Downtown Staunton on a cold January day

 Johnson Street parking garage. Mill Street Grill is located on the left.

 Corner of Johnson and New Streets ... coffee shop and parking garage.

 The cobblestone street leads to Staunton's historic train station with Sears Hill in the background.

 Formerly the Pullman Restaurant, the train station is waiting for someone to bring it back to life.

 The Klotz Building now houses Sunspots (at bottom of hill) in the Wharf area.

 Lewis Street on the west side of the downtown area.

 The historic Board and Batten House that is now used as a private office.

 Driving west out of Staunton, Churchville Avenue turns into Rt. 250 west heading toward Highland County and points beyond.

Rt. 250 with the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. In the winter, it offers a different kind of beauty as the winter woods open up vistas as travelers head toward ski resorts and hiking trails.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
12 January 2012

Remembering someone who tried to make it better

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

George Allen reflects on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen reflected on the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, releasing the the following statement:

“Today, and every day, we remember and honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose mission of equal opportunity and freedom continues to inspire Americans to unite under the empowering thread embodied in our Constitution that all men and women are born with the same God-given inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion for freedom and justice for all people and his spirit has strengthened the bonds of our nation as we continue our journey to become a more perfect union. His courage to stand up for his core convictions and what was right in the face of bigotry and injustice will help define leadership and sacrifice for generations of Americans.

“Today we reflect on the remarkable legacy that Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left behind, and every day we work together as a nation to live out his Dream and vision for a better future of equality and opportunity for all.”

Huntsman to drop out, endorse Romney? UPDATED

Word began leaking out Sunday night that Jon Huntsman plans to drop out as a presidential candidate before the South Carolina primary, and will endorse Mitt Romney. The story is developing with Tweets, Facebook updates, and CNN reporting even as other media outlets are catching wind of this new turn of events that will reportedly take place Monday.

UPDATE: The news of Huntsman dropping out is now being confirmed by the Wall Street Journal: "Mr. Huntsman plans to make his announcement on Monday morning in Myrtle Beach. GOP candidates are gathering in the city for a televised debate Monday night."

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Forty-Niners win in an exciting game with Saints

Wow ... what a game! San Francisco played against New Orleans in a game that saw one of the most exciting fourth quarters I've ever witnessed in football. Final score with the Forty-Niners winning: 36-32. Congratulations to the Forty-Niners on a great win, and to the Saints for being a great opponent.

Frontier Culture Museum in winter

 The barn on the American farm at the Frontier Culture Museum on a cold January afternoon.

It's winter at the Frontier Culture Museum where leaves are off the trees and the cold winds sweep down from the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain ridges. Seasonal operating hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's a great time to visit and see how the early pioneers lived through the frigid, windy, snowy days of winter.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
14 January 2012

Snow-related reading books

Now this is my kind of reading display! Snowflakes, snowmen, snow snow snow. The seasonally inspirational books were seen Saturday at the Churchville branch of the Augusta County Library.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
14 January 2012

McDonnell heading to South Carolina

As candidates head to South Carolina and the eyes of the nation watch in the days going into the next primary, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is also heading south.

On Saturday, January 14, the Governor will participate in Congressman Tim Scott's "First in the South Presidential Town Hall Series" in Myrtle Beach. Check the website for more information.

Perry, Gingrich lose Virginia lawsuit

The rules are the rules are the rules but most Republicans already know that.

Unfortunately, Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, and Jon Huntsman decided to act like poor sports after the contest and filed a lawsuit to get their names on the Virginia Presidential Primary ballot after, 1) failing to submit the minimum 10,000 required signatures (Perry, Gingrich), or, 2) failing to even submit any signatures (Santorum, Huntsman). If these candidates had a problem with the rules in Virginia, they should have tried to make changes before the deadline.

