RPV Chairman Pat Mullins’ partisan retort is not helpful in search for ethics reform

No sooner had Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a bipartisan committee on ethics reform to be headed up by former Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and former Democratic Congressman Rich Boucher than the Republican Party of Virginia’s Chairman Pat Mullins came out with a snarky response....  (Continue reading here)

Data.Virginia provides easy access

Governor McAuliffe today announced the launch of Data.Virginia, a new online portal that will provide easy access to Virginia’s open data and keep Virginians informed of major initiatives that take advantage of big data.

Speaking on the new initiative, Governor McAuliffe said: “Virginia is generating more data on a daily basis than ever before. Much of that information is intended for public access, but is often buried and hard to find. With this new initiative, Virginians will have a one stop shop to get access to data from a variety of sources. That’s empowering data that can be used by  citizens to make more informed decisions, by innovators to build cutting-edge applications, and by community stakeholders to plan smarter projects.”

Examples of open datasets that will be available through the Data.Virginia portal include the Department of Education’s State Report Card on school performances, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s database of board and commission openings, and the Department of Transportation’s traffic data from across Virginia.

In addition to serving as a central repository for open data, Data.Virginia will also serve as an information clearinghouse for the Commonwealth’s  big data initiatives. Big data, with the common characteristics of volume, variety and velocity, refers to the collection and analysis of huge amounts of electronic information. Commonwealth initiatives that make use of big data include the new Virginia Longitudinal Data System, a project which makes use of a variety of education and workforce development datasets and applies analytics to produce data-driven solutions that improve student outcomes. 

Speaking on the importance of big data, Governor McAuliffe said:

“Traditionally, data has been used to solve a single problem.  Now, through big data and analytics, we can analyze large quantities of information from a variety of sources more efficiently and develop better insights and solutions to our challenges. Several Virginia universities have established big data initiatives, and we need to expand and institutionalize the use of data analytics across the Commonwealth.”

The security of personal information will remain a priority.  Electronic data held by the state is subject to federal and state laws, protecting especially sensitive data. The Commonwealth also has an extremely high-level of security in a top-rated data center with security operations that monitor network traffic 24 hours a day, every day. Tax identification, Social Security and credit card numbers and health and other personal records are protected by even more stringent security standards.

In closing, Governor McAuliffe re-emphasized the importance of Data.Virginia:

“By adopting a two-pronged approach for harnessing Commonwealth data, we will not only enhance the way we use big data internally, but we will also make it easier for our citizens to access information.  It is through initiatives such as Data.Virginia that Virginia will continue to be a nationwide leader in innovation, smarter government, and increased transparency.”

The new portal can be accessed at Data.Virginia.gov

Avid fisherman Bill Bolling appointed to Game and Inland Fishersies board

Congratulations to former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling on his appointment by Governor Terry McAuliffe to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries. A long-time angler, he is the perfect ambassador for that position. Don't be surprised if you see him casting for trout at a river near you. Maybe I'll find this avid fisherman one of these days and get photos in his outdoor environment far away from the hustle and bustle of the business and political worlds. Good choice by the governor....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2014

Governor Terry McAuliffe visits Augusta County to talk medicaid coverage

 Augusta Health's Heart and Vascular Center was the location of Saturday's meeting between Governor Terry McAuliffe and hospital staff as well as members of the community.

 Arrival at 1;30 ...

... and greeting hospital personnel.

More about the visit:
- Governor McAuliffe to visit Augusta Health
- Gov. visit turns medicaid debate local
- Gov. McAuliffe brings medicaid discussion to Augusta Health

Medicaid expansion: Local hospital says yes; Landes, Cline, Bell and tea party say no

Governor Terry McAuliffe will be visiting the Shenandoah Valley this afternoon, making a stop at Augusta Health's Heart and Vascular Center in Fishersville at 2:00 in his effort to close the gap in medicaid coverage.

Augusta Health has been an advocate for increasing coverage. CEO and president Mary Mannix wrote, "The gap in health insurance coverage created by the Affordable Care Act has left thousands of people in our community without access to affordable coverage. ... This coverage gap is not only a source of hardship for our uninsured patients; it also puts an enormous financial strain on our hospital."

Today's visit will be countered by protesters from Americans for Prosperity and local tea party groups who plan to gather in the hospital parking lot with signs against the proposed expansion. Local state delegates Steve Landes, Ben Cline, and Dickie Bell have scheduled a 3:00 news conference at a private business a mile from the hospital's campus to protest expansion and its affect on small businesses.

It should make for an interesting Saturday afternoon in Augusta County.

Gov. McAuliffe to visit Augusta Health Heart & Vascular Center on Saturday

Governor Terry McAuliffe will be visiting Fishersville Saturday when he stops by Augusta Health Heart and Vascular Center to discuss closing the coverage Medicaid gap.

Augusta Health has expressed support for the Medicaid expansion in Virginia as shared by CEO and president Mary Mannix in the Staunton News Leader:

The gap in health insurance coverage created by the Affordable Care Act has left thousands of people in our community without access to affordable coverage. The people who find themselves in this difficult situation aren’t looking for a handout. They are working people, but because Virginia hasn’t expanded Medicaid they make too much to qualify for the existing Medicaid program and too little to qualify for subsidies through the new federal exchange.

This coverage gap is not only a source of hardship for our uninsured patients; it also puts an enormous financial strain on our hospital. The ACA eliminates $300 million a year in federal payments to Virginia hospitals to help us treat uninsured patients. Those cuts were supposed to be offset by Medicaid expansion, which would reduce the number of uninsured patients. But without Medicaid expansion or some alternative “Virginia way” of drawing down our federal tax dollars that we’ve already paid to cover the people in “the gap,” Augusta Health and hospitals around Virginia will continue to pay 100 percent of the cost to care for uninsured patients who come through our doors.

That’s a huge financial burden for our hospital, and it will force us to rethink the services we provide to all of our patients – insured or otherwise. It also drives up the cost of care for everyone.

Noting that the hospital is for fiscal responsibility in the Medicaid issue when it comes to an in-depth audit and cost-effective measures, Mannix went on to warn:

Hospitals cannot wait two years for a legislative study on these reforms before expanding Medicaid. The damage to our financial health, the health of our community and the economy will be too great by then. There is no reason that we cannot continue to improve the system while we cover those who are now uninsured. Hospitals are treating uninsured patients right now; the financial strain is right now. We need to find a path forward this year to draw down some of the nearly $1 billion Virginia taxpayers already paid in Affordable Care Act taxes, fees and cuts. We need our legislators to understand the urgency of this issue. That message must get through. We know the Virginia General Assembly didn’t create this problem, but we are depending on them to find a solution, and we want to work with them without delay.

She met a partial ally with the Waynesboro News-Virginian when it recently editorialized:

As we've mentioned before, we're not against the idea of expanding the Medicaid program in Virginia. In Sunday's edition of the News Virginian, readers saw that Augusta Health alone spent $40 million over the last year, caring for the uninsured. If the bill was lower, Augusta Health officials indicated they wouldn't be as cautious in their own expansion plans. That would possibly translate into more jobs and a stronger local economy. Augusta County taxpayers would also see a benefit from Medicaid expansion, as we highlighted in that same article. Lower costs for emergency transportation means money that could be used elsewhere, possibly on needed school repairs.

However, the editorial continued with a cautionary note:

But there has to be a long range plan. Simply expanding Medicaid coverage helps now, with the federal government handling 100 percent of the bill. But three years from now, that drops down to 90 percent. Before we sign off on expanding Virginia's Medicaid system, we need to know how the state is going to plan for that. If McAuliffe plans to be in office for a second term, those expanded Medicaid costs will have to factor in his future budgets. Why not budget for them now and erase the uncertainty, before expanding the program?

Simply approving expansion isn't an answer. It's a quick fix. Rather than changing the rules while the game's still being played, we suggest the governor slows down a bit and lets the General Assembly play out the second half.

Even as the Governor travels the state to talk about Medicaid expansion, legislators in Richmond appear ready to battle it out, with the Richmond Times-Dispatch writing, "The battle of the budget ended Wednesday as it began: locked horns over Medicaid and expansion of health insurance coverage for the poor."

Governor McAuliffe's visit is scheduled for 2:00 Saturday afternoon.

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

McAuliffe rounds out Cabinet with former First Lady Anne Holton as Secretary of Education

The latest cabinet announcement for Democratic Governor-Elect Terry McAuliffe is appointing former First Lady Anne Holton, daughter of former Republican Governor Linwood Holton and wife of former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine, as Secretary of Education.

Ms. Holton joins other appointees as McAuliffe prepares to take office. Names in parentheses hold those positions in the McDonnell administration:

Chief of Staff
- Paul Reagan (Martin Kent)

Deputy Chief of Staff
- Suzette Denslow

Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Levar Stoney (Janet Vestal Kelly)

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
- Todd Haymore (reappointed from McDonnell administration)

Secretary of Natural Resources
- Molly Joseph Ward (Doug Domenech)

Secretary of Finance
- Ric Brown (reappointed from McDonnell administration; has served 12 governors)

Secretary of Health and Human Resources
- Bill Hazel (reappointed from McDonnell administration)

Secretary of Education
- Anne Holton (Javaid Siddiqi)

Secretary of Public Safety
- Brian Moran (Bryan Rhode)

Secretary of Technology
- Karen Jackson (Jim Duffey)

Secretary of Transportation
- Aubrey Layne, Jr. (Sean Connaughton)

Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
- John Harvey, Jr. (Jim Hopper)

Va Republicans invade Homestead this weekend to reflect, lick wounds

 The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Va. December 2013

It's Christmas in Virginia's western mountains and, as it has for centuries, The Homestead Resort is decked out for the season. This weekend it has braced itself for an invasion of Republicans from throughout the Commonwealth. Vehicles pulling under the portico to unload laptops and overnight bags sport candidate bumper stickers and specialty "G" series license plates.

It's the celebration of the 30th annual Donald Huffman Republican Advance. After the thumping Republicans took in November, the big celebration for the big anniversary is overshadowed by a party that seems to have lost its way in four short years.

In 2009 the atmosphere at the Advance was jubilant as we met in Williamsburg and celebrated sweeping the top three spots for the first time in 12 years, and the fact that we had found our footing in new media and other areas after the 2008 loss to Barack Obama and the Democrats. Bob McDonnell had swept into office as governor in an historic landslide by running on "Bob's for Jobs," helping to boost the GOP spirit after some crucial losses between 2005 and 2008. By winning the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general positions, Republicans were poised to take the leadership reins in the state and ride the wave of popularity after Obama's disappointing first year in office.

Before the 2009 election, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling had taken one for the team and avoided an internal blood bath that the Republican Party of Virginia didn't need. He stepped aside so McDonnell could run unopposed for governor and, instead, sought re-election as lieutenant governor while temporarily setting his goal for governor on the shelf. With an ambitious Ken Cuccinelli winning the attorney general spot, some nervous politicos asked the "Cooch" if he planned to run for governor in 2013 and his answer over and over was "no." It seemed the good blood in the Republican Party would continue beyond 2009.

But something happened between 2009 and 2013. Cuccinelli, who had said in an AG debate at The Homestead in 2008 that he would run for two terms as attorney general to avoid challenging Bolling -- but later tried to explain it away by basically saying it depended on what the meaning of "is," is -- announced one day before the 2011 Advance that he was running for governor.

A shock went through the Virginia GOP or, at least, a shock went through part of the GOP. The Cuccinelli supporters were enthusiastic at this announcement that came as a total surprise to not only Governor McDonnell but also to Lieutenant Governor Bolling who was in Florida at the time attending a national lieutenant governors meeting.

I was sitting in the Great Hall of The Homestead two years ago today when the Bolling family arrived. It was barely 24 hours after they had heard of the challenge from the GOP attorney general -- reportedly not from the mouth of the AG but through the news. As they walked past on the way to their room with serious looks on their faces, we watched as the Cuccinelli supporters stood at the front door of the Homestead's Great Hall in Cuccinelli t-shirts and tried to sticker everyone with Cuccinelli lapels.

The message was clear: it had been planned and calculated for the best shock value. Mission accomplished. Not only had Bill Bolling been slammed upside the head but so had thousands of long-time Republican volunteers who were being out-muscled and removed from the GOP rolls.

Six months later the majority of the eleven congressional districts saw a turnover of leadership and, a few months later, the newly-minted Cuccinelli state central committee voted to overturn the already-voted-on primary for 2013 and changed it to a closed convention. That's how we got what happened in Richmond in May. Meanwhile, local committees throughout the state saw a turnover as Cuccinelli supporters won key leadership positions and purged long-time volunteers.

The final results of it all came last  month when Republicans lost the top three spots to the Democrats leaving many Republicans in disbelief. Historically in Virginia the gubernatorial office goes to Republicans when Democrats own the White House, and vice versa. Many touted Democrat Terry McAuliffe as a poor candidate. The GOP win was supposed to be a sure thing. What had happened? A short four years earlier we had swept all three offices on a deliriously happy election night in downtown Richmond. This year the candidates weren't even together on election night. With Cuccinelli at the helm, both E.W. Jackson and Mark Obenshain went down (Democrat Mark Herring won the AG race with 165 votes so a recount will take place later this month).

And so we all gather at The Homestead, not to celebrate victory but to lick our wounds. And try to figure out where we go from here. And how to heal the civil war raging within the party.

But the visions of previous wins dance in my head -- the years when George W. Bush was president and we won with his example of an inclusive party that reached out to all. The Republican Party is at a crossroads. We can either adjust with the changing times ... or become irrelevant.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 5, 2013

Peace, Watkins, Sessoms, Marcus on Gov.-elect McAuliffe's transition committee

Reaching across the aisle as he prepares to become the 72nd governor of Virginia, Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe announced his transition committee as he prepared to follow in the footsteps of such notable leaders as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe,

Among the list of 52 public and business leaders on his team, the Democrat included Republicans. Senator John Watkins (R-Powhatan) and Delegate Chris Peace (R-Hanover) were picked along with political consultant Boyd Marcus and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms.

Reaching out should be a good thing, right? Politics has become so polarizing that those willing to listen to the opposite side should be applauded ... right?

Apparently not. 

On Friday, conservative activist Ben Marchi noted on his Facebook page that he had heard from grumblers:

I got phone calls this morning from some of my favorite AFP activists who were angry with Christopher Kilian Peace for accepting this appointment. My response was, "If Terry McAuliffe has asked you to participate in his administration and if there's something you can do to make Virginia a better place to live, work, & raise a family, then you should do it, and any other Virginian ought to do the same. It's better that conservatives have a seat at the table, than not at all." Am I wrong? Thoughts?

Several dozen comments had been left by Friday evening, most in agreement with Ben's sentiment but some expressing concerns while 55 people gave a thumbs up.

Delegate Peace took to Facebook, too, to comment about his appointment:

As you know, I have a very strong conservative voting record and to that end worked hard and invested resources in electing Republicans to office this and every cycle. At this point it is critically important that with the prospects of losing all three statewide races that our common sense conservative perspective have a seat at the table. I see my temporary role in transition as giving the people of my district as well as my conservative friends the biggest and best voice in their state government possible. Now is not the time for name calling or taking the ball and going home. Virginia deserves civility and honor, and real leadership requires listening and being engaged in dialogue. It isn’t easy but it is necessary.

Delegate Peace is correct ... Virginia deserves civility and honor. Ben is correct ... conservatives need a seat at the table. Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe is offering both. 

Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw Bill Bolling elected as lieutenant governor, Jerry Kilgore lose as governor, and Bob McDonnell in a tight down-to-the-wire race for attorney general. I was needed at the Augusta County Government Center to witness the vote canvas, the beginning of a process that eventually led to my participation in a mid-December recount that saw McDonnell prevail with a mere 360 votes over his Democratic challenger, Creigh Deeds.

Fast forward to last week's election that saw Democrats Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam winning the governor and lieutenant governor spots. The end of the day, however, showed a tighter-than-a-tick contest between Republican Mark Obenshain and Democrat Mark Herring that fluctuated back and forth as a variety of events took place over the next seven days. When all votes were finally tallied, Herring was ahead by 163 votes in a contest that was probably headed to recount.

However, as happened in the 2005 race, recounts rarely change the final numbers by much. If Herring prevails, Virginia Democrats will have swept the top three offices that were won in landslide victories four years earlier by Republicans McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli.

NBC 12 has a report on the final count.

Lt. Governor Bolling congratulates Terry McAuliffe; urges GOP to look at its future

On Tuesday night, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement on the 2013 election results:

“The 2013 campaigns have come to an end, and the people of Virginia have chosen their leaders for the next four years. I congratulate Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam on their election victories, and stand ready to help them in any way I can as they prepare to lead Virginia.

“The outcome of the race for Attorney General has not yet been determined, so I will refrain from commenting on that race until the final results are known. However, I recognize Mark Obenshain and Mark Herring for participating in such a hard fought and competitive campaign.

“I also thank Ken Cuccinelli, Robert Sarvis and E.W. Jackson for their willingness to engage in the political process. Campaigns are never easy, and this campaign was particularly difficult. I hope they will take comfort knowing that they did their best, even though the outcome may not have been as they desired.

“I also congratulate all of the candidates who won election victories tonight in the Virginia House of Delegates. I am pleased that the House of Delegates will continue to have a strong Republican majority, under the capable leadership of Speaker Bill Howell. I know they will continue to do their part in making certain that Virginia takes a mainstream approach to governing.

“As a Republican, I am deeply disappointed that our party has lost control of our state's top two elected offices. There are clear lessons in these losses for the Republican Party. Going forward, we need to have an open and honest conversation about the future of our party and determine what we must do to reconnect with a more diverse voter base whose support is critical to political success in Virginia.

“Now that the campaigns have ended, we must all come together in support of our elected leaders and help them in their effort to build a better Virginia. Let that process begin.”

Election 2013: Governor McDonnell congratulates Terry McAuliffe

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement Tuesday night regarding the election of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“I want to congratulate Terry McAuliffe on his election as the next governor of Virginia. There is no higher honor than serving in the same office once held by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Virginia is a Commonwealth of tremendous history and opportunity; this is the place where America began. The privilege of serving as governor carries with it immense responsibility, and I know Terry McAuliffe will act in the best interests of the more than 8 million people who call Virginia home.

“Elections are long, tough, hard-fought affairs. But they have an end date. For the 2013 campaign, that date is today. Now, the signs, stickers and ads must be put away. In their place must come comity, cooperation and a commitment to working together, across party lines, to continue to improve the quality of life of all Virginians. That’s what we’ve tried to do over the last four years.

“Virginia has been named 'America’s Best State for Business.' Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast, and the third-lowest east of the Mississippi River. Our colleges are more affordable and accessible. Our state pension system has been fixed. Our K-12 system is innovative and productive. Our transportation system finally has the long-term, sustainable funding and reforms it has long needed. We’ve posted four-straight budget surpluses, held the line on general fund spending and our Rainy Day Fund will soon grow to over $1 billion. This is the direct result of bipartisan cooperation in the service of making life better for the people of Virginia and getting results. I’m confident that Governor-elect McAuliffe will continue this great progress.

“Four years ago the people of Virginia honored me with their votes and this office. I can never thank my fellow Virginians enough for the trust they placed in me. Immediately after winning, then-Governor Tim Kaine reached out personally and offered the full assistance of his administration in our transition. The Kaine administration could not have been more helpful in the two months that followed. They made the transition as seamless and smooth as it possibly could have been. Now, we look forward to doing the same for Governor-elect McAuliffe and his team. I have already spoken to the Governor-elect and let him know that we are ready to assist with the transition and prepared to offer all the help his team will need as they prepare to lead our great Commonwealth forward for the next four years.

“Election nights are emotional times. For the winner there is the thrill of victory, combined with the recognition that the hard work preceding this moment is but a prelude to the tremendous effort yet to come. For those who fall short, there is the sadness of seeing such exertion, passion and time not produce the hoped-for result. With that in mind, I wish my friend Ken Cuccinelli the very best as he moves forward from tonight. I hope Ken will continue to stay involved in the public life of our state, and I thank him for serving our administration well as attorney general, and giving his all to public service and the campaign. I also congratulate Mr. Sarvis for running, with limited resources, a good and strong campaign.

“Again I congratulate Governor-elect McAuliffe, and I pledge to work in partnership over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition of power that is in keeping with the grand history of our beloved Commonwealth, and that best prepares the Governor-elect and his team for their public service over the next four years.”

And then there were 5: News-Virginian endorses no one for governor

Conservative Shenandoah Valley newspaper The News-Virginian has declined to endorse any of the three candidates for governor in the 2013 Virginia campaign.

That now makes five newspapers who have passed on this endorsement: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Times, News & Advance, and News Progress and, today, the News-Virginian to that growing list.

Addressing the campaign, the News Virginian wrote:

It’s ... been one of the nastier ones in recent memory, with both Democratic and Republican nominees focusing too much time on attacking their opponent and too little on talking up their own plans for the Commonwealth. If that’s an indication of how their administration would be, we can’t endorse any of the candidates in this year’s race. We’ve seen too much bickering and attacking in Washington. It just takes up time and accomplishes little.

This is notable because the News-Virginian is a relatively conservative newspaper in the conservative Shenandoah Valley, one of the reddest parts of the Commonwealth, with conservative representatives who often go unchallenged. Indeed, in 2013 the three local delegates for the House of Representatives who represent the SWAC area, have no opponents as noted by News-Virginian political reporter Bob Stuart earlier this week in his article, "Local House members face clear path to re-election."

Reflecting the sour mood of the electorate in this election cycle, two newspapers -- the Daily Progress and Roanoke Times suggested writing in Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Election 2013 has, indeed, been an odd one.

Rasmussen: McAuliffe +17 points - UPDATED

Rasmussen Poll released October 22, 2013

Terry McAuliffe (D): 50%
Ken Cuccinelli (R): 33%
Robert Sarvis (L): 8%

Election Day is in two weeks.

Update: Quinniapiac Poll out October 23:

McAuliffe: 46%
Cuccinelli: 39%
Sarvis: 10%

Quinnipiac seems more in line with other polls than yesterday's Rasmussen.  Real Clear Politics has McAuliffe's average at +9.6%.

Gov. McDonnell's popularity remains high with 55% approval

A new poll is out today from NBC4/NBC News/Marist Poll that finds Governor Bob McDonnell with a 55 percent approval rating with registered voters in Virginia. Among the poll's findings:

- +23 among registered voters in the Commonwealth
- +20 among independents at 54 percent
- +20 among women voters
- +16 with African-American voters
- +28 with young voters

Governor McDonnell is popular in every region of the state:

- +17 in the Washington suburbs
- +28 in Tidewater
- +14 in Western Virginia

Virginians like the direction the state is headed under Governor McDonnell's leadership, with 54 percent of likely voters saying Virginia is on the right track, a margin of +14.

Among other poll questions were the following:

Virginia Governor Race:
Terry McAuliffe 46 percent, Ken Cuccinelli 38 percent

Washington Redskins:
The poll also discovered that 78 percent questioned do not want the Washington Redskins to change their name.

Obama approval:
52 percent of Virginians disapprove of his job performance while 45 percent approve.

Check out the poll for cross tabs and other questions.

Former Gov. Douglas Wilder endorses Terry McAuliffe

Former Democratic Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder is respected by many for his lack of blind party loyalty, sometimes leaving people hanging on to the edge of their seats wondering whether he will be endorsing Democrats or Republicans in any given election. This year's gubernatorial election was no exception.

Today Governor Wilder endorsed Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe who expressed his gratitude in a statement:

"I am honored to have the support of Governor Doug Wilder. Governor Wilder has a long record of responsible budgeting and working with members of both parties to get things done, exactly the opposite of what we are seeing happen in Washington where Ted Cruz and Ken Cuccinelli's extreme Tea Party allies have held the government hostage to drive their extreme ideological agenda. As governor, I will work in a bipartisan way to focus on growing and diversifying the Commonwealth's economy and creating more opportunities for all Virginians."

Wilder shared his reasons for the endorsement with the Washington Post:

Wilder told The Post Thursday that the federal government shutdown, and the polarized Washington politics behind it, have helped convince him that McAuliffe is the right man to lead Virginia.

“The thing that’s going on at the national level — we’re so close to it — we could show that we are not affected by it and we are going to move forward,” Wilder said. “We are not going to separate into enclaves — this group, that group. It’s not a matter of pitting one group against the other group.”

Read the entire article here. This is a solid endorsement for McAuliffe.

Governor Wilder, a Richmond attorney who began serving his district in the Virginia General Assembly in 1969, was elected governor of Virginia in 1990, the first African-American governor since Reconstruction.

Boyd, Mudcat ... 2013's odd political climate in Virginia

The political climate in Virginia continues to get curiouser and curiouser on an almost daily basis and, today, it clouded yet again.

Two weeks ago, that ground shift you felt under your feet was the GOP reacting as longtime veteran Republican strategist Boyd Marcus endorsed and moved over to work for Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe for governor. Conservative to the core, Boyd's move had some calling him a RINO, a moderate, and excoriating him for daring to step over the political line even as the Washington Post noted, "Democrats and even some Republicans see Marcus’s move as emblematic of a deep rift within the party: Marcus had been aligned with pragmatic establishment figures and repelled by the resolute tea party style...."

Interesting, then, that in another twist of this continuing drama, the Washington Post reported today that longtime Democratic strategist Mudcat Saunders had sorta-kinda joined the Cuccinelli campaign even though he didn't formally endorse him. Mudcat's reason? He doesn't agree with "corporate" types. That made me wonder if he meant he doesn't agree with capitalism. He was all over the map with thoughts about the campaign but seemed to zero in on southwestern Virginia and the coal industry, something Democrats and liberal environmentalists seem determined to destroy: “Once my party starts caring for the people at the bottom of the mountain as much as they care for the trees at the top of the mountain, I’ll join the conversation."

So was Mudcat piqued that McAuliffe didn't turn to him to consult his campaign, perhaps ticked that a Republican was hired instead? Or did the Cuccinelli campaign begin overtures to Mudcat after Boyd went to McAuliffe? Or could it be that the rural-leaning Mudcat just didn't like the globe-trotting McAuliffe who is closely associated with the Clintons?

There's no knowing for sure but it certainly adds to the mystique and entertainment of those watching this eclectic campaign season play out. With six weeks left until election day, it will be interesting to see who may next trip over party lines.

Cross-posted at Virginia Politics On Demand

Schapiro exposes negative campaigning ... Bolling again calls for positive messaging

In his column in Sunday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, political reporter Jeff Schapiro wrote:

What Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli say, to whom and how they say it, speaks to the direction of the gubernatorial campaign. Some of it is noise. A lot is dog-whistle politics: shrill, high-frequency babble tailored to the ears of targeted voters.

All the negativity hasn't been lost on Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who wrote on Facebook:

Jeff Schapiro does a pretty good job capturing the essence of this year's gubernatorial campaign, which is characterized by way too much negativity and way too little substance. I still believe the candidate who can project a positive message in the final weeks of the campaign is the candidate who will win.

A positive message from our 2013 candidates? What a novel idea.

Bolling, Sabato hit Twitter, FB with Va gubernatorial frustrations

Virginia's gubernatorial campaign took another interesting turn on Friday as two powerful political pundits took to social media to express frustration with the candidates and the state of both campaigns.

Sinking further into the muck, the past week saw the Cuccinelli campaign accusing McAuliffe of saying something he didn't while news broke that McAuliffe's former GreenTech company has come under SEC scrutiny.

It was almost possible to hear the exasperation in University of Virginia Professor Larry Sabato's voice Friday afternoon as he tweeted:

Just re-checked my VA Constitution. Requirements for GOV do NOT include being controversial or seedy.
— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) August 2, 2013

Sabato immediately followed that tweet with another referring to Virginia's Lieutenant Governor:

Bill Bolling goofed big-time. #VAGOV
— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) August 2, 2013

Friday night the Lieutenant Governor himself took to Twitter and Facebook here and here (he has two FB pages) to express frustration about the current state of Virginia's governor's race. Bill Bolling posted:

I'm very frustrated by the current direction of the gubernatorial campaign. Instead of spending millions of dollars calling each other names, I'd like to see the candidates actually talk about the important issues facing our state. The people of Virginia deserve better than they are getting, and that's a bipartisan criticism.

By Saturday morning he had received hundreds of thumbs ups from around the Commonwealth and, presumably, there were many more who did not publicly give their approval but were thinking it.

Dozens left comments, some noting that they would be writing in Bill Bolling's name on the November ballot, a recurring theme that has come up in letters to the editor and conversations on the street. This comment from a supporter named Bill echoed those sentiments:

I will be writing in Bill Bolling and I have lots of friends here in Goochland that will be doing the same.

Another supporter pleaded:

Bill, it's not too late. Give us another choice. PLEASE!!!!!

Commenter John looked at the election in a different light:

If this were a job interview for a corporation, I was the hiring manager, and I was down to the two party's respective candidates as my final applicants, I would tell my Human Resource Department to leave the job posted, as I haven't found the right hire.

That was the tone of most of the comments as voters expressed concerns, even suggesting Bolling 2017. The naysayers stopped by, too, like James who quipped:

It might be helpful if you constructively supported your party's nominee....

To which Chris responded:

Well, it would have also been nice to have gotten to vote in a primary too, but that didn't happen either.

Bottom line: there is definitely dissatisfaction among voters, something picked up on in Sunday's News & Advance editorial, Cuccinelli, McAuliffe and the Split in the GOP. With that said, we are still three months away from election day 2013.

Cross-posted at Va Political Pineapple