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    <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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        <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-20T16:40:17-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <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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          <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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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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>
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          <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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          <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>
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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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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          <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>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>
        </item>
    
         <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>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>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>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>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>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>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>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>
        </item>
    
         <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>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>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>Gubernatorial candidates cast their ballots</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/gubernatorial_candidates_cast_their_ballots/303371/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s gubernatorial candidates cast their ballots this morning.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:24:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/gubernatorial_candidates_cast_their_ballots/303371/#When:14:24:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Long&#45;distance call from Alaska?</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/long-distance_call_from_alaska/303366/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a long-awaited entry into the Virginia governor&#8217;s race via an automated call to as many as 350,000 state residents urging them to vote.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:32:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/long-distance_call_from_alaska/303366/#When:12:32:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Election updates: McDonnell leads in early returns</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/early_voters_likely_to_find_shorter_lines_than_in_nov/303361/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell held an early lead in the race to become the 71st governor of Virginia today. First Virginia Board of Elections results showed McDonnell leading Democrat R. Creigh Deeds by a wide margin.&nbsp; 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:41:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/early_voters_likely_to_find_shorter_lines_than_in_nov/303361/#When:11:41:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Election Day Q&amp;A</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03G_20091102-222809/303331/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Q. What&#8217;s on the ballot? &nbsp; A. Voters statewide will elect a governor, a lieutenant governor and an attorney general. All 100 House of Delegates seats are up for election, but only 69 are contested. State senators are not on the ballot until 2011. &nbsp; Q. What else is on the ballot? &nbsp; A. It varies by locality. Part of Richmond will select a City Council member in the 7th District. Hopewell will elect a commonwealth&#8217;s attorney; Petersburg will elect a sheriff; Colonial Heights will elect a commissioner of the revenue.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03G_20091102-222809/303331/#When:05:01:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates finish campaigns with final bids for votes</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20091102-222809/303330/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginians cast ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. Virginia, N.J. are the only states electing governors today.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20091102-222809/303330/#When:05:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia candidates step up efforts in waning hours</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS02_20091101-222403/303131/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democrat R. Creigh Deeds took his campaign to Hampton Roads yesterday, while Republican Bob McDonnell flew around the state in late efforts to drive up turnout in a contest that has taken on national significance.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:01:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS02_20091101-222403/303131/#When:05:01:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell, Deeds push key campaign themes as race nears end</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS011_20091031-234602/302997/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell said yesterday that his jobs-and-economy theme has helped push him ahead, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds continued promoting themes of education and transportation as the gubernatorial campaign headed into its final two days. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour joined McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and GOP attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli for yesterday&#8217;s first two stops in Springfield and Fredericksburg, before the trio headed to stops in Chesterfield County and Williamsburg.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS011_20091031-234602/302997/#When:04:01:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Attorney General</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01ATTG_20091031-210003/302888/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stephen C. Shannon (Democrat) Ken Cuccinelli (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Cuccinelli: Virginia is currently rated the No. 1 state in which to do business by Forbes magazine. One of the main reasons for this success is that we have had Republican attorneys general over the last 15 years who have protected the people of Virginia while staying out of the way of businesses &#8220;doing business,&#8220; unlike the Democrats&#8217; vision of heavy regulation and the promotion of unions. As attorney general, I will seek to bolster our economy by protecting the commonwealth of Virginia&#8217;s right-to-work status and by working to keep state government regulations to the minimum possible to keep our citizens safe and productive. In Virginia, state law today secures employees&#8217; rights to decide for themselves whether to join or support a union. The law makes it illegal for any employer to come to an agreement with a union that non-union employees will be excluded from its rolls. This statute is very important for the business climate of Virginia, as right-to-work states generally experience higher economic growth, higher job creation and lower unemployment rates than do non-right-to-work law states. I believe it is not a coincidence that in recent years almost all of the new auto factories have been located in right-to-work states. Unfortunately, the federal government has chosen to push legislation&#8212;commonly called &#8220;card check&#8221;&#8212;that would dramatically undermine Virginia&#8217;s right-to-work law. . . . As attorney general, I will seek to use the 10th Amendment to prevent the Congress and the president from undermining our right-to-work law. Currently, the Virginia Administrative Code contains over 23,000 pages, and Virginia citizens and businesses are expected to understand and comply with the legal requirements contained within these 23,000 pages. This requires money by these citizens, which is eventually passed along to the public at large by higher prices for the products. In 2006, Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced his Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force, which worked in a bipartisan fashion to eliminate excessive and unnecessary government regulations. The task force produced its final report on June 11, 2009. As attorney general, I will continue to implement these suggestions, if any remain, and to prevent the continuing buildup of unnecessary new regulations.