Virginia Politics - News and notes on politics in Richmond.

Posted at 09:48 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Surgical assistants perform operation at the Capitol

By Anita Kumar

The Association of Surgical Assistants is sponsoring a breakfast reception — complete with mock knee replacement surgery — Tuesday morning.

By Anita Kumar | 09:48 AM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:56 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Viagra regs paired with abortion rules

By Laura Vozzella

Opposed to bill requiring ultrasound before abortions, state Sen. Janet Howell tries linking that to requirements for erectile dysfunction drugs

By Laura Vozzella | 06:56 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:20 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Legislators pass bill to provide insurance coverage for autistic children

By Anita Kumar

The General Assembly has passed a bill — again — to provide insurance coverage for families with autistic children.

By Anita Kumar | 04:20 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:06 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Obama adds staff, will open fourth office in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

President Obama continues to build his campaign in Virginia by adding to his staff and opening his fourth office this weekend.

By Anita Kumar | 02:06 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 01/30/2012

McDonnell reported $100,000 in trips, gifts last year

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor reported receiving $43,583 worth of trips funded by taxpayers last year — more than any other governor since at least 2000.

By Anita Kumar | 12:51 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:48 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Corey Stewart says Va. Senate panel should have passed illegal immigrant law

By Jeremy Borden

The chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors said Virginia senators should have passed legislation modeled on a measure in Prince William.

By Jeremy Borden | 05:48 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 01/27/2012

McDonnell appoints former senator Quayle to parole board

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed fellow Republican Fred Quayle, who lost his seat to redistricting, to the Virginia Parole Board.

By Anita Kumar | 02:48 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:11 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Aneesh Chopra resigns from White House, likely to run for Va. lieutenant governor

By Anita Kumar

Chopra stepped down Friday as the White House’s first chief technology officer and is widely expected to announce that he will run for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 01:11 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Va. braces for defense cuts, base closures

By Ben Pershing

Virginia officials are preparing to defend the state’s military installations from cutbacks, after the Obama administration announced that it would seek to trim the Pentagon's budget for the first time in more than a decade.

By Ben Pershing | 12:25 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:54 AM ET, 01/27/2012

Montana governor will headline Va. Democrats’ annual fundraiser

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Brian Schweitzer will be the keynote speaker at the Virginia Democrats’ annual black-tie Jefferson-Jackson dinner next month.

By Anita Kumar | 11:54 AM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:51 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Gun-rights bills hit snag in Va. Senate

By Laura Vozzella

Improper proxy votes send bills back to committee, but they are not expected to derail legislation to lift one-handgun-per-month limit and other pro-gun bills

By Laura Vozzella | 08:51 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:22 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Democrats win Va. judicial standoff

By Laura Vozzella

The party is out of power but mustered some muscle in a dispute that Republicans said played politics with the judiciary.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:22 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:42 PM ET, 01/26/2012

House passes bill to repeal HPV vaccine for girls

By Anita Kumar

The Republican-led House of Delegates tentatively passed a bill to eliminate the state’s 2007 requirement that girls receive the vaccine before sixth grade.

By Anita Kumar | 05:42 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Obama campaign to open Va. headquarters

By Ben Pershing

President Obama’s reelection campaign is set to open its new Virginia headquarters in Richmond Saturday.

By Ben Pershing | 05:13 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: barack obama

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Sunday hunting ban lifted by Va. Senate

By Laura Vozzella

The measure was a difficult vote for some conservative lawmakers.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:58 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:54 AM ET, 01/26/2012

‘Kings Dominion law’ likely to live on in Va., leaving first day of school after Labor Day

By Laura Vozzella

First day of school likely to remain after Labor Day, pleasing tourism industry, disappointing education advocates.

By Laura Vozzella | 11:54 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 01/26/2012

Virginia to transform system of caring for developmentally disabled

By Anita Kumar

State to close four state institutions and move thousands of people to more community-based care.

By Anita Kumar | 10:18 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:53 AM ET, 01/26/2012

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: Impasse shows Va. should change way it selects judges

By Anita Kumar

Bolling (R) said this week’s impasse over judges in the evenly divided Senate reiterates the need for a new selection process.

