tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143919132011-04-21T16:32:04.304-04:00A service for our readers outside the Northern Shenandoah Valley... a sampling of The Daily's political coverage, plus unofficial, 'reporter's notebook' stuff. And occasional dry humor...GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comBlogger3721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1154835308090826362006-08-05T23:33:00.000-04:002006-08-06T00:11:08.903-04:00

After more than a year software tests, research and other geeky news fun, our little experiment in cyberspace has come to an end. The Northern Virginia Daily has moved into new territory, and has made a concerted effort to upgrade our presence on the Internet.This test bed, as devoted (or pathetic, however you want to look at it) readers will recall, was set up during Campaign 2005 to explore

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153851868792099602006-07-25T14:20:00.000-04:002006-07-25T14:24:28.820-04:00

10th District candidates already scheduled to debate twiceBy Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe Democratic candidate in the 10th Congressional District has challenged the Republican incumbent to a debate on federal energy policy.But the campaign of Rep. Frank Wolf says the invitation from Democrat Judy Feder is nothing but a publicity stunt.Feder, the dean of Georgetown University’s public

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153420460466341032006-07-20T14:32:00.000-04:002006-07-20T14:34:20.466-04:00

Senator will work to raise money for Handley project By Garren Shipley (Daily Staff Writer) WINCHESTER — Adding state Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. to Winchester Public Schools' payroll as a fundraiser might give the Handley High School renovation project a much-needed fiscal boost.See the full story at the official site.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153419816051888952006-07-20T13:25:00.000-04:002006-07-20T14:23:36.056-04:00

This chart appeared in Thursday's issue of the Daily, but wasn't posted on our official web site. So head over there and take a look, then read this.Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr.’s gubernatorial campaign has retired almost $200,000 in debt since the close of the gubernatorial race. But “Operation Upset” still has some pretty big markers out, including:• $98,000 owed to Lloyd Ross, the founder of

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153416316476376192006-07-20T13:23:00.000-04:002006-07-20T13:25:16.496-04:00

Two challengers preparing for 2007 state Senate fightBy Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)WINCHESTER — Election Day 2006 is months away, but candidates are already marshaling their forces for the 2007 fight for the 27th District Virginia Senate seat.And they’re raising money. Lots of money.The seat is held by Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr., R-Winchester, who roused Republican ire — and was nearly

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153019807412172212006-07-15T23:12:00.000-04:002006-07-15T23:16:47.416-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe money race for the 10th District House of Representatives election is getting closer, but the cash gap between Virginia’s two U.S. Senate candidates is still wide.Candidates for federal office in the Nov. 7 election were required to file reports on Friday detailing how much money their campaigns have received, where it’s coming from and where it’s going.The

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1153019344809384392006-07-15T23:06:00.000-04:002006-07-15T23:09:41.866-04:00

There may be four months to go until Election Day, but congressional candidates are raking in donations as fast as they can over the summer in preparation for the home stretch this fall.In the 10th District, which stretches from Manassas and McLean all the way to Winchester and Frederick County, Democrat Judy Feder has made up significant ground against incumbent Republican Rep. Frank Wolf.In the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1152587481448613482006-07-10T22:48:00.000-04:002006-07-11T09:59:52.160-04:00

... at least they are at the Northern Virginia Daily.This site has been dark for quite a while, as the iBook of Mild Peril and I have been detained this past week with the habeas corpus petition of Edward N. Bell. The astute reader will recall the name and case from the tipping point of the 2005 gubernatorial campaign.Why haven't those stories been on the site? They're not political anymore. But

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1152586048642289002006-07-10T22:44:00.000-04:002006-07-10T22:47:28.660-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterSTRASBURG — One local congressman has serious doubts about financing Interstate 81 expansion with tolls on trucks.Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, told a meeting of business and community leaders on Monday that the plans on the table right now for the project might do more harm than good.How to improve the roadway is “primarily a state decision,” he said, but one that

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1152075334547890322006-07-04T00:29:00.000-04:002006-07-05T00:56:34.086-04:00

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” -- President John F. Kennedy"After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151962148975237582006-07-03T17:27:00.000-04:002006-07-03T17:29:09.003-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer) Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Webb took to the airwaves over the weekend to slam the Bush administration’s handling of Iraq.Webb delivered the Democratic response to President Bush’s weekly radio address, calling the U.S. presence in Iraq a “quagmire.”“We need to bring the Iraq war to an early and honorable end,” said Webb, a former secretary of the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151695502848977132006-06-30T14:58:00.000-04:002006-06-30T15:26:48.116-04:00

E-mails so vicious your computer cringes, packing more canned quotes than a 120 public relations hacks crammed into a VW bug. References to "glass dude ranches" and "Hollywood producers." And middle names used like four-letter words.Oh, my.The race between Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen and Democrat James Webb appears to be under way in earnest, with an intensity normally reserved for

