Americans are hurting ... fire Barack Obama

From Erika Johnsen at Hot Air ... "Obama campaign: Does Romney 'even understand how our economy works?' "

Watch the video and then read Erika's commentary. I agree with her sentiment ... "oh, where to begin?" I certainly hope America wakes up in time for November's election.

Colorado massacre: 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends'

It's a Bible verse we learned in Sunday school as children ... "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13, King James version).

In the violence that came out of last week's massacre in a movie theater in suburban Denver when a disturbed individual opened fire on a packed theater of movie goers watching the latest "Batman" movie, we saw that verse acted out.

We never know until put to the test how we will react in the reality of life's journey especially when violence is part of it. Three young men are dead but the young women they protected are alive to spread the story of their bravery.

Wes Pruden, editor emeritus of the Washington Times, wants to be sure those acts of sacrifice will not be forgotten in the cynical world where we live:

Three young women, who survived the movie-palace massacre in Colorado because three men gave their lives to save them, beg to differ.

The names of the three – Jon Blunk, Matt McQuinn and Alex Teves – are inscribed permanently in their hearts, vivid reminders of the words of Christ as recorded in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This is the passage where Christ teaches that authentic love is not mere emotion, treacly sentiment celebrated in the syrupy lyrics of Tin Pan Alley, but the act of sacrificial giving. “This is my commandment,” Christ told his disciples, “that ye love one another as I have loved you.”

Three sacrificial acts in a darkened charnel reveal the spark of humanity that can survive in the human heart.

A sad but encouraging reminder that there is still good in the world....

McDonnell announces Morooka America, LLC, to bring up to 50 new jobs to Hanover County

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Morooka America, under a license agreement with Japan-based Morooka Co., Ltd, a manufacturer of rubber track carriers, will establish a manufacturing operation in Hanover County. The first Morooka Track Carrier plant in the U.S., along with its sister company Virginia Steel Specialties LLC, will establish two product assembly operations. The facilities will encompass 50,000 square feet and an output of 100 machines annually valued at more than $15 million. The project will create up to 50 new jobs over the next three years.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “The new Morooka America production facility is an important strategic move for the Morooka product line in the Western Hemisphere, and we are thrilled that the company chose Virginia for its first U.S. location. The new plant will build two of the most popular models in the company’s line, and is a welcome addition to the corporate base in Hanover County.”

“We warmly welcome Morooka America’s first Morooka Track Carrier operation in the U.S. to Hanover County and the Commonwealth,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The proximity to major interstates, available infrastructure and central location all were factors that helped Virginia come out ahead of competing locations across the Southeast.”

Morooka America is a subsidiary of the Richmond Group LLC, a holding company for construction-related firms geared around the Morooka product and located in Ashland, Virginia. Morooka USA - East is the U.S. headquarters for Japan-based Morooka Co. and sells their rubber track carriers through a network of dealers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. Morooka offers six different models of equipment that have a range of uses from clearing land for pipeline installation to agricultural applications.

“We are proud to bring manufacturing jobs to America and to Virginia,” says company founder Ronnie Byrd. “I have worked with Japanese companies for more than 25 years and Morooka and its products are well recognized and respected in our industry.”

“The United States has become Morooka Japan’s leading export destination,” said company President Masami Morooka. “I am proud to have the Morooka carrier built here in America.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Hanover County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.

“It’s great to see a home grown company in Hanover County continue to innovate and prosper,” said Rhu Harris, Hanover County Administrator. “Their ability to expand into manufacturing the Morooka product confirms the spirit of Hanover entrepreneurs.”

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

George Allen for U.S. Senate releases "Devastating" ad

Henrico, VA – Today George Allen for U.S. Senate released a new television ad titled “Devastating,” a look at the devastating impact looming defense cuts will have on Virginia jobs and families. 

 

Unless Washington acts, Virginia faces $500 Billion in automatic defense cuts at the end of this year. Washington’s failed policies could eliminate over 200,000 good-paying Virginia jobs, hurting the economy and thousands of Virginia families. 

“George Allen is the only candidate in this race with the leadership to fight against these defense cuts that will devastate our military, jobs and families,” said Mike Thomas, Campaign Manager for George Allen for U.S. Senate. 

“While Tim Kaine says ‘the deal was the right thing to do,’ George Allen believes national defense and Virginia jobs should never be used as a bargaining tool to raise taxes.  George Allen has a proven record of working with both parties to solve problems and achieve historic reforms, and that’s the kind leadership George Allen will bring to Washington.” 

To view the spot, click here. The script is posted below. 

Title: “Devastating”

 

Script:

ANNCR: We work hard in Virginia, pulling our weight, making our way back.

But the storm is coming.

Last year Washington’s Super Committee failed.

A failure that could force $500 Billion in automatic defense cuts.

Devastating job losses. Over 200,000 good-paying Virginia jobs at stake.

And a 10 percent reduction in our Armed Forces.

But only one candidate for Senate will fight for Virginia jobs and America’s security.

GEORGE ALLEN: I’m George Allen and I approve this message.

George Allen comes out a winner at the U.S. Senate debate at The Homestead

 Candy Crowley, Tim Kaine, George Allen
U.S. Senate Debate at The Homestead - July 21, 2012

George Allen came out a winner at Saturday's U.S. Senate debate at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, hosted by the Virginia Bar Association. The event showed an interesting -- and surprising -- contrast between former Republican Governor Allen and former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine.

Tim Kaine resorted to consistent name calling and badgering of George Allen during the 75-minute exchange while saying he could be the one to work across the aisle. I guess he meant as long as it was not George Allen across the aisle ... serious lack of statesmanship on Kaine's behalf.

George Allen was the only one to find common ground with Kaine and even highlighted times when he joined with Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John Kerry on legislation. Kaine's response? He dug up fifteen-year-old quotes from Allen who had criticized Clinton and Kerry. All that proved was that George Allen could still work with Democrats on issues they agreed on even if he did not agree with them on other issues. And Kaine thinks this is a bad thing?

I took particular exception to Kaine's accusations that Allen "voted for two wars" without any concern about how to pay for them. That was a smug and condescending charge. After 9/11 when this country suffered the worst terrorism attacks in its history, Congress and President George W. Bush acted as quickly as possible to protect the American people and our homeland. To bring that non-partisan issue of national security into a debate is an eye-opening look into Kaine's leadership -- or lack of -- if this country ever faces another disaster.

In the end, Kaine was interested in name-calling while George Allen showed he was the only candidate in this race serious about listening to hard-working Virginians who feel that their voices are not being heard in D.C.

 Pre-debate huddle with moderator Candy Crowley of CNN.

Journalists and bloggers pre-debate.

More than two dozen reporters and photographers as well as TV cameras recorded this moment in Virginia political history.

Allen came across as passionate about representing the people of Virginia. Known in the past for his "listening tours," he has continued to listen to the Voices of Virginians and has heard what they have said. Allen stressed that he wants to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit, create more jobs, and tell the world that America is open for business again, all issues that are expanded on in his Blueprint for America's Comeback.

Dozens of reporters, photographers, and videographers were on hand.

George Allen said wanted to be the deciding vote in the Senate to repeal ObamaCare.

Kaine practically flipped out when Allen pointed out that he had been hand-picked by Obama to be chair of Democratic National Committee, and that he would be Obama's Senator, not Virginia's, because of his close ties to the President. Kaine shot back that he was offended by such a remark and his body language showed his aggitation as he rocked back on his heels. George Allen, who had stopped talking when interrupted by Kaine, went on to make his next point.

I think Allen struck a nerve. Kaine reacted in a negative way and not as a leader.

Perhaps a nerve was struck because Tim Kaine sided with President Obama over the people of Virginia on the $800 billion stimulus that Kaine said was to "jump-start the economy" but that has only left us deeper in debt and without jobs that were promised. Kaine called ObamaCare "one of the great achievements of this president," saying it would "control costs and lower costs for middle class families who are struggling."

Perhaps a nerve was struck because, as Governor, Kaine proposed nearly $4 billion in new tax increases including raising taxes on Virginians earning as little as $17,000 a year. Over 100,000 jobs were lost during Kaine's ter as Governor, and he made significant cuts in higher education that increased tuition at Virginia colleges up 30 percent. As Obama's hand-picked DNC chairman, he spent his last year as Governor traveling the country promoting Obama's policies.

Reporter Bob Stuart of the Waynesboro News Virginian noted, "The usually amiable Kaine also went for the jugular in character attacks on Allen, describing the former senator and governor as a partisan politician and practitioner of  'smash-mouth politics.' ”

Interesting that the very thing Kaine was accusing Allen of was what he himself was actually doing during the debate.

Governor Allen made notes as Kaine responded to a question.

Governor Kaine

 Congressman Robert Hurt (R-5th CD) and Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas.

After the debate, Congressman Robert Hurt said, "George Allen has demonstrated he is the only candidate in this race listening to the voices of hard-working Virginians hurting under Washington's failed policies. George Allen understands that leadership is about setting priorities and bringing people together to accomplish those goals. His proven record of standing up for Virginia sets him apart from Tim Kaine's record of tabling tough decisions.

"As our military is facing $500 billion in cuts and Virginia could lose 200,000 good-paying jobs, we need a partner in the U.S. Senate who will be a leader in stopping these devastating cuts. George Allen will be Virginians' voice in Washington with the leadership and proven record we need to turn around our economy."

George Allen (left) surrounded by press post-debate.

Bob Stuart at the News-Virginian also wrote:

“Republicans trust people and free enterprise,’’ said Allen, who said he cut Virginia taxes while governor, helped abolished parole and reformed welfare.

He said Kaine attempted to raise taxes by $4 billion while governor, increased college tuition costs and lost 100,000 jobs.

Allen also said Kaine closed VDOT rest stops when there was $1 billion left in an account at the state agency.

The choice in November is between two men who disagree on how far government's hand should be in the pockets of citizens. Tim Kaine's combativeness is not the tone that is needed, and his alignment with Barack Obama shows that he will support and continue the failed policies of this President.

Thank you to the Virginia Bar Association for once again opening the venue to the press and bloggers. 

Sighted at the debate: Congressman Robert Hurt, Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas, Allen political director Richard Crouse, former Allen administration Secretary of State Betsy Beamer, Mrs Susan Allen with daughter Brooke, reporter David Sherfinski from the Washington Times (formerly of the Washington Examiner), former Governor Doug Wilder, State Senator Creigh Deeds, Congressman Bobby Scott, fellow Bearing Drift colleague Jason Kenney, Bob Brown who is a photographer with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Noticeably absent: Jeff Schapiro from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. And I still miss seeing Tyler Whitley, formerly of the RTD, at these events. He was a walking encyclopedia of Virginia politics.

Other coverage of Saturday's debate:
- Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News-Virginian: Kaine, Allen go on the attack at Homestead debate
- David Sherfinski with the Washington Times: Sharp exchanges punctuate first Allen-Kaine debate in Va.
- Wesley Hester with the Richmond Times-Dispatch:Allen, Kaine trade blows on host of issues at debate
- From Virginia Business: Video of the debate
- See also Photos: Homestead U.S. Senate debate with George Allen & Tim Kaine

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
The Homestead
July 21, 2012

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Casual Sunday lunch

It was a great day to have a casual summer Sunday lunch full of fresh veggies and fruits.

Cucumbers

SWAC Husband's tomatoes fresh out of the garden.

Playing with a new toy....

Fresh corn-on-the-cob baked in the oven.

Carrots and onions

Cantaoupe

Center cut pork chops cooked on the grill.

Naan with mozzarella cheese

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 22, 2012

After the Homestead debate ... lunch

 Barb

Lunch was in order with friends after Saturday's U.S. Senate debate at the Homestead. There's a little place in Warm Springs called Cucci's Pizza that we've been eating at for years. In fact, I ate there with friends after the 2006 U.S. Senate debate and probably every debate since. As the rain came down, we were snug and comfortable and the only ones on the screened-in dining porch.

Richard Crouse, Allen campaign political director

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 21, 2012

Tim Kaine sides with taking jobs from Virginia

"The deal was the right thing to do."

With those words at Saturday's debate, Tim Kaine doubled-down on his support for last year's failed deal which now threatens to force over $500 Billion in defense cuts.

Cuts that will harm our military. Cuts that will cause severe job losses, devastating our economy and thousands of Virginia families.

• Virginia Could Lose 207,571 Jobs Due To Budget Cuts.  (Stephen S. Fuller, Ph.D., "The Impact Of The Budget Control Act Of 2011 On DOD & Non-DOD Agencies," George Mason University as Prepared for the Aerospace Industries Association, 7/17/12)

• Areas Hardest Hit Would Be Northern Virginia And Hampton Roads, But Whole State Would Feel The Ramifications. (John Reid Blackwell, "Virginia Stands To Lose 207,571 Jobs If Federal Budget Cuts Happen," Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/18/12)

• Drastic cuts would lead to the smallest U.S. ground forces since 1940 and the smallest Navy since the beginning of World War I (Tim Mak and Charles Hoskinson, "Leon Panetta Paints Doomsday Scenario," Politico, 11/15/11)

All this adds up to what one economist calls "a pretty big hit" for Virginia.

It doesn't have to be this way. George Allen will make saving Virginia from these devastating defense cuts his top priority.

George Allen stands on his record of working with all parties to achieve historic reforms for Virginia.

Abolishing parole for safer streets. Reforming welfare to empower people. Providing tax relief to hard-working Virginians. Reforming 70% of regulations. Setting policies to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

That's the kind of leadership we need in Washington. And that's the choice we have this election.


--From George Allen for U.S. Senate

Debate: George Allen calls out Kaine on defense cuts, siding with Washington

In case you missed it, George Allen and Tim Kaine participated in a U.S. Senate candidate debate yesterday hosted by the Virginia Bar Association, contrasting their very different records of leadership and vision for Virginia. George Allen pressed Tim Kaine on his support for the Washington deal leading to $500 Billion in defense cuts, which would harm our military, place 200,000 Virginia jobs at risk and hurt Virginia families. George Allen also outlined Tim Kaine’s record of being a “reflexive” tax raiser and spending much of his last year as Governor traveling across the country, giving speeches and raising money while closing down rest stops, trying to raise taxes by $2 billion and allowing college tuition costs to skyrocket.  

Here’s what they are saying. . .

Allen Took Kaine To Task For Supporting Deal That Could Put More Than 200,000 Virginian Jobs At Risk Due To “Draconian” Defense Cuts.

Kaine calls it “the right thing to do.”

Richmond Times-Dispatch: “For his part, Allen spent considerable time attacking Kaine for his support of last year’s debt reduction deal, which has left the U.S. facing the possibility of steep defense spending cuts at the end of this year that could cost Virginia more than 200,000 jobs.”  (Wesley P. Hester, “Allen, Kaine Trade Blows On Host Of Issues At Debate,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/12)

Richmond Times-Dispatch: “‘The deal was the right thing to do,’ Kaine said…”  (Wesley P. Hester, “Allen, Kaine Trade Blows On Host Of Issues At Debate,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/12)

The Associated Press: “National defense could suffer $500 billion in cuts, and Virginia, home to the Pentagon and the world's largest Navy base in Norfolk, would suffer more than 200,000 job losses, Allen said.”  (“Senate Debate: A Partisan Fight Over Partisanship,” The Associated Press, 7/21/12)

The Associated Press: “‘The result? Disproportionate defense cuts that would be disproportionate to Virginia's economy and our military,’ he said, pressing Kaine to defend the compromise…”  (“Senate Debate: A Partisan Fight Over Partisanship,” The Associated Press, 7/21/12)

The Washington Times: “Mr. Allen tried to pin $500 million in looming defense cuts on Mr. Kaine, who supported $1 trillion in cuts approved by Congress last year, with more to kick in automatically — half from defense programs — if Congress fails to act before Jan. 1. Virginia, home to many military contractors and bases, could lose more than 200,000 jobs if the impasse is not broken and the automatic cuts take effect.”  (David Sherfinski, “Sharp Exchanges Punctuate First Allen-Kaine Debate In Va.,” The Washington Times, 7/21/12)

The Washington Times: “‘I could never envision myself voting for something that could be so potentially harmful to Virginians,’ Mr. Allen said. ‘We need to be putting Virginians first, as far as I’m concerned, and national defense should never be used as a bargaining tool to raise taxes.’”  (David Sherfinski, “Sharp Exchanges Punctuate First Allen-Kaine Debate In Va.,” The Washington Times, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “Allen blasted Kaine for supporting last year’s deal in Congress over the debt ceiling, which included billions in mandatory cuts – including defense cuts – over the next 10 years if federal lawmakers don’t agree on how to make cuts themselves. That deal, also called ‘sequestration,’ is getting renewed attention in Washington because the cuts would start kicking in in January — and no deal for alternative cuts appears forthcoming in Congress.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “Kaine supported the sequestration deal, while Allen opposed it, saying Saturday that the defense spending cuts in the deal would be ‘devastating’ for Virginia.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “‘The deal had no spending caps, there was no balanced budget amendment, no line item veto authority, nothing,’ Allen said, adding that he never would support legislation that makes such harsh cuts to national defense.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “[Allen] called it a ‘failed deal’ and repeatedly tied it to Kaine.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

News Virginian: “Allen said Kaine has repeatedly supported Obama initiatives such as federal health care, and said he has supported the deficit-cutting sequestration that could cut 200,000 military jobs from Virginia.”  (“Kaine, Allen Go On The Attack In Homestead Debate,” News Virginian, 7/22/12)

Washington Examiner: “Allen targeted Kaine's support for a budget deal that could slash defense spending by $600 billion -- a potentially devastating blow to Virginia's Pentagon-reliant economy.”  (Steve Contorno, “Kaine, Allen Spar In First Virginia Senate Debate,” Washington Examiner, 7/21/12)

National Journal’s Hotline On Call: “Allen hit Kaine for supporting the debt ceiling deal that could lead to defense cuts, a major issue in military-heavy Virginia.”  (Dan Roem, “Kaine, Allen Spar At Second Virginia Senate Debate,” National Journal’s Hotline On Call, 7/21/12)

Allen Paints Kaine As A “Reflexive” Tax Raiser, Tried To Raise Taxes, Even On Those Who Make As Little As $17,000 Per Year:

The Washington Times: “Mr. Allen painted Mr. Kaine as a serial tax-hiker and enabler of President Obama’s agenda, notably his high-profile federal health care overhaul law.”  (David Sherfinski, “Sharp Exchanges Punctuate First Allen-Kaine Debate In Va.,” The Washington Times, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “Allen countered by describing Kaine as a tax-raiser, painting Kaine’s gubernatorial administration as one of high unemployment and attempts to raise taxes.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

The Roanoke Times: “Allen tried to portray Kaine as a reflexive tax-raiser, citing Kaine’s failed efforts to increase taxes as governor. Kaine proposed tax and fee increases to generate revenue for transportation and, weeks before leaving office, proposed a 1 percent income tax “surcharge” to produce revenue for local governments. The income tax proposal was part of Kaine’s plan to close a $4.2 billion budget shortfall.”  (Michael Sluss, “Senate Candidates George Allen, Time Kaine Trade Barbs During Debate At The Homestead,” The Roanoke Times, 7/21/12)

Richmond Times-Dispatch: “[Allen] also countered by accusing Kaine of trying to ‘raise taxes by $4 billion’ as governor, ‘including for people earning as little as $17,000 a year,’ and for allowing tuition costs to increase and closing rest stops.”  (Wesley P. Hester, “Allen, Kaine Trade Blows On Host Of Issues At Debate,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/12)

News Virginian: “He said Kaine attempted to raise taxes by $4 billion while governor, increased college tuition costs and lost 100,000 jobs.”  (“Kaine, Allen Go On The Attack In Homestead Debate,” News Virginian, 7/22/12)

WDBJ 7: “‘Tim as Governor tried to raise taxes by 4 billion dollars, including on people making as little as 17- thousand dollars a year,’ Allen told the crowd.”  (Joe Dashiell, “George Allen And Time Kaine Face Off In Virginia Senate Debate,” WDBJ 7, 7/21/12)

Kaine As A Supporter of Washington’s Failed Policies That Have Virginians Hurting:

Richmond Times-Dispatch: “Allen painted Kaine as an advocate of tax increases and President Barack Obama’s policies, repeatedly criticizing his former job as Democratic National Committee chairman and his time as governor, noting that they overlapped.”  (Wesley P. Hester, “Allen, Kaine Trade Blows On Host Of Issues At Debate,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/12)

Richmond Times-Dispatch: “Allen drew first blood in his opening remarks, saying that ‘Virginians are hurting because of the failed policies in Washington which my opponent has advocated.’”  (Wesley P. Hester, “Allen, Kaine Trade Blows On Host Of Issues At Debate,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/21/12)

WDBJ 7: “Allen criticized Kaine for taking on the role of Democratic National Committee Chairman while he was still serving as Governor. ‘Do you regret putting the partisan agenda ahead of your responsibilities to the people of Virginia as Governor,’ Allen asked Kaine. ‘George I'm not a hard partisan and I've never been,’ Kaine replied, ‘you can serve with honor in a party role.’”  (Joe Dashiell, “George Allen And Time Kaine Face Off In Virginia Senate Debate,” WDBJ 7, 7/21/12)

Kaine’s Mismanagement: Shutting Down Rest Stops

News Virginian: “Allen also said Kaine closed VDOT rest stops when there was $1 billion left in an account at the state agency.”  (“Kaine, Allen Go On The Attack In Homestead Debate,” News Virginian, 7/22/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “[Allen] took issue with Kaine’s claim that Virginia was a well-managed state in Kaine’s administration.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “‘I don’t see what’s great management when you’re shutting down rest areas in Virginia when there’s a billion dollars sitting in the VDOT account being unused,’ Allen said, referring to Kaine’s unpopular decision as an outgoing governor to close numerous highway rest areas, and the subsequent finding by a VDOT audit that the agency had about $1 billion on its books it hadn’t spent.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: “Gov. Bob McDonnell reopened the rest stops. Kaine’s campaign sent out an email during the debate, saying the $1 billion hadn’t been spent because VDOT managers under Kaine were conservative fiscal managers.”  (Chelyen Davis, “Allen, Kaine Debate At Homestead,” Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, 7/21/12)

The Roanoke Times: “Allen criticized Kaine for taking on the role of Democratic National Committee chairman during his last year as governor, arguing that it diverted Kaine’s attention from his responsibilities in his home state.”  (Michael Sluss, “Senate Candidates George Allen, Time Kaine Trade Barbs During Debate At The Homestead,” The Roanoke Times, 7/21/12)

The Roanoke Times: “Allen challenged Kaine for serving as DNC chairman during his final year as governor in 2009, asking: ‘Do you regret putting the partisan agenda ahead of your responsibilities to the people of Virginia as governor?’”  (Michael Sluss, “Senate Candidates George Allen, Time Kaine Trade Barbs During Debate At The Homestead,” The Roanoke Times, 7/21/12)

Allen’s Record Of Bipartisanship:

The Washington Times: “‘You find folks on specific issues on the other side of the aisle to join with you to get things done,’ he said.”  (David Sherfinski, “Sharp Exchanges Punctuate First Allen-Kaine Debate In Va.,” The Washington Times, 7/21/12)

The Washington Post: “Allen also boasted of partnering with Democrats on welfare reform and parole abolition in Richmond as well as working with Sens. John Kerry and Hillary Rodham Clinton while serving in the Senate…”  (Anita Kumar, “Allen, Kaine Go On Th Attack In Senate Debate,” The Washington Post, 7/21/12)

Washington Examiner: “Allen retorted that he worked across the aisle on legislation with then-Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Kerry, both Democrats…”  (Steve Contorno, “Kaine, Allen Spar In First Virginia Senate Debate,” Washington Examiner, 7/21/12)

The Washington Times: “But Mr. Allen countered; he’s frequently brought up his work with Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat, on nanotechnology and preventing taxation on the internet as an example of working across the aisle.” (David Sherfinski, “Sharp Exchanges Punctuate First Allen-Kaine Debate In Va.,” The Washington Times, 7/21/12)

Photos ... Homestead U.S. Senate debate with George Allen and Tim Kaine

The entrance to The Homestead gave a clue there was something going on.

Sadly, we had to run the gauntlet before we could get to the front door.

Former Allen administration Secretary of State Betsy Beamer and Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas.

My press desk partner ... reporter Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian.

Former Governor Doug Wilder.

Mrs. Allen (center) as she arrived for the debate.

CNN's Candy Crowley, Tim Kaine, George Allen

Congressman Robert Hurt, former Gov. George Allen, Brooke & Susan Allen

Kaine exited immediately after the debate without talking to anyone but George Allen was surrounded by the press.

... and there was the Democratic tracker Alan whom I first wrote about in May 2011 after a George Allen luncheon in Staunton that I had headed up. I've seen him on the campaign trail since. I think the guy behind him looking at me is the second guy who was in Harrisonburg with Alan tracking Governor Allen in May of this year.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
The Homestead
July 21, 2012

U.S. Senate debate today at The Homestead

 George and Susan Allen

The stage is set for today's U.S. Senate debate at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, as candidates George Allen (R) and Tim Kaine (D) meet for the second debate between them in this race. Hosted by the Virginia Bar Association, the ticketed event will be moderated by CNN's Candy Crowley.

Both men are former governors of the Commonwealth. Allen has also served as a Delegate, Congressman, and U.S. Senator while Kaine was once the mayor of Richmond and chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Both camps have been in pre-debate prep leading up to today. George Allen is a skilled public speaker and debater who went through three debates against three opponents prior to winning the June Republican primary with 62% of the vote.

Virginia is a battleground state, one of the closest-watched races in the country. Polls have consistently shown Allen and Kaine in a tie. This week's Quinniapiac poll had Allen up 46 percent over Kaine 44 percent.

After the debate, Governor Allen will head to Richmond where he will address the Virginia American Legion’s 94th Annual Convention in Richmond at 3:30.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Colorado shooter was a loner

Twenty-four-year-old James Eagan Holmes walked into the midnight premiere showing of the latest "Batman" movie and opened fire in the packed Denver movie theater, killing 12 and wounding more than 50.

James Holmes was a loner.

USA Today took a closer look at the killer and, according to one of his neighbors near his childhood home in California, was a " 'typical American kid,' who 'kept to himself,' and 'didn't seem to have many friends.' "

The USA Today article went on to report:

Police believe Holmes acted alone.

"Lone-wolf terrorists are extremely intelligent and often come from very good socio-economic backgrounds," said Todd McGhee, a former Massachusetts state trooper who is now managing partner of Protecting the Homeland Innovations, a security training firm in Braintree, Mass.

"But they become despondent. They become isolated from family members. Then they grab on to an ideology. Some people find religion. Some people find anti-government," he said.

Looking back at mass shootings throughout the years and other tragedies, the perpetrator has often been a loner.

This is yet another sad incident of random violence that kills innocent people who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time....

The rural beauty of Augusta County

Fog settles on the Appalachian Mountains in western Augusta County, Virginia.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 20, 2012

Wildflowers of western Virginia on a rainy day

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 20, 2012