By Anita Kumar | 09:53 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:38 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Va. gun purchase limits could be lifted

By Laura Vozzella

Senate committee that voted to eliminate one-gun-per-month cap killed two other gun-rights bills, giving gun lobby mixed results from GOP-controlled panel

By Laura Vozzella | 10:38 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Bob McDonnell signs Va. congressional redistricting bill into law

By Anita Kumar

McDonnell (R) signed into law a congressional redistricting plan passed by the Republican-led General Assembly that many Democrats say dilutes the rights of minorities.

By Anita Kumar | 03:48 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:59 PM ET, 01/25/2012

McDonnell will campaign for Mitt Romney in Florida

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, says he will fly to Florida this weekend to campaign for presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

By Anita Kumar | 01:59 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:28 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Redistricting lawsuit can continue, judge rules

By Anita Kumar

A circuit court judge determines that a lawsuit over congressional redistricting can continue.

By Anita Kumar | 12:28 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:52 AM ET, 01/25/2012

Tow truck drivers to photograph vehicles before towing in Fairfax

By Fredrick Kunkle

Rates go up, but tow truck drivers will take pictures first as Fairfax County revises rules on trespass towing.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 07:52 AM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:02 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Fairfax sheriff’s pay hike get ‘no’ vote from GOP members of county board

By Fredrick Kunkle

Republicans on Fairfax County Board of Supervisors take a slap at the sheriff over DROP controversy, but he gets a pay raise anyway.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 08:02 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:45 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Kaine, Allen trade more fire on Keystone pipeline, uranium mining

By Ben Pershing

Kaine sought to turn the tables on Allen on Tuesday, accusing his fellow U.S. Senate candidate of being irresponsible in his discussion of the possibility of a new oil or gas pipeline in Virginia.

By Ben Pershing | 05:45 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Virginia Senate at standstill as partisan battle over judges halts work

By Laura Vozzella

A battle over judicial appointments brings work to a halt in the Virginia Senate.

By Laura Vozzella | 03:45 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Michelle Obama’s box at the State of Union includes two Virginians

By Anita Kumar

First lady Michelle Obama will be joined by Col. Ginger Wallace of McLean in her box for the State of the Union Address.

By Anita Kumar | 02:20 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Fairfax approves $4.8 million loan to nonprofit builder’s purchase of affordable housing

By Fredrick Kunkle

The Board of Supervisors agreed to back a $4.8 million loan for a Northern Virginia nonprofit to acquire an apartment complex for affordable housing.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 01:16 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Fairfax board endorses urban design guidelines for Tysons Corner

By Fredrick Kunkle

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted a sweeping array of guidelines Tuesday to flesh out the vision for a new urban landscape in Tysons Corner.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 12:24 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 01/24/2012

Republicans begin airing anti-Obama ad in Va.

By Anita Kumar

The ad is also being aired in the District, North Carolina and Michigan.

By Anita Kumar | 11:38 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:38 AM ET, 01/24/2012

Kaine raises another $1.65M, has $3.3M in the bank

By Anita Kumar

U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine raised $1.65 million in the last three months of 2011 and has $3.3 million in the bank as of the new year.

By Anita Kumar | 10:38 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012

Va. Senate gives freshman good-natured hazing

By Laura Vozzella

Sen. Bryce Reeves gets legislative victory — and a good teasing

By Laura Vozzella | 05:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:01 PM ET, 01/23/2012

Fairfax student’s suicide inspires more bills

By Laura Vozzella

Advocates want school systems to notify parents sooner if their children face disciplinary action.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:01 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 01/23/2012

McDonnell hires director for his political action committee

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) hired E. Alex Stanley as director of his political action committee, Opportunity Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 03:49 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 01/23/2012

Virginians begin voting in GOP presidential race

By Anita Kumar

All the talk about the Republican presidential race these days may focus on Florida, but in Virginia voting has begun.

By Anita Kumar | 01:48 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Va. begins writing permanent regulations for abortion clinics

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia Board of Health is again considering how to regulate the state’s abortion clinics.