Fellow Bearing Drift colleague Shaun Kenney posted on the judge's decision and noted:

In essence, the court did not necessarily rule on the validity of Virginia’s primary access rules (and in fact, reinforced Virginia’s interest in ensuring that primary candidates had a broad base of support), but did slam Perry rather forcefully on the late timing of the lawsuit — namely, after Perry failed to get on the ballot — which demonstrated more of a last minute plea rather than a serious constitutional concern.

The text of the judge's opinion can be found here. Good call from the judge to uphold the rule of law. If changes are to be made, it is up to the General Assembly, not the Republican Party of Virginia.

Meanwhile, the primary will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, with Mitt Romney and Ron Paul on the ballot. Game on!

Prayer requests across the miles

As I perused Facebook this morning, I came across a prayer request from a young man in North Carolina, one of the home school students who had been part of the home education organization during our years in that part of the world. I sent him my thoughts and prayers that I hope he finds peace and is able to work through this rough patch he finds himself going through.

I feel a special attachment to this young man because he's the same age as my son. In fact, he's the exact same age as my son because his mother and I were in the labor room in the hospital at the same time. We were the only two in delivery in that small rural town in western North Carolina that day and, at the time, we didn't know each other.

Seven or eight years later, we were involved in the local home school group and one day, as she and I stood in the park talking with other home school moms about various things, the subject of the boys' ages came up followed by birth dates ... and we made the connection. A special bond was there and lasts to this day even though we are miles apart.

So this morning my heart reaches out to that young man that I knew so well as a boy growing up with my son as I say a quiet prayer on his behalf. Here's hoping he finds answers and peace in his journey....

High wind advisory for Augusta County, near-blizzard conditions possible in Highland

The wind is whipping around outside the house, roaring through the trees and across the roof, which is about two hours earlier than local weather forecasts predicted.

WHSV TV-3 in Harrisonburg has posted a high wind advisory for Augusta, Highland, and Rockingham counties in Virginia, and Grand, Hardy, and Pendleton counties in West Virginia from 11 pm Thurdsay through 6 pm Friday. Winds of 20-30 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph possible especially along the mountain ridges. Those high winds are already in western Augusta County.

A winter weather advisory has also been issued for western Grant, western Highland, and western Pendleton counties during the same time period with 3-5" of snow possible. Because of the high winds, those locations may also experience near-blizzard conditions. Snow amounts for Augusta County and surrounding areas is expected to be an inch or less.

Rain started at my house around 10:30 but it's supposed to turn to snow after midnight. We'll see....

It's winter in the Shenandoah Valley....

Taking the long way home #2 ... driving the back roads of Augusta County

See Taking the long way home #1 for more photos while driving through western Augusta County.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
12 January 2012

Taking the long way home #1 ... driving the back roads of Augusta County

It was a mild January afternoon today as I left Staunton. I was headed home but, instead, found myself taking the longest route possible, driving out Rt. 250 west toward the mountains and circled back around to my house. Dark clouds, winter landscape, quiet rural roads ... it was a peaceful drive. See also Taking the long way home #2 for more photos.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
12 January 2012

Saturday: Churchville Branch library rededication celebration

It's been 10 years since the Churchville branch of the Augusta County Library opened in the village of Churchville on Rt. 250 west of Staunton so a celebration is on tap! The community is invited to join in the festivities with Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles this Saturday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m.

The rededication event will feature speakers, music, and birthday cake and an opportunity for citizens to check out all the features available for children and adults.

Saturday at 10 a.m. ... stop by for some cake!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
12 January 2012

Bearing Drift endorses MITT ROMNEY for President 2012

Bearing Drift has endorsed Mitt Romney for President 2012, a decision I heartily agree with after following the process that has narrowed through debates, controversy, media scrutiny, and primaries. Mitt Romney for President? Absolutely!

Bearing Drift's editorial noted:

Each candidate has strengths and weaknesses, but we feel Romney has emerged as the only candidate with the ability, organization, skill and leadership to both beat the President in November and to govern America well.
...
Instead of hope and change, it’s time for America to get some good, old fashioned competence.

Good, solid reasoning went into this decision. I would invite you to read the entire editorial.

