November 15, 2009
Why Voters Embraced Republicans, Rejected Democrats
Virginia, legendary for independent-minded, ticket-splitting voters, morphed into the land of the straight party-line vote in 2009 as Republicans swept all three statewide offices by double-digit margins for the first time in the modern two-party era. Indeed, the brilliant campaign of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell had the strongest coattails ever: The spread between the three victors was by far the smallest in modern history.
November 14, 2009
Gov.-elect McDonnell announces senior advisers to transition team
Senior advisers to Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell’s transition team include former members of Congress, veterans of former Gov. George Allen’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:
McDonnell meets House Democrats, stresses common ground
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. “I think there’s a lot of common ground that we can find on economic development, on job creation, on improving schools,“ 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.
November 12, 2009
McDonnell to meet with House Democratic Caucus
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.
November 11, 2009
McDonnell to meet with House Democrats
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.
November 10, 2009
Charter Schools: Only Four
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell supports charter schools. So does President Barack Obama, who discussed them with McDonnell during a brief chat the day after McDonnell’s victory. You’d think any reform touted by both a solidly conservative Republican and a staunchly liberal Democrat would face good odds in a purple state like Virginia. But not necessarily. Two major obstacles stand in the way: misperception and the forces of reaction.
McDonnell disagrees with study on trimming tax breaks
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 “progressive public policy.“
November 09, 2009
McDonnell opposes public option for Va.
The morning after the House of Representatives narrowly passed a health-care bill, Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell said the “public option does not seem to be something that’s going to help us in Virginia.“
November 08, 2009
More McDonnell staffers added to transition team
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell’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.
Strike Soon
Democrat Tom Shields challenged Republican incumbent John O’Bannon in the 73rd House of Delegates District. In the weeks prior to Tuesday’s election, yard signs promoting Shields proliferated in the West End. They were impossible to miss along Patterson, Three Chopt, Forest, and other roadways. Their multiplying numbers suggested a competitive race. O’Bannon won in a landslide. It turns out that everyone who voted for Shields must have displayed a sign. Oh well.
Obstacles await McDonnell administration
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’s 71st governor, McDonnell acknowledged that he will face tough economic times when he takes office Jan. 16.
November 05, 2009
Kaine reflects on losses
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: “Channel Your Energy, Replenish Your Spirit and Embrace The Endless Possibilities The Day Brings,“ it stated. Yesterday, after Republicans had swept Virginia’s statewide offices and captured the New Jersey governor’s office, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine did not sound like he would be leaving his post as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
McDonnell announces transition committee
In his first day as governor-elect, Bob McDonnell yesterday announced his transition committee leaders, including Tom Farrell, chairman and CEO of the state’s largest utility, Dominion Resources.
Coloring Book
Bob McDonnell won nine of the state’s 11 congressional districts; only the 3rd and the 8th went for Creigh Deeds, and they are Democratic bastions. The GOP ticket prevailed from top to bottom. Bill Bolling easily won re-election as lieutenant governor. If one year ago an expert had predicted Ken Cuccinelli would be elected attorney general in a landslide, he would have lost his license to practice punditry.
November 04, 2009
Republicans celebrate, Democrats talk of rebuilding
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 “higher platform” from which to rebuild.
