RPV Convention: The party of family values is charging for children?

Is the party of family values shaking down families at the Republican Party of Virginia Convention this weekend in Richmond? Some parents may show up today unaware they will have to pay the piper to get their kiddies in the door. Politicians are supposed to be kissing babies, not taking candy from them.

Talk about the difference between conventions and primaries ... it's more convenient for parents to take their kids with them to the polls and pop in for five minutes to vote. 

Instead, for the 2013 convention, parents have to drive all the way to Richmond and spend all day (and for those who live long distances, spend the night) and, on top of those costs, they get charged an admission fee for their kids.

Even more alarming is that children are not allowed to sit with their delegate parents. Is it RPV's intention to gather all children under 10 and place them in a designated kiddy area? I can see it now ... hundreds of little ankle-biters running around in a big kiddie corral in the middle of the coliseum with "Don’t Tread On Me" lapel stickers stuck to their little behinds.

Reportedly, there have been requests for months to remove the fee for children but someone obviously decided to hold their ground and be hard-nosed about it. Now the rubber is about to meet the road, and negative feedback is being heard. This will be the Republican convention of homeschoolers because Cuccinelli is a homeschooler ... and that group of voters is usually one-income families and often have many children. There are other ways they could use that money.

The problem first came to light when State Senator Steve Martin, who is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, discovered he would have to pay a $15 fee for each grandchild in order to walk up on the convention stage with him. That's $45 just for the grandkids to be with their grandfather ... on stage ... where he's running for higher office ... at the family values Republican Party of Virginia Convention.

But get this: for those who missed the early deadline to sign up children, the fee jumped to $25 each, and that has caught some families off guard.

Then there was this post on Facebook by Republican Lee Talley who has a special needs child and took exception to RPV's rules about children:

Saying your kids can't sit with you on the convention floor is insensitive to families with special needs children. You are discouraging yet another demographic from being part of the Republican Party. My son can sit in the Majority Leaders desk in Washington DC but he can't sit with me if I was delegate at the RPV Convention. I'm disgusted and you owe the special needs parents in the Republican Party an apology.

That is a valid point.

As one who has sat on RPV's governing board, I know all about trying to make ends meet for the convention ... but on the backs of families with children?

Primary, anyone?

RPV convention analysis from the Valley

Dr. Kurt Michael of Fishersville sat down Friday with news reporter Tom Dempsey of WHSV TV-3 to discuss the Republican Party of Virginia's convention to pick candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.

From the WHSV TV-3 interview:

On top of choosing the nominees, former Augusta County Republican Committee Chairman Dr. Kurt Michael says one of the main goals of the convention will be to bring the party together.

"What's important about this convention is Ken Cuccinelli will have to pull together three factions within the Republican party. Currently, we have Ron Paul libertarians, establishment Republicans, and Tea Party activists," he explained. "It's extremely important that the Republican party moves as a unit into November's election."

Dr. Michael also said the importance of the convention cannot be understated.

After Virginia went to President Barack Obama and Senator Tim Kaine last year, Republicans must get back on track in 2013 or risk severe consequences.

"If we do not win the governor's seat, that could set the Republican party back 15-20 years," said Dr. Michael. "We are in a purple state. It's turned blue. The Democrats will be pouring all their resources into the state of Virginia to win this seat and to solidify a base...."

Dr. Michael has been involved in Republican politics for more than 20 years. He is a contributor providing political cartoons about current issues to the Virginia Politics On Demand (VPOD) news source that is covering the RPV Convention, and VaPoliticalPineapple.com.

Governor McDonnell: 'Va unemployment falls to 5.2%'

From Governor Bob McDonnell's office....

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning following the release of official monthly unemployment data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showing Virginia’s unemployment rate has fallen to 5.2%. That’s the lowest unemployment rate in Virginia in 4 ½ years.

 

“Today’s good news is the direct result of Virginians working together across party lines to get our economy back on track and more Virginians back to work. Over the past 3 years we’ve focused on putting in place innovative public policies that spur private-sector job creation and help every Virginian, in every community, find the good-paying job they need and deserve. We’ve budgeted conservatively. We’ve aggressively pursued new job-creating businesses. We’ve marketed the Commonwealth. We’ve passed the first major transportation funding plan in 27 years to ensure that businesses will have the infrastructure they need to open, grow and create good jobs. Those actions are working. Agricultural exports have hit record highs. We keep announcing new, exciting business relocations and expansions. And the unemployment rate has fallen from 7.3% during our first month in office to 5.2% today, the lowest mark in Virginia since November 2008. We’ve got a lot of work left to do before our economy will be fully recovered, but we’ve made tremendous progress. That’s what happens when Virginians work together across regional and party lines to improve life in our wonderful Commonwealth. This is a great day for Virginia.”

 

Fast Facts about Virginia’s Falling Unemployment Rate

 

·         Virginia’s 5.2% April 2013 unemployment rate is the lowest in the state since November 2008

·         Virginia’s unemployment rate is 2.3% below the national average of 7.5%

·         Since February 2010 (the first full month of the Administration) over 160,000 net new jobs have been created in the state

·         Virginia’s 5.2% April 2013 unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast

·         Virginia’s 5.2% April 2013 unemployment rate is the second-lowest east of the Mississippi

·         Virginia’s 5.2% April 2013 unemployment rate is far below the Commonwealth’s neighboring states:

1.         1.3% lower than Maryland

2.         2.8% lower than Tennessee

3.         3.7% lower than North Carolina

4.         1.4% lower than West Virginia

5.         2.7% lower than Kentucky

Where the southern breezes blow

 I vote we go to the Gulf of Mexico
You and me by the sea
Palm trees call me, oh that’s the place I want to be

Down where the southern breezes blow
On the Gulf of Mexico

  I can’t wait to feel the sand beneath my toes
And I can almost see the sunburn on your nose

I live to work and work to live
Oh but what I wouldn’t give

A ray of sun and a little piece of beach
Where the sand dollar is the only currency

 Sunset on the road to dinner in Seaside.

 Target with palm trees....

Photos by Lynn R. Michell
May 2013
Words from 'Gulf of Mexico' performed by Alabama

Sailing

Well, it's not far down to paradise, at least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see.
Believe me.

It's not far to never-never land, no reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy of innocence again
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see.
Believe me.

Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free

Fantasy, it gets the best of me
When I'm sailing
All caught up in the reverie, every word is a symphony
Won't you believe me?

Well it's not far back to sanity, at least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away and find serenity
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see.
Believe me.

Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 2013

Sand and sun ... it's five o'clock somewhere

True friends ... facing their fear together.

Come sail with me....

Note the Jimmy Buffet flag on the bottom. Yep ... it's 5:00 somewhere.

Well, hello there, Mr. Lizard.

Kody loving his dog's life....

 

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 2013

Seaside

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 2013

IRS targeted liberal groups, too

In the midst of news that the Internal Revenue Service targeted tea party groups comes news that they also set their sights on liberal groups, according to Bloomberg News, who reported:

The Internal Revenue Service, under pressure after admitting it targeted anti-tax Tea Party groups for scrutiny in recent years, also had its eye on at least three Democratic-leaning organizations seeking nonprofit status.

One of those groups, Emerge America, saw its tax-exempt status denied, forcing it to disclose its donors and pay some taxes. None of the Republican groups have said their applications were rejected.

Progress Texas, another of the organizations, faced the same lines of questioning as the Tea Party groups from the same IRS office that issued letters to the Republican-friendly applicants. A third group, Clean Elections Texas, which supports public funding of campaigns, also received IRS inquiries.

In a statement late yesterday, the tax agency said it had pooled together the politically active nonpartisan applicants -- including a “minority” that were identified because of their names. “It is also important to understand that the group of centralized cases included organizations of all political views,” the IRS said in its statement.

The Washington Post weighed in on the issue, writing:

This doesn’t get the IRS off the hook, however. Legal experts tend to agree that the IRS should carefully scrutinize all would-be 501(c)(4)s that tread the line between “social welfare” and politics. But, they add, it’s important for the IRS to stay neutral and not appear like it’s putting an unfair focus on certain political views. That’s why the IRS Cincinnati office’s push to flag all Tea Party groups for review was deemed “inappropriate.”

“It’s part of [the IRS's] job to look for organizations that may be more likely to have too much campaign intervention,” Loyola law professor Ellen Aprill said yesterday. “But it is important to try to make these criteria as politically neutral as possible.”

The Post  also looked into the why and how the IRS vets groups for 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. Meanwhile, fallout from the controversy has forced the IRS Commissioner to resign:

President Obama on Wednesday demanded and accepted the resignation of the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Steven T. Miller, as part of a multi-pronged effort to quell controversies that threaten to dominate his second term.

Stories of the IRS targeting specific groups or individuals are legendary. In light of the latest, more people are speaking out about their experiences with this powerful government agency, including Franklin Graham who is president of his father's Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as well as the international humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse. Earlier this week VPOD's Adam Frost reported on the IRS’s targeting of Jewish pro-Israel groups as early as 2010.

The IRS is now being investigated by six congressional committees as Congress looks for answers about who is investigated, and why.

Governor McDonnell honors Law Enforcement Officers Week

Pictured left to right: Richmond Police Chief Ray Tarasovic, Richmond Police Deputy Chief Tanya Vincent, Governor Bob McDonnell and City of Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall

Governor Bob McDonnell and Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker participated in the Richmond Police Memorial Service Wednesday morning at the Richmond Police Training Academy. Tragically, there were three line-of-duty deaths in Virginia in 2012. An additional two have occurred this year.

Governor McDonnell issued a proclamation recognizing May 12-18, 2013 as Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Week in Virginia and has called the observance to the attention of all Virginians. All American and state flags are flying at half staff in honor of Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Week.

Pictured, Richmond Police Recruit John Story

(Photos Courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer)

Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Week

WHEREAS,  the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia are of the utmost importance to the health, success and livelihood of Virginia's families and communities; and

WHEREAS,  throughout our Commonwealth, thousands of selfless individuals have devoted their lives to protecting and serving Virginia's families, businesses, neighborhoods, schools and communities; and

WHEREAS,  there are currently over 165,000 law enforcement officers in Virginia who are willing to risk their lives twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week in the line of duty to maintain the safety of Virginia's communities while striving to uphold the rule of law; and

WHEREAS,  the courage, dedication, commitment, and leadership of Virginia's law enforcement is an irreplaceable and priceless resource that is vital to ensuring the safety of Virginia's citizens; and

WHEREAS,  there were three line-of-duty deaths in 2012 with an additional two to date in 2013; and

WHEREAS,  there have been 487 law enforcement heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely serving our Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS,  it is important that we pay tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers, as well as the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities; and

WHEREAS,  it is critical that we acknowledge the dedication of those that continue to serve and who are willing to undertake the crucial roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers within our communities, and commemorate and honor the dedicated service of officers past and present;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize May 12-18, 2013 as LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' MEMORIAL WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Bill Bolling announces Virginia Mainstream Project PAC

“Politics is not about ideological purity or moral self-righteousness, it’s about governing. And if you cannot compromise you cannot govern.” --Henry Clay

There's a new direction in Virginia politics today, thanks go Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who has rolled out the Virginia Mainstream Project that will focus on electing mainstream, conservative Republicans to public office and promote responsible policy solutions to the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth.

Paperwork for the new political action committee was filed on Tuesday with the State Board of Elections.

Bolling, who dropped out of the race in November after a takeover within the Republican Party of Virginia by the Ken Cuccinelli-backed tea party and Ron Paul Libertarians who overturned a vote to hold a primary in 2013 for the gubernatorial candidate, has transferred the remaining assets from his campaign committee to the Virginia Mainstream Project. He will be raising additional funds to help support the important work of this new initiative.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude for the new adventure, commenting:

“I’m proud to announce the creation of the Virginia Mainstream Project.  As I’ve said many times over the past several months, there is a growing need in the Republican Party in Virginia to recruit and elect mainstream, conservative candidates to state and local office and promote responsible policy solutions to the most important challenges facing Virginia. The Virginia Mainstream Project will work to address these issues while encouraging bipartisan cooperation and compromise on the major issues facing the Commonwealth.  I am excited about this opportunity to continue to serve Virginia and remain actively involved in the public debate.”

The primary missions of the Virginia Mainstream Project include:

1. Recruit, advise and support mainstream Republican candidates for state and local office, with particular emphasis on the House of Delegates in 2013 and the State Senate in 2015.

2. Provide a platform to continue discussing the need for mainstream approaches to governing in Virginia that put policy ahead of politics and seek to promote compromise and bipartisan cooperation to solve the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth.

3. Develop and promote responsible conservative policy solutions to the most important issues facing Virginia, with an emphasis on fiscal policy, economic development, tax reform, education reform, transportation and health care.

In March, Bolling decided against an Independent run and now will concentrate on the new PAC.

Why are American flags at half staff today?

We were out this morning and passed an American flag that was at half staff on the flag pole. I was curious as to why so looked it up.

All fifty states across the nation have their American and state flags at half staff today due to a directive from President Barack Obama who issued a proclamation in honor of Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. Thank you to all police officers who sacrifice for the safety of American citizens.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Day after day, police officers in every corner of America suit up, put on the badge, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve. They step out the door every morning without considering bravery or heroics. They stay focused on meeting their responsibilities. They concentrate on keeping their neighborhoods safe and doing right by their fellow officers. And with quiet courage, they help fulfill the demanding yet vital task of shielding our people from harm. It is work that deserves our deepest respect -- because when darkness and danger would threaten the peace, our police officers are there to step in, ready to lay down their lives to protect our own.

This week, we pay solemn tribute to men and women who did. Setting aside fear and doubt, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the rule of law and the communities they loved. They heard the call to serve and answered it; braved the line of fire; charged toward the danger. Our hearts are heavy with their loss, and on Peace Officers Memorial Day, our Nation comes together to reflect on the legacy they left us.

As we mark this occasion, let us remember that we can do no greater service to those who perished than by upholding what they fought to protect. That means doing everything we can to make our communities safer. It means putting cops back on the beat and supporting them with the tools and training they need. It means getting weapons of war off our streets and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals -- common-sense measures that would reduce gun violence and help officers do their job safely and effectively.

Together, we can accomplish those goals. So as we take this time to honor law enforcement in big cities and small towns all across our country, let us join them in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Our police officers serve and sacrifice on our behalf every day, and as citizens, we owe them nothing less than our full and lasting support.

By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2013, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2013, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

GOP tinkerings: Convention or primary?

As Virginia Republicans prepare to head to Richmond this weekend for the Republican Party of Virginia convention, the debate questioning convention versus primary continues with a party that is badly splintering from political maneuverings that have some questioning the validity of the event.

Today's Point Counterpoint discussion at VPOD (Virginia Politics On Demand) covers that issue with Adam Frost writing pro and Andrew Schwartz writing con, offering reasons for each.

Personally, I'm for primaries for all the reasons Adam lists. The longer I work in politics, the more I understand the relevance and importance of providing the opportunity for all to participate in an open process that is easily accessible in all parts of the state without having to jump the hoops of local committees who are easily corrupted.

Adam wrote:

Parties should never nominate candidates by convention.  Never.

Nominations by convention disenfranchise the vast majority of the party’s members:

- They disenfranchise people who are out of state on the day of the convention.
- Specifically, they disenfranchise the very military personnel that put their lives on the line in foreign lands to defend our republic.
- Conventions also disenfranchise people who are home but who very understandably don’t want to take the time and expense to go to a city potentially hundreds of miles away to spend an entire weekend being bombarded with political candidates, tactics, messages, signs, speeches, etc. ad nauseam.

He goes on to note, "Conventions result in an unmotivated party base. ... Conventions also tend to choose the least electable candidates because the activists at the ideological fringes are the ones most motivated to go to the conventions."

Conventions also disenfranchise a number of older folks because of mobility issues: parking and walking long distances to the venue, navigating the multiple stairs in the coliseum, hours spent listening to political speeches and more just to vote. This could also apply to others with mobility issues. Then there are the religious reasons -- those who observe Sabbaths on Saturdays when state conventions take place.

Not to mention that some who are unable to attend the mass meetings at the local levels are out of the convention process because of units like Augusta County that do not allow prefiling and will not add delegate names to the list unless they are physically present in the room. Business trip? Prior commitment? Sick? Hospitalized? Emergency worker on call? Too bad ... you're all out of the process. It happened to me because by the time the date, which was kept a secret up until a few weeks ahead of time, was known, I was unable to attend the Saturday morning mass meeting due to a prior commitment.

I am convinced primaries are the fair way to go in the nomination process.

Announcing VPOD: 'Virginia Politics On Demand -- Conservative Reason for the Commonwealth'

There's a new source for conservative commentary and political analysis in Virginia.

Some of Virginia’s best writers, broadcasters, and humorists -– and all keen conservative political observers – have launched “Virginia Politics On Demand,” a new Web site for information and commentary.

The site, which can be found at http://vapolitics.us, offers insightful analysis and original information to the Virginia political conversation.

"Many political web sites focus on advocacy, and there's a need for that, but our goal is to be more analytical and original," said J.R. Hoeft, the publisher of VPOD. "We want to help Virginians understand why something is happening, not why we want something to happen; and, we want to provide unique information, not something you can read somewhere else."

In addition to politics, the site will provide perspective on history, economics, society and culture, and how they affect today's political landscape. Two opinion leaders will also offer their thoughts on major topic, but from different conservative perspectives, and the audience will have the opportunity to vote as to which policy position they support.

The contributors (http://vapolitics.us/authors/) to VPOD include conservatives from every corner of the Commonwealth and have decades of political and media experience. Additionally, VPOD welcomes radio personality Steve Batton and cartoonist Kurt Michael who each offer their unique talents to the line up. In addition to Hoeft, Batton, and Michael, are Alton Foley, Jason Johnson, Wayne Ozmore, Andrew Schwartz, Scott Hirons, Tim Donner, Stephen Spiker, Jason Miyares, Rick Sincere, Steve Thomas, Mike Thomas, and Lynn Mitchell.

Besides the web site, VPOD can be found on Facebook at http://facebook.com/VirginiaPoliticsOnDemand and Twitter at http://twitter.com/VPOD2. Interested parties can also subscribe to a free newsletter for alerts and regular updates: http://eepurl.com/zsSqf.

- VPOD -

Mother's Day 2013

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 12, 2013

Green Valley Book Fair opens today

Green Valley Book Fair opens today for a two-week run through May 27. Their hours have changed but they are still open seven days a week for the entire run.

New hours of operation are:
- Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 noon-5:00 pm

Located in Mt. Crawford halfway between Staunton and Harrisonburg, Green Valley offers book deals up to 90% off. They describe themselves as "a discount book outlet store featuring over 500,000 new books at incredible bargain prices. Save up to 90% off retail on over 30,000 different titles in more than 60 different categories - including fiction, history, health and self-help, children's books, religion, science, sports, cooking, home and garden, crafts, art, reference, nature and outdoors, and more."

Their book deals are legendary in the Valley.

Republican AG race: Rob Bell ... dedicated work horse

Delegate Rob Bell is on a mission. Intense, motivated, with a work ethic that rivals the best, he is all over the place these days as he asks for votes in the Republican Attorney General race that will culminate next Saturday at the Republican Convention in Richmond.

While all candidates are working hard to win the favor of voters in the closed convention setting, Bell goes a step beyond in something that is seldom seen in politics: he mails hand-written notes to people along the way. I've received them in the past. Others have, too.

Watch him. He will jot a name on a note pad and it's likely that person will receive a hand-written note thanking them for their hospitality whether it's a committee meeting, breakfast, someone who went out of their way to help, or whatever. When at an event, Rob shakes hands, introduces himself to new faces, engages in issue discussions, and keeps a pace that would shame the Energizer Bunny.

Someone else who wrote personal correspondence? President George H.W. Bush. Looks like Rob is keeping good company.

RTD: How can RVA attract next generation of talented employees?

As Richmond continues to grow and attract business, Jacob Geiger, Director of Work It Richmond, notifies of the next Public Square event sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

I also want to mention a cool event the Richmond Times-Dispatch is holding May 21. Our latest Public Square will focus on how the region can attract the next generation of talented, educated employees and retain the folks who are already here.

The event will open with a presentation about the opinions and attitudes young professionals hold about Richmond. The survey was conducted among local college students, local young professionals and similar people who live in nearby cities.

There will be a lively discussion about the data.
< br/> During the final portion of the program, I will lead a discussion with executives from some Richmond companies that have a strong track record of attracting and keeping these employees.

After the official portion of the evening, which runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you can join me and other young professionals at Pasture to continue the conversation.

The event is free, but we are asking people to register in advance. You can do so at http://timesdispatch.eventbrite.com. Hope to see you there!

It will be interesting to see what ideas come out of this Public Square.

14th Senate District is loss for Rand Paul and Ron Paul

Thursday night's landslide victory by Republican John Cosgrove for the 14th Senate District nomination over Libertarian Chris Stearns is a huge loss for Rand Paul and Ron Paul. Both endorsed Stearns in this firehouse primary. Stay tuned....

See also John Cosgrove wins in landslide victory

John Cosgrove wins landslide victory in 14th Senate District firehouse primary - UPDATED

Delegate John Cosgrove has won the Republican Firehouse Primary for the 14th Senate District in the Hampton Roads area by defeating two opponents.

Final Total: Cosgrove-1,361; Stearns-552; Haley-116. Roughly 72%-28% win for Delegate Cosgrove. Congratulations!

Jim Hoeft has final results at his blog.

See also 14th Senate District is loss for Rand Paul and Ron Paul

UPDATE: Congratulations poured in from throughout the Commonwealth as word spread of John Cosgrove's win.

From Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling:
"Congratulations to my friend John Cosgrove who won the GOP nomination for the State Senate tonight in the 14th district. John is a good man who deserves our support. Well done John!"

From Randy Marcus, the LG's Chief of Staff:
"Congrats to John A. Cosgrove and his team for a great victory tonight! The Senate and his new district won big tonight. While Sen. Cosgrove has some big shoes to fill, the less numerous body is fortunate to have his leadership coming down the hall."

From Matt Wells:
"Proud to be a small part of a big win tonight. Congrats to John Cosgrove!!"

From Kate Maxwell:
"Congratulations to the next Senator from the 14th District, John Cosgrove!"

From Christie New Craig, Legislative Aide for John Cosgrove:
"My awesome boss John A Cosgrove at his VICTORY celebration."

Photo from Christie New Craig

TODAY: Vote John Cosgrove in 14th Senate District firehouse primary

Today, May 9, from 5-8:00 pm - vote John Cosgrove in Firehouse Primary in the 14th Senate District.

Phil Tran at Chesapeake Liasion recognized pragmatic leadership in his endorsement of John Cosgrove who is running for the state senate seat being vacated by a retiring Harry Blevins:

Throughout Cosgrove’s career, Cosgrove has been a champion for traditional values and for pragmatic solutions to make Chesapeake a great place for business and recreation. Unlike other politicians from both parties who think their ideology is what is best for the people, Cosgrove puts the needs of his constituents first.

Cosgrove knows where his people are and how to reach them because politics is not his day job when the part-time Virginia General Assembly is not in session. Therefore, he does not live in an echo chamber and more readily listens and understands the people. An engineer and musician by trade, Cosgrove is involved locally with his church, Rotary, the Ruritans, and has also served as a youth football and baseball coach.

Still, if conservative Republicanism is your thing, Cosgrove’s thoughtful, pragmatic approach to governance has led to 90%-100% ratings from the American Conservative Union, the Family Foundation, the Virginia Society for Human Life, the National Rifle Association, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Libertarians and liberty-minded Republicans should look past the rhetoric and look at the results. John Cosgrove might not be a Ron Paul acolyte, but he does share the same values and has worked to produce such results for the benefit of his community. He is also rock star. [photo of Cosgrove singing with a rock band]

"Pragmatic solutions ... pragmatic approach to governance." John Cosgrove has proven to have the kind of leadership recognized and appreciated by the Political Pineapple.

The fire house primary will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013, from 5-8 pm. Check JohnCosgrove.org for poll locations.

From LynnRMitchell.com: 14th Senate District: Cosgrove piles up endorsements.