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01ATTG_20091031-210003/302888/#When:04:01:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell extends advantage in Times&#45;Dispatch poll</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL01_20091031-222608/302949/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell is favored by 53 percent, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is preferred by 41 percent&#8212;a widened lead from an early October survey for the newspaper. Six percent are undecided in the latest poll.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL01_20091031-222608/302949/#When:04:01:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01GOV_20091031-205404/302883/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
R. Creigh Deeds (Democrat) Bob McDonnell (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Deeds: The first job of the next governor is to restore confidence in the economy. I&#8217;ve put forward a comprehensive plan to create jobs in every area of the commonwealth, preserve our low-tax, business-friendly climate, and finally pass a statewide transportation plan. My plan will work best because it gives immediate incentives for job creation, giving a tax cut for every job created. It builds to last by investing in education and training and emerging industries like renewable energy. I led the effort to create the modern Governor&#8217;s Opportunity Fund, which has created or saved over 79,000 jobs in Virginia. I&#8217;ll double that fund and add $10 million for job training to help Virginia compete with neighboring states for top companies to move here. I&#8217;ll make it easier to start and expand a small business, train more nurses and health-care professionals to work in high-need areas, and double our investment in tourism. McDonnell: The top issue in this campaign is jobs and the economy. I&#8217;m running to be a jobs governor. I have laid out innovative ideas to create new jobs and get our economy back on track. I want to make Virginia the best place in America to open and grow a small business. I support expediting the permitting process for small businesses, the enterprise zone program and tax credits for green jobs. I will double the Governor&#8217;s Opportunity Fund to help attract new business. I will give tax credits to businesses that expand or create jobs in economically distressed areas. I will protect the jobs we have by standing up against federal policies like card check and cap-and-trade that, if enacted, threaten thousands of jobs in the commonwealth. We must send a clear message that Virginia is open for business, with a pro-business climate that stands out because of low taxes and incentives for job creation, limited regulation and a fiscally sound government that lives within its means.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01GOV_20091031-205404/302883/#When:04:01:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidate Q&amp;A: Lieutenant Governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01LG_20091031-205404/302884/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jody Wagner (Democrat) Bill Bolling (Republican) Q. If elected, how would you help put people back to work? Bolling: I have put forth a detailed Jobs for Virginians program . . . that focuses on providing additional tax incentives for businesses creating jobs in Virginia, reducing the regulatory burden on Virginia businesses and investing in proven economic development and job-creation programs. In addition, my More Energy, More Jobs program is designed to make Virginia the East Coast&#8217;s leader in developing traditional, renewable and new and emerging energy technologies. Finally, I will stand in firm opposition to tax increases and misguided federal policies like &#8220;card check&#8221; and cap and trade, which will kill jobs and drive our economy deeper into recession.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX01LG_20091031-205404/302884/#When:04:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell holds wide lead in Times&#45;Dispatch poll</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_holds_wide_lead_in_times-dispatch_poll/302894/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bob McDonnell is favored by 53 percent, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is preferred by 41 percent &#8212; a widened lead from an early October survey for the newspaper. Six percent are undecided in the latest poll. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:19:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_holds_wide_lead_in_times-dispatch_poll/302894/#When:01:19:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gubernatorial campaigns rely on social media</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SOCI311_20091030-235602/302821/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the two men campaigning for Virginia governor make last-minute sound bites to get out the vote on Tuesday, the virtual cocktail parties they host on their Facebook fan pages have exploded in activity. Both campaigns have rolled out Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, YouTube videos and other social media tools to reach voters over the course of the race, in addition to their primary Web sites.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SOCI311_20091030-235602/302821/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>T&#45;D Poll: Republicans lead in down&#45;ticket races</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL31_20091030-223207/302801/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Things are looking up for the Republicans&#8217; down-ticket candidates, according to the latest poll for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL31_20091030-223207/302801/#When:05:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates begin last campaign weekend</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS31_20091030-222604/302769/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
McDonnell Deeds The Republican statewide ticket rolled into the GOP heartland yesterday exuding confidence but urging stepped-up get-out-the-vote efforts. &#8220;Put up the last sign, talk to someone at the water cooler, send out another e-mail,&#8220; gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell told about 75 Republicans crowded into the Homemades by Suzanne catering shop in Ashland.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS31_20091030-222604/302769/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lt. gov.: few duties, but steppingstone to higher office?</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV30_20091029-222404/302522/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s lieutenant governor has just two constitutionally mandated responsibilities. Yet the short job description hasn&#8217;t stopped Republican Bill Bolling or Democrat Jody Wagner from spending millions of dollars to win election.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV30_20091029-222404/302522/#When:05:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Governor candidates begin last dash to race&#8217;s end</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS30_20091029-223203/302540/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sensing a winner, out-of-state high rollers are pumping fistfuls of cash into Bob McDonnell&#8217;s gubernatorial campaign, while Democrats suggest Republicans and their allies are outspending R. Creigh Deeds on television nearly 2-to-1. While burning through millions of dollars on advertising, mail and voter mobilization in the run-up to Tuesday&#8217;s election, the candidates yesterday dashed through the Richmond area, reaching out to key constituencies.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:01:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS30_20091029-223203/302540/#When:05:01:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Candidates gather force in march to Election Day</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/candidates_gather_force_in_march_to_election_day/302361/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
GOP&#8217;s Bob McDonnell warns against overconfidence while Democrat Creigh Deeds said he can prevail despite gloomy forecast in public opinion polls.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:39:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/candidates_gather_force_in_march_to_election_day/302361/#When:17:39:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Group halts Va. voter mailing amid legal questions</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/group_halts_va._voter_mailing_amid_legal_questions/302348/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A nonprofit group has halted a planned mass mailing that would have the disclosed the voting history of thousands of Virginians after questions were raised about its legality.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:53:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/group_halts_va._voter_mailing_amid_legal_questions/302348/#When:15:53:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP headliners hopscotch Virginia for McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS29_20091028-223202/302298/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, ex-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York campaign for McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS29_20091028-223202/302298/#When:05:01:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Protesters push to have late absentee ballots counted</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX29_20091028-222809/302274/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Louise Amato stood outside the State Board of Elections office at 1100 Bank St. in Richmond yesterday and held up a large sign that read: &#8220;Those who count the votes, decide everything.&#8220; She was quoting the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and making the point that late absentee ballots from military personnel serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere should be counted.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX29_20091028-222809/302274/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; Oct. 29th</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_oct._29th/302209/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This past week, Creigh Deeds was very much an Obama Democrat.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:39:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_oct._29th/302209/#When:02:39:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>At Norfolk rally, Obama urges backers to boost Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED28_20091027-222807/302037/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Having previously distanced himself from the president as a potential liability, R. Creigh Deeds now is embracing Barack Obama in what may be the Democratic gubernatorial candidate&#8217;s last chance to shift momentum.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED28_20091027-222807/302037/#When:05:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Money rolls in for statewide candidates</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH28_20091027-223204/302049/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A.T. Massey Coal Co. gave $40,000 on Monday to Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell and $10,000 to GOP attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli&#8212;an example of the kind of money being plunked down in the closing days of the statewide contests. While those were among the larger contributions that came in this week, donations of $5,000 or more are being received by candidates of both parties, and special-interest groups are continuing their push, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH28_20091027-223204/302049/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>16 Va. localities fail to meet absentee&#45;ballot deadline</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VOTE28_20091027-222602/302033/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Despite court prodding and changes in state election laws, 16 Virginia localities have failed to meet a deadline to allow absentee ballots of military personnel serving overseas to be counted on time. Nancy Rodriques, secretary of the State Board of Elections, said she did not know how many ballots will not be counted. The local election districts include the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights and Williamsburg as well as Caroline County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VOTE28_20091027-222602/302033/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Language in D.C. same&#45;sex marriage bill is debated</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DCGA28_20091027-221607/302003/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Take the terms &#8220;bride&#8221; and &#8220;groom&#8221; off D.C. marriage licenses and replace them with the word &#8220;spouse.&#8220; That&#8217;s one change being suggested as supporters and opponents of a proposed bill to allow same-sex marriage in Washington take a hard look at the bill&#8217;s language. The bill was introduced this month and had its first hearing in a City Council committee Monday. Part of the reason for the hearing is to rigorously examine the bill&#8217;s language and propose changes.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DCGA28_20091027-221607/302003/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Diradour drops bid to unseat Cantor</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT28_20091027-215604/301972/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One month after announcing his bid to unseat Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, Richmond businessman Charlie Diradour is bowing out. He cited dedication to his family and to Richmond in a statement released yesterday announcing his withdrawal. Diradour, who doesn&#8217;t live in the 7th Congressional District, was seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Cantor in 2010.