Gillespie runs ad during Monday Night Football, suggests jobs, economy more important than Reid’s bill to change Redskins name

Boom. The Gillespie for U.S. Senate campaign ran a great ad during Monday night’s football game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.

In a smack-down to Senator Mark Warner’s rubber-stamping of....(Video, continue reading here)

Special Election: Another loss for Virginia GOP

Democrat Jennifer Wexton won Tuesday's special election for the 33rd State Senate seat vacated when Democrat Mark Herring became attorney general. This could potentially turn control of the state senate over to Democrats if they retain the lead after a recount of the Hampton Roads area seat formerly held by now-Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam.

This is the latest in a string of losses for the Republican Party of Virginia which has left all statewide offices in the hands of Democrats -- governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and both U.S. senators -- plus tonight's loss. Is it time to redraw the play book?

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.

Flurry of excitement as Governor visits Redskins training camp in Richmond

Governor Bob McDonnell at Friday's last day of Redskins Training Camp.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and the Governor as owner Dan Snyder (center) looks on. General Manager Bruce Allen (not pictured) was also on hand to greet the Governor.

Photos with a young Redskins fan.

Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell made an unannounced stop at the Redskins Training Camp in Richmond on Friday, causing excitement and a flurry of photos. Reporter Michael Phillips with the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

Speaking with reporters, [McDonnell] praised the site and the team as being a business driver for the state.

“When they approached us about looking at different sites, we said we didn’t want them going back to Carlisle, to Pennsylvania or someplace like that,” he said. “Our economic development people did a tremendous job putting together an incentive package to keep them here. And then we’ve got the long-term commitment of the Redskins to Virginia – $30 million of improvements in Loudoun County, Bon Secours teaming up with the Redskins to have the beautiful facility here – it means the Redskins will be headquartered in Virginia for a long time.”

That's music to the ears of thousands of fans who have flocked to training sessions, interacting with players and coaching staff and enjoying fan gatherings in the Richmond area.

At Fan Appreciation Day on August 2, when over 25,000 supporters lined up along the street and around the block, McDonnell expressed the excitement of Virginians at having the facility in Richmond. Commenting to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, he said:

"Richmond is Redskins Country! We knew Virginia loved the 'Skins, and today we can give 100,000 examples of just how much. Through the hard work of so many individuals from the Redskins to Mayor Dwight Jones and his staff to the great people at Bon Secours, the Commonwealth has won already, a month before the NFL season even kicks off,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

“The Redskins have a world class training facility, Richmond is the place to be for football fans this August, and Virginia's long and important relationship with a storied NFL franchise has only deepened.

"I hope fans have a great time today, and as Governor of Virginia, it's my pleasure to say 'Hail to the Redskins!’"

As training ends, it's time for the 2013 season to begin. Hail to the Redskins!

Richmond: More than 20,000 fans turn out for Redskins Fan Appreciation Day

Practice has begun here at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center, and crowds are still lined up all the way to DMV Drive, waiting to enter the facility.

More than 20,000 fans have entered already today, though many have turned around and headed right back out after seeing the conditions. Mud and fertilizer has created a pungent smell in the main viewing area, and security guards have been overmatched against the throngs trying to enter and leave at the same time.

So writes Michael Phillips in Saturday's Richmond Times-Dispatch. Sounds to me like Richmonders are really enjoying having the Redskins in town. Fan favorite RGIII has been a hit:

During the practice portion, quarterback Robert Griffin III was once again the focal point, and he hit his first four passes during 7-on-7 play.

Perhaps the enthusiastic outpouring of support will help temper the criticism surrounding the move to Richmond. Perhaps. Meanwhile, Style Weekly lightens up the atmosphere with a humorous list of eight ways to spot a Redskins Training Camp tourist.

I checked out the Redskins' Facebook page and found photos, links to press conferences, rallies and gatherings at local restaurants, and more. Seems like a win-win for Richmond and the fans.

Cross-posted at Virginia Politics On Demand

Hail to the Redskins ... they get to keep their name

It only took 17 years of court battles but the Washington Redskins have won another court ruling saying they can keep their well-known "Redskins" name.

Redskins news: "My best friend...."

With those words, Darrell Green's son introduced his dad to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It was a stirring moment. When a son provides the introduction for his dad and uses the words, "my best friend," someone has done something right. When that dad breaks down in tears during his speech talking about the importance of his parents' impact on his life, someone has done something right.

Last night's induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, was a Redskin Riot consisting of a sea of caps, shirts, pig snouts, and almost everything Redskin.

Ceremony aside, it was family that shone through. As Paul Woody in the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

Tippett, Dean and Zimmerman all chose team owners as their introductory speakers. Green, Monk and Thomas each gave the honor to their sons. None was more moving than that by Derek Thomas, who suggested his dad finally let everyone know how good he was before breaking down as he tried to announce his dad's name.

"My dad always used to give me and my sister advice. Like most kids, we didn't always follow that advice," he said. "A piece of advice he gave me once was never make athletes your heroes because they make mistakes, too. I guess I didn't follow that advice very well. I'd like to introduce you to my hero, my mentor, my father, Emmitt Thomas."

Mr. Woody praised the work ethic of Redskins Green and Monk:

"They studied and executed the game plan. They put the team first. As players, they were active in the community. As retired players, they remain active in their community.

"And there was never a hint of trouble surrounding them, never a time when their coaches had to worry about reading their names on the police blotter."

That is an example not just for sports but for life in general. They both credited their parents for instilling that work ethic in them, and for their encouragement. When Green was told he was too small to play, his dad told him he could really run the ball and to go for it. Monk's inspiration came from parents who worked hard ... he learned from their example.

It would appear those principled men have passed it on to their sons. Congratulations and, oh yes, all hail the Redskins!

Joe Gibbs going home to Charlotte....

Joe Gibbs is going home.

He announced his resignation yesterday as coach of the Washington Redskins but will remain as a consultant to the owner. In the high power world of sports and celebrities and big city-bright lights, why would he quit?

Family.

It is the most important thing to him ... and they are in Charlotte. Gibbs' wife, two sons, and their wives live in Charlotte as well as seven grandchildren ... with an eight on the way.

What may be more compelling than anything else is his three-year-old grandson, Taylor, who was diagnosed last year with leukemia. He has undergone chemotherapy and steroid treatment, and suffered the nausea, hair loss, and mood swings that go with that. Joe Gibbs considers Taylor his hero.

And so the 67-year-old coach wants to go home to be with family, to be with Taylor, and maybe to slow the pace a bit. No one can blame him and, yet, he will be missed with the Redskins.

Thanks, Coach.

Redskins beat Cowboys 27-6

The Washington Redskins won against the Dallas Cowboys, 27-6. Go, Skins!!

Redskins game to be soggy and cold today....

The Washington Redskins play at home today at 4:15 against the Cowboys ... and the weather is not looking good. The forecast is for rain with temps in the low 40s ... and pouring rain by the end of the game. Should make for an interesting day....