New Augusta County supervisor lineup

The new seating arrangement is in effect tonight. From left to right: Attorney Patrick Morgan, Supervisor Marshall Pattie (North River), Supervisor David Karaffa (Beverley Manor), Supervisor Jeff Moore (Wayne), Chairman Tracy Pyles (Pastures), County Manager Pat Coffield, Supervisor Mike Shull (Riverheads), Supervisor Larry Wills (North River), Supervisor David Beyeler (South River).

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
11 January 2012

David Karaffa has support of family, friends in role as supervisor

 Supervisor David Karaffa, Beverley Manor District, Augusta County, Va.

Bob and his wife witnessed David's swearing-in.

Thank you, David, for being willing to serve the citizens of Augusta.

Bob Kirchman, who was instrumental in David Karaffa's campaign for Augusta County supervisor, and played a big part in his victory, had some words of wisdom about this new, young leader. Bob wrote:

On January 3rd, Augusta County history was written as David Karaffa took the oath of office. Supported by his family and friends, David took on the huge task of running an independent campaign. He knocked on a lot of doors. He taught more than he campaigned, showing citizens how the process worked so that they would understand how government works, how essental services are provided and paid for, and how representative government requires the involvement of informed constituents.

David asked people to get involved in their own government and they did, propelling him to office as Beverley Manor's newest supervisor.

Along the way he had great support from four generations of family. His Grandmother Lucille worked at the polls. His young daughters watched him teach the ultimate civics lesson. His father, Dr. David Karaffa, proudly stumped for his son's campaign.

As we gathered to celebrate, I could not help but echo Santiago's sentiment: "I live in a good town." Many of us had been touched by this fine family. My daughter found her best friend and soulmate in Kurt Michael's Governors' School class, she is the daughter of David's uncle. One of the greatest joys of the evening was in hearing just how many of us had been blessed through our association with the Karaffa family.

I feel that the legacy I speak of is still in its opening chapter.

Indeed. Some are called to serve early. David, from a family that provided a strong foundation and sat around the dinner table discussing issues and events, learned early-on to work with others, listen to those who could offer answers, and above all to work hard while achieving his goals.

More photos of the swearing-in can be found here.

The journey continues....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
3 January 2012

Virginia General Assembly convenes today ... Bolling, Obenshain ready to lead

Virginia's legislators have traveled from all corners of the state to gather in Richmond for the beginning of the 2012 General Assembly. The bustle in the Commonwealth's capital increases each year as lawmakers, lobbyists, tourists, and interested citizens check out the proceedings of government in action.

According to State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg), over 3,000 bills are on the docket for this session that is slated to run through mid-March. Legislators like Obenshain will stay in contact with constituents at home while spending most of the next two months in Richmond meeting with committees and participating in the day-to-day business of lawmaking.

All citizens are encouraged to visit during session, sitting in overhead balconies to watch the action on the floor below. It's a fascinating process and often moves at breakneck speed but watching from above allows visitors to not only see their representatives but also get a peek into the debate as bills are advanced, defended, batted down, or sent back to committee.

As in the past, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R) will preside over the State Senate that finds itself evenly divided this year between Republicans and Democrats with Bolling acting as the tie-breaker. Democrats, unhappy at this change of events after years of controlling the senate, filed a lawsuit in December contesting Bolling's control.

Bolling agreed that he had control over organization but perhaps not the budget and some have wondered if that's what he really wanted all along since no tie votes for the budget seem to have played into previous sessions, according to the Washington Post:

“Perhaps the lieutenant governor’s not giving too much away,” said [A.E. Dick Howard, a constitutional law expert at the University of Virginia], who reviewed 100 years of Senate history and found not a single instance in which there was a tie vote on a budget. “It may well be the ability to vote on organization was, frankly, more important to him.”

The Post noted that senate Democrats planned to fight tooth-and-nail for control by using parliamentary maneuvering and lawsuits. Keep an eye on Bolling, a veteran at the job as president of the senate. The back-and-forth tussle for power is sure to provide some entertaining, teachable moments for viewers.