By Anita Kumar | 11:34 AM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:56 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Rick Santorum to headline fundraiser in Virginia on Wednesday

By Anita Kumar

Less than a week before the Florida primary, GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum will visit Virginia to raise money.

By Anita Kumar | 08:56 AM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:16 PM ET, 01/22/2012

Hundreds watch as Kaine officially opens campaign doors

By Anita Kumar

More than 400 people crowded into U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine’s new Richmond headquarters on a cold, dreary Sunday afternoon as the campaign officially opened its doors.

By Anita Kumar | 07:16 PM ET, 01/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:48 AM ET, 01/21/2012

Alexandria residents, city council debate waterfront today

By Patricia Sullivan

LIVE TWEETS | More than 100 are expected to testify about the city’s contentious redevelopment plan.

By Patricia Sullivan | 10:48 AM ET, 01/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:50 PM ET, 01/20/2012

McDonnell proposes naming rights as a source of transportation money

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell unveiled Part 2 of his transportation plan Friday, which includes selling naming rights to roads and bridges.

By Anita Kumar | 06:50 PM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:47 PM ET, 01/20/2012

Republicans say early ad in Va. shows a ‘desperate’ Obama campaign

By Anita Kumar

Republicans say the president’s decision to air his first TV campaign ad in Virginia shows how desperate he is to win the swing state in November.

By Anita Kumar | 01:47 PM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 01/20/2012

Virginia Senate clears new congressional map

By Ben Pershing

The plan now goes to Gov. McDonnell for his signature.

By Ben Pershing | 11:01 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:18 AM ET, 01/20/2012

McDonnell to endorse Romney for president

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will endorse former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for president Friday, aides said.

By Anita Kumar | 07:18 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Va. Gov. McDonnell touts tougher penalties for rapists, drug dealers

By Laura Vozzella

Governor details his law-enforcement agenda

By Laura Vozzella | 07:00 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Mark Warner, Bob McDonnell promote new social media tool in schools

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and Sen. Mark Warner (D) joined forces Thursday to tout a new program in Virginia schools that encourages students to use social media safely and responsibly.

By Anita Kumar | 06:14 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:28 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Garvey leads Arlington Democrats in donations

By Patricia Sullivan

Libby Garvey collected more through Dec. 31 than any other Democratic candidate for the open seat on the County Board.

By Patricia Sullivan | 05:28 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:56 PM ET, 01/19/2012

House kills bill to add Va. seats to the airports authority

By Anita Kumar

The House killed a bill Thursday that would have allowed Gov. McDonnell to seat two new appointees to the board of the authority that operates Reagan National and Dulles International airports.

By Anita Kumar | 04:56 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 01/19/2012

McAuliffe considers Virginia car plant sites

By Anita Kumar

Former — and likely future — gubernatorial hopeful Terry McAuliffe says he has spoken to Gov. Bob McDonnell about opening a car plant in Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 03:04 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:16 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Bolling, Cuccinelli support lifting the ban on Sunday hunting

By Anita Kumar

The two Republicans, both vying for the governor’s mansion in 2013, have thrown their support behind lifting a ban on hunting on Sundays.

By Anita Kumar | 02:16 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 01/19/2012

McDonnell reaches decision on uranium mining in Va.

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell announced on Thursday that he wants to further study whether should be mined in Southside Virginia, and would not support lifting a mining ban this year.

By Anita Kumar | 02:13 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Frank Wolf to formally launch reelection bid

By Ben Pershing

Rep. Frank Wolf (R) officially kicks off his campaign for a 17th term Thursday as his Democratic opponent looks to make headway in an uphill contest.

