pounds and has for the last thirty years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:02:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Obama approval rating falls below 50 percent</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/POLLGAT18_20091118-065002/306462/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama&#8217;s approval rating has fallen below 50 percent for the first time in polling by Quinnipiac University as U.S. voter discontent grows over the war in Afghanistan. Obama&#8217;s job approval rating fell to 48 percent in the Nov. 9-16 survey of registered voters nationwide by the Hamden, Conn.-based university, with 42 percent polled saying they disapproved of the job he is doing.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:50:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Senate to honor Byrd&#8217;s milestone today</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/BYRDGAT18_20091118-064001/306460/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd has become the longest-serving lawmaker in congressional history, a milestone to be marked today with a Senate resolution. &#8220;I look forward to serving you for the next 56 years and 320 days,&#8220; Byrd said in a statement marking the occasion. His only regret, Byrd said, was that his late wife, Erma, was not there with him.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:40:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/BYRDGAT18_20091118-064001/306460/#When:11:40:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama says he&#8217;s unlikely to read Palin&#8217;s book</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/MAVGAT18_20091118-061002/306456/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BEIJING&#8212;Sarah Palin&#8217;s new book may already be a best-seller, but President Barack Obama says he probably won&#8217;t read it. The president says he&#8217;s sure sales of &#8220;Going Rogue&#8221; will do well without his readership. While he wouldn&#8217;t say whether he thinks Palin will run for president in 2012, he says she has proved to be a popular figure with a large following in the Republican party.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:10:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/MAVGAT18_20091118-061002/306456/#When:11:10:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Allen tax plan backed by Crusade</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ALLN18_20091117-222205/306379/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Possibly as remarkable as the political pairing in support of a tax-code change to renovate old schools is the range of good it would do, former Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen told the Richmond Crusade for Voters last night. It would be good for students, job creation, energy efficiency and taxpayers, he said. &#8220;I have yet to see an idea that covers so many bases&#8212;all bases&#8221; Allen said. &#8220;It&#8217;s a home run of an idea.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ALLN18_20091117-222205/306379/#When:05:01:57Z</guid>
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          <title>Virginia budget outlook poor; shortfall could grow</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG18_20091117-222406/306389/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Loss of $300 million would be in addition to $1.3 billion revenue shortage predicted in August, state legislators were told.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG18_20091117-222406/306389/#When:05:01:41Z</guid>
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          <title>Co&#45;chairs named for McDonnell inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO18_20091117-215602/306360/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sheila Johnson, the Democratic businesswoman who endorsed Republican Bob McDonnell in the governor&#8217;s race this year will serve as one his inaugural co-chairs, the campaign announced yesterday. McDonnell&#8217;s inauguration as the 71st governor of Virginia will be held Jan. 16, and will return to Richmond for the first time since 2002. The 2006 inauguration of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was held in Williamsburg because the state Capitol was under renovation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO18_20091117-215602/306360/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. may need to cut another $300 million from two&#45;year budget</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDGGAT17_20091117-133602/306290/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state of Virginia, which already has had to cut $6 billion from the two-year budget ending June 30, 2010, may have to cut $250 million to $300 million, the House Appropriations Committee was told today. Robert P. Vaughn, director of the committee, said revenue growth should resume in the 2010-2012 fiscal period. Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, said the committee would have to make significant tax reductions without a tax increase.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:36:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDGGAT17_20091117-133602/306290/#When:18:36:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Richmond fills human services post</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GRAH18_20091117-084601/306272/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has filled the last vacancy in his leadership team with the hiring of Carolyn N. Graham as deputy chief administrative officer for human services. Graham had worked in Washington as director of the State Health Planning &amp; Development Agency and vice president for external affairs for the Greater Southeast Community Hospital. She also served on the District of Columbia School Board.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:46:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GRAH18_20091117-084601/306272/#When:13:46:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama pushes human rights in meetings with Chinese</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/OBAMGAT172_20091117-061601/306255/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BEIJING&#8212;President Barack Obama is pushing China on human rights, telling President Hu Jintao the U.S. believes all men and woman have &#8220;certain fundamental rights.&#8220; Obama met with his counterpart during two meetings today and pushed for improved treatment of Chinese ethnic and religious minorities. Obama said they agreed to continue the discussion in a session scheduled for early next year.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:16:01 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Va. House caucuses choose leaders</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CAUC17_20091116-222814/306184/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia House of Delegates&#8217; Democratic and Republican caucuses each elected their leadership for the 2010 General Assembly session during the weekend. The Republican caucus, strengthened after picking up at least five seats in the House this month, re-elected Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford. They also voted to keep Del. H. Morgan Griffith of Salem as majority leader, Del. Samuel A. Nixon Jr. of Chesterfield County as caucus chair and Del. M. Kirkland Cox of Colonial Heights as majority whip. The party posts were chosen by acclamation, but the full House membership will vote on Howell&#8217;s post when the General Assembly meets in January in Richmond.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CAUC17_20091116-222814/306184/#When:05:01:32Z</guid>
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          <title>House committee to hear state budget forecast</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG17_20091116-222006/306148/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State and local officials are bracing for another round of bad news from Virginia budget analysts today, as the House Appropriations Committee opens a two-day annual retreat at the Capitol. Richmond-area legislators warned Chesterfield County officials last night that they can expect another drop in state revenue forecasts that likely will lead to further cuts in aid to local governments for education and other services.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG17_20091116-222006/306148/#When:05:01:27Z</guid>
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          <title>Embattled Del. Hamilton resigns from Va. House</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMI17_20091116-222006/306151/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Del. Phillip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News, under an ethics cloud and defeated for re-election, has resigned from the House of Delegates seat he has held for 21 years. The early resignation apparently takes Hamilton off the hook from a House ethics investigation. Paul Nardo, an administrative aide to Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, said the speaker interprets the reach of the House Ethics Advisory Panel as being limited to members of the House of Delegates.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:22 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMI17_20091116-222006/306151/#When:05:01:22Z</guid>
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          <title>Newport News Del. Hamilton resigns House seat</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMIGAT16_20091116-105802/306064/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Del. Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News, resigned his seat in the House of Delegates at midnight today. Hamilton, under an ethics cloud, was defeated in the Nov. 3 election. In a letter to House Clerk Bruce Jamerson, Hamilton said he considered the House of Delegates &#8220;the most distinguished legislative body in the world.&#8220; For more on this developing story, check back at TimesDispatch.com and see tomorrow&#8217;s Richmond Times-Dispatch.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HAMIGAT16_20091116-105802/306064/#When:15:58:50Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Va. House Democratic caucus elects leaders</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VADEMGAT16_20091116-085001/306056/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia House of Delegates&#8217; Democratic caucus has elected new leadership for the 2010 General Assembly session. In a weekend vote, Democrats chose Del. Ward Armstrong as the House minority leader. Other delegates selected were Ken Plum, caucus chairman; Jennifer McClellan, first vice chairwoman; David Englin, second vice chairman; Mark Sickles, secretary; Jeion Ward, treasurer; and Rosalyn Dance, sergeant at arms/parliamentarian.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:50:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VADEMGAT16_20091116-085001/306056/#When:13:50:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell eyes health&#45;care changes at state level</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL16_20091115-221403/305939/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell worries that a national health-care overhaul that includes a public option would lead to diminished access to quality care and reduced choice for Virginians. For those reasons, among others, the Republican has said that if given the choice to opt the state out of such a plan&#8212;if it makes it through Congress&#8212;he would prefer to take a pass.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL16_20091115-221403/305939/#When:05:01:48Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Online ads in Va. gubernatorial race &#8216;set the standard&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ADVT16_20091115-221607/305940/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The day before the Nov. 3 election, Bob McDonnell&#8217;s campaign paid Google about $39,000 to saturate computers in Virginia and Washington with banner ads promoting the candidate. People surfing the Internet during a 12-hour period in Virginia, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington, saw McDonnell&#8217;s banner ads 14 million times during that stretch.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ADVT16_20091115-221607/305940/#When:05:01:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Danville group&#8217;s plan for effigy burning &#8216;up in the air&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TEAP16_20091115-220805/305937/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The chairman of the Danville TEA Party Patriots said yesterday that he was unsure about whether the group will continue with its planned effigy burning of Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., at a bonfire rally Saturday in Blairs. Hours after news of the bonfire hit the Internet on Friday, at least one national news outlet had the story on its Web site, as did dozens of bloggers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TEAP16_20091115-220805/305937/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Danville TEA Party reconsidering effigy burning of Perriello, Pelosi</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TEAPGAT15_20091115-185201/305915/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The chairman of the Danville TEA Party Patriots said yesterday he was unsure about whether the group will continue with its planned effigy burning of Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a bonfire rally Saturday in Blairs. Hours after news of the bonfire hit the Internet on Friday, at least one national news outlet had the story on its Web site, among dozens of bloggers. Chairman Nigel Coleman said coverage of and public reaction to the event was &#8220;kinda strange.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:52:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TEAPGAT15_20091115-185201/305915/#When:23:52:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sunday talk shows</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK15_20091114-192004/305715/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. &nbsp; Meet the Press (NBC, 9)  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; Education Secretary Arne Duncan; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.; the Rev. Al Sharpton.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/TALK15_20091114-192004/305715/#When:05:01:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Warner, Webb speak out on health&#45;care reform</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL15_20091114-221806/305775/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
About 23,000 of Virginia&#8217;s uninsured are getting continuous medical care through a program run out of Virginia Commonwealth University&#8217;s Health System. It&#8217;s designed to fill a gap in which uninsured people who lack continuous care often rely on emergency rooms for treatment. The program is an example of the right kind of health-care reform as it relates to service delivery, cost and compensation, says Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., who recently took to the Senate floor to tout the program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL15_20091114-221806/305775/#When:05:01:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Danville TEA Party members reportedly plan to burn Perriello, Pelosi in effigy</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PERR14_20091113-222808/305652/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Members of the Danville TEA Party reportedly plan to burn Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in effigy at a Nov. 21 rally. Last Saturday, Perriello was one of four Virginia Democrats who voted in favor of the $1.2 trillion health-care overhaul. Two Virginia Democrats and all five Republicans voted against the bill.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PERR14_20091113-222808/305652/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gov.&#45;elect McDonnell announces senior advisers to transition team</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO14S_20091113-222808/305650/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Senior advisers to Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell&#8217;s transition team include former members of Congress, veterans of former Gov. George Allen&#8217;s administration, and representatives of key constituent groups, from business to the National Rifle Association and The Virginia Family Foundation. The senior advisers, announced yesterday, are:             ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO14S_20091113-222808/305650/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell meets House Democrats, stresses common ground</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO14_20091113-222603/305645/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell emerged from a meeting with House Democrats yesterday afternoon saying both sides are committed to working together to bring Virginia more jobs and economic prosperity. &#8220;I think there&#8217;s a lot of common ground that we can find on economic development, on job creation, on improving schools,&#8220; McDonnell said in a brief interview after his afternoon address to the caucus. It gathered at The Crossings in Glen Allen in Henrico County for its annual fall retreat.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO14_20091113-222603/305645/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP chairman ends abortion insurance for employees</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/ABORGAT13_20091113-093201/305496/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON&#8212;A chagrined GOP Chairman Michael Steele has told Republican National Committee staff to immediately stop providing RNC employees with insurance for elective abortions - an option that Republicans strongly oppose as Democrats try to pass a health care overhaul bill. &#8220;Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose,&#8220; Steele said in a statement late yesterday after learning of the abortion coverage from a news report. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration. Consider this issue settled.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:32:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/ABORGAT13_20091113-093201/305496/#When:14:32:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>White House&#8217;s top laywer reportedly resigning</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/CRAGAT13_20091113-091201/305495/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
TOKYO&#8212;The White House&#8217;s top lawyer is announcing his resignation today, senior administration officials told The Associated Press this morning. White House counsel Greg Craig has been the subject of questions about his future since late summer, dogged by talk that President Barack Obama&#8217;s promise to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay military prison by January went awry under Craig&#8217;s leadership.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:12:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/CRAGAT13_20091113-091201/305495/#When:14:12:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine attends Arkansas fundraiser during flooding</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN13_20091112-221608/305416/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was in Arkansas yesterday while parts of Virginia coped with flooding. Kaine, who appeared at a fundraiser in Little Rock with Gov. Mike Beebe, was scheduled to fly back to Virginia last night. This morning, at the state&#8217;s Emergency Operations Center on Midlothian Turnpike, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will brief Kaine on the latest conditions around the state and on Virginia&#8217;s response to the storm.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN13_20091112-221608/305416/#When:05:01:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Perriello, Nye defend opposing votes on health care</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL13_20091112-221805/305430/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, last night held a telephone town hall with more than 8,000 participants to explain his vote in favor of the $1.2 trillion health-care overhaul. Meanwhile, Rep. Glenn Nye, D-2nd, took heat from the left as a progressive group launched an online ad campaign accusing him of &#8220;betraying&#8221; the Democratic Party by voting against the health-care bill.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL13_20091112-221805/305430/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: John King replacing Dobbs show on CNN</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/lou_dobbs_leaving_cnn_for_new_opportunities/305255/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
John King is replacing Lou Dobbs on CNN.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:13:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/lou_dobbs_leaving_cnn_for_new_opportunities/305255/#When:11:13:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell to meet with House Democratic Caucus</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS12_20091111-213407/305154/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ten days after his lopsided victory diminished their numbers, Governor-elect Bob McDonnell will meet tomorrow with members of the House Democratic Caucus. McDonnell accepted an invitation from the caucus to speak with members behind closed doors at the Crossings Resort in northern Henrico County. About 30 caucus members are expected to attend, including House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS12_20091111-213407/305154/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell to meet with House Democrats</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMSGATER11_20091111-180002/305080/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ten days after his lopsided victory diminished their numbers, Governor-elect Bob McDonnell will meet Friday with members of the House Democratic Caucus. McDonnell accepted an invitation from the caucus to speak with members behind closed doors at the Crossings Resort in Glen Allen. About 30 caucus members are expected to attend, including House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMSGATER11_20091111-180002/305080/#When:23:00:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>IT chief reopens talks with Northrop Grumman, draws fire</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA11_20091110-222606/304948/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RICHMOND, VA&#8212;Despite warnings from lawmakers to back off, the state&#8217;s computer chief quietly reopened negotiations with Northrop Grumman over additional services that could add millions to Virginia&#8217;s information-technology bill. State officials yesterday could not provide the cost but said it might be lower than an estimate this summer by General Assembly investigators of $30 million to $40 million.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:01:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA11_20091110-222606/304948/#When:05:01:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general to join Hunton and Williams</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MIMS11_20091110-220405/304913/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Attorney General Bill Mims, a confidant of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, is joining a Richmond legal powerhouse in January as a lobbyist.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MIMS11_20091110-220405/304913/#When:05:00:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mims joining Hunton and Williams</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MIMSGATER10_20091110-145601/304838/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bill Mims, Virginia&#8217;s attorney general and a confidant of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, has a new job&#8212;he&#8217;s joining the regulatory and lobbying practice of a big Richmond law firm, Hunton and Williams. Mims, a former delegate and state senator who succeeded McDonnell as attorney general and helps lead the McDonnell gubernatorial transition, had been mentioned as a possible chief of staff or counsel to the next Republican chief executive.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:56:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MIMSGATER10_20091110-145601/304838/#When:19:56:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>China protesters plead for help from Obama</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/OBAMGAT10_20091110-055601/304801/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BEIJING&#8212;A group of protesters pleaded for help today from President Barack Obama before his visit to China next week, saying anyone seen as a troublemaker is often treated harshly before major events in the capital. Chinese authorities regularly crack down on dissidents before politically sensitive anniversaries or visits from foreign dignitaries, but the protesters said ordinary people get caught up in the sweeps.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:56:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/OBAMGAT10_20091110-055601/304801/#When:10:56:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Perriello defends vote for health bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL10_20091109-221004/304724/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, and supporters yesterday defended his vote in favor of the $1.2 trillion health-care overhaul, while an anti-tax group picketed his offices in Martinsville, Danville and Farmville. &#8220;I thought it was important to solve this problem because families are being crushed under the cost of skyrocketing premiums,&#8220; Perriello said during an afternoon conference call with reporters.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HEAL10_20091109-221004/304724/#When:05:01:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell disagrees with study on trimming tax breaks</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TAXX10_20091109-221207/304741/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia officials looking for cash to balance the state budget should consider delaying or junking some tax breaks, according to an economic think tank whose study was knocked down by Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell. The Commonwealth Institute said yesterday that the state gives up $2.5 billion a year as tax cuts and credits, some of which may no longer be justified. The institute is the research arm of the Virginia Interfaith Center, whose Web site says it works to create &#8220;progressive public policy.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TAXX10_20091109-221207/304741/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Study says state could benefit by trimming tax breaks</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/study_says_state_could_benefit_by_trimming_tax_breaks/304652/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia officials looking for a way to balance the recession-wracked budget could free up cash by delaying or junking some tax breaks, according to a study out this morning.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:25:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/study_says_state_could_benefit_by_trimming_tax_breaks/304652/#When:15:25:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell opposes public option for Va.</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO09_20091108-221203/304550/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The morning after the House of Representatives narrowly passed a health-care bill, Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell said the &#8220;public option does not seem to be something that&#8217;s going to help us in Virginia.&#8220;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO09_20091108-221203/304550/#When:05:01:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Weakened Va. Democrats seek comeback strategy</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.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS08_20091107-222006/304395/#When:05:01:50Z</guid>
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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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS08_20091107-222006/304397/#When:05:00:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/HONGAT06_20091106-055002/304054/#When:10:50:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/UOFRGATER_20091105-111201/303849/#When:16:12:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/CLIMGAT05_20091105-104401/303846/#When:15:44:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/INDGAT05_20091105-063001/303828/#When:11:30:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/world/world_govtpolitics/article/AFGH05_20091104-213401/303718/#When:05:01:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/PARKGAT04_20091104-093201/303595/#When:14:32:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/national/national_govtpolitics/article/MAINGAT04_20091104-055802/303573/#When:10:58:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <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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         <item>
          <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>
        </item>
    
         <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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