Meanwhile, local legislators like Obenshain are carrying bills that have been presented to them by constituents. For the Harrisonburg Republican who is running for Attorney General, this year's wish list includes eminent domain and strengthening private property rights, keeping Virginia as a right-to-work state, voter registration by party, and school choice. More on these important issues can be found at his website.

Many legislators have opinion surveys on their websites asking for input from citizens who can also follow the daily proceedings at the Capitol by checking the Virginia General Assembly website on a regular basis.

The 2012 session is off and running....

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Mitt wins New Hampshire

Mitt Romney, fresh from a win in Iowa, rolled to victory Tuesday in the New Hampshire primary. Now with two wins under his belt, all eyes turn to South Carolina for their January 21 primary.

"Tonight, we made history. ... Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we go back to work," Romney said.

The Washington Examiner's Election 2012 headquarters has return results from New Hampshire where the top two vote winners were Mitt Romney followed by Ron Paul.

Mitt Romney's Believe In America campaign sent out a victory newsletter Tuesday night:

Tonight, we made history.

Thank you, New Hampshire! And thanks to all the supporters like you who helped us earn this.

Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we go back to work and take our message to South Carolina.

Four years ago, Barack Obama made a lot of promises to the American people, including hope and change. The last three years have held a lot of change -- they haven't offered much hope.

We can make America great again. I believe the disappointments of the last few years are a detour, not our destiny.

MittRomney.com

Perry lawsuit: judge halts printing of VA presidential primary ballots

Fox News has reported that U.S. District Judge John Gibney has put a halt on printing Virginia's presidential primary ballots until after he rules on Texas Governor Rick Perry's ballot challenge.

Fox News wrote:

U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. has ordered the Virginia State Board of Elections to send directives to each of the state's local boards, telling them not to print any absentee ballots until after the emergency motion is heard on Friday.

After only two candidates met the criteria to get on Virginia's ballot, Perry sued for access and was joined by three others who didn't even submit petitions to participate in the process. I have certainly changed my opinion of Perry and others because of their desire to cry and blame someone else when they did not follow the rules and submit the necessary number of signatures.

Should Virginia lower the requirements for candidates? That's a decision for the General Assembly. However, until it happens, the rules are in place and need to be followed. Unfortunately, I've lost a great deal of respect for Rick Perry.

David Karaffa takes oath of office for Augusta BOS

With family and friends in attendance, newly-elected Beverley Manor Supervisor David Karaffa was sworn in last week.

Bob Kirchman

He thanked me ... I thanked him.

He thanked various people for their mentorship and help along the way.

Grandparents ...

... former teacher ... friends ...

... campaign workers ...

.

David and Kurt Michael

David's parents and extended family provided a sound foundation for this thoughtful, intelligent, conservative young man whose journey has just begun....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
3 January 2012

Times-Dispatch editorial: 'George Allen was right to abolish parole'

One of the most popular governors in Virginia history, getting a handle on violent crime was high on the priority list for George Allen when he ran for governor in 1993, and abolishing parole was one of  his main goals. Allen considered it a way to protect the citizens of  the Commonwealth from the early release of violent criminals but he encountered a battle from naysayers who were against it from the start.

In Friday's editorial, the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote about the response at that time:

At the time, though, it was hugely controversial. Democrats fought it bitterly. The NAACP tried to portray it as hostile to African-Americans -- the Richmond chapter went so far as to say it resembled "Hitler's annihilation of the Jews and the principle of modern-day ethnic cleansing." The ACLU attacked it on a variety of grounds, including cost -- a rare detour into fiscal conservatism for the civil-liberties group -- and its effect on children and families.

But there was another side of the issue.  Crime victims and survivors shared heart-wrenching details of their encounters with criminals, speaking of their experiences to show support for Allen's proposal.