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT28_20091027-215604/301972/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell leads Deeds in poll, cash</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20091026-221205/301774/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell enters the countdown to the gubernatorial election comfortably ahead in the latest poll and flush with cash, while Democrat R. Creigh Deeds is looking to a presidential visit today to boost his lagging campaign. On the eve of President Barack Obama&#8217;s appearance with Deeds at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, a poll by The Washington Post yesterday showed McDonnell leading by 11 percentage points&#8212;55 percent to 44 percent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20091026-221205/301774/#When:05:01:19Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general candidates have similar stories, different views</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG26_20091025-221604/301586/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli stepped offstage last week after a particularly heated debate with rival Stephen C. Shannon and quipped that people never would believe they are friends. They do get along and in some respects have moved in similar circles. Both attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Both attended the University of Virginia, though years apart.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:01:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ATTG26_20091025-221604/301586/#When:05:01:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Politics in the blood of rural Democrat Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED25_20091024-222204/301506/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A steady, raw drizzle descends on Petersburg as the Chevy Suburban carrying Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Creigh Deeds pulls into the parking lot of Virginia State University. On this soggy Thursday night, VSU is playing host to Virginia Union University in the annual gridiron clash between the historically black schools. Deeds, 51, a state senator from rural Bath County, isn&#8217;t about to play favorites. To have any chance of winning Nov. 3, he will need just about every eligible vote in the sodden stands.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED25_20091024-222204/301506/#When:05:01:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State accepts only parts of Northrop Grumman&#8217;s plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24S_20091023-221606/301295/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While acknowledging parts of a Northrop Grumman fix-it plan for the government&#8217;s troubled IT network could work, Virginia is not retreating from its claim that the giant company has violated its contract with the state. Northrop Grumman, hired under a 10-year, $2.3 billion contract that is at least a year behind schedule, is asking for more time and a freer hand to complete Virginia&#8217;s switch to a privately managed information-technology system.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24S_20091023-221606/301295/#When:05:01:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>After delay, PCs headed to health agency for swine&#45;flu effort</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20091023-223008/301343/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Extra computers are headed to health offices as part of Virginia&#8217;s response to swine flu after the company providing IT services to the state initially resisted supplying the gear because it was uncertain it would be paid. Northrop Grumman attributes the holdup to a misunderstanding. The Virginia Health Department blames confusion that, once cleared up, led to a better deal for the agency.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:18 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20091023-223008/301343/#When:05:01:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds urges aid for Isle of Wight paper&#45;mill workers</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS241_20091023-234002/301406/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
R. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor, is promising fattened jobless pay and health insurance for thousands who will be thrown out of work by the shutdown of a paper plant near Franklin. Deeds, who visited the International Paper Inc. factory Thursday, said on a conference call with reporters yesterday that the closing is &#8220;just devastating&#8221; and will leave a &#8220;gap in the landscape of Isle of Wight County.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS241_20091023-234002/301406/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general hopefuls&#8217; debate takes on racial overtones</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEBA23_20091022-223007/301144/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cuccinelli Shannon The final debate in the campaign for attorney general took on racial overtones yesterday as Democrat Stephen C. Shannon accused Republican Ken Cuccinelli of being &#8220;an ideological crusader&#8221; who favors states&#8217; rights. Shannon, a delegate from Fairfax County, likened it to an agenda that produced some of Virginia&#8217;s worst movements, such as secession and the fight to maintain segregation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:01:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEBA23_20091022-223007/301144/#When:05:01:24Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia tribes take another step on road to federal recognition</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/INDI23_20091022-223007/301146/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Six Indian tribes in Virginia and the Lumbees of North Carolina yesterday took another step toward federal recognition, which would make them eligible for federal aid. The tribes would be eligible for up to $800 million in federal funds under two bills passed by the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The bills, which bar the tribes from building casinos, already have passed the House.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/INDI23_20091022-223007/301146/#When:05:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>When they were young &#8212; Deeds, McDonnell. Special video report</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/gubernatorial_election/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When they were young &#8212; Deeds, McDonnell. Special video report           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:27:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/gubernatorial_election/#When:14:27:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>When I was very young: Bob McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_bob_mcdonnell/300953/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As a young man in northern Virginia, Bob McDonnell held his faith and ethics close to his heart, and a pigskin close to his jersey.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:24:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_bob_mcdonnell/300953/#When:14:24:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>When I was very young: Creigh Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_creigh_deeds/300951/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
From hunting deer as a child in Bath County to a short-lived stint as school newspaper publisher, Creigh Deeds&#8217; early years were a reflection of rural Virginia.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:21:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/when_i_was_very_young_creigh_deeds/300951/#When:14:21:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Attorney general candidates to debate in Richmond today</title>
          <link>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/attorney_general_candidates_to_debate_in_richmond_today/300939/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The candidates for Virginia attorney general will meet today in a debate.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:47:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/attorney_general_candidates_to_debate_in_richmond_today/300939/#When:11:47:03Z</guid>
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