Valley icy February day ... a walk in the winter woods

The woods behind our house lead up to the small mountain ridge and have a stream, rock outcroppings, underbrush, trees, and lots of animal tracks. Today there were dozens of deer tracks but we also have wild turkeys, black bears, coyotes, and the little fellas such as raccoons and opossums.

Even though the temperatures was 26 degrees in the woods, the ground was soft enough to see deer tracks such as this one.

Overgrown weeds that normally bend away were ice-covered and creaked as I waded through them, following this deer highway deeper into the woods. I shivering in the icy wind as my cold fingers worked the camera.

The tree shapes are interesting especially with the icy white background ...

... and this old tree with the knot hole probably housed a creature or two.

The gray, overcast sky made everything appear shrouded ...

... and as I turned to head back home, this deer highway led the way. The woods are quiet in the winter weather ... a place to think and feel the cold on your face and be away from everything. That's the beauty of western Augusta County ... that's the beauty of the mountains ... that's the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know,
 His house is in the village though.
 He will not see me stopping here,
 To watch his woods fill up with snow.

 My little horse must think it queer,
 To stop without a farmhouse near,
 Between the woods and frozen lake,
 The darkest evening of the year.

 He gives his harness bells a shake,
 To ask if there is some mistake.
 The only other sound's the sweep,
 Of easy wind and downy flake.

 The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
 But I have promises to keep,
 And miles to go before I sleep,
 And miles to go before I sleep.

-- Robert Frost

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
22 February 2011

Valley icy February day ... photos in the yard

Icicles were everywhere including the deck railing.

Trees were icicle-lined from overnight precipitation. Daytime temps briefly rose to 30 and then dropped.

Our vehicles had a coating of ice covered with snow ...

... while trees and bushes were white with an icy glaze.

The trees including those in the woods remained ice-covered all day.

Icicles on fences, benches, trees, boxwoods....

Even the clothesline was covered with icicles.

It was a nice treat that caused two-hour delays for Augusta County schools but otherwise didn't do too much to stop travel.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
22 February 2011

Forest fire updates ... Tuesday

- Shenandoah County fire: Now extinguished
- Western Virginia: Light snow, rain help quell wildfires
- Ivy brush fire under control

Eminent domain reform and more from Richmond

By Sen. Mark Obenshain

With only days remaining before the General Assembly goes home, things are happening very fast, some big issues remain very much in play. In fact, the Senate may have cast one of the most significant votes of the year - a historic vote on eminent domain reform. Here, I will address a few issues, including the budget, abortion clinic safety, eminent domain reform, and gambling.

The little pink house that started it all (the "Kelo house")

Eminent Domain Reform

It was almost anticlimactic: after years of efforts and weeks of scrambling to find a way to get the resolution through this year, the Senate just approved a constitutional amendment on eminent domain reform by a 35-5 vote!

The first order effect of the Kelo case was to deprive a woman in New London, Connecticut of her family home so that the local government could turn around and sell it to a developer. The City claimed that it would result in more jobs and tax dollars. (In fact, neither has occurred since the project was never built.) The second order effect, however, was to spark a wave of new property rights protections in states across the nation - a wave on which Virginia missed out.

Today, we belatedly took the first (and hardest) step toward doing something about that, when the Senate approved a constitutional amendment on eminent domain reform patroned by Delegate Johnny Joannou (D-Portsmouth). I worked closely with Delegate Joannou in working to find a way to get HJ 693 through the Senate after Joannou, in an incredible performance, maneuvered it through the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections (P&E). The P&E Committee,which hears all proposed constitutional amendments, had always killed such proposals in the past, including my own SJ 307.

It took a lot of effort, a few late night sessions, and the support and assistance of property rights advocates across the Commonwealth, but I'm delighted to be able to declare victory today - not for myself, and not even for Johnny (though he deserves enormous credit for getting this done!), but for all property owners in Virginia. There's work left to do, the greatest remaining hurdle being that the General Assembly will have to adopt the resolution a second time next session, but this is a huge step forward, and puts us comfortably on the path of finally making "public use" mean precisely that. We've crossed the Rubicon.

And everyone wanted in on it. Narrower language died in subcommittee, and my motion to bring it to the floor died on a party line, 18-22 vote. HJ 693 reported out of committee on a narrow 8-7 vote, but once the outcome looked certain, the vote on passage was 31-8. And even that wasn't the end of it, as we then reconsidered the vote on passage and did it again. This time it was 35-5, with all but one of the seven who voted against the bill in committee supporting it on the floor.

It's true that the bill was amended on the floor, but I guarantee you that that wasn't what drove that many members to have a change of heart - not when the amended version still went at least as far as SJ 307, which Senate Democrats refused to even give a hearing in full committee!

Clinic Safety

The other day, the House adopted an amendment to a Senate bill on regulatory standards for health service providers - amendments requiring abortion clinics to meet the same requirements as clinics offering other outpatient surgical procedures. This really shouldn't be controversial: all the amendment does is apply the same regulations to all similarly-situated outpatient surgical facilities, regardless of political considerations.

Unfortunately, some have opposed any changes to state regulations on abortion, regardless of what those changes entail, and have thus allowed abortion clinics to fall behind on basic health safety regulations. I am unabashedly pro-life, but this amendment really isn't even about abortion. It's about safety, and I hope that my colleagues, wherever they stand on the abortion issue, will come together in supporting this sensible measure to safeguard the life and health of the mother.

Illegal Gambling

Tomorrow, the House takes up my bill (SB 1195) cracking down on gambling operators who have attempted to exploit a perceived loophole in Virginia's gambling laws. The language of the bill has changed a lot over the past few weeks as I worked with Delegates Glenn Oder and Clay Athey to find the best possible solution, but the intent is the same: putting an end to the so-called "sweepstakes stores" proliferating in our communities.

These so-called 'sweepstakes stores' try to get around our laws by bundling an insignificant product with their games. People are spending a small fortune on a few minutes of internet access or a cheap phone card so that they can play slots or video poker. It's a clear end-run on our gambling laws, and my bill, and Glenn's companion bill (HB 1584) will put an end to it.

My bill is up tomorrow before the House, and I am very optimistic about its prospects. I look forward to seeing it passed into law.

Budget Update

Our economy is beginning to grow again, and revenues are increasing, but money is still tight here in Richmond, and important services are still waiting in line for funding. So you can imagine my dismay with proposals in the Senate budget to provide more than $320 million for construction and renovations in the General Assembly complex - a steep price for facilities that are fully utilized only two months a year. This proposal is unlikely to survive the budget talks, but it really illustrates the audacity, tone-deafness, and  misplaced priorities of some in Richmond.

Misplaced priorities have, at times, come to characterize Senate budgets, though I'm pleased to report that we're definitely making progress from year to year.

Earlier last week, the two chambers designated conferees to work on reconciling the House and Senate budgets. Two of the Shenandoah Valley's own, my friends Delegates Steve Landes and Beverly Sherwood, are among the House conferees. The Senate conferees are Democrats Chuck Colgan, Dick Saslaw, Janet Howell, and Edd Houck, along with Republicans Tommy Norment, William Wampler, and Walter Stosch. These seven Senators, and their counterparts from the House, will be meeting in coming days to issue a "conference report," the consolidated budget both chambers vote upon.

Virginia's constitution requires a balanced budget, but there are a number of ways to achieve balance. Both budgets include issuing bonds and other debt instruments - and to some degree, that's okay - but as things now stand, the House budget does a better job of balancing the accounts without kicking costs down the road.

Fundamentally, we need to be looking for structural spending reductions. I sometimes liken our budgets to a balloon: we let some air out in the lean years, cutting five or ten percent across the board, then re-inflate it once revenues pick up again, when we should be looking at permanent changes to its shape and size. We need to change the way government operates; when revenues are back where they were before the recession, we shouldn't view the intervening years as a mere policy interruption. The budget should look different than it did before. We can address some of these issues this year, and next year - a budget year - we must take them up in earnest.

It is my hope that the conferees will find a way to resolve the differences between the House and Senate positions. Allow me to outline, as briefly as possible, what some of those are (here's a one-page bullet point summary, if you're interested):

• The House would accelerate by $42 million the Governor's proposal to begin restoring the deferred payments to the Virginia Retirement System, while the Senate reduces those repayments by $54 million
• The Senate proposes depositing $20 million in the nearly broke Rainy Day Fund, compared to the $64 million deposit proposed by the House
• The Senate adds $100.6 million in K-12 education and roughly $100 million in additional health care expenditures beyond the Governor's recommendation
• Both the House and Senate budget reject the Governor's proposal to require state employees to make a 5% contribution to their retirement while simultaneously receiving a 3% raise, the Senate zeroing out the proposal and the House increasing the raise to 5%
• The House "unwinds" the accelerated sales tax - prepayments required of companies to provide a one-time revenue boost - while the Senate leaves it in place  

All in all, the House does a better job of achieving structural balance, though the shorter-term focus of the Senate budget offers a superficially appealing opportunity to restore more funding to education and public health. It should, of course, be noted that both budgets include significant restorations in these areas, though the Senate budget goes farther than the positions adopted by the House and Governor McDonnell.