Less than a year after winning the gubernatorial election, Allen fulfilled this major campaign promise and signed the Abolition of Parole statute into law on October 13, 1994. At the time he commented:

“With my signature on this legislation, we are sending an unmistakable message to criminals or those thinking of committing criminal activity: Do not commit crime in Virginia. We will no longer tolerate it. And we will no longer excuse it. We’re going to hold criminals responsible and accountable for their violent acts. And it is high time that these principles are restored to our justice system here in Virginia. By taking violent predators off the street and keeping them off, we will begin to reclaim our communities from crime. In doing this we will create an environment where hope can be restored, where businesses and jobs can return, where schools can again be places of learning, and where neighborhoods can be places for families rather than felons.”

The result of the new legislation was the lowest crime rate in the Commonwealth in a decade, with criminals serving longer prison sentences. Even today, Virginia's violent crime rate remains among the lowest in the country at a time when the national recidivism rate is 43 percent compared to 28 percent in the Commonwealth.

Now roll forward to 2011 -- 17 years after the parole law took effect -- and the news of a horrific crime that took place in Richmond on Christmas Eve. The Times-Dispatch editorial noted:

We come now to Jamal Louis Clemons, the suspect in a double homicide committed on Christmas Eve. As a news story noted, Clemons has an extensive criminal record that includes arrests for larceny, drug possession, child endangerment, trespassing, eluding police, probation violations and more. On Dec. 23 he was released from a Hanover jail, where he had served time for probation violations. Within 24 hours, he allegedly had killed two people. Had Clemons served more time, Edward Lee Bowmer and Rhonda Sheryl Clapp would be alive today.

At least, they would be alive according to Allen's theory that locking up career criminals prevents crime. According to Allen's critics, it wouldn't matter if Clemons had stayed behind bars — because someone else would have killed Bowmer and Clapp anyway. Allen's theory might not be perfect. But it is better than his critics' theories, which have proven to be perfect nonsense.

Indeed. In short, the Times-Dispatch agreed that George Allen was right to abolish parole.

Romney leads latest New Hampshire poll

As of 10:45 Sunday night - New Hampshire poll from PPP:

Romney 35%
Paul 18%
Huntsman 16%
Gingrich 12%
Santorum 11%
Roemer 3%
Perry 1%

George Allen ... listening to Virginia's citizens

January 8, 2012

Dear Friends,

On Friday, it was invigorating to converse with and hear from the highly-skilled, thoughtful people at the Micron Technology semiconductor fabrication facility in Manassas.  They are a prime example of Virginia's leadership in world class, cutting edge technology and innovation.

They are showing that Virginia and America can compete with anyone in the world on a level playing field.

Micron Technology, then Toshiba-IBM's Dominion Semiconductor, is a company that I worked hard to recruit to Virginia  during my service as Governor and now employs over 1,800 Virginians at their Manassas facility.

Before we recruited Dominion Semiconductor to Manassas, there were no computer memory chips manufactured in Virginia - now, they're our top manufactured export.  Micron Virginia's leader told me that the overwhelming majority of the microchips presently fabricated in Manassas are exported to Asia!

We recruited this great job-producing business and many other businesses by creating a pro-job growth economic environment with reduced taxes, affordable energy prices and prompt permitting to encourage investment in safe communities with capable, well-educated and productive people. That is the essence of opportunity in Virginia and America.

The men and women of the Micron team are a prime example of why I am so enthusiastic in advocating my Blueprint for America's Comeback. These are proven solutions that will create hundreds of thousands of jobs by reducing the taxes on job creators, unleashing our energy resources and reining in the over-regulating federal government.

With the right economic, regulatory, energy and education policies, we can and must send a message to the world that America is Open for Business Again!

Hope you have a moment to watch a short message about my visit.  

Envisioning a better future,


George Allen

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling in the news

Friends,

 

The first week of the New Year has been very busy. I wanted to share a few articles with you to keep you up to date on some of the issue we have been working on.