By Ben Pershing | 10:30 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Va. Senate had 15 million-dollar races

By Laura Vozzella

In a year when control of the chamber was up for grabs, the number of seven-figure races was up, Virginia Public Access Project finds

By Laura Vozzella | 05:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:45 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Va. Senate page to reporter: No comment

By Laura Vozzella

Schoolkids serving in General Assembly learn the art of dodging pesky media.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:45 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:27 PM ET, 01/18/2012

For Va. Sen. Colgan, chest pains can wait

By Laura Vozzella

Eighty-five-year old lawmaker was hospitalized for a blockage, but only after he’d wrapped up Senate duties

By Laura Vozzella | 11:27 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:50 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Va. Gov. McDonnell added millions to shrink class sizes, correct error

By Laura Vozzella

The governor was correcting for faulty data when he added $47 million to shrink class size in kindergarten through third grade

By Laura Vozzella | 07:50 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Albo’s bingo bill lands on conservative hit list

By Laura Vozzella

Del. David Albo (R-Fairfax) is the lone GOP lawmaker targeted by Virginia Conservative Caucus.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:20 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Keystone decision ripples in Kaine-Allen race

By Ben Pershing

President Obama’s decision to reject construction of the Keystone XL pipeline is reverberating in Virginia’s marquee Senate contest.

By Ben Pershing | 06:13 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:20 PM ET, 01/18/2012

New coalition urges a delay in uranium mining in Virginia

By Anita Kumar

A new coalition that wants to delay mining uranium in Virginia is not talking about safety as much as the potential effect on jobs.

By Anita Kumar | 04:20 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 01/18/2012

John Warner honors Del. Lacey Putney for 50 years of service

By Anita Kumar

Former senator John Warner honors the start of Del. Lacey Putney’s 51st year in the chamber.

By Anita Kumar | 01:48 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Democrats put Va. hopeful Paul Hirschbiel in top tier of challengers

By Ben Pershing

National Democrats on Wednesday identified Paul Hirschbiel as one of their top challenger candidates of the cycle, giving a boost to the Virginia Beach businessman’s bid to oust freshman Rep. Scott Rigell (R).

By Ben Pershing | 12:22 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 AM ET, 01/18/2012

Fairfax should consider boosting retirement age to protect pension system, consultants say

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County should probably consider raising its retirement age from 50 to 55 to keep its pension system on sound footing, according to a report unveiled Tuesday.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 08:25 AM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Virginia GOP scraps plans for ‘loyalty oath’ on primary day

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Republicans announced Tuesday night that they will scrap plans to require voters to pledge support for the party’s eventual nominee at the presidential primary March 6.

By Anita Kumar | 10:16 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:22 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Bell dwarfs Obenshain, Frey in money race for attorney general

By Anita Kumar

Del. Rob Bell, a Charlottesville area Republican running for attorney general next year, had a hefty $604,127 in the bank as of Dec. 31, according to the Virginia Public Access project.

By Anita Kumar | 06:22 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Telemarketer for defunct veterans charity settles with Va. attorney general

By Laura Vozzella

The case drew attention in Virginia political circles because the man who ran the charity gave generously to politicians

By Laura Vozzella | 04:19 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:05 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Legislators will likely postpone seating McDonnell’s appointees to the airports authority board

By Anita Kumar

The House of Delegates failed to get the four-fifths vote needed for a bill to be signed into law immediately.

By Anita Kumar | 04:05 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Rick Perry’s appeal to appear on Virginia primary ballot denied

By Anita Kumar

A federal appellate court on Tuesday denied Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s appeal to add his name to Virginia’s Republican presidential primary ballot.

By Anita Kumar | 03:44 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling raises slightly more money than A.G. Ken Cuccinelli

By Anita Kumar

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling raised slightly more money than his Republican gubernatorial rival, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, last year, according to new fundraising reports released Tuesday.

By Anita Kumar | 01:57 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 01/17/2012

Mitt Romney coming to Reston to tout economic plan

By Ben Pershing

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is coming to Northern Virginia to pitch his economic plan next month.

By Ben Pershing | 10:32 AM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:06 AM ET, 01/17/2012

McDonnell and General Assembly lobbied to allow write-ins on presidential ballots

By Anita Kumar

A coalition of tea party leaders and activists are lobbying the General Assembly and Gov. Bob McDonnell to change election law to allow write-in votes on the March 6 presidential primary ballot.

By Anita Kumar | 10:06 AM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:57 PM ET, 01/16/2012

McDonnell recommends curbing ‘burdensome mandates’ on Virginia localities

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor recommended that the state eliminate 20 mandates on local governments.

By Anita Kumar | 04:57 PM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:43 PM ET, 01/16/2012

Rick Perry appeals decision to keep his name off Virginia primary ballot

By Anita Kumar

The Texas governor is challenging the state’s ballot-access rules, which are considered the toughest in the nation.

By Anita Kumar | 01:43 PM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 01/16/2012

McDonnell proposes eliminating Virginia funding for teen pregnancy centers

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor wants to eliminate funding for pregnancy prevention programs across the state that offer sex education and birth control to teenagers.

By Anita Kumar | 12:36 PM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:09 PM ET, 01/16/2012

Del. Robert G. Marshall officially enters Virginia race for U.S. Senate

By Anita Kumar

Del. Robert G. Marshall, a Prince William Republican and one of the most conservative voices in the House of Delegates, will take on a crowded GOP field.

By Anita Kumar | 12:09 PM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:13 AM ET, 01/16/2012

Allen opposes stimulus, but backs company that received stimulus

By Anita Kumar

The candidate for U.S. Senate has repeatedly criticized the stimulus, but held an event at a company that received stimulus money.

By Anita Kumar | 09:13 AM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:52 PM ET, 01/14/2012

Cuccinelli asked to probe Newt Gingrich ballot signature ‘irregularities’

By Anita Kumar

The Va. board of elections is asking the attorney general to look into “irregularities’ with some signatures the Gingrich’s campaign submitted to get on the state primary ballot.

By Anita Kumar | 05:52 PM ET, 01/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:22 AM ET, 01/14/2012

Gov. McDonnell adds $60 million to K-12 in budget plan

By Laura Vozzella

The bulk of money would go toward shrinking class sizes in kindergarten through third grade

By Laura Vozzella | 07:22 AM ET, 01/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:05 PM ET, 01/13/2012

McDonnell heads to high-profile Tim Scott town hall in S.C.

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) will head to South Carolina on Saturday — a week before its primary — to speak at the town hall meeting of Rep. Tim Scott, a fellow Republican.

By Anita Kumar | 06:05 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:58 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Perry, Gingrich lose lawsuit to get on Virginia primary ballot

By Anita Kumar

A federal judge denied a request Friday to add four presidential candidates to Virginia’s Republican primary ballot.

By Anita Kumar | 03:58 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Virginia’s revenue dips in December

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s revenues in December decreased by 4.7 percent over the prior year.

By Anita Kumar | 03:49 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:57 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Missouri Republicans tap McDonnell to speak at their largest event

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor will deliver the keynote address at the Missouri Lincoln Days next month.

By Anita Kumar | 02:57 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Va. House approves congressional redistricting plan

By Ben Pershing

The Virginia House of Delegates easily approved a congressional redistricting plan Friday, setting the stage for a Senate vote next week on the controversial map.

By Ben Pershing | 11:16 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Fairfax County Board chairman holds online chat to discuss finding new county executive, other priorities

By Fredrick Kunkle

Sharon S. Bulova will discuss her legislative priorities for her new term and hear what residents think about finding a new county executive.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:26 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:57 AM ET, 01/13/2012

McDonnell may abandon his proposal to privatize liquor stores

By Anita Kumar

The Virginia governor said he is not certain whether to introduce the proposal before he leaves office in 2014.

By Anita Kumar | 08:57 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:30 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Democrats won’t seek injunction in Va. Senate fight

By Laura Vozzella

One day after Republicans seized control, Democrats say they won’t head for the courthouse anytime soon.

By Laura Vozzella | 05:30 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Va. GOP poised to pass congressional redistricting bill

By Anita Kumar

Republicans, in control of both the Senate and House, are wasting no time passing a redistricting plan that Democrats say fails to represent the state’s minority population.

By Anita Kumar | 02:33 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 01/12/2012

McDonnell wants state employees to contribute more to pension fund

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) told state employees Thursday that he wants to increase employee contributions to the pension system from 5 percent to 6 percent over the next two years.

By Anita Kumar | 01:40 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Del. Bob Marshall to take on George Allen in U.S. Senate GOP primary

By Anita Kumar

Del. Bob Marshall, a Prince William Republican and one of the most conservative voices of the House of Delegates, said Thursday that he would run for U.S. Senate this year.

By Anita Kumar | 12:20 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 01/12/2012

GOP-heavy Va. Senate committees irk Democrats

By Laura Vozzella

Republicans changed rules to claim super-majorities on key committees.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:01 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:35 AM ET, 01/12/2012

Former Va. governor Gilmore to endorse Romney for president

By Anita Kumar

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who won both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, picked up more support in the swing state of Virginia two months before the primary.

By Anita Kumar | 08:35 AM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Republicans take control of Va. Senate

By Anita Kumar

Republicans took control of the Virginia Senate on Wednesday when Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling cast a tie-breaking vote to give his party a majority in the equally divided chamber.

By Anita Kumar | 03:46 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:40 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Protesters rally on Capitol Square as legislators return

By Anita Kumar

A few dozen protesters rallied in the rain off Capitol Square on Wednesday as legislators returned to Richmond for the first day of its 60-day session.

By Anita Kumar | 02:40 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Va. General Assembly kicks off session, swears in new members

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella

Virginia’s General Assembly gaveled to order Wednesday afternoon.

By Anita Kumar and Laura Vozzella | 02:21 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Solitary confinement in Virginia prisons should be reduced, lawmakers say

By Anita Kumar

A trio of Northern Virginia legislators want to reduce the use of solitary confinement in prisons, especially of those who are mentally ill.

By Anita Kumar | 01:12 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Lawyers ‘on standby’ in fight for Va. Senate as General Assembly convenes

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar

The two-year budget and a big legislative agenda will have to wait for parties to sort out control of the upper chamber.

By Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar | 12:26 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:36 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Va. lawmakers prepare for first day of session, with or without Senate’s cooperation

By Anita Kumar

As the Senate continues to fight over who controls the chamber, contingency plans are being made to get the General Assembly working.

By Anita Kumar | 09:36 AM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:04 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Protestors gather outside Va. GOP fundraiser on eve of legislative session

By Anita Kumar

By Anita Kumar | 11:04 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:22 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Virginia Republicans gear up for legislative session

By Anita Kumar

Republicans, led by Gov. Bob McDonnell, announced on the Capitol steps that they stand united in forming a “More Efficient, Effective Government.’’

By Anita Kumar | 06:22 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:03 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Virginia again agrees to ban sexual orientation discrimination from juvenile correctional facilities

By Anita Kumar

The board that oversees Virginia’s juvenile correctional facilities votes, for a second time, to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.

By Anita Kumar | 04:03 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Health insurance bill would keep feds at bay, Va. Democrats say

By Laura Vozzella

Having health care exchanges in Virginia will keep Washington from dictating a plan, says the state’s House Democratic caucus.

By Laura Vozzella | 03:40 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Fairfax County invites FBI to relocate headquarters there

By Fredrick Kunkle

Fairfax County once again pitches Uncle Sam on relocating a major institution – this time, the FBI’s headquarters – to a local property in Springfield that the federal government owns.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 02:53 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Ken Cuccinelli asks judge to allow Virginia to mail presidential primary ballots

By Anita Kumar

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has asked a federal judge to reconsider his order prohibiting Virginia’s presidential primary ballots from being printed.

By Anita Kumar | 01:25 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 01/10/2012

George Allen takes in $1.1M in last quarter of 2011, ends year with $2M in bank

By Ben Pershing

George Allen (R) announced Tuesday that he had raised $1.1 million for his Senate campaign in the last three months of 2011, as he finished December with $2 million in the bank.

By Ben Pershing | 12:38 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Va. Gov. McDonnell supports ‘Tebow law’

By Laura Vozzella

Home-schooled kids should be allowed to play public school sports, governor says.

By Laura Vozzella | 10:51 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Fairfax County town hall invites public to share views on hiring new county executive

By Fredrick Kunkle

Board of Supervisors has to recruit and hire a new county executive for the first time in more than a decade.

By Fredrick Kunkle | 10:13 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:11 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Pay no attention to the man who wants summer vacation to end early

By Laura Vozzella

Schoolchildren stand by, blissfully unaware, as Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell promotes earlier start to school year.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:11 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:40 PM ET, 01/09/2012

McDonnell unveils education agenda

By Laura Vozzella

The governor wants to remove multiyear contract protections for teachers, promote charter and virtual schools, and allow classes to resume before Labor Day.

By Laura Vozzella | 06:40 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:27 PM ET, 01/09/2012

Virginia lawmakers aim to improve the budget process — by following the rules already in place

By Anita Kumar

Two days before the legislative session kicks off, Senate and House leaders formally announced their goals — all of which are already rules.

By Anita Kumar | 06:27 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 01/09/2012

Virginia Republicans attack Kaine on labor board recess appointments

By Ben Pershing

Virginia Republicans are pushing to tie U.S. Senate candidate Timothy M. Kaine to President Obama’s controversial recess appointments.

By Ben Pershing | 03:05 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 01/09/2012

McDonnell will travel to Europe and Asia this year

By Anita Kumar

Robert F. McDonnell is considering traveling to Ireland, Germany, Britain and China.

By Anita Kumar | 12:21 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 01/09/2012

McDonnell urges rivals Bolling and Cuccinelli to talk

By Anita Kumar

The governor says it’s time for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, rivals in next year’s governor’s race, to patch up their differences.

By Anita Kumar | 09:08 AM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:24 PM ET, 01/06/2012

Kaine, Allen offer dueling economic messages

By Ben Pershing

With economic issues at the front of Virginians’ minds, the two candidates likely to meet in November’s U.S. Senate race are advancing dueling econommic messages.

By Ben Pershing | 05:24 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 01/06/2012

McDonnell offers Janis, defeated in a November election, a job

By Anita Kumar

Virginia’s governor announced Friday that retiring Del. Bill Janis will become deputy commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services.

By Anita Kumar | 02:24 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 01/06/2012

Warner to start week-long field trip to India

By Anita Kumar

Sen. Mark Warner, the first Virginia governor to visit India in 2005 and co-chairman of the Senate’s India caucus, will jet there Saturday.

By Anita Kumar | 11:44 AM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:29 AM ET, 01/06/2012

McDonnell, legislators head to the Big Apple to make pitch to bond agencies

By Anita Kumar

The trip continues Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell’s months-long effort to try to assure Wall Street that the state’s finances are sound.

By Anita Kumar | 08:29 AM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:12 PM ET, 01/05/2012

McDonnell unveils energy agenda

By Anita Kumar

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced a package of energy proposals for the upcoming legislative session that includes $500,000 to promote wind development.

By Anita Kumar | 05:12 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:18 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Herring opposes possible meal tax in Loudoun

By Caitlin Gibson

Sen. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun & Fairfax) said Thursday that he would oppose a meals tax, among others.

By Caitlin Gibson | 02:18 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:12 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Virginia Democrats name Keren Charles Dongo leader of 2012 election efforts

By Anita Kumar

The Democratic Party of Virginia announced Thursday that Keren Charles Dongo will lead the effort to elect Democrats on the Virginia ballot this year.

By Anita Kumar | 02:12 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 01/05/2012

McDonnell’s RGA far outpaces O’Malley’s DGA in fundraising

By Anita Kumar

The Republican Governors Association, led by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, raised a record $44.1 million last year, more than doubling its total from four years ago.

By Anita Kumar | 12:56 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Va. governor, lt. governor oppose GOP ‘loyalty oath’

By Laura Vozzella

McDonnell and Bolling, the state’s top two Republicans, say oath aimed at Democratic mischief-makers could hurt GOP.

By Laura Vozzella | 12:07 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:55 AM ET, 01/05/2012

Legislators hold public hearings on $85B state budget

By Anita Kumar

Lawmakers hold hearings across the state to get feedback on Gov. McDonnell’s $85 billion, two-year spending plan.

By Anita Kumar | 08:55 AM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 01/04/2012

Tim Kaine rounds out senate campaign staff

By Ben Pershing

With the election year officially underway, the former Virginia governor has set up his staff for his U.S. Senate campaign.

By Ben Pershing | 05:16 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:04 PM ET, 01/04/2012

One month and counting: GOP rivals Bolling and Cuccinelli still haven’t spoken

By Anita Kumar

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli haven’t spoken since Cuccinelli said he would challenge Bolling for governor in 2013 in early December.

By Anita Kumar | 05:04 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 01/04/2012

Va. judge allows GOP presidential hopefuls to join Perry’s ballot suit

By Laura Vozzella

Federal judge in Richmond grants motion for Santorum, Gingrich and Huntsman.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:11 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:52 PM ET, 01/04/2012

McDonnell unveils economic development package

By Anita Kumar

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell unveiled an economic development plan Wednesday that includes $37 million, tax credits for small businesses, grants for agricultural and forestry operations and greater coordination among economic development entities.

By Anita Kumar | 02:52 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:06 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Cuccinelli revved up to race McAuliffe for Virginia governor

By Laura Vozzella

The Republican attorney general zooms in on his potential Democratic rival, electric car venture

By Laura Vozzella | 11:06 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Virginia Republicans may scrap plan for ‘loyalty oath’ in presidential primary

By Ben Pershing

Party is mulling whether to scrap plans to require voters in the March 6 presidential primary to pledge support for the party’s eventual nominee.

By Ben Pershing | 10:44 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Online petition started to draft Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell into presidential race

By Anita Kumar

Someone, it’s unclear who, has started an online petition campaign — www.draftmcdonnell.com — to lure Virginia’s popular governor into the presidential race.

By Anita Kumar | 09:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:48 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Marshall asks Cuccinelli for guidance on collecting signatures for Senate run

By Anita Kumar

Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) is seeking Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II’s opinion on how to collect signatures for a possible U.S. Senate run.

By Anita Kumar | 06:48 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:01 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Cantor shows softer side on ‘60 Minutes’ — his aide, not so much

By Anita Kumar

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who has been portrayed as the poster boy for GOP inflexibility in Washington, supposedly sat down with ‘60 Minutes’ on Sunday to show a softer side.

By Anita Kumar | 06:01 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:14 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Cuccinelli’s about-face on ballot access draws backhanded praise

By Laura Vozzella

Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling takes a swipe at the attorney general in the presidential ballot case.

By Laura Vozzella | 04:14 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:01 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Gerry Connolly is not a fan of the Iowa caucus

By Ben Pershing

The eyes of the political world may be on the Iowa caucus today, but at least one local politician would prefer we turn our gaze elsewhere.

By Ben Pershing | 04:01 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Retiring Sen. Wampler will head New College Institute

By Anita Kumar

Sen. William Wampler, the ranking Republican on the state Senate Finance Committee who stunned colleagues last year by not seeking re-election, has a new job.

By Anita Kumar | 01:07 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:06 AM ET, 01/03/2012

Bolling tells senators his tie-breaking vote is limited

By Anita Kumar

Va. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who will preside over an equally divided state Senate next week, says he believes he’s not allowed to vote on the budget.

By Anita Kumar | 10:06 AM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:01 AM ET, 01/03/2012

Obama campaign names Don Mark Virginia political director

By Anita Kumar

Don Mark, political director of the state Democratic party, will take a similar job with President Obama’s re-election campaign in Virginia.

By Anita Kumar | 09:01 AM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 01/02/2012

Conservative national group pushes agenda in Va., according to study

By Anita Kumar

On Monday, the liberal group Progress VA released the report and urged Virginians to send letters to lawmakers opposing the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

By Anita Kumar | 12:36 PM ET, 01/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 12/31/2011

Perry challenge to Virginia primary ballot rules joined by four more candidates

By Amy Gardner and Anita Kumar

Rep. Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman have all joined Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s challenge to Virginia’s primary ballot.

By Amy Gardner and Anita Kumar | 04:39 PM ET, 12/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Virginia Politics: January, 2012