Meanwhile, although it isn't part of the budget, both chambers approved issuing about $3 billion in bonds to finance the Governor's transportation plan. All states issue bonds for many capital improvement projects, and Virginia is one of the most conservative in its approach to bonding (with about $12 billion in outstanding bonds at present), giving us some room to work with - but also setting a standard we don't want to erode.  (Remember, unlike the federal government, Virginia doesn't print money to cover its spending habit - it operates with a cap under which it can borrow no more than it can service with 5% of its revenues.)

That we can move forward with transportation improvements without raising taxes is very heartening. Still, this was something many of us wrestled with, and as Virginia moves forward with the plan, we will all need to work hard to ensure that we keep our fiscal house in order.

Visitors

The next time you hear from me, we should have a budget conference report in our hands. Until then, I want to thank all those of you who visited me in Richmond last week, including members of the JMU Student Government Association; a large group of eager young Future Farmers of America; students (and cadets) and administrators from JMU, BRCC, and VMI; and the Warren County Teen Republicans, who spent a day in Richmond observing the workings of the General Assembly, though, given their private meeting with the Governor, their time spent visiting with me probably wasn't the highlight of their trip.

As always, I enjoy hearing from constituents and friends from across the Commonwealth, so feel free to call (Richmond number 804.698.7526 through the end of session) or email (mark@markobenshain.com) with any ideas, questions, or concerns.

With best regards,

Mark D. Obenshain
Virginia State Senator

P.S. I encourage you to review my one-page budget summary for a quick overview of the key issues facing the General Assembly as the budget goes to conference.

Gov. Bob McDonnell to headline 2011 Shad Planking

Governor Bob McDonnell to speak
at 63rd Annual Shad Planking!

The Honorable Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia will be the guest speaker for the 63^rd annual Shad Planking.

The Shad Planking, sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club, is one of the most famous political gatherings in Virginia. The 63^rd annual Shad Planking will be held on April 20, 2011, beginning at 2 p.m.

Governor McDonnell accepted the Wakefield Ruritan Club’s invitation this week to speak at the Shad Planking. McDonnell has attended the Shad Planking twice before; first as Attorney General in 2006 and again during his gubernatorial campaign in 2009.

McDonnell has dedicated his life to public service. After serving 21 years in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserve, he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1997. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1991 and served 14 years representing the City of Virginia Beach. In 2005, McDonnell was elected as the 44th Attorney General of Virginia. During his tenure as Attorney General, 92 of his 105 legislative proposals were passed into law. He was inaugurated in 2010 as the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth.

McDonnell is a graduate of University of Notre Dame, Boston University, and Regent University. He and his wife, Maureen, have been married for 34 years and have five children.

Shad Planking Chairman Robert W. Bain said, “Governor McDonnell has been a long-time supporter of the Wakefield Ruritan Club’s Shad Planking and has drawn significant crowds at his previous appearances. We look forward to having him deliver the keynote address this year.”

The Shad Planking is an annual event known for drawing politically minded people as well as those wishing to seek public office in the Commonwealth.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine. The formal program will begin at 4 p.m. and the meal will be served when ready.  The menu this year will feature the Wakefield Ruritans’ trademark planked shad cooked over an open fire. The Virginia Diner will again provide its famous cole slaw and corn muffins.  In addition, there will be shad roe and fish filets fried to golden brown, sweet pickles, iced tea and plenty of other favorite beverages.

This year’s event promises to continue the long-standing traditions of Shad Planking. The Shad Planking traces its origin to the early 1930s when a group of friends gathered together at Wrenn’s Mill in Isle Of Wight County during the spring running of the shad in the James River.  They planked the shad after the tradition of native Virginia Indians and they talked politics after the tradition of their fathers before them. As the tradition grew, the Wakefield Ruritan Club assumed sponsorship of the event in 1949.

Generations of Virginia politicians have attended and addressed the Shad Planking gathering.  Such legendary figures in Virginia politics as Harry Byrd, Senior and Junior, Mills Godwin, John Warner, John Hager, Doug Wilder, Mary Sue Terry, Jerry Baliles, Mark Warner and many others have generously given of their time and talent to support this event.

The gathering is truly a unique assembly of the many and varying views of the people and politics of Virginia.  It has come to be an important event in the political life of the Commonwealth.  The Wakefield Ruritan Club donates all earnings from this event to local community service organizations such as Wakefield Youth Baseball League, fire departments and rescue squads.

Tickets are available through the Virginia Diner in Wakefield, Virginia by calling 1-800-935-4004 or through Wakefield Ruritan Club by mail at P.O. Box 148, Wakefield, VA, 23888.  Credit cards are accepted at the Diner and on the Shad Planking website.  Ticket prices are $20 prior to April 1 and $25 thereafter.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Robert Bain at 757-641-8060 or by email to Robert@shadplanking.com. Also, you can visit the Wakefield Ruritan Club Shad Planking website.

Congratulations, Virginia? Year-round schools are a step closer to reality

Some people love it ... others hate it. One thing is for sure ... it certainly livens up a conversation when folks bring up year-round schools, and today news was received from sponsor Valley Del. Steve Landes' office (R-25th House District) that HB 2076 had passed both legislative bodies in Richmond:

A House Bill and a House Joint Resolution sponsored by Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, which will create the Office of the Inspector General and a study to examine the efficacy of year-round schooling have both passed the Senate.

“I was pleased to see the bipartisan and bicameral support of these two pieces of legislation,” Landes said. “House Bill 2076 creates a new watchdog agency that will be able to investigate complaints of government waste and inefficiencies. House Joint Resolution 646, meanwhile, will begin to provide information for the General Assembly to help regain our competitive edge for our education system.”

House Bill 2076, Office of the Inspector General, establishes the Office of the Inspector General to be headed by a State Inspector General to investigate complaints alleging fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, or mistreatment of citizens of the Commonwealth by a state agency or public officers and employees. The bill also authorizes the State Inspector General to examine the management and operation of state agencies and provides a record exemption under the Freedom of Information Act for certain documents of the Office. The bill consolidates the existing offices of Inspector General of the Departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, and Transportation into this new office.

This new office will increase oversight of state government and make it easier to fulfill its watchdog duty to protect the public.

House Joint Resolution 646 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
to conduct a two year study on the efficacy of year-round schools. The study will review different systems locally, nationally and abroad that have already implemented and alternative educational technique noting both the advantages and disadvantages of each system. The study will also evaluate essential factors that must be considered before implementing year-round schools statewide, including, but not limited to, instructional costs, transportation and special education services, and the need for additional classroom teachers, staff, and support services.

This study should bring out the pros as well as the cons of implementing year-round school with input from educators, parents, administrators, and legislators.

I wrote about this subject for the Washington Examiner, exploring the pros and cons of year-round schools. In "Year-round schools coming to Virginia?" I noted that President Barack Obama's education czar Arne Duncan is pushing the idea. Read the article for pros and cons and why some school systems that went with year-round schools in the past reverted back to a traditional school year.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

The Ten Commandments

Just think how the world could be if we all made these commandments of morality the tenets of our lives. I am posting them here in honor of Giles County, Virginia, because they had the courage to display the Ten Commandments in their schools until forced this week to remove them. Pass them on and live them every day....

And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."

The Ten Commandments
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

See also "I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing" on the Write Side of My Brain.

University of Virginia ranked best public college value

The numbers are out and the University of Virginia topped the Princeton Review's list of best public college values with College of William and Mary, James Madison University, Virginia Tech, and University of Richmond also selected as best value colleges.

A statement from Governor Bob McDonnell congratulated Virginia's colleges:

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement in recognition of five Virginia institutions of higher education being ranked by the Princeton Review as “Best Values.”

“Making college more affordable and expanding the number of degrees issued by Virginia universities to residents of the Commonwealth is vital to preparing them for the top jobs of the future,” said Governor McDonnell. “We are working very closely with our institutions of higher education to meet the goals I outlined in my legislative package in January.”

“This national recognition of these outstanding universities and their efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable is a great building block toward making Virginia one of the most highly educated states in the nation. Having five colleges and universities named to this prestigious list reinforces that the Commonwealth is a national leader for higher education.”

In the public university category, the University of Virginia was ranked the nation’s best value college, while the College of William and Mary ranked number 7. James Madison University and Virginia Tech were listed in the nation’s top 50 (Princeton Review only ranked the top-10 colleges. Others were included alphabetically).

The University of Richmond was ranked in the top 50 Best Value Colleges private universities category.

Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment will resume meetings this spring to continue its work to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economic opportunities for our citizens and increase access and affordability to postsecondary education. Future meeting dates and information can be found on the Secretary of Education’s website at www.education.virginia.gov.

Visit the Princeton Review’s or USA Today’s websites to access the complete lists of the 50 private and 50 public “Best Value Colleges”. USA Today’s website, (www.BestValueColleges.usatoday.com) features a database that allows users to view in-depth details about the schools including information about the criteria used to select these lists and the Princeton Review’s analysis of why each school was chosen as a Best Value College.

Leader Cantor calls on Senate Leader Reid, Senate Democrats to take shutdown threat off table

U.S. House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) today issued the following statement:

"Just a few months ago, the people sent a very clear message that the status quo in Washington was unacceptable, that they wanted a Congress that would focus on jobs, grow our economy, and get our fiscal house in order. House Republicans are doing all of the things that we promised and were elected to do, with one main goal - getting people working again.

"While House Republicans are hard at work passing measures to cut spending, grow the economy, and keep the government operating, Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid has yet to offer a plan and instead almost seems as though he’s hoping for a government shutdown to occur for political gain. Let me be clear, a government shutdown is not an acceptable outcome, and I call upon Leader Reid to commit to a good faith effort to work with us and take that threat off the table.

The federal government borrows forty cents of every dollar that it spends, and surely Leader Reid and Senator Schumer understand that the status quo is not a serious position or plan. We should be able to come together and find areas to cut spending and save money to keep the government functioning and take the first steps toward getting our fiscal house in order."

Going out in the icy wonderland ...

 Icy woods behind our house.

... for a walk in the winter woods that are beckoning to me from the house. The temperature is 25 degrees with overcast skies so it's still cold and frozen. Hope to have photos up later today....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
22 February 2011

Eric Cantor's breakfast ... photos

 U.S. Senate candidate George Allen was a hit with those attending Eric Cantor's breakfast Friday as he posed for photos and talked with those in the crowd. After breakfast, he was surrounded by dozens and dozens of folks eager to talk with the once and maybe future senator.

 Jim Hoeft with Bearing Drift covered the breakfast along with other bloggers.

 Bloggers Row had a great view overlooking the ballroom.

 Over 1,500 supporters maxed out the ballroom facility at the Richmond Convention Center.

 AFP Virginia Director Ben Marchi.

 Page County Republican Committee Chairman Jon Comer.

 Former Richmond GOP Chair Cortland Putbrese. He was also former chairman of the RPV New Media Committee.

 Majority Leader Eric Cantor addressed the capacity crowd.

 (left to right) Marissa Pugmire, Jim Hoeft, Jason Kenney. Marissa is political director for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Jim runs Bearing Drift, and Jason writes for J's Notes, BD, and Virginia Virtucon.

Cortland Putbrese and Third District Republican Committee Chairman Mike Wade.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
18 February 2011

Washington Examiner Tuesday headlines

Byron York - In Wisconsin, the gap widens between GOP and Dems

At the heart of all this, Republicans and Democrats are realizing there might be a gap between them that is bigger than they realized. To Republicans, the budget fight has involved the widespread shirking of responsibilities: teachers walking out on students, legislators running away from their offices, even doctors abandoning medical standards to make excuses for perfectly healthy teacher/protesters. To Democrats, the fight has touched a core issue; anything is justified to preserve union benefits.

Sara Carter - Jubilation turns to fear in Tripoli as military turns on protesters

The ugly turn of events in Libya indicated that the cost of the tide of revolution sweeping the Islamic world may be higher than it appeared after relatively bloodless coups in Tunisia and Egypt.

Timothy P. Carney - Paul Krugman epitomizes the current liberal divorce from reality

One reason liberals get so excited about the protests and teacher strikes in Wisconsin is that they see this as a battle to preserve the power of the working man -- a noble cause and one many liberals take very seriously. Read More

Mark Tapscott - Wisconsin confrontation could be fatal flaw in Obama's 2012 re-election strategy

One reason why Obama Democrats are now backing away from their earlier enthusiam for the public employee union protestors chanting in the streets of Madison, Wisconsin, against Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the newly-elected GOP majorities in the state senate and house may be their realization that they're on the losing side. Read More

Timothy P. Carney - Scott Walker or Chris Christie for President? No way

Many conservatives are understandably fond of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who are fighting the good fight in the face of powerful entrenched special interests. Partly because any successful and conservative governor is considered a candidate for President, and partly because the current 2012 field is considered lacking, conservatives are already dreaming about Walker or Christie running for President. Read More

Byron York - New poll: Public sides with Wisconsin governor over union

A new national poll just released by pollster Scott Rasmussen shows that 48 percent of those surveyed support Wisconsin Republican Gov. Read More
David Freddoso - Wisconsin Senate can and will still pass other bills in Dems' absence
Wisconsin's Senate needs a supermajority quorum to pass budget bills, and that's why the flight of 14 Democrats to Illinois has stalled the process. Read More

Mark Tapscott - Union protestors shout down Fox News report on doctors handing out fake excuse notes to Wisconsin teachers

Here's what "democracy" looks like to union protestors in Wisconsin - Screaming, shouting and silencing a fellow citizen trying to participate in a news organization's attempt to provide the general public with facts about doctors handing out fraudulent medical absence excuse notes. Check out the video of the incident below:   Read More

Old Man Winter returns to Shenandoah Valley

Icy woods this morning behind our house.

I woke this morning to find an icy-snowy wonderland of whiteness outside with the temperature sitting at 24 degrees and Augusta County schools on a two-hour delay. Little frozen icicles are hanging from everything -- limbs, bushes, vehicles, bird feeder -- and the skies are overcast and gray.

After a brief tease of spring temperatures over the weekend, it's not disappointing to have another blast of winter since we are, after all, still in February and, hopefully, it offered a little relief for fires that are still burning in parts of the Valley. Be careful out there ... it's still winter....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
22 February 2011

State Senate kills transportation bills for NoVa

David Sherfinski at the Washington Examiner reports that the Virginia State Senate was busy Monday:

A pair of bills aimed at tackling Northern Virginia's road congestion were killed by a Senate committee Monday, as well as one that would have given Gov. Bob McDonnell a long-coveted seat on Metro's board of directors. 
Proposals that would direct the Virginia Department of Transportation to use computer models to determine which Northern Virginia transportation projects would provide the most congestion relief, as well as divert available money to those projects, were rejected by the commonwealth's Senate Finance Committee.

This is the last week of Virginia's General Assembly as lawmakers work to finish their work in Richmond.

Another news story wonders about McDonnell as VP

Gov. Bob McDonnell can't seem to escape the questions about national office. He's been a great conservative leader for Virginia ... will we be sharing him with the nation one of these days?

Breaking ... New Zealand 6.3 earthquake

Fox News is just now breaking news that there's been a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and reports sounds as if it may be serious. Stay tuned....

Gov. McDonnell at Richmond Bloggers Day

Jim Young of Skeptical Observer, Gov. McDonnell, Steve Rossie with Family Foundation.

Gov. McDonnell with Brian Schoeneman from Bearing Drift and Nova Common Sense.

Bearing Drift's Jim Hoeft talks with Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Jean Ann Bolling, Gov. McDonnell, Bob Kirchman, Jason Bibeau.

David Karaffa and Gov. McDonnell.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
16 February 2011

More bloggers at Richmond Bloggers Day

Rick Sincere and David Shephard of the Virginia Gentleman.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
16 February 2011

Bob Holsworth at Richmond Bloggers Day

Dr. Bob Holsworth addresses bloggers at Bill Bolling's 4th Annual Bloggers Day.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
16 February 2011

The Governor and David

SWAC blogger David Karaffa and Governor Bob McDonnell

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
16 February 2011

Virginia capital square ... miscellaneous photos

 George Washington statue in Capitol.

 Executive Mansion ... longest continuously used governor's house in the country.

 Virginia State Capitol

Stairway in Governor's Mansion

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
16 February 2011

Bloggers go to Richmond ... Bill Bolling's 4th annual bloggers day

Cross-posted at the Washington Examiner....

While some politicians cast a wary eye toward bloggers, Virginia's top Republican office holders have spent the past five years recognizing these writers who report on government and often talk one-on-one with elected officials.

It's a great idea. The first impromptu meeting five years ago at the Republican Advance with then-Attorney General Bob McDonnell brought together a dozen conservative bloggers to talk about this rising form of communication. That continued with the annual gatherings hosted by Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling at the Capitol for the past four years which has provided a means of fostering the lines of communication with the eclectic group of writers.

Wednesday's program offered bloggers the chance to talk with lawmakers and sit in on House and Senate sessions, photo ops, an update from political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth who authors the Virginia Tomorrow blog, and a look into political consultant Boyd Marcus' crystal ball (he has consulted on some of Virginia's highest profile Republicans including U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Congressman Tom Bliley, Governor Jim Gilmore, and Governor George Allen). That was followed with up-to-the-minute briefings and commentary from House Republican Whip Bill Janis and the Senate Republican Caucus Leader Pro Tempore Ryan McDougle who had just finished sessions in the House and Senate.

The event kicked off in the morning as thirty-five bloggers, representing some of the best that Virginia has to offer, gathered in Gov. McDonnell's conference room as Bolling provided an informative briefing and presided over a round table discussion of topics on everyone's minds: jobs, the budget, transportation, and ABC privatization. He was flanked by his Chief of Staff Randy Marcus and McDonnell Communications Director Tucker Martin who joined in the conversation.  Included in the group was fellow Washington Examiner LOZ and EOZ blogger Norm Leahy.

There is much to write about with a Republican administration that has brought fiscal restraint back to Virginia and put an emphasis on jobs at a time when many had been lost ... and, boy, can Bill Bolling talk jobs! As the Commonwealth's chief jobs officer, he enjoys what he does and likes to share what has been accomplished in the first year of the McDonnell administration. His outgoing personality and work ethic make the pairing of McDonnell-Bolling perfect for putting Virginia on a positive employment track, now ranking fourth in the nation for number of new jobs after languishing in 35th place during the four years of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine's administration.

That's important because the buzz on everyone's lips throughout the day was speculation over the possibility that Kaine may jump into the U.S. Senate race after Democrat Jim Webb announced he was retiring after only one term. With George Allen already running, an Allen-Kaine race would pit two former governors against one another, spotlighting Virginia at the national level. The opinion of Holsworth as well as Boyd Marcus seemed to be that Kaine would become a candidate because "they will twist his arm until he says yes," adding that he has the highest name recognition of any Virginia Democrat.

For the inner political geek that resides in every political blogger, observing the Virginia General Assembly at work is both an exercise in politics and patience. The senate chamber is more staid as 40 representatives carry out the business of the day presided by Bolling, sometimes dragging but other times moving at breakneck speed to accomplish everything in the 45 days of this year's short session.

The House of Delegates offers more excitement with its 100 members sometimes engaging in spirited exchanges, providing entertainment for visitors. Elected every two years to assure they remain in close touch with their constituents, they represent the citizens in the manner prescribed by Virginia's founders who walked the halls of the Capitol before them ... Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe ... who chose to have citizen legislators govern the Commonwealth by spending most of their time at home and not in Richmond.

The wonder of cell phones has made it possible to communicate with representatives during session, something those of us visiting in the gallery took advantage of in the past and did so again this time.  After sending a message to Del. Ben Cline (R-Lexington) that said, "Look up," he joined us, greeted and thanked everyone for being there, and explained the bill on the floor at that moment.

A text message sent to former blogger and new Del. Greg Habeeb (R-Salem), who won his seat in a special election held in January to replace Morgan Griffith who won the 9th Congressional seat in November, resulted in this young representative smiling and tweeting that there were bloggers in the House.

On the Senate side of the state house, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) saw us from his desk on the floor and joined us in the gallery to talk about how conservative senators have taken a stand in the Democratically-controlled Senate even though they are constantly outvoted. With redistricting on everyone's minds, many wonder if the Senate will switch to a GOP majority in the future.

At the end of the day, all gathered for a reception at the Executive Mansion that was co-hosted by McDonnell and Bolling, and offered a unique opportunity to admire Virginia's historic governor's house from the inside. Jean Ann Bolling was also there, joining her husband and the Governor to mingle with those at the reception. Many bloggers, carrying plates with roast beef, shrimp, and other goodies that were provided, talked with the Governor, Lt. Governor, fellow bloggers, and executive staffers as they swapped stories and exchanged business cards.