 

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

 

 

Bolling Issues Memorandum Outlining Lieutenant Governor’s Power to Vote on Issues Coming Before Senate

Opinion concludes that the Lieutenant Governor can vote on organizational matters and all ordinary legislative and procedural issues, but cannot vote on certain other matter. READ MORE...

 

Lieutenant Governor Bolling Asks Republican Party of Virginia to Rescind Presidential Primary Loyalty Oath
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today asked members of the Republican Party of Virginia's (RPV) State Central Committee (SCC) to rescind the Loyalty Oath in connection with the upcoming presidential primary. READ MORE...

Governor McDonnell And Lieutenant Governor Bolling Announce Jobs and Economic Legislative Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session
Governor Bob McDonnell, joined by Lieutenant Governor and Chief Jobs Creation Officer Bill Bolling, announced his Jobs and Economic Development Legislative Agenda for the 2012 General Assembly session. READ MORE...

Virginia Primary: Right from the start
Richmond Times-Dispatch | posted 01/05/2012
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli changed his mind. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling was right from the start. READ MORE...

Bill Bolling's Sensible Restraint On Breaking Ties
The Washington Post | posted 01/05/2012
The last time the Virginia Senate was evenly divided between the two parties, in 1996, Democrats and Republicans hammered out a collegial power-sharing arrangement. That sounds quaint in this partisan era - and, unfortunately, it is. READ MORE...

Mild winter ... #makeitsnow

Let it snow!

Put together one ski slope, a bonfire, a group of enthusiastic skiers, and some peppy music. Add flash dance steps and, voila! You've got a snow dance on a mountain slope.

The winter of 2011-12 is proving to be skimpy on the white stuff, not only up and down the Eastern Seaboard but also out west, in the mid-west, and Great Lakes areas where a lack of extreme cold temperatures has caused thin ice on lakes and ponds.


Ski Colorado, Utah, and others have joined in the fun, posting snow dances to try and appease the snow gods, Mother Nature, and anyone else who can help save the winter sports season.

In Vail, Colorado, where this year's snowfall is some of the least they have seen in 30 years, the Southern Ute Indians continued a tradition begun 50 years ago, offering up prayers for snow and "moisture for Mother Earth."

Breckenridge, tucked high in Rockies, was excited today over 4" of snow at a time when they usually have several feet of snow on the ground.

Alaska, meanwhile, has an overabundance of snow this year with record amounts being recorded throughout with avalanche danger for highways and eight-foot drifts.

It's winter so I say bring on the snow! Open the skies and let the flakes float down and fill the winter woods and mountain ridges so the snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters, and snowtubers can enjoy their brief season of fun. It's January ... think snow!

GOP debate tonight on ABC; Sunday morning on NBC/Facebook

As the nomination process heats up heading into New Hampshire's primary, tonight's GOP debate is sure to be watched by many political junkies and operatives as well as a curious public that may be starting to pay more attention to the process.

Tune into ABC from 9-11:00 pm to hear Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, and Jon Huntsman. Michele Bachmann dropped out after a poor showing in the Iowa primary earlier this week.

The latest polls showed that Romney appeared to be widening his lead over the other candidates.

Suffolk University Poll:
- Mitt Romney 40%
- Ron Paul 17%
- Rick Santorum 11%
- Newt Gingrich 9%
- Jon Huntsman 8%
- Rick Perry 1%

University of New Hampshire Survey Center Poll:
- Mitt Romney 44%
- Ron Paul 20%
- Newt Gingrich 8%
- Rick Santorum 8%
- Jon Huntsman 7%

NBC News/Marist Poll:
- Mitt Romney 42%
- Ron Paul 22%
- Rick Santorum 13%
- Newt Gingrich 9%
- Jon Huntsman 9%

The National Journal, studying the polls, wrote:

The three polls all show Romney—who currently holds a slender lead in Iowa—blowing out the competition next week in his adopted home state, while former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., has received only a modest bump following his surprising surge to a virtual tie for first place in Iowa on Tuesday. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, is in second place in each of the three surveys, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is fading. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who is staking his entire primary campaign on a strong performance in the Granite State, trails badly in each of the polls.

Real Clear Politics has more polling numbers.

Political pundits seem to agree that Romney will have a target on his back as other candidates look for a knock-out punch to the front-runner, and most agree this is Romney's debate to lose.

Tune in tonight at 9:00 on ABC to watch the latest.

Tomorrow morning, Meet the Press with David Gregory will air the NBC News Facebook Debate from Concord, NH, with the GOP candidates. Not only will it air on NBC, MSNBC, and NECN, but it will also stream live on Facebook.

That should be enough to feed anyone's weekend political fix. For those planning ahead, here is the schedule for the remaining debates:

- January 16 (Fox News - SC)
- January 19 (CNN - SC)
- January 23 (NBC - FL)
- January 26 (CNN - FL)
- February 22 (CNN - AZ)
- March 1 (CNN - GA)
- March 5 (NBC - CA)
- March 19 (PBS - OR)

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

NL: Supervisor race #2 story of the year in SWAC area

 The Staunton News Leader ranked the top 10 local stories of the year on December 31, 2011, and the supervisor race was voted #2.

 Beverley Manor Supervisor David Karaffa reacted to news of his win on election night.

The News Leader wrote, "There was a changing of the guard on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors with only two incumbents returning after the November election."

More: "The rise of the Independents / winners & losers in Augusta County"

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
3 January 2012

Augusta County Board of Supervisors 2012

 The 2012 Augusta County Board of Superviosrs: Larry Wills, David Karaffa, Jeff Moore, Tracy Pyles, (Pat Coffield, County Manager), Marshall Pattie, Mike Shull, David Beyeler

 Beverley Manor Supervisor David Karaffa

Chairman Tracy Pyles

Tracy Pyles and David Karaffa

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 January 2012

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone

Sunset in Shenandoah National Park.

Today is January 6 ... my dad's birthday. We lost him many years ago but he is still very much in our memories. He was a mentor to young people, and a long-time Sunday school teacher and deacon at Bon Air Baptist Church where I grew up. We used to kid him that if the church doors were open, he was there.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, hunt, and fish. He taught us to conserve the world around us ... do not disturb nature but be a quiet observer. "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." He was a baseball player on his company league ... he loved his three daughters ... he loved the mountains of Virginia and the beaches of the Outer Banks.

Slow to anger but a disciplinarian with a thundering velvet hand whenever we deserved it, he had served his country in World War II on the USS Wisconsin, joining the Navy as a teenager. He went to work early to help his family in rural Amelia County because, as the oldest of five children, he was needed to help provide for them. He taught fiscal responsibility and conservative values that live with me to this day.

Whenever I hear this Diamond Rio song, it always makes me think of him and wish for one more day sitting around the campfire in Shenandoah National Park, one of his favorite places on earth. Good memories....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

One More Day
Diamond Rio

Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do, with one more day with you

McDonnell joins Bolling in asking RPV to rescind "loyalty oath" for presidential primary

Governor Bob McDonnell joined Lt. Governor Bill Bolling today in asking that the Republican Party of Virginia rescind the proposed "loyalty oath" that all voters seeking to participate int he March GOP Presidential Primary in  Virginia would be required to sign before voting.

Bearing Drift took a stand on this issue yesterday, supporting the idea that RPV should ditch the proposed loyalty pledge, and endorsed voter registration by party.

In a statement, the Governor wrote:

"Over the past few days I have reviewed the issue of the proposal that voters sign a loyalty oath as a requirement for participation in our upcoming GOP Presidential Primary in March.

While I fully understand the reasoning that led to the establishment of this requirement, such an oath is unenforceable and I do not believe it is in the best interests of our Party, or the Commonwealth. The effect of the oath could be one of diminishing participation in the primary, at a time when our Party must be expanding its base and membership as we head into the pivotal 2012 general elections this fall. For these reasons, I urge the State Central Committee to rescind the loyalty oath requirement at its upcoming meeting on the 21^st.

It is true that for political parties to remain viable they must have some means by which to control their own nomination processes. I know the loyalty oath was proposed as a possible good faith solution to this issue in this primary election, but there are other ways. I would support legislation to establish voluntary party registration in Virginia. Such a reform to our electoral system would eliminate the need for any oaths or pledges and greatly simplify the nomination process in the Commonwealth."

An earlier statement from Lt. Governor Bill Bolling also asked that RPV vote to rescind the "loyalty oath."  A meeting of state central members will take place on January 21, 2012, to readdress this issue.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Bolling asks RPV to rescind presidential primary loyalty oath

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today asked members of the Republican Party of Virginia’s (RPV) State Central Committee (SCC) to rescind the Loyalty Oath in connection with the upcoming presidential primary.

In a letter to SCC members, Lieutenant Governor Bolling wrote:

“In recent days various Republican Party leaders and activists have inquired about my position on the Loyalty Oath, so I wanted to share my views on this issue with you. While I certainly understand the rationale for a Loyalty Oath and respect the initial decision the SCC made in approving a Loyalty Oath, it is my belief that the Loyalty Oath should be rescinded.

“I am concerned that requiring a Loyalty Oath may send the wrong message about our desire to grow our party and create an opportunity for more people to become involved in the party. If we want to prepare the Republican Party for the future and build a robust organization that can defeat President Obama and Tim Kaine this fall, we must grow our party, make our party more inclusive and avoid any action that could be perceived as being exclusive.”

Lieutenant Governor Bolling added, “I realize that one of the challenges with Virginia’s current open primary system is the possibility that our primary could be influenced by Democrats or other voters who do not have the best interest of our party or candidates at heart. That is a legitimate concern and that is why I have always supported and continue to support voluntary party registration in Virginia. I know that the SCC’s decision to require a Loyalty Oath in the upcoming presidential primary was intended to try and diminish this possibility.”

RPV Chairman Mullins has called a special meeting of the SCC for January 21, 2012 at which time the committee will revisit the requirement for a Loyalty Oath.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Tracy Pyles, new Chairman of Augusta County Board of Supervisors

It's a new day in Augusta County. In a turnaround from the status quo, Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles was unanimously voted in as Chairman at today's organizational meeting giving new meaning to Winston Churchill's saying, "Never give up. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up."

His wife, Debbie, two of his three sons, and baby grandson Caleb watched from the audience. I think his old friend, the late Republican Supervisor Orvin Kiser, would be proud of this new chairman.

In taking over as chair, Tracy talked about working together with the challenges that are to come. Chairman Pyles held up two oversized checks to illustrate money spent by the county as required by the Commonwealth that could have been used to hire more deputies or fire personnel for citizens in Augusta County.  A fiscal conservative -- I've call him "Mr. Numbers" for years -- he started out of the block by talking about fiscal responsibility. He wants this board to be good stewards for the people of the county. As if he recognized his grandfather's voice, little Caleb talked back, much to my amusement.

As a fellow fiscal conservative, I'd like to say congratulations to my supervisor on his chairmanship. I look forward to seeing where this board will go during the next four years.

Stay tuned....

Reporter Bob Stuart at the News Virginian wrote about the meeting and Tracy becoming chairman, and Calvin Trice covered it for the News Leader.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 January 2012

Shaun Kenney: Chairman of Fluvanna Board of Supervisors

Congratulations to fellow Bearing Drift colleague Shaun Kenney, 33, on his election Wednesday as the new Chairman of the Fluvanna Board of Supervisors.

Shaun, who served last year as vice-chairman, is the former Communication Director for the Republican Party of Virginia. In September of 2011, Governor Bob McDonnell appointed him to the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review.

A blogger since 2002, he still actively shares opinions about issues and events, and can be found tweeting updates on agenda items during supervisor meetings.

Shaun and his wife, Melissa, live in Kents Store -- "Thomas Jefferson's back yard" -- with their six children. He represents the Columbia District of Fluvanna County.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift