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    <title>Local Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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        <title>Local 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>2009-11-08T00:01:57-05:00</dc:date>

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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>
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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>
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          <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>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>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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          <title>Delegates candidates speak at Henrico forum</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CAND08_20091007-223006/298124/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In polite tones, Del. John M. O&#8217;Bannon III, R-Henrico, and his Democratic opponent, Tom Shields, disagreed on unemployment insurance and funding of the Qimonda semiconductor-chip plant in a joint appearance before a Henrico County business group yesterday. O&#8217;Bannon defended the House of Delegates rejection this year of $125 million in unemployment-insurance money coming from President Barack Obama&#8217;s stimulus package.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CAND08_20091007-223006/298124/#When:05:01:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A primer on the basics of the Chesapeake Bay</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BAYY27S1_20090926-194005/295727/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you walk onto the Mayo Bridge by Shockoe Slip and drop a line on the downstream side, you essentially are fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. If you dump pollution in the Shenandoah River, beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can hurt the bay. As we try to restore the Chesapeake, it helps to ask: Where is the bay, and what are we trying to restore?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BAYY27S1_20090926-194005/295727/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Geary says he&#8217;s running for Henrico prosecutor&#8217;s job</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MATTGAT15_20090915-141402/293016/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Election day maneuvering is getting into full swing in Henrico County&#8212;for November 2011. Former Richmond prosecutor Matthew P. Geary acknowledged today that he plans to run for commonwealth&#8217;s attorney in Henrico, an announcement that comes more than two years before the term expires of longtime incumbent Wade A. Kizer. Both men will be running as Republicans, they said today.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:14:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MATTGAT15_20090915-141402/293016/#When:19:14:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Richmond official gets Fla. post</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RICHGAT11_20090811-120601/285325/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DUNEDIN, Fla.&#8212;The city has named Angela Montgomery, a policy analyst in Richmond, Va., to the newly created position of assistant to the city manager. The city created the assistant to the city manager&#8217;s post as part of the its administrative staff reorganization. The staff changes are meant to save the city money during a time when municipal revenue is down.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:06:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RICHGAT11_20090811-120601/285325/#When:17:06:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McGuire veterans score at wheelchair games</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VETS07_20090806-232601/284587/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They don&#8217;t call Johnny Holland &#8220;Quadzilla&#8221; for nothing. The 44-year-old Army veteran is part of a McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center contingent that brought home more than 20 medals last month at the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, Wash. The 18 veterans on the team were recognized yesterday with a lunch and ceremony at the medical center in South Richmond.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VETS07_20090806-232601/284587/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Asian Chamber of Commerce holds legislative summit</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ASIA06_20090805-220004/284358/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Business leaders, attorneys and community leaders discussed a wide range of issues last night during the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce&#8217;s first-ever legislative summit. Participants took on topics such as health care, civil rights, housing, education and business as the chamber began the process last night of creating a legislative agenda for this election year.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ASIA06_20090805-220004/284358/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Colonial Heights campaign faulted</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HGTS03_20090802-214002/283690/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The race for the city&#8217;s commissioner of the revenue post got off to an early, and possibly improper, start. One-term incumbent Marjorie C. DeDanko and challenger Gayle R. Braswell are in a rematch this November. Braswell lost to DeDanko in the same race in 2005. Braswell&#8217;s campaign got into trouble for holding a car-wash fundraiser July 25 that was advertised to benefit the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:01:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HGTS03_20090802-214002/283690/#When:05:01:42Z</guid>
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          <title>At J. Sarge, Biden discusses how stimulus package helped Ashland business</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/at_j._sarge_biden_discusses_how_stimulus_package_helped_ashland_business/280533/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Introduced by Ashland businessman John Fernandez, Vice President Joseph Biden says stimulus will help small-business owners across the nation and restore dignity to men and women out of work.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:50:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/at_j._sarge_biden_discusses_how_stimulus_package_helped_ashland_business/280533/#When:05:50:08Z</guid>
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          <title>Richmond City Council member blasts police car deal</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SAMGAT09_20090709-082801/278992/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond City Councilman Charles R. Samuels today blasted the city for failing to give vendors a chance to compete for the purchase of police cars. The Richmond Times-Dispatch today reported this morning that city officials violated procurement rules when they bought 40 police cars for nearly $1 million in 2007 without allowing vendors to compete for the business.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:28:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SAMGAT09_20090709-082801/278992/#When:13:28:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>VIDEO: Ask the Governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/video_ask_the_governor/275790/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In an online chat today with TimesDispatch.com, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine answered readers&#8217; questions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:47:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/video_ask_the_governor/275790/#When:19:47:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: Jones appoints deputy administrator</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jones_to_appoint_deputy_administrator_will_clarify_cao_choice/275313/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced tonight Byron C. Marshall as his choice for the city&#8217;s chief administrative officer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:07:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jones_to_appoint_deputy_administrator_will_clarify_cao_choice/275313/#When:17:07:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Woody wins primary for Richmond sheriff</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER101_20090609-233602/272957/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Incumbent Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. last night declared victory over his challenger in the Democratic primary contest. Woody captured about 81 percent of the vote, receiving 10,905 votes compared with 2,459 votes for his challenger, Henrico County sheriff&#8217;s Maj. Antionette V. Irving, according to unofficial results from the Virginia State Board of Elections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER101_20090609-233602/272957/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Woody declares victory in Richmond sheriff primary</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER10_20090609-223204/272950/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Incumbent Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. last night declared victory over his challenger in the Democratic primary contest. With 64 of 65 precincts reporting, Woody had gotten 10,642 votes compared with 2,408 votes for Henrico County sheriff&#8217;s Maj. Antionette V. Irving, according to unofficial results from the Virginia State Board of Elections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER10_20090609-223204/272950/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sneak Peek: Who&#8217;s judging your judges?</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/sneak_peek_whos_judging_your_judges/271651/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Preview a Sunday report on how Virginia judges are selected and evaluated.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:18:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/sneak_peek_whos_judging_your_judges/271651/#When:01:18:12Z</guid>
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          <title>Texan is finalist for top job</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RICH03_20090602-223204/271500/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Byron C. Marshall, president and chief executive officer of the Austin Revitalization Authority in Texas, is a finalist for Richmond&#8217;s top administrative post. City Council President Kathy C. Graziano confirmed yesterday that she met with Mar shall as a candidate for chief administrative officer during a meeting Monday with Mayor Dwight C. Jones.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:01:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RICH03_20090602-223204/271500/#When:05:01:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Democrats enter final stretch</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MORA02_20090601-221432/271296/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In the final dash to the primary, one Democratic gubernatorial hopeful shopped for votes in a Richmond retail district. Another flooded mailboxes in Northern Virginia. The third dialed for dollars. Former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria hit Carytown, telling small-business owners around a table in Jean-Jacques Bakery and Caf&#233; that he, too, ran a small business and &#8220;had all the headaches that you do.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MORA02_20090601-221432/271296/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Council, media find Richmond City Hall is generally more open under Jones</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MUZZ26_20090525-221657/269902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones took control of City Hall in January, promising an era of openness in the administration&#8217;s dealings with the City Council and reporters. &#8220;I&#8217;m going to take the muzzle off,&#8220; he said, referring to employees who feared a backlash from Mayor L. Douglas Wilder if they spoke to council members or the news media.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MUZZ26_20090525-221657/269902/#When:05:01:04Z</guid>
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          <title>Memorial Day holiday closings</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOLI25_20090524-210208/269725/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES&#8212;Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE&#8212;Closed today; no delivery.&nbsp; STATE GOVERNMENT  OFFICES&#8212;Closed today.&nbsp; RICHMOND AREA  COUNTY, CITY OFFICES&#8212;Closed today. COLLEGES&#8212;VCU, VSU, VUU, J. Sargeant Reynolds, John Tyler and Randolph-Macon closed today. UR administrative offices closed today. Some MBA and Law School classes will be in session. All other UR classes will not be in session.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 00:01:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOLI25_20090524-210208/269725/#When:05:01:06Z</guid>
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          <title>Four&#45;team Petersburg treasurer faces challenge</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/B4-PETE17_20090516-210004/268194/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Four-term Petersburg Treasurer Carole S. Matthews is being challenged by a political newcomer in next month&#8217;s Democratic primary. Businessman Kevin A. Brown, 46, who has 20 years&#8217; experience in commercial finance, promises better customer service, efficiency and transparency at the Treasurer&#8217;s Office. Matthews has deep roots in the city, having lived there for 25 years. Brown moved to Petersburg four years ago and is part of an active group of new residents seeking changes in city government.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2009 00:01:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/B4-PETE17_20090516-210004/268194/#When:05:01:43Z</guid>
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          <title>Candidate for lieutenant governor nomination brings his campaign to Henrico</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONB08_20090507-221409/266444/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On an education tour of Virginia, Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jon Bowerbank learned that progress sometimes is measured in big words. Erica Coleman, a University of Richmond graduate mentoring underprivileged children at a learning center, said she knew she had made progress when a fourth-grader, reading at the second-grade level, began referring to reading as &#8220;tedious&#8221; rather than &#8220;boring.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONB08_20090507-221409/266444/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Republican plans to challenge Morrissey in 74th District</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/republican_plans_to_challenge_morrissey_in_74th_district/252721/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Michael Gage, a Henrico County small-business owner, plans to run as a Republican challenger to Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:26:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/republican_plans_to_challenge_morrissey_in_74th_district/252721/#When:16:26:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>LIVE: Ask the governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/chat_with_gov._kaine/252707/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Kaine will chat live on video starting at 3:45 p.m. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:07:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/chat_with_gov._kaine/252707/#When:16:07:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sheriff debate is a civil affair</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER08_20090407-222109/251313/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The race for sheriff in Richmond proved to be more nuance than knockout last night as the two Democratic candidates squared off in an orderly, civil discussion of issues.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHER08_20090407-222109/251313/#When:05:01:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Huckabee campaigns with McDonnell in Roanoke</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HUCK31_20090330-222411/244753/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee campaigned with Virginia gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell in Roanoke yesterday, helping him raise $50,000 and praising him as the Republican who can help restore the party&#8217;s fortunes nationwide. Speaking to reporters, Huckabee, who lost to Arizona Sen. John McCain last year in his bid to win the Republican nomination for president, criticized those who say &#8220;that the Republican Party has sort of already experienced its demise and that the funeral services are being planned in the near future.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HUCK31_20090330-222411/244753/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Chesterfield board hears 70 speakers on budget druthers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES26_20090325-223008/241121/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More than 70 speakers took turns making their cases for various causes to Chesterfield County leaders last night as the end of the budget process draws near. Facing the largest projected revenue loss on record, all departments and programs are bracing for cuts. The standing-room-only crowd advocated a variety of services and programs, from public safety and schools to libraries and social services.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES26_20090325-223008/241121/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Henrico sheriff&#8217;s major to oppose Woody</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHERGAT24_20090324-055604/239351/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Henrico County sheriff&#8217;s major yesterday announced her plans to run for Richmond sheriff. Maj. Antionette V. Irving stood among more than 30 people outside Main Street Station in Richmond and asked residents to support her campaign, which she called an &#8220;urban express&#8221; that will go from the train station to the Richmond Sheriff&#8217;s Office.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:56:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SHERGAT24_20090324-055604/239351/#When:10:56:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Moran receives Jones&#8217; backing</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/DEMS09_20090308-220806/224946/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While Democratic gubernatorial candidates await the coveted Virginia Legislative Black Caucus endorsement, Brian J. Moran&#8217;s campaign today is expecting the support of the caucus&#8217;s chairman and recently produced an automated call in Richmond from the former chairman. In Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones&#8217; taped call for the campaign, he urged voters to support his friend as the next governor. Jones was chairman of the black caucus but left the legislature to take over as Richmond&#8217;s mayor Jan. 1.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:01:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/DEMS09_20090308-220806/224946/#When:06:01:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Face&#45;Off &#45; Feb. 27</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/face-off_-_feb._27/217906/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Guns at the dinner table. State legislators debate the wisdom of allowing concealed weapons in restaurants.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:59:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/face-off_-_feb._27/217906/#When:00:59:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jones dropping Wilder&#8217;s appeals of lawsuits over mayoral powers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jones_dropping_appeals_of_wilder_lawsuits_over_mayoral_powers/216581/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that he&#8217;s dropping the appeals of two lawsuits brought by then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder to try to establish broad authority for the mayor.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:45:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jones_dropping_appeals_of_wilder_lawsuits_over_mayoral_powers/216581/#When:17:45:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Black politics in Obama era focus of VCU forum</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VCUU26_20090225-220901/216074/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Virginia Commonwealth University fraternity will sponsor a panel discussion tomorrow night on black politics in the Obama era. &#8220;I Feel Like a Black Republican,&#8220; sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma, will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons. Among those on the panel are Melvin Law, president of the Richmond chapter of the NAACP, and Chuck Smith, a Republican from Virginia Beach who has declared his candidacy in the 2nd Congressional District.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VCUU26_20090225-220901/216074/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Richmond ranks with bigger cities in protecting mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO23_20090222-222207/213054/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Despite being slashed by Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond&#8217;s executive-protection unit puts the Virginia capital in the company of larger, higher-profile cities,&nbsp; according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch survey.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:01:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO23_20090222-222207/213054/#When:05:01:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McGuire&#8217;s new director sees &#8216;space challenges&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VETS19_20090218-214835/210207/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
New director of McGuire VA hospital in Richmond sees &#8216;space challenges&#8217; As massive as the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center is, its new director, Charles E. Sepich, said the facility in South Richmond may not be big enough. &#8220;There are significant space challenges,&#8220; Sepich said recently, just a few days into his new job. It was long enough for him to see that the building, one of the largest federal structures in Virginia under one roof, needs some updating.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VETS19_20090218-214835/210207/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jones reaches out to supervisors</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES13_20090212-222206/205463/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones extended the olive branch of regional cooperation to Chesterfield County leaders yesterday by making an appearance at the county&#8217;s Board of Supervisors meeting. It was the first time in recent history that a city mayor had crossed the county line to speak with elected leaders. &#8220;It&#8217;s the first time we know of,&#8220; said County Administrator James J.L. Stegmaier, who has been with Chesterfield for 23 years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:01:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES13_20090212-222206/205463/#When:05:01:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; Feb. 13</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_feb._13/205279/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Political columnist Jeff Schapiro does a halftime analysis on the 2009 General Assembly. Debate on the budget deficit and smoking ban will go down to the buzzer.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:11:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_feb._13/205279/#When:01:11:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Harris ends bid to remove mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HARR12_20090211-220211/204432/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Councilman Curtis W. Harris has dropped an effort to oust the mayor and three other council members. In October, Harris launched a petition drive requesting that Mayor Brenda S. Pelham and her three council allies, N. Gregory Cuffey, Christina J. Luman-Bailey and Gerald S. Stokes, be removed from their positions. On Tuesday night, Harris said the council members have shown willingness to be more inclusive and work better together.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HARR12_20090211-220211/204432/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hopewell mayor&#8217;s address highlights vision for city</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOPE11_20090211-142010/203881/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
HOPEWELL&#8212;On Tuesday night, Mayor Brenda S. Pelham reassured residents that she and the City Council have left the bitterness in the past and are respectfully working together with a clear vision for the city. In the first-ever official State of the City address in Hopewell, Pelham said the industrial city of 23,000 residents is in good standing, despite economic challenges.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:18:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOPE11_20090211-142010/203881/#When:19:18:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hopewell mayor&#8217;s speech</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOPE11S_20090211-141804/203880/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The text of Hopewell Mayor Brenda Pelham&#8217;s State of the City speech: &#8220;I wanted to say a few words tonight to reflect back on last year as we look forward to and focus on what we have to do in 2009. Our council met the last weekend in January, and I really felt like we gain much ground in hammering out, not only our differences, but developing a new vision for the City. In the weeks to come, it is my hope to get back together and finalize our work. I would like to thank each of my colleagues publicly . . . now . . . for the sacrifice they made to actively participate in this effort. I would also like to thank Ann Romano, Julie Sharp, Scott Firestein, Chris Wiegard, March Altman, Debbie Pershing, Ed Daley, the personnel from the Public Works Department and the Fire Department for all the work they put into planning and preparing to make our weekend a success . . . it truly WAS!!!           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:16:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HOPE11S_20090211-141804/203880/#When:19:16:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Ramsey to serve 3 months as leader</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GOOC11_20090210-223426/203378/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Chesterfield County administrator Lane B. Ramsey will earn $70.67 an hour starting tomorrow as interim leader for a problem-plagued Goochland County. &#8220;I&#8217;ve looked at Goochland from across the river for many years and you have a great reputation here,&#8220; Ramsey said last night after a closed session of the Board of Supervisors. Ramsey, 63, who retired in 2007 after 20 years as Chesterfield County administrator, served briefly last year as interim administrator for Gloucester County in the aftermath of problems there.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:01:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GOOC11_20090210-223426/203378/#When:05:01:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Chesterfield employees urge School Board to save jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CSKL11_20090210-223426/203377/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More than 500 positions in jeopardy as officials try to close budget shortfalls. Administrators estimate that $52 million in spending must be cut from original budget projections because of a reduction in revenues from the state and county.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CSKL11_20090210-223426/203377/#When:05:01:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hearing on school&#45;budget cuts tonight</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CSKL10_20090209-221233/202346/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Chesterfield County School Board will hold a public hearing tonight on the proposed budget, which includes $52 million in cuts. The $551.5 million 2009-10 spending plan would eliminate 525 positions and funding for various school programs and operations.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:01:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CSKL10_20090209-221233/202346/#When:05:01:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Counties have plans for stimulus money</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BILD09_20090208-213607/201385/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Three central Virginia localities are preparing a list of projects they would like to see built with some of the billions from President Barack Obama&#8217;s economic-stimulus package.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BILD09_20090208-213607/201385/#When:05:01:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Smoking ban bill passes committee</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/smoking_ban_bill_passes_committee/199450/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, urges a middle-of-the-road approach. But Del. Clarence Phillips, D-Castlewood, says restrictions are driven by politics not health policy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:36:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/smoking_ban_bill_passes_committee/199450/#When:02:36:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; Feb. 5</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_feb._5/198636/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When the attorney general quits to run for governor, who pays his bills and what do they expect in return? Political columnist Jeff Schapiro has some ideas.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:01:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_feb._5/198636/#When:05:01:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Values: root of all policies</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BARN01_20090201-003926/194485/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When she was a child in North Side Richmond, her parents taught Melody Barnes a common-sense lesson: &#8220;Turn out the lights when you leave the room.&#8220; Today Barnes works in the White House, where she&#8217;s the director of President Barack Obama&#8217;s Domestic Policy Council. And she still thinks the common-sense values she learned in Richmond apply in Washington and such simple ideas will underpin efforts to get recession-wracked America moving toward prosperity again.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:01:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/BARN01_20090201-003926/194485/#When:05:01:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Embattled administrator will step down</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GOOC29_20090128-222726/191781/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Amid controversy, Goochland County Administrator Gregory K. Wolfrey has announced he will resign effective Sunday. The announcement came yesterday afternoon through Assistant County Administrator H. Greg Reid before a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The meeting was to discuss the matter of more than $200,000 worth of county utility checks undeposited over a period of at least two years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:01:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GOOC29_20090128-222726/191781/#When:05:01:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Judge supported despite criticism</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JUDG28_20090127-215008/190557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Chesterfield County judge will keep his job despite efforts by a county lawmaker to have him bounced for allegedly questionable conduct, including keeping a novelty noisemaker in his courtroom. Circuit Judge Timothy J. Hauler last night was backed for another term by a Senate Courts of Justice subcommittee named to hear complaints by Sen. Stephen H. Martin, R-Chesterfield.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JUDG28_20090127-215008/190557/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>7th District newcomer draws fire and praise</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SEVE19_20090118-221132/181936/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Delores L. McQuinn moves from the Richmond City Council to the Virginia House of Delegates. The Richmond City Council has only started accepting r&#233;sum&#233;s for its vacant 7th District seat, but one candidate&#8217;s recent move into the district and her work there are generating significant attention. Comments posted on the Web site Church Hill People&#8217;s News have taken aim at Cynthia Newbille, who is former 7th District Councilwoman Delores L. McQuinn&#8217;s recommended successor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:01:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/SEVE19_20090118-221132/181936/#When:05:01:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Clerk loses Va. high court case</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/OPIN17_20090116-222633/180806/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk Judy L. Worthington yesterday lost her appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia in a struggle with her court&#8217;s chief judge, Michael C. Allen. In a brief order, the justices turned down Worthington&#8217;s challenge of an order from Allen that a local lawyer be authorized to perform marriages and that his name be added to a county Web site list of those who can perform marriages.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/OPIN17_20090116-222633/180806/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Autism rally draws 200</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/autism_rally_draws_200/180296/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
About 200 people, including advocates for and parents of autistic children, gathered at the Bell Tower yesterday in Capitol Square. They spoke in favor of a bill that would require health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism in individuals under 21. Coverage would be subject to an annual maximum benefit of $36,000.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:33:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/autism_rally_draws_200/180296/#When:19:33:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Capitol Talk Video: Jan. 15</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/capitol_talk_video_jan._15/178674/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Hear our political team analyze the governor&#8217;s speech to the General Assembly.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:57:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/capitol_talk_video_jan._15/178674/#When:03:57:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>General Assembly 2009</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/general_assembly_2009/178222/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state legislature is back in session. New members were sworn in, and political reporter Olympia Meola says the bloody battle over a shrinking budget is about to begin.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:16:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/general_assembly_2009/178222/#When:22:16:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jones names Hawley as new press secretary</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE08_20090107-215303/171872/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has named Tammy D. Hawley as his press secretary. Hawley is president and founder of The Hawley Group, a Richmond-based firm specializing in project management, community relations and event planning.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:01:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE08_20090107-215303/171872/#When:05:01:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jones names 2 mayoral staffers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/DENS03_20090102-213121/167724/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has started to name his administration, beginning with Suzette P. Denslow as chief of staff and David M. Hicks as senior policy analyst.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/DENS03_20090102-213121/167724/#When:05:01:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>First&#45;term councilman is elected new mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HGTS03_20090102-212639/167713/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Colonial Heights City Council last night elected first-term Councilman C. Scott Davis as mayor, rejecting the reappointment of John T. Wood to a third mayoral term. At a special meeting, the seven-member council also elected Betsy G. Luck as vice mayor. Davis, who is chief of police at Richard Bland College, is serving his first four-year term on the council. He was nominated by Luck for the two-year mayoral term and was backed by all of the council members except Wood.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:01:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/HGTS03_20090102-212639/167713/#When:05:01:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jones hails immigrants as inspiration</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO02_20090101-211314/167054/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On his first full day as mayor, Dwight C. Jones put Richmond on notice that hard times are here to stay and that the path to renewed prosperity doesn&#8217;t necessarily go through City Hall.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:01:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO02_20090101-211314/167054/#When:05:01:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gov. Kaine is proud to have helped Obama</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/gov._kaine_is_proud_to_have_helped_obama/161593/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Tim Kaine is proud to have helped Barack Obama win Virginia and says their friendship could benefit the state in years to come.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:22:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/gov._kaine_is_proud_to_have_helped_obama/161593/#When:16:22:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jones recruits 45 to ease transition</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE251_20081124-232622/120171/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor-elect Dwight Clinton Jones has enlisted some help to assess the good and bad of the city&#8217;s departments and services, including finance, education and public safety. Saying he wants a change in leadership that focuses on healing and unifying the city, Jones announced yesterday the creation of 10 committees to ease his transition into City Hall. He takes office Jan. 1.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE251_20081124-232622/120171/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jones forms 10 committees</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE25_20081124-211921/120086/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor-elect Dwight Clinton Jones has enlisted some help to assess the good and bad of the city&#8217;s departments and services, including finance, education and public safety. Saying he wants a change in leadership that focuses on healing and unifying the city, Jones announced yesterday the creation of 10 committees to ease his transition into City Hall. He takes office Jan. 1.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/JONE25_20081124-211921/120086/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cantor named No. 2 Republican in U.S. House</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CANTGAT19_20081119-123005/117520/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Eric I. Cantor became the No. 2 Republican in the U.S. House today, winning an uncontested election as party whip. Cantor is the first Virginian to hold the post in either party.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:29:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CANTGAT19_20081119-123005/117520/#When:18:29:20Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cuts in GRTC bus routes on table tonight</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GRTC18GAT_20081118-060803/117259/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
People will have one more chance tonight to talk about proposed changes in GRTC bus routes. The informal town meeting will be the third and last community forum conducted by GRTC Transit System on a proposal to eliminate up to nine bus routes in the Richmond area. The meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Richmond City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 900 E. Broad St.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:08:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/GRTC18GAT_20081118-060803/117259/#When:12:08:06Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Schools&#8217; audit nearly complete</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RSKL18_20081117-232633/117235/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The internal audit of a procurement procedure for a project at a Richmond public school is nearly complete, the system&#8217;s interim superintendent said at last night&#8217;s School Board meeting. In question is a process in which an architect was chosen for design of a handicap-accessibility project at William Fox Elementary School. The request for proposals for that job seemed written to benefit a single vendor. A high-ranking school administrator acknowledged as much in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article last week, prompting the internal review. But the administrator, the acting assistant superintendent who oversees facilities, said he was satisfied policy was followed.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:01:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/RSKL18_20081117-232633/117235/#When:06:01:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Turnout sets record, just barely</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/vote17_20081116_212336/116872/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s voter turnout set a record in the 2008 presidential election, but for all the attention given to this battleground state, the percentage was not much higher than in 2004. Some registrars predicted that turnout would top 80 percent, but ultimately, 74 percent of Virginia&#8217;s voters cast ballots, up from 71 percent four years ago.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:01:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/vote17_20081116_212336/116872/#When:06:01:15Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Planners to consider approval of river park</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ches17_20081116_213750/116938/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
An 80-acre park on the Appomattox River will be one of the items Chesterfield County planners will consider tomorrow as part of a weighty agenda. The county&#8217;s Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking approval to permit park use on 80 acres just south of River Road across the river from Dinwiddie County. If approved, the land will be purchased for $560,000 and be converted into hiking trails and a canoe launch along the 1-mile stretch of river.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ches17_20081116_213750/116938/#When:06:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond mayoral race may not be over yet</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO061_20081105-232406/114443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s mayoral race may not be over after all. While Del. Dwight Clinton Jones appears to have captured the five districts necessary to make him the next mayor, the city still does not have final vote totals&#8212;including the breakdown of more than 6,300 absentee ballots that theoretically could flip the outcome in one or two pivotal districts.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO061_20081105-232406/114443/#When:06:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Grey faults rivals at final mayor&#8217;s race forum</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYRGAT28_20081028-225603/112488/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In a forum at the Library of Virginia tonight, Richmond mayoral candidate Robert J. Grey went on the offensive and used his closing remarks to portray rivals Dwight Clinton Jones and William J. Pantele as having failed to improve the city despite more than 20 years of combined public service. &#8220;We need new leadership. We need a new face in City Hall,&#8220; Grey, an attorney, said during the last forum before next Tuesday&#8217;s election. &#8220;We need someone who has been able to get results through the work they have done in the community.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:56:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYRGAT28_20081028-225603/112488/#When:03:56:14Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond mayoral candidates meet for last scheduled debate</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYOGAT28_20081028-060404/112290/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With a week to go before the election, Richmond&#8217;s four mayoral candidates meet tonight for their last scheduled debate. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. It is open to the public. The candidates are Pantele Robert J. Grey Jr., Dwight Clinton Jones, William J. Pantele and Lawrence E. Williams Sr.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:04:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYOGAT28_20081028-060404/112290/#When:11:04:48Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>2 Richmond candidates begin ads</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO28_20081027-213207/112255/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond mayoral candidates Dwight Clinton Jones and William J. Pantele launched television ads yesterday as part of their final push before next Tuesday&#8217;s election. Four candidates are running for mayor, but a poll taken last week showed Jones, a state delegate, and Pantele, the City Council president, in a virtual tie with more than one in five voters still undecided.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:01:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO28_20081027-213207/112255/#When:05:01:29Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Support for Wilder declines</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL271_20081026-233505/112084/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder will leave City Hall in about two months, having lost much of the support that swept him into office four years ago, a new poll has found. A Richmond Times-Dispatch Poll taken last week found that 61 percent of citywide voters rated Wilder&#8217;s performance as fair or poor. Thirty-five percent gave a grade of excellent or good. Four percent weren&#8217;t sure.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:01:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL271_20081026-233505/112084/#When:05:01:49Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond mayoral race appears close</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL26_20081025-192209/111810/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s mayoral race is a virtual tie between Del. Dwight Clinton Jones and City Council President William J. Pantele with a slew of undecided voters and two districts up for the taking, a new poll shows. A Richmond Times-Dispatch Poll conducted last week showed Pantele with a statistically insignificant lead over Jones, 32 percent to 30 percent, as the race enters its final days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:01:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL26_20081025-192209/111810/#When:05:01:46Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Mayor&#8217;s race poll by council districts</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO26G_20081025-232018/111932/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
12356 1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th  Pantele4063444231 517 526 Jones 9 8 8103456536230 Grey16 412 91419141415 Williams 0 0 2 2 1 7 4 1 3 Goldman 2 0 4 3 3 0 1 1 4 Undecided332530241713111722 SOURCE: Richmond Times-Dispatch Poll           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:01:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO26G_20081025-232018/111932/#When:05:01:38Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond mayor race seems close</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL261_20081025-232703/111940/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s mayoral race is a virtual tie between Del. Dwight Clinton Jones and City Council President William J. Pantele with a slew of undecided voters and two districts up for the taking, a new poll shows. A Richmond Times-Dispatch Poll conducted last week showed Pantele with a statistically insignificant lead over Jones, 32 percent to 30 percent, as the race enters its final days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:01:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/POLL261_20081025-232703/111940/#When:05:01:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Chrysalis: Integral Politics, October 10</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/C-POLI_20081007-103011/107573/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Are you a supporter of Obama or McCain? Does either candidate fully fit with your perspective? Do you wish we had other ways of discussing politics and issues other than from a &#8220;liberal&#8221; or &#8220;conservative&#8221; point of view? Come join The Chrysalis Group and Leadership Metro Richmond at an engaging, thought provoking, and playful event where we will explore an alternative approach to viewing politics. This event is for anyone who is dissatisfied with the current modes of political discourse&#8230;and who wants to learn a new way of engaging with the issues of our time.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:29:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/C-POLI_20081007-103011/107573/#When:09:29:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Mayoral endorsement a mistake, says chairman</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ENDO07_20081006-233008/107539/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The chairman of the Richmond Democratic Committee says he mistakenly allowed a vote to endorse Del. Dwight Clinton Jones for mayor that violated the committee&#8217;s bylaws. Eric Payne told a five-member Democratic party appeals panel last night that he was not aware when the vote was taken on Sept. 25 that committee rules do not allow new business to be introduced at party meetings.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/ENDO07_20081006-233008/107539/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>3 mayoral candidates appealing endorsement</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO06_20081005-210809/107287/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Three of the city&#8217;s mayoral candidates are joining forces to appeal what they are calling the backroom, closed-door endorsement of a fourth candidate by the Richmond City Democratic Committee. A joint committee representing the 3rd and 7th Congressional District Committees will hear specifics of the appeal tonight in a conference call.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO06_20081005-210809/107287/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Car policies in area localities</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CARS06S_20081005-213658/107216/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s a perk to be allowed to drive a government-owned vehicle home. Here&#8217;s who does in the Richmond region: Amelia County: Allows deputies to take patrol cars home; 17 do so. In addition, the on-call maintenance supervisor can take a vehicle home. Caroline County: Besides the county administrator, 42 deputies, three utilities employees, three public works department employees, three fire-and-rescue workers and the county building official can take their county-owned cars home.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CARS06S_20081005-213658/107216/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond&#8217;s figures on car use imprecise</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CARS06_20081005-212943/107215/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8212;criticized in recent audits for poor oversight of its vehicles&#8212;can&#8217;t say how many officials drive city-owned cars home, while most of the area&#8217;s 19 other cities and counties say they try to limit the number of employees who do. More than 1,800 area city and county government employees, most of them police officers or deputies, drive government-owned vehicles home, a Richmond Times-Dispatch survey found. Last month, Richmond&#8217;s city auditor found two build-ing inspectors had been driving city-owned vehicles to the suburbs as they dodged work for periods of several days.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CARS06_20081005-212943/107215/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Pantele: City&#8217;s future is bright</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/PANT03_20081002-213307/100012/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Mayoral candidate William J. Pantele spoke of cautious optimism for Richmond in the face of the national financial disaster during a luncheon speech yesterday to the South Richmond Rotary Club. &#8220;Richmond has a very bright future,&#8220; Pantele, president of the Richmond City Council, told 65 people at Meadowbrook Country Club in Chesterfield County. &#8220;Things are coming around for the city in a lot of ways.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/PANT03_20081002-213307/100012/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jones, Pantele release polls favoring campaigns</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO03_20081002-213307/100009/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond mayoral candidates Dwight Clinton Jones and William J. Pantele released dueling polling numbers yesterday suggesting the five-person race is largely a contest between the two of them, with about one-third of voters undecided. A memo released by a supporter of Jones indicated that a recent survey done by his campaign shows Jones leading Pantele 34 percent to 17 percent among a citywide sample of likely voters.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO03_20081002-213307/100009/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Voters register as deadline nears</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VREG03_20081002-211929/99950/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With Monday&#8217;s 5 p.m. deadline to register looming, thousands of prospective voters are adding their names to the voting rolls this week. The deadline is 29 days before the Nov. 4 presidential election. The presidential, senatorial and congressional campaigns are making last-minute pushes to sign up prospective voters, as are interest groups.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/VREG03_20081002-211929/99950/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Supervisors deny deferral request</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES25_20080924-232813/90919/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Nearly 200 Bayhill Pointe residents went home happy last night after a controversial zoning application in Chesterfield County was suddenly withdrawn when the county&#8217;s Board of Supervisors refused to grant the developer&#8217;s request for a six-month deferral. The crowd spilled into the hallways at the county&#8217;s public meeting room in a show of opposition to the proposed development that would connect to the Bayhill community through an extension of Battlecreek Drive.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CHES25_20080924-232813/90919/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Grey rips mayoral rivals for inaction</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO25_20080924-212856/90873/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s mayoral race has turned snarky. With the election six weeks away, Robert J. Grey Jr. lashed out at two rivals yesterday, saying Del. Dwight Clinton Jones and City Council President William J. Pantele have done little to move the city forward. Grey issued a news release that asked, &#8220;What are they waiting for?&#8220; It jumped on comments made by Jones and Pantele at a forum Tuesday when asked how they would address particular issues if elected mayor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO25_20080924-212856/90873/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Mayoral hopefuls consider future</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO24_20080923-233218/90636/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond&#8217;s mayoral candidates looked last night to the future of downtown, and several of them balked at the idea that it could include a new ballpark in Shockoe Bottom rather than along North Boulevard. Paul Goldman, William J. Pantele and Lawrence E. Williams Sr. emphasized different points but all said they favor keeping baseball on the Boulevard near The Diamond if Richmond can lure a franchise to replace the Class AAA Braves.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/MAYO24_20080923-233218/90636/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond council names charter&#45;study candidates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CITY24_20080923-212833/90590/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Richmond City Council has released the names of four candidates for appointment to a charter-study commission. The candidates are John Moeser, a professor of urban studies and planning; John Thompson, an attorney; Orran L. Brown, an attorney; and Frederick Marsh, an attorney. Hugh Fain and Roger Wiley, both attorneys, are recommended alternates.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/CITY24_20080923-212833/90590/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wilder supporters back Grey for Richmond mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/WILD21_20080920-213127/89950/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder only hints at his preference for mayor, but his former supporters are speaking volumes with their checkbooks. Corporate leaders and others who bankrolled Wilder&#8217;s campaign to lead City Hall in 2004 are overwhelmingly behind Robert J. Grey Jr. in this year&#8217;s race, according to an analysis by the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan tracker of political giving in the state.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/WILD21_20080920-213127/89950/#When:23:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Michelle Obama to visit Richmond</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_15_0057/26059/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, will host a women&#39;s economic roundtable in Richmond on Wednesday, followed by a Women for Obama voter-registration rally in Charlottesville that afternoon.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:09:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_15_0057/26059/#When:23:09:53Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Chesterfield looks at increasing tax relief</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_15_0055/26058/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Chesterfield County leaders are considering expanding the county&#39;s Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:09:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_15_0055/26058/#When:23:09:42Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Uranium&#8217;s a hot topic for GOP</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_14_0218/25976/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#39;s too early for fall foliage, but lobster is always in season. Del. Clarke Hogan, R-Halifax, threw a grand old party at his family&#39;s pile in Brunswick, Maine, this past weekend.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:08:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_14_0218/25976/#When:23:08:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Goldman has $100,000 for race</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_14_0214/25973/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond mayoral candidate Paul Goldman will have cash to compete for votes in the closing weeks of the campaign.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:08:58 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Finally, signs of distinction among mayoral candidates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_13_0126/25792/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you&#39;re looking for a sign of what to expect from your mayor in the next four years, you could do worse than checking out the campaign signs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:08:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_13_0126/25792/#When:23:08:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gilmore, Warner OK third debate</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_13_0129/25794/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
U.S. Senate rivals Jim Gilmore and Mark R. Warner have agreed to a third debate&#8212;and the first to be broadcast statewide. They will face off Oct. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. The debate will originate from WSLS-NBC 10, a Roanoke television station owned by Media General Inc., parent company of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Republican Gilmore and Democrat Warner will appear Thursday before the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. That debate will be carried on a regional cable television network.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:08:47 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Realtor group backs Pantele for mayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_12_0082/25579/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Richmond Realtors Political Action Committee has endorsed William J. Pantele for Richmond mayor, citing his &#34;progressive and determined leadership, as well as his constructive personal relationships with the business community and leaders of the surrounding jurisdictions.&#34; The committee, affiliated with the Richmond Association of Realtors, said Pantele&#39;s experience, including as president of Richmond City Council, would help the region with such issues as affordable work force housing, regional transportation and economic development opportunities.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:08:56 EST</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate forum slated for Oct. 21</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_12_0080/25577/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A forum for the candidates for Richmond mayor and the 7th District representatives to the City Council and School Board will be held Oct. 21 at the Powhatan Hill Community Center, 5051 Northampton St. The forum starts at 7 p.m. and is organized by the Greater Fulton Hill Civic Association and the Church Hill Association. For information, call (804) 226-4366 or e-mail &#60;a href=&#34;mailto:meotto@cavtel.net&#34;&#62;meotto@cavtel.net&#60;/a&#62;.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:08:56 EST</pubDate>
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        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Meet the candidates in Colonial Heights</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_10_0205/25322/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee of Colonial Heights will sponsor a &#34;Meet the Candidates Night&#34; on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Community Building, 157 Roanoke Ave., Colonial Heights. The eight City Council candidates will speak for five minutes each. The three School Board candidates and the City Council candidates will be available from 8 to 9 p.m. for questions from residents.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:34:01 EST</pubDate>
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        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wilder gets list of finalists in search for next police chief</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_10_0059/25230/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Richmond could have a new police chief soon. Mayor L. Douglas Wilder announced yesterday that he had received a list of finalists for the position and will interview them before making his pick. &#34;It&#39;s important for the city to maintain its momentum in the fight against crime,&#34; Wilder said in a statement.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:10:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_10_0059/25230/#When:00:10:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>City official never opened audit e&#45;mail</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_10_0090/25244/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Mayor L. Douglas Wilder says Richmond&#39;s auditor is playing politics by surprising him with severely critical reports&#8212;but the problem may be that top city officials aren&#39;t reading their e-mails.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:05:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/-RTD_2008_09_10_0090/25244/#When:00:05:00Z</guid>
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