The reception highlighted the comfortable working relationship between McDonnell and Bolling as the two bantered back and forth in a good-natured and easy manner. These two political allies avoided becoming political enemies two years ago when Bolling put his gubernatorial aspirations on hold, clearing the way for McDonnell to run unopposed, and providing a much-needed respite instead of a bloody primary that could have damaged the Party. In November 2009, McDonnell won by historic proportions with Bolling easily winning reelection. Together, they have made a good team for Virginia with both recognizing the importance of cultivating a relationship not just with Virginia's citizens but also with Virginia's citizen journalists.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon

Presidents Day 2011 ... back in the home school classroom

During the 16 years I educated my children at home, we celebrated Presidents Day by learning more about American leaders. One of our favorites was Virginia's very own George Washington who was the first president of the United States and, when my children were young, we would talk about Washington's traits, his surveying skills, his leadership during the American Revolution, his time as president, and his retirement to the place he loved, Mt. Vernon. We took field trips to see his plantation where we learned up-close-and-personal about his life at home.

Today we again celebrate Presidents Day. In Virginia, where we gave eight presidents to the country, Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation to commemorate this day:

WASHINGTON DAY

WHEREAS, one of the greatest stories ever told in our nation is the life and times of George Washington, iconic father of the United States of America, who was born in Virginia at Pope’s Creek plantation on February 22, 1732; and

WHEREAS, a sixteen year old in Colonial Virginia, George Washington penned the classic Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, a piece on gentlemanly etiquette that would guide him throughout his life and influence countless others throughout history; and

WHEREAS, in 1752, twenty year old George Washington was commissioned as a major in the Virginia militia, and the bravery he demonstrated in his early military career through missions in the wilderness and during the “French and Indian War” earned him an international reputation as a respected leader and distinguished him as the most experienced colonial military officer in Virginia by the age of twenty-seven; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his private business, George Washington was a devoted family man and statesmen, helping to raise his wife Martha’s two children while simultaneously serving several terms in the Virginia House of Burgesses, and as one of seven Virginia representatives to the Continental Congress; and

WHEREAS, in 1775, Congress authorized the creation of a Continental Army and appointed George Washington to organize and command the colonial forces against the world’s greatest military power, the British Empire; and

WHEREAS, from the horrendous conditions of Valley Forge and across the ice-filled Delaware River to the final triumph over tyranny at Yorktown, General Washington’s courage, conviction and resolve held the Continental Army together for eight long years of hardship against seemingly insurmountable odds; and

WHEREAS, after the American War of Independence, rather than using his position and status as the hero of the revolution to further his own self-interest, General Washington resigned his commission in the Continental Army and retired to private life, an unprecedented action underscoring his commitment to liberty and the ideals in which the revolution was founded; and

WHEREAS, George Washington played a critical role in the formulation of the Constitution of the United States of America, having encouraged the development and support of the document and having presided over its adoption during the Constitutional Convention of 1787; and

WHEREAS, George Washington was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States of America in 1788, a distinction that sets him apart from all of his successors, and under his strength and wisdom he laid the moral foundation of the United States and guided the fledgling government through its infancy; and

WHEREAS, in his first inaugural address on April 30, 1789, President Washington stated, “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people”; and

WHEREAS, President Washington understood the unique character of the new nation as one grounded in faith in God and the rule of law, he stated in his first inaugural address, “the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained”; and

WHEREAS, understanding that his behavior in office would set a precedent for generations to come, President Washington wrote in an April 25, 1788 letter, “The first transactions of a Nation, like those of an individual upon his first entrance into life make the deepest impression, and are to form the leading traits in its character”; and

WHEREAS, President George Washington lived by his written rules of civility, and the honesty, integrity and humility of his administration set precedents that are adhered to today, such as his refusal to treat the office as a royal court and his two-term limit on the presidency; and

WHEREAS, President Washington’s farewell address, one of the most influential speeches in history, advised future generations to avoid entangling foreign alliances, to be wary of partisan loyalties, to revere our republican form of government, and he also underscored the critical importance of the Constitution, stating, “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at all times exists, ‘till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”; and

WHEREAS, George Washington died on December 14, 1799, and upon his death, President John Adams stated, “His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read.”;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize February 21, 2011 as GEORGE WASHINGTON DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

George Washington ... a great Virginian.

Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon