Governor 2014 ... giving Terry McAuliffe a chance

On Saturday Terry McAuliffe became Virginia's 72nd governor. The baton was passed. Republicans lost, Democrats won ... time to govern for ALL the people of Virginia.

He follows an impressive listing of famous Virginians who have served before him:

Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson Jr., Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Randolph, Henry Lee, James Monroe, John Tyler, Peyton Randolph ...

... Harry F. Byrd, Mills Godwin, Linwood Holton, John Dalton, Chuck Robb ...

... George Allen. Douglas Wilder. Jim Gilmore. Mark Warner. Tim Kaine. Bob McDonnell.

Governor McAuliffe's Cabinets picks have been bipartisan. In the words of the Washington Post:

In the nine weeks since Election Day, political observers say, Terry McAuliffe (D) has been shockingly gubernatorial.

With moderate Cabinet picks and an ardent courtship of Republicans, the colorful former Democratic National Committee chairman and political fundraiser has projected an image of seriousness, caution and bipartisanship that critics had doubted he could muster.

Some of the comments I've heard remind me of when I entered high school and the tradition for the upper classmen to harass the freshmen. I vowed that year that when I was an upper classman, I would not join in on that tradition, and I didn't.

As Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe takes the reins of Virginia, some conservatives are not willing to allow this man to get a day, never mind a General Assembly session, under his belt before judging. If we were to go on their words, he's doomed before he ever begins. As one who is tired of the vitriol from both sides of the aisle, I like what he's done so far and am willing to give this new governor a chance.

Congratulations, Terry McAuliffe ... you're off to a good start. Four years to go....

- McAuliffe sworn in as Virginia governor

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

2014 State of the Commonwealth address by Gov. Bob McDonnell

State of the Commonwealth Address

Governor Robert F. McDonnell 
January 8, 2014 - 7:00pm
 Richmond 
As Prepared for Delivery

Mr. Speaker. Mr. President.

Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, now in your 395th year,

My fellow Virginians,

It is my privilege to address you, one last time, as Governor, on the State of the Commonwealth.

I must note that because it's my last speech the Speaker promised me all the time I wanted… so get comfortable.

For 22 years I have served with you. First, in this chamber as a Delegate. Then as Attorney general. Now, as Governor.

While this public chapter of my life draws to a close, I'm not the only one saying farewell.

Tonight, a grateful Commonwealth salutes the public service of:

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who has redefined the role of his office as a jobs creator,
policy leader, and Cabinet member, and presided over the Senate with grace. Thank you Bill for over 20 years of outstanding service.

Read the rest here. 

Photo by State Senator Bill Carrico
January 8, 2014

Staunton City Council discusses concerns with Hanger, Saxman

Staunton's City Council members met with state legislators Thursday night to discuss the upcoming General Assembly session, providing a wish list of their concerns.

As reported in the News Leader, Sen. Emmett Hanger and Del. Chris Saxman offered assurance they would do what they could for some issues but were not in agreement with Council on others:

With significant education cuts looming during the upcoming General Assembly session, local legislators committed to help soften the burden for Staunton during a special meeting with City Council.

“The one thing I picked up from my colleagues in both the House and the Senate is whatever happens in the area of education, we want to provide enough flexibility as possible to local governments and school boards so they can make their own decisions,” said Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton.

Cell phones banned while driving? Primary seat belt law? Beer tax? New arts center? Some were supported by Council; some were supported by the legislators. The meeting offered an opportunity for Staunton's governing body to pass along their concerns. More coverage can be found at WHSV TV-3.

AFP in Richmond ... Delegate Chris Saxman's desk

There it is ... the "Saxman" name plate on Delegate Chris Saxman's desk in the House of Delegates.
View of Delegate Saxman (center) at the desk. That was a nice, cushy chair.... Delegate Ben Cline is to his left and Delegate Terry Kilgore is behind them.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Congratulations Senator Ken Cuccinelli (Updated)

Updated 11/14/07 at 7:00 p.m.: Senator Cuccinelli's opponent has now asked for a recount. There's a 92-vote lead; not sure what she is expecting to change in that but we shall see.

The canvassing has been completed and the 92-vote lead held for State Senator Ken Cuccinelli in his victory in last Tuesday's election. Our congratulations to this staunch conservative who did not compromise his values to be reelected in a decidedly liberal area of the state.

To celebrate he will be holding a victory party Saturday, November 17, at P.J. Skidoo's in Fairfax City (9908 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030) from 7-9:00 p.m. He is inviting any fellow Republicans who worked any race to join in the celebration.

If you would like to be a sponsor of the event:

Avalanche Sponsorship: $1,000
Landslide Sponsorship: $500
Mud Slide Sponsorship: $250

If you can help with donations contact EveMarie@Cuccinelli.com or phone (703) 766-0635.

RSVPs for the Victory Party should be emailed to Ken4Sen@Cuccinelli.com. Bring a friend!

Again ... congratulations to Senator Cuccinelli for a hard-won race. We look forward to following his leadership in Richmond.