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151638100755892762006-06-29T23:26:00.000-04:002006-06-29T23:28:20.776-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterMaybe the race for the U.S. Senate in Virginia isn’t that close, after all.Had the election been held Wednesday, incumbent Republican Sen. George Allen would have won re-election with 56 percent of the vote to 37 percent for Democratic nominee James Webb, according to a new poll done this week by SurveyUSA for TV stations in Roanoke and Washington.Some 5 percent

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151617501395138692006-06-28T17:43:00.000-04:002006-06-29T17:48:24.483-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)A half-dozen Republican legislators, including one local delegate, are trying to sell their colleagues on a set of tax increases for transportation improvements in Northern Virginia.It’s going to be a tough sell, but Del. Joe May, R-Leesburg, is undeterred.“We expect opposition,” said May, who represents all of Clarke County and the western section of Loudoun

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151636738432641092006-06-26T23:02:00.000-04:002006-06-29T23:05:38.463-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)Don’t look for a broken record when Virginia legislators go back to Richmond to talk about transportation later this year. But it’s a safe bet that a few of the songs will be golden oldies.Legislators are due back in Richmond on Wednesday to complete their work on this year’s budget by acting on line-item vetoes and recommendations from Gov. Timothy M.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151041028545851062006-06-23T01:32:00.000-04:002006-06-23T01:37:08.546-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterTwo polls released this week had good news for Democratic U.S. Senate challenger James Webb.Meanwhile, Republican incumbent George Allen threw down the gauntlet over Iraq. Webb, a former Reagan administration secretary of the Navy, seeks to unseat Allen, a former governor running for his second six-year term.Two new polls released this week show the challenger

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1151040708136198812006-06-23T01:29:00.000-04:002006-06-23T01:31:48.163-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterKnocking off a 13-term incumbent Republican congressman in Northern Virginia is no easy task.That’s one reason this year’s Democratic challenger for the seat that includes much of the Northern Shenandoah Valley is campaigning hard well before the home stretch, according to political scientists.Judy Feder, the dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150821861470247312006-06-20T12:36:00.000-04:002006-06-20T12:44:21.506-04:00

By Garren Shipley (Daily Staff Writer)A compromise state budget approved by the Senate on Monday should make it easier to hire teachers in two Northern Shenandoah Valley counties in the near future.Senators voted 36-0 in favor of a $72 billion budget deal that, if approved by the House of Delegates, would avoid a looming state government shutdown and provide new funding for schools in Clarke and

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150516572413744412006-06-16T23:50:00.000-04:002006-06-16T23:58:22.760-04:00

Statement of House Speaker William J. Howell -- Regarding Conference Agreement on New State Budget --RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) this evening issued the following statement upon the agreement by House and Senate conferees on a new state budget: “First and foremost, I am pleased – as can be all Virginians – that the task of reaching an

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150516308846311532006-06-16T23:46:00.000-04:002006-06-16T23:51:48.850-04:00

From the Virginia Senate Republican Leadership Trust...Budget Conference Report AgreementJune 16, 2006The agreement today on a budget by the Senate and House conference committee is good news for all Virginians. First, we will not have to travel over the uncharted waters of operating state government without specific budget authorization. Just importantly, however, is the fact that we have a new,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150516001247350722006-06-16T23:45:00.000-04:002006-06-16T23:46:41.250-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterWINCHESTER — The 10th District House of Representatives race is going to be a dogfight, according to the Demo-cratic challenger.And her campaign says it has a poll and fundraising numbers to back it up.Judy Feder, the dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, seeks to unseat 13-term Republican Rep. Frank Wolf. The 10th District takes in areas from

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150515905418736812006-06-16T23:42:00.000-04:002006-06-16T23:45:05.440-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThings in Iraq will get better when American troops pull out and the United States makes clear that it has “no long term objectives in terms of occupying Iraq,” Virginia’s Democratic U.S. Senate nominee said Friday.James H. Webb, who was chosen this week to run against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen, told reporters on a conference call Friday that “

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150398118342645972006-06-15T15:00:00.000-04:002006-06-15T15:01:58.376-04:00

Shenandoah County’s total cost may be as high as $23 per voteBy Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)Voters weren’t beating down the doors to vote in Tuesday’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, but they’re picking up the tab for the election just the same.In fact, the primary in Shenandoah County might end up costing taxpayers as much as $23 per vote.The final figures haven’t been computed yet, but it

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150250640823163062006-06-13T21:56:00.000-04:002006-06-13T22:04:00.826-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterVirginia voters on Tuesday selected former Reagan administration Secretary of the Navy James H. Webb as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate by some 7 percentage points.He advances to face incumbent Republican Sen. George Allen in November.Webb, a native of Gate City, defeated the better-financed campaign of former technology lobbyist Harris N. Miller of

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150250178064328372006-06-13T21:43:00.000-04:002006-06-13T21:56:18.083-04:00

The Democratic Senate primary was the only contest on the ballot in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Turnout numbers closely matched the statewide results, but valley voters expressed a definite preference for former Navy Secretary James Webb over former IT lobbyist Harris Miller.The only locality with a close vote was Warren County, where Webb won by four votes.Clarke CountyTurnout: 3.27

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150233392477355822006-06-13T16:53:00.000-04:002006-06-13T17:18:05.193-04:00

The polls close in two hours. So, for your reading entertainment in the interim, some statistics about people who read this site. I've been meaning to post some of these things for awhile, but I haven't had a sufficient moment of boredom to do so until now.Operating SystemThe vast majority of y'all are running Windows XP, 79 percent. About 13 percent are running some flavor of Mac OS X. Another

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1150222948535292812006-06-13T14:11:00.000-04:002006-06-13T14:22:28.553-04:00

The polls have been open now for eight hours, and based on the reports trickling in to Daily Political HQ here in Strasburg, turn out is light. Unless you happen to live next door to the two Democratic candidates — former IT lobbyist Harris Miller or former Secretary of the Navy James Webb.An uneasy quiet has fallen over both campaigns, at least from a media perspective. This reporter has had a

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149873970133065332006-06-09T13:20:00.000-04:002006-06-09T13:26:10.136-04:00

From the Lt. Gov.'s press office...Lieutenant Governor Bolling Disagrees With Governor Kaine’s Decision To Defer ExecutionRICHMOND – Last night, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine announced his decision to defer the scheduled execution of Percy Walton. Walton was convicted in the 1996 murder of three individuals in Danville.The Governor announced that he had decided to defer Walton’s execution so he

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149873639999633812006-06-09T13:18:00.000-04:002006-06-09T13:20:40.566-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterVirginia legislators have a choice: Approve a budget or instigate a constitutional crisis.That was the message Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell delivered to his GOP colleagues in the General Assembly on Thursday.Acting on a request from the legislature, McDonnell opined that no state funds could be spent without a budget. The Republican-led House of

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149817188927698322006-06-08T21:37:00.000-04:002006-06-08T21:39:48.943-04:00

From McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin...“The Office of the Attorney General represents the Commonwealth in all post-sentencing litigation involving death row inmates. We believe that all the court rulings finding Percy Walton guilty of the brutal murders of three people, and competent to receive the penalty he was given, are correct and should stand.""However, the Constitution clearly bestows on

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149812290216819402006-06-08T20:11:00.000-04:002006-06-08T21:41:14.733-04:00

From the governor's press office...June 8, 2006STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR TIMOTHY M. KAINE~ On the scheduled execution of Percy Levar Walton ~RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement on the scheduled execution of Percy Levar Walton by the Commonwealth of Virginia:"Percy Levar Walton was convicted of the murders of Jessie E. Kendrick, Elizabeth W. Kendrick, and Archie D.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149785935668713602006-06-08T12:56:00.000-04:002006-06-08T21:41:52.763-04:00

From the governor's press office...STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR~ On the advisory opinion of the Attorney General ~RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today upon the release of an advisory opinion by the Office of the Attorney General: “The Attorney General and I are unified in our desire that the General Assembly meet its responsibility to complete a budget before the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149785495391126372006-06-08T12:46:00.000-04:002006-06-08T12:55:32.690-04:00

Attorney General Bob McDonnell has issued an official opinion today, in which he says that the governor has no authority to spend money without legislative action. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has said he "won't let Virginians suffer" and will take action to keep core government functions operating if the legislature can't agree on a budget by June 30.The following is the text of a news release from the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149784743011503852006-06-08T12:28:00.000-04:002006-06-08T12:39:03.150-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)The general election isn’t until November, but the two candidates seeking Virginia’s 10th District seat in the House of Representatives are piling up cash.Incumbent Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican from Vienna, is seeking his 14th term in Congress. He’s challenged by Democrat Judy Feder, the dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.Neither

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149728542257870642006-06-07T20:59:00.000-04:002006-06-07T21:02:22.280-04:00

Attorney General Bob McDonnell's office announced tonight that he'll be holding a "very important" press conference regarding the state budget situation tomorrow at 10 a.m. "Several announcements will be made," according to spokesman Tucker Martin.Interesting... we shall see.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149698709208566572006-06-07T12:43:00.000-04:002006-06-07T12:45:09.253-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe federal government’s fiscal policy is badly broken and must be changed soon or the nation faces bankruptcy, a local congressman said Tuesday.During a Capitol Hill press conference, Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, whose district includes Winchester, Frederick and Clarke counties, called for creating an expert panel to produce a solution for Congress to vote

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149623597513459982006-06-06T15:37:00.000-04:002006-06-06T16:17:21.326-04:00

UPDATED with Attorney General Bob McDonnell's response--scroll downGov. Timothy M. Kaine said Tuesday that he "wouldn't let legislative inaction" hobble state government, and would act to keep the state's government operating past July 1, even if the state doesn't have a budget.Speaking with dozens of reporters via teleconference from Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., Kaine said he was

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149620702591480422006-06-06T15:01:00.000-04:002006-06-06T15:05:02.593-04:00

The House of Delegates and Senate are back in session today, once again doing the Capitol Square Samba over the budget. But today, we're back to the Caboose Bill, the catch-all document that wraps up the 2004-2006 budget that expires at the end of the month.It's hard to say just where this is going, but both chambers have been meeting, approving memorial resolutions and recessing to talk the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149620468068509632006-06-06T14:59:00.000-04:002006-06-06T15:01:08.093-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Efforts to end Virginia’s unprecedented budget deadlock have stalled yet again, but negotiators are set to return to the conference table today.The Senate and House of Delegates started meeting in January, but have yet to come up with a state budget. The new fiscal year begins on July 1 and a new budget must be in place by then to avoid at least a

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149620236419266852006-06-06T14:56:00.000-04:002006-06-06T14:57:16.420-04:00

June 5, 2006The Honorable Vincent F. Callahan, Jr.Chairman, House Appropriations CommitteeGeneral Assembly Building, Ninth FloorRichmond, Virginia 23219Dear Vince:I have received your letter of June 5, 2006, and propose that our conferees should meet tomorrow one hour after adjournment.As you will recall, our negotiations on the 2006-08 biennial budget broke off on Friday just as we were

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149619252840605722006-06-06T14:38:00.000-04:002006-06-06T14:55:42.983-04:00

June 2, 2006MEMORANDUMTO: Member, House of DelegatesFROM: Vincent F. Callahan, Jr.SUBJECT: House Bill 5002 as amendedI regret to inform you that today about 2:00 p.m. our Senate colleagues stormed out of budget negotiations and left Richmond. The apparent reason for their action was the House conferees’ insistence that the dollar figure for transportation must be subject to

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149266778701667502006-06-02T12:43:00.000-04:002006-06-02T12:46:18.723-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)Virginia’s current budget runs out in 29 days. Legislators are negotiating, trying to beat the clock and keep the state’s government open.But in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, local governments are taking it in stride. It would be great to have a state budget so local governments could plan on their own budgets for the year, said Shenandoah County

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149096838666641372006-05-30T13:31:00.000-04:002006-05-31T13:33:58.670-04:00

Committee: Party’s right of free association is infringed upon if Dems participate By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)RICHMOND — A lawsuit pending before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals could radically alter the way Virginia elections are held.Members of the 11th Senatorial District’s Republican Committee have sued the Virginia State Board of Elections for the right to keep Democratic

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1149096685854491012006-05-29T13:27:00.000-04:002006-05-31T13:31:25.873-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterA local congressman’s effort to make interstate online gambling illegal has passed a key committee in the House of Representatives.Members of the House Judiciary Committee reported House Resolution 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, to the full House this week on a 25-11 vote.The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, whose district includes

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148615826307996582006-05-25T23:54:00.000-04:002006-05-25T23:58:12.690-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Virginia’s budget process is moving forward again, but the clock is ticking.In a short but contentious floor session Thursday, Republicans and Democrats sparred over transportation before rejecting the Senate’s latest proposed budget 78-12.The procedural move sets the stage for the budget to head back into a conference committee. Legislators from the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148443372202451712006-05-24T00:00:00.000-04:002006-05-24T00:02:52.226-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterIt’s not a deal, but it’s a start.The Virginia Senate approved a state budget Tuesday, voting 24-8 to advance a package that doesn’t include tax increases.The vote clears the way for action on the two-year spending plan in the House of Delegates on Thursday.The Senate’s new offering contains a $339 million, one-time infusion of cash for transportation, but only

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148356443543268622006-05-22T23:51:00.000-04:002006-05-22T23:54:03.566-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe Virginia Senate may be about to concede the battle, but the war is far from over.Legislators from both the House of Delegates and Senate said Monday that the upper chamber is preparing to offer another budget plan that might finally break the stalemate today — one that will not include tax increases or a transportation plan.“We’ve tossed the ball down the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148330737036274572006-05-22T16:29:00.000-04:002006-05-22T17:22:05.680-04:00

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.Confirmed from members of Senate Finance via mixed metaphor: "We've moved the ball down the field, now it's in their court." Legislation is still being crafted, but it looks very much like the transportation/budget question has been divided, and the House of Delegates has held.---------------------------We'll find out this week, apparently. Events are developing rapidly, but

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148324312575930042006-05-22T14:55:00.000-04:002006-05-22T14:59:14.436-04:00

Agency defends dropping investigation in letter to Rep. WolfBy Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe U.S. Department of Justice may not be able to investigate how its employees have acted in a secret anti-terror wiretapping program, but its employees are being monitored.“Although ... [a branch of the Justice Department] has determined not to pursue its investigation, the operation and

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148179079475081002006-05-20T22:35:00.000-04:002006-05-20T22:37:59.476-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterWINCHESTER — The Democratic race to face U.S. Sen. George Allen in November came to the Northern Shenandoah Valley on Friday night.Former technology lobbyist Harris Miller spoke to Winchester Democrats as part of a daylong campaign swing that took him from Norfolk to Winchester via three campaign stops in less than 12 hours.Miller, of McLean, is opposed by

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148178914064521402006-05-20T22:33:00.000-04:002006-05-20T22:35:14.066-04:00

Machines bought from rival, ChinaBy Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department will use some 16,000 computers it purchased from a Chinese company, but only in non-secure, unclassified applications, according to a local congressman.Rep. Frank Wolf, R-6th, said Thursday the department has reviewed its purchase of the computers and would not be using them for sensitive

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1148178799174391112006-05-20T22:29:00.000-04:002006-05-20T22:33:19.196-04:00

Appalachian Regional Commission report says Knoxville to Bristol rail improvements would cost $399 millionBy Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterNEW MARKET — A bigger, wider Interstate 81 is a threat to Virginia’s historic sites along its 325-mile corridor, according to a statewide preservation group.The entire corridor is one of the 10 most endangered historic sites in the commonwealth,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147836604580713332006-05-16T23:27:00.000-04:002006-05-16T23:30:04.610-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterCar taxes may be going up around the commonwealth, but it’s little more than background noise in Richmond these days.Legislators are in their second month of overtime trying to put together a state budget, but the GOP-led House of Delegates and Senate remain deadlocked over transportation and tax issues.Why are taxes going up? The program legislators created to

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147804382105016742006-05-16T14:28:00.000-04:002006-05-16T14:33:02.140-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)Supervisors didn’t change the rate, but car tax bills are up in Shenandoah County this year. And lots of other places across the commonwealth.It all starts — and ends — in Richmond.Former Gov. Jim Gilmore’s “no car tax” plan started off in the late 1990s as an open-ended pro-mise to local governments. Given enough time, the state would eventually take over the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147403943586131912006-05-11T23:16:00.000-04:002006-05-11T23:19:03.590-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterWINCHESTER — Thursday’s USA Today story that the National Security Agency is working to compile a database of phone records on hundreds of millions of Americans is further proof that it’s time for change in Washington, according to a Democratic congressional candidate.Judy Feder, the dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, was in Frederick

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147403784390647842006-05-11T23:14:00.000-04:002006-05-11T23:16:24.420-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterIf the phone records of hundreds of millions of American citizens were handed over to the National Security Agency without a warrant, they didn’t get any help from a local telecommunications provider.Meanwhile, two local congressman say they want more information about reports that the NSA is using the information to create a database.According to a story

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147378650502182882006-05-11T16:15:00.000-04:002006-05-11T16:17:30.530-04:00

From the office of Gov. Tim Kaine...RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that he has authorized funding for several key state programs that may run out of current funds before the General Assembly approves a spending plan for the remaining weeks of the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2006.Governor Kaine has authorized a $7.5 million loan to reimburse localities for the state share

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147320078759471842006-05-10T23:58:00.000-04:002006-05-11T00:01:18.763-04:00

Budget still stalledBy Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Republicans in the House of Delegates sent an unequivocal message to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Wednesday — it’s time to get more involved in the ongoing budget standoff.The GOP-led lower chamber met briefly on Wednesday to approve and send to the Senate a bill that closes the books on the current fiscal year.But the “caboose bill”

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147319906295656992006-05-10T23:56:00.000-04:002006-05-10T23:58:26.316-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterPresident Bush needs to make better use of the “bully pulpit” of the presidency to deal with rising gas prices, according to one local congressman.Citing the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, called on Bush to be more aggressive in his efforts to deal with the situation.Wolf is seeking re-election this year. He is challenged by

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147288501646299702006-05-10T15:11:00.000-04:002006-05-10T15:15:01.666-04:00

Republican leaders in the House of Delegates sent a message to the third floor of the Patrick Henry Buildling — the level inhabited by much of the Executive Branch — on Wednesday: Get involved, and we might just avoid a government shutdown.But the administration gives as good as it gets. A spokesman said Kaine is engaged, just not with people who are throwing around blame at press

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1147204489285101142006-05-09T15:38:00.000-04:002006-05-09T15:54:49.303-04:00

The House of Delegates will convene Wednesday in Richmond, but what they'll be talking about when they get there has yet to be seen.House and Senate have reportedly come to terms on the 2004-2006 "caboose bill" that wraps up the fiscal year ending June 30. But is that all that's on the calendar? The usual suspects in Richmond are being tight lipped, and the unusual suspects don't know.Meanwhile,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146939027563704892006-05-06T13:52:00.000-04:002006-05-06T14:14:01.766-04:00

The iBook of Mild Peril and I drew the Saturday Apple Blossom Festival straw this year, and one of the things set for Monday's paper is the Grand Feature Parade. The parade route conveniently comes right past our Cork Street office, which makes for comfortable, air-conditioned viewing.So far, we've seen:• U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., on horseback• U.S. Rep Frank Wolf, R-10th, in a

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146868805323041722006-05-05T18:36:00.000-04:002006-05-06T14:16:12.880-04:00

UPDATE: Norman over at One Man's Trash has the House response. I'd post it myself, but I'm watching a parade.Text of a letter from Senate budget conferees to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Del. Vince Callahan, R-McLean:Dear Vince:The people of Virginia deserve better treatment than they have received from the House of Delegates in recent days. Refusing to act on our transportation

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146764212261411732006-05-04T13:23:00.000-04:002006-05-04T13:48:17.733-04:00

The Statewide Transportation Analysis and Recommendation Task Force led by Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, is up and running again. It will be meeting tonight.The group met during the interregnum between the last two incarnations of the General Assembly, eventually producing the first version of the Senate's transportation plan, which has since undergone a number of revisions.This session's long

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146763404927097692006-05-04T13:21:00.000-04:002006-05-04T13:23:24.930-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)RICHMOND — Four Senate transportation bills, including one from a local legislator, ran into a brick wall in the House of Delegates on Wednesday.The House Finance Committee tabled bills for 90 days that would raise taxes statewide to pay for roads and allow for the creation of regional authorities in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and along Interstate 81.The

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146763299067434622006-05-04T13:12:00.000-04:002006-05-04T13:21:39.093-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterSenate plans to raise taxes and create regional transportation authorities will get a hearing in the House of Delegates today.After that, all bets are off.Members of the House Finance Committee will meet today at 1 p.m. to hear proposals to raise taxes by about $750 million per year to pay for transportation projects and create regional transportation taxing

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146685112515340202006-05-03T15:36:00.000-04:002006-05-03T15:38:32.530-04:00

The House of Delegates Finance Committee has tabled a package of Senate transportation bills for 90 days. The move keeps a 6 cent fuel fee for terminal operators, a grantor's tax hike and various regional authorities alive until August.More later...

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146590584256392912006-05-02T13:20:00.000-04:002006-05-02T13:23:04.286-04:00

Item among latest Senate offerings on transportationBy Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)WINCHESTER — The Virginia Senate’s last-round budget and transportation offerings — including one from Winchester Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. —may get a cold reception in the House of Delegates this week.The two GOP-led chambers have clashed over transportation taxes this session. But the Senate moved toward

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146511032586499872006-05-01T15:09:00.000-04:002006-05-01T18:05:56.713-04:00

Let the political chaos resume.**A rainbow marks the end point of the Tennessee trek. Photographed in Limestone, Tenn., on Tuesday.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1146016053368276962006-04-25T21:37:00.000-04:002006-04-25T21:47:33.486-04:00

Yes, there's a lot going on in Richmond this week, and the iBook of Mild Peril and I are both watching closely.Now that the NAT router has been Frankensteined on to the cable modem's T1 line, political info is just a click away.But since I do have a camera with me on this trip, others must suffer as well.**Above, the Shamrock, possibly the world's greatest tobacco store, newsstand, soda fountain

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145681900647809832006-04-22T00:43:00.000-04:002006-04-22T01:01:07.240-04:00

It's that time of year again, when The Daily's political department packs up the car, the iBook of Mild Peril, a travel humidor and extra socks and heads south for a much needed week of sanity. Adios Press Dungeon, we're headed to the Volunteer State.So what will this motley crew be doing on the road?• Two high-speed inspections of the entire length of Interstate 81 in Virginia.• Taking the pulse

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145680962344748892006-04-22T00:37:00.000-04:002006-04-22T00:42:42.366-04:00

Kilgore says he's 'flattered' by Senator's proposalBy Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterWINCHESTER — A local legislator wants localities along Interstate 81 to have the same ability to deal with local road issues as counties and cities in Northern Virginia.State Sen. H. Russell Potts, Jr., R-Winchester, introduced legislation this week that would allow three or more cities or counties along

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145508438240416762006-04-20T00:45:00.000-04:002006-04-20T00:48:04.033-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Governor 7, General Assembly 0.Virginia legislators failed to override any of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s seven vetoes during the legislature’s annual veto override session on Wednesday.The one-day meeting was the final chapter in the 2006 regular session. Legislators continue to meet in a special session to hammer out a state budget and a fix for the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145508261146283052006-04-20T00:41:00.000-04:002006-04-20T00:45:33.306-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Members of the Virginia Senate aren’t ready to give ground when it comes to the ongoing deadlock over the state budget and transportation.The two GOP-led houses remain at odds over the state budget and new taxes for transportation. Senators want about $1 billion in new funding each year for taxes, while delegates support tapping the state’s

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145468164804667462006-04-19T13:31:00.000-04:002006-04-19T13:36:04.836-04:00

Both House of Delegates and Senate are chugging through the reconvened session today, but so far the score is Kaine 6, House 0. Delegates have failed to override any of Kaine's six vetoes of House bills.Senators have yet to take up the one bill Kaine vetoed.Updates as warranted...

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145404391284063862006-04-18T23:00:00.000-04:002006-04-18T22:58:17.120-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterWINCHESTER — Rail won’t get the job done. Neither will one additional lane in either direction.In fact, officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation said at a public hearing Tuesday that Interstate 81 will have to be expanded to a total of seven or eight lanes in the Northern Shenandoah Valley in the coming decades.The hearing at the Winchester

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145403920064282592006-04-18T19:35:00.000-04:002006-04-18T19:47:15.790-04:00

Legislators are rolling back into Richmond tonight and tomorrow for a double header on Wednesday — the veto override session of the regular session, followed 10 minutes later by another stab at doing a budget/transportation deal as part of the special session.But there was activity in the General Assembly Building today, as the Senate Finance Committee met to take testimony from key players

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145381853238555572006-04-18T13:27:00.000-04:002006-04-18T13:37:33.246-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)They’re off and running. And raising funds.With more than half a year until Election Day, the money race in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District is a relatively close affair.Incumbent Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican from Vienna, finished the first quarter of the year with more than $451,000 in the bank, having raised $605,000 during the 2005-06 election

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145381265882340572006-04-18T13:24:00.000-04:002006-04-18T13:27:45.940-04:00

Reporter's Note: Yet another graphic from The Daily that looks much better in print than on th web. But you know this, because you bought a paper, right?Candidates for federal office had to have their first-quarter financial filings in to the Federal Election Commission on Saturday.In the 10th District, the monetary picture shows clearly which side has established fundraising structures and which

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1145032271248064102006-04-14T12:28:00.000-04:002006-04-14T12:37:12.793-04:00

By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)WINCHESTER — U.S. Sen. George Allen brought his re-election campaign to the Northern Shenandoah Valley on Thursday.The Republican stopped briefly at Winchester Regional Airport to rally the GOP faithful during a two-day kickoff fly-around. Allen, a former Virginia governor, is seeking a second six-year term.Speaking on Thomas Jefferson’s 263rd birthday, Allen

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144897807611759172006-04-12T22:56:00.000-04:002006-04-12T23:10:07.636-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — Two days of meetings on the state budget went nowhere, and now General Assembly members are back home, with an eye toward trying again next week.Both houses had returned in anticipation of formalizing their budget standoff again by passing their own budgets, defeating their counterparts’ plans and asking for a conference committee.That didn’t happen,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144853556185812972006-04-12T10:47:00.000-04:002006-04-12T15:46:53.820-04:00

Both House of Delegates and Senate have adjourned until this afternoon in order to give some new transportation plans a chance to go before committees. Senate Transportation goes first, followed by Senate Finance.So far, we've seen Senate bills from Hampton Roads, the central Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia. Look for details here as soon as they're printed and distributed. Delegates began

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144845076184666362006-04-12T08:28:00.000-04:002006-04-12T08:38:38.756-04:00

Commonwealth’s attorney had sent letter to Bell juryNote: This is a local story that normally wouldn't appear on this political site. But the Bell case has over the past year become inextricably linked to the state's political picture. See a note at the bottom of this post for more details.By Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)WINCHESTER — Winchester Commonwealth’s Attorney Alex Iden has been

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144844928980105702006-04-12T08:25:00.000-04:002006-04-12T08:32:23.183-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterRICHMOND — A bill by a local delegate that would allow drivers to keep guns in locked automobile glove boxes was one of seven vetoed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine late Monday.Monday was the last day for Kaine to act on the 958 bills that won approval from both the Senate and House of Delegates.Among the proposals was House Bill 1106, sponsored by Del. Clay Athey,

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144784918641468742006-04-11T15:41:00.001-04:002006-04-11T15:53:42.553-04:00

From the office of Gov. Tim Kaine...RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced he has vetoed seven of the 958 bills adopted by the 2006 General Assembly. Midnight was the Governor’s deadline to act on legislation. Legislators are scheduled to consider the Governor’s vetoes and proposed amendments during a one-day Reconvened Session on Wednesday, April 19, 2006.Commonwealth

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144771160544737102006-04-11T11:56:00.000-04:002006-04-11T11:59:20.583-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterAfter two weeks of low-level skirmishing, the fight between the House of Delegates and Senate is showing signs of life again.Delegates are coming back to Richmond today for an evening session, at which they’re expected to vote on their version of the $74 billion 2006-08 state budget and dispose of the Senate’s latest offering. Senators will join the fray on

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144429404252207092006-04-07T13:01:00.000-04:002006-04-07T13:07:27.366-04:00

New law will require even pediatric drugs to be kept off shelvesBy Garren Shipley(Daily Staff Writer)Even tighter restrictions on cold medicine are on the way to the nation’s drugstores, courtesy of the renewed USA Patriot Act.The first round of new federal anti-methamphetamine measures takes effect on Saturday, placing limits on how much pseudoephedrine-containing medicines consumers can buy

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144429179061446202006-04-07T12:57:00.000-04:002006-04-07T12:59:39.096-04:00

With only a handful of exceptions, the new federal laws dealing with methamphetamine precursor drugs are the strictest in the nation.The following are the laws on the books in the Old Dominion and surrounding jurisdictions:• Virginia — Currently under an emergency order that keeps single-entity drugs behind a counter, sales limits, ID and logbook provisions also enforced. Gel caps, liquids and

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144258930288839142006-04-05T13:37:00.000-04:002006-06-30T15:55:14.910-04:00

Regular readers probably notice shameless pitches to get people to subscribe to the print edition of The Daily every so often. But they're really not self serving. Some of us just want more people to see stories like this from today:Accused parrot thief is indicted; B1- Meanwhile, Tiki the bird learns to say ‘lock ’em up’The Northern Shenandoah Valley is a very interesting place to live. You

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144212343692929012006-04-05T00:33:00.000-04:002006-04-06T17:33:49.443-04:00

UPDATE: Welcome Commonwealth Conservative readers! We hope you enjoy your visit. Feel free to hang around and peruse the whole site.By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterIn 2004, a Republican split allowed a Democratic governor to win a $1.5 billion tax increase.In 2006, the General Assembly is again deadlocked, with Republicans once more fighting Republicans over taxes. But one of the GOP delegates

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144173171886006302006-04-04T13:44:00.000-04:002006-04-04T13:52:51.886-04:00

Background: Fomer Del. Jim Dillard was one of two gubernatorial appointments rejected by the House of Delegates during the regular session.From Gov. Tim Kaine's office... GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY BOARD OF VISITORSRICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the appointment of the Honorable John Charles Thomas to the College of William and

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144172026207410842006-04-04T13:26:00.000-04:002006-04-04T13:36:38.066-04:00

From the Senate Republican Leadership Trust this morning...House Transportation Plan - Fact CheckApril 3, 2006The House transportation and budget plan described in this morning's briefing sounded remarkable. It devotes $1 billion in new money to transportation over the next two years without raising taxes while spending about the same as the Senate budget in other areas.How do they do it? The

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144124742252365182006-04-04T00:07:00.000-04:002006-04-04T13:22:07.086-04:00

From the news R&D department...You've probably seen a few posts here with the 'Raw Data' tag in the headline. That probably bears some explanation. With the addition of bloggers to a number of political press release distribution lists, information once confined to newsrooms is moving out to a wider audience.'Raw Data' aims to make that audience wider. As with our new ability to post audio clips

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144123481968399782006-04-04T00:02:00.000-04:002006-04-04T13:23:08.293-04:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThe House of Delegates offered a truce of sorts Monday in the ongoing Virginia state budget standoff, but some key senators were less than impressed by the effort.The House Appropriations Committee voted 22-0 on Monday to move forward a budget that sets aside a $1.03 billion, two-year “Transportation Reserve Fund” paid for out of the general fund.Delegates say

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1144081553038585082006-04-03T12:18:00.000-04:002006-04-03T12:26:01.363-04:00

From Speaker Bill Howell's office:House Appropriations Committee to PassCompromise Budget Proposal-- Compromise Plan Offered to Senate Two Weeks Ago to be Endorsed by Committee ---- Latest House Proposal Would Create Transportation Reserve Fund to End Impasse --RICHMOND, VA, April 3, 2006 – House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today announced that the House Appropriations Committee would

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1143954190169899252006-04-02T00:01:00.000-05:002006-04-02T00:03:10.190-05:00

Senate now includes changes to tax credits, fees for abusive driversBy Garren Shipley (Daily Staff Writer)The fourth version of the Virginia Senate’s budget and transportation plan has something in it for almost everyone. But the House of Delegates still isn’t buying it.The proposal — welded on to House Bill 5001 as it came through the upper chamber — passed 38-0 on Wednesday after hours of

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1143784286226789912006-03-31T00:43:00.000-05:002006-03-31T00:51:26.226-05:00

After much research, I've finally found a way to post some of the audio we here in the politics department come across from day to day. Thanks to the good folks at SendSpace.com, those with too much time on their hands or far too much interest in Virginia politics can hear some of the audio, too.So, for a trial run, here's a link to comments by Sen. Thomas K. Norment, R-Williamsburg, from the

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1143665049967387292006-03-29T17:09:00.000-05:002006-03-29T17:49:05.133-05:00

UPDATE 2 — Comments from House Speaker Below.It's been a very eventful day in the Virginia Senate. The Finance Committee has voted out House Bill 5001, the "caboose bill," but it's no longer a caboose bill. It's got the Senate's two-year budget and the new transportation plan all rolled in.Senators will be back at 4:30 p.m. to debate and vote.Among the big changes, regional transportation tax

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1143666119280531932006-03-29T15:59:00.000-05:002006-03-29T16:01:59.280-05:00

Find the documents given out at the Senate Finance Committee meeting this morning here. All are in PDF format.

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391913.post-1143612535047320292006-03-29T01:06:00.000-05:002006-03-29T01:12:00.106-05:00

By Garren ShipleyDaily Staff WriterThere’s no dearth of political strategy as the General Assembly’s special session on the 2006-08 budget and transportation moves forward.Part of the plan for the members of the House of Delegates is waiting back at home until there is something to do in Richmond.There’s really no need for delegates to be in town until the 11 budget negotiators have some kind of

GS, NV Dailyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14461175034215642686noreply@blogger.com