I got a postcard yesterday quoting Va. governor Tim Kaine saying that one-party rule isn't a good idea. It was sent by the Arlington Republican Party, which has one only one seat on the county board since, I think, 97 b.c. or so.

To answer your question.... voters are INFURIATED at Republicans.

The Bush/Cheney coattails have soiled Republican politicians indelibly. You can see what this has done to Tom Davis and his reliable rubber stamp for Bush as ranking member of House Oversight committee. Please name me ONE (JUST FRICKING ONE) piece of oversight executed by Davis since Bush/Cheney has been in office?

Neither this country nor the state of Virginia can take the chance that Ms. Davis has the same ~party-before-citizens~ stance that her husband has demonstrated.

I have NEVER before voted in a VA State race, and I will be going through the trouble of filling out an absentee ballot (I'm out-of-town) just so I can VOTE AGAINST REPUBLICANS even at the state level.

Whether Chap! is slightly more socially conservative is almost inconsequential. He represents change, and change is what we need.

I vote for Cucinelli's opponent just becauase he doesnt represent his district but rather he represents the views ofthe Va Republican party and I cant vote for anyone who home schools. I am an independent who is against any gun control and pro life. And Timmy Hug o you aint getting my vote either for the same reasons. And I am voting against Connolly because he rivals NJ politcians in being corrpupt and unethical. Would have voted for Davis for against Warner but never Gilmore.

I take great offense at Jeannemarie's treasonous behavior towards those of us who supported her many bids for public office. She has taken my time and money on several occassions and now wishes to distance herself from me and my party simply because of the shifting winds. I would rather have a Democrat in that seat than a RINO (Republican in Name Only), as she has proudly described herself of late. I wonder who will be handing out literature at the polls next Tuesday on her behalf since she has alienated those of us loyal Republicans who have done it in the past?

Janet Oleszek is far from the perfect candidate, but Ken Cucinelli is way out of step with what I and most of my Republican friends believe in. While he has an admirable record on mental health issues, this does not excuse his intolerance on social issues as, arguably, the most conservative senator in Virginia. My fear, however, is that his base will rally and the Democrats will fail to show at the polls on Tuesday.

I'm seeing Gov. Kaine's transportation department pulling out the stops to support Democratic candidates, especially Chuck Colgan. First, with last week's press conference at the Broad Run VRE station to announce that the timetable for the last phase of the Gainesville interchange project had been moved up by three years (I don't know if there were any Republicans there, but the only local officials I saw quoted were Democrats, including some that represent the other end of the county). Today, you conveniently have the ribbon-cutting for the new bridge on Route 28 over Broad Run--they seem to really be pushing to get that open before election day.

I also went to an information meeting this week on the interchange project with Secretary Pierce Homer. At first it looked like a Democratic rally, with Colgan, Sharon Pandak, and Bruce Roemmelt all there, but eventually Del. Marshall and Supervisor Covington showed up as well. Colgan and Marshall both took credit for getting Homer the job. Marshall was taking pictures with his own camera, for some reason. There was also a useful exchange of information among the Secretary, the few members of the public who were there, and the local officials and candidates.

This isn't to criticize Secretary Homer, who I believe is doing a great job at actually getting things done on the transportation front. Rather, it's just to point out one of the advantages that the party in control of the statehouse has when it comes to influencing elections for other state and local offices.

How is it possible for an "objective" reporter to write a blog entry this long that only contains criticism of Republican candidates? Is it that the Democrat candidates are without fault, or just that you prefer not bringing their faults to light? Are you going to write a similar entry criticizing any Democrat candidate?

Anyone that casts their vote in the VA local elections based on what the President and national Republicans are doing is way out of touch with the reality of issues. State politics and national politics are separate from each other. Voting for Democrates next week isn't going to end the Iraq war. But voting for Devolites-Davis and Oleszek is dangerous to your Second Amendment freedom. And after that, what else will they take away?

Far as I know, being a concealed weapons holder, it's already illegal to carry in a bar. Also it's illegal to carry while intoxicated. And I did not realize that guns in rec centers and libraries was a problem.

I got a postcard yesterday from the Jill Holtzman Vogel camp that ties her opponent to an image consulting firm ... one that previously had these candidates as clients: (gasp) a Muslim and (double gasp) a lesbian! Guess the "moderate" Vogel's true colors are coming out now.

What angers me the most is the ridiculous sum of money required to run for office. In Northen Virginia, it was the Republicans (whether RINOs or not) who upped the ante. Will the regular Joe or Jane citizen now be able to afford to run for office? With VA's lax rules governing ethics in Richmond, these expensive campaings will put candidates more in debt to big donors, and we citizens won't even be aware of it.

With all due respect, guns ARE the problem in Virginia. Maybe not the only problem, but a huge one. Unfortunately, we don't have the medical know-how (yet?) to prevent people from becoming psychotic, and there is room for honorable disagreement on how much "preventive detention" people with mental disorders should be subject to. But a deranged person with access to deadly weapons is hugely more dangerous than a deranged person without such access. And guns are everywhere in Virginia, and easily accessible by far too many people. I didn't personally know any of the VA Tech victims -- although I have friends who did -- but I did know the lovely woman who was brutally murdered in Huntley Meadows park 2 weeks ago. A kinder, gentler, more unassuming person you will never meet. And 80 years old, a wife, mother, and grandmother. I am sure that her killer is now regretting his actions, in his lucid moments. But if he, with his psychological and criminal record, hadn't been so easily able -- thanks to the pro-gun forces in our glorious Commonwealth -- to get his hands on a weapon of massive destruction, this innocent victim would be alive and thriving and sharing her love with her friends and family today.

"How is it possible for an "objective" reporter to write a blog entry this long that only contains criticism of Republican candidates? Is it that the Democrat candidates are without fault, or just that you prefer not bringing their faults to light? Are you going to write a similar entry criticizing any Democrat candidate?"

In all fairness, Marc is a columnist not a reporter and has never made any claim of objectivity. In fact he has been fairly upfront about his distain for both Republicans and Virginia.

In all fairness (this coming from a Dem myself), it's not all that unusual for Rep. Davis to funnel money to moderate Republicans in Virginia campaigns. He's done it for years, which is how he got to be the "kingmaker" in NoVA. You can bet that Gov Kaine, Brian Moran, and other unopposed Dems are doing the same thing. Everyone that gives to a political campaign knows that this is a possibility. It shouldn't be news.

Marc, how do we know that the Davis and Holtzman races are tight? I can't find any polls on the Post's web site. Can you point us to the ones you're seeing?

An open message to the voters in Loudoun's Sterling District: Isn't it time you were represented on the Board of Supervisors by someone who is not a bigoted clown? Dump Delgaudio!

One poster claimed to know the murder victim in Huntly Meadows Park. It should be noted that the victim's husband is a gun rights advocate and VCDL member ( www.vcdl.org ) who has publicly commented to his fellow VCDL members that his wife was a gentle person who was killed by a convicted felon out on bail. The victim's husband doesn't blame Virginia gun laws nor would any rational person.

I agree with previous poster that states that all criticism seems to be aimed at Republicans. Now I would grant that Devolites-Davis is a hypocrite and double-talker of the first order but so are many of the Democrats. Jane Oleszek is one - she calls Sen. Cuccinelli "crazy and kooky" for supporting the same gun bills that Mark Warner signed into law. Yet she accepts Mark Warner's endorsement proudly.

Predictions:

Devolites-Davis loses - media spins that district has turned too liberal and Dem for a Republican to win. In reality Ms. Tom Davis is losing because she is sending more gunowners and conservatives to Chap Petersen then she is gaining by being a gun hating liberal.

Cuccinelli wins - media spins that Cuccinelli out- worked his challenger and district really wanted a liberal Dem. In reality the real lesson is that having values and principals is a better strategy then the fuzzy Dem-lite Tom Davis approved Republican message.

I think Mark Fisher and Mark Plotkin should stick to DC Politics and TWP should find some Virginian's to write about Virginia.

Of the Cuccinelli v. Oleszek race, to me, it is notable. Like many folks in Fairfax, I've had little interest in any local race - this is the first one, in my 20 years living in Fairfax County, that I am actually interested in.

I consider myself a Lowell Wiker republican - open minded and willing think for myself. While I may not agree with Ken Cuccinelli on all his positions, I find Janet's positions down right, well, wacky...she has no defined positions on illegal immigration - and I heard her call it a "red herring" in an interview she did on Channel 9 - really? A Red Herring!! I guess the MS-13 problem we are having is just a figment of our collective imagination! As to her "common sense" gun law position - equally wacky. Over the last few days, there have been several major incidents of gun violence in DC - where guns are banned - and the citizens could not defend themselves - is this the kind of "common sense" we need for VA? Sheep to the slaughter...no guns means only criminals will have guns...

And her attacks on Cuccinelli's vote to allow guns back on 'school' is idotic - have you read the law and what it acually does? What Cuccinelli and most other Democrats and Repulbicans in the state vote for was to allow CONCEALED CARRY LICENCED individuals, who have the LEGAL RIGHT to carry a fire arm, to have their weapon with them IN THEIR CAR WHEN THEY PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN. Now - how is this extreme or "wacky"? Again - half the story, blurred for her own purpose.

As to her position on traffic and congestion - she is always up to mention that Cuccinelli voted for the bill that allowed for the abusive driver fee's to come into effect - but she always forgets to add two other facts - first, $400 million was in that bill for NVA, and second, Gov Kaine added the abuser fee issue onto the bill - last time I checked Kaine is a democrat...

I've met both candidates - and Janet always comes off as a light weight - I've asked her direct questions and get a "feel good" answer that never seems to really answer the question.

I have already voted - absentee in person - since I will be on a business trip next week...I can only hope that the citizens of the 37th district vote for the candidate who has delivered some relief for the area, and not for the "kindler, gentler, wacko extreemist" who has in the past said she supports more taxes and would allow NVA to become as violent as DC due to her zeal to remove guns from law abiding citizens.

If "Cooch" does lose it will be on account of him simply being out of step with his district and not because his opponent ran such a great race. He might hang on by a whisker.

Just got the Democratic call for the GOTV rally at George Mason University on Monday morning, about 10:45 am. Tim Kane, Mark Warner and Jim Webb will be there to rally the voters. Hope to see you all there!

I'm a long time Republican precinct captain from McLean Virginia.

I don't live in his District, but just sent Chap Petersen a donation and called to offer my assistance in any way possible over the next four days in an effort to defeat Tom Davis's wife.

This woman (and her husband) are classic fence shifters who's moral compass is more subjected to shifting political winds than even Bill Clintons. Their only allegiance is to their own personal interest. Virginia, and dare I say America, will be better off when both are finally run out of office.

I look fondly to the day both Chap Petersen and Ken Cuccinelli can serve side by side in the Virginia Senate and the disingenuous message and out right lies of the gun banning bigots are silenced.

I stick by my guns (pun most definitely intended) in my earlier post. The good doctor referred to above is a kind and generous person in his views. And, yes, there are 2 conditions precedent to the type of senseless killing or killing spree I described: the killer's psychosis and his possession of deadly weapons. They are each key factors. But something must be done! As we can't cure the psychosis, we must make the weapons inaccessible.

Gone are the days when we as a society could trust that everyone who chooses to possess a firearm will use it responsibly. As our population density, and the disparities between rich and poor, and the stresses of modern life increase, the chances that a gun and either a madman or hardened criminal will tragically intersect have risen exponentially. Perhaps there are still places in this country where the population is homogeneous enough and sparse enough to ensure that the possession of guns for legitimate reasons will not interfere with the rights of others merely to live. Northern Virginia (and other similarly urbanized portions of the state) is not one of them.

This issue, like many we face, is complex, and there are legitimate interests on all sides. But consider, if you will, framing the issue in terms of greater and lesser rights: balance one person's right to own and carry a gun against another's right not to be shot and killed senselessly. In my view, the balance is clear. The diminution of one's quality of life if prohibited from doing what he wishes with a weapon pales in comparison to the complete taking of the other's life.

Marc asks what we are seeing in these final days - I am seeing lots of TV ads for people that I won't vote for because I don't live in their districts. I have heard that one candidate for Delegate in my district is supposed to be running commercials, but I have yet to see one from him. Which is fine with me, because I plan to vote for David Englin anyway.

"This issue, like many we face, is complex, and there are legitimate interests on all sides. But consider, if you will, framing the issue in terms of greater and lesser rights: balance one person's right to own and carry a gun against another's right not to be shot and killed senselessly. In my view, the balance is clear. The diminution of one's quality of life if prohibited from doing what he wishes with a weapon pales in comparison to the complete taking of the other's life."

See, thats where we disagree. There is not a single gun control law ever designed that can stop a mad man from getting a gun and killing you. Prohibition didn't work. The War on Drugs doesn't work. And as we all clearly see, the prohibition on guns in DC and NY and Chicago and LA doesn't work either. And in those countries that have taken the step, the result has been either complete suppression and subjugation of the people to an angry and oppressive government (Nazi Germany, Burma) or a sharp spike in crime generally and dramatic decreases in quality of life (Britain, Australia, DC).

No, NMR, I am going to disagree. On balance, taking away my natural, god given right to defend my and my families life causes far more harm than any benefit that society could ever realize (and the fact that there is simply no evidence of any societal benefit ever occurring from any of the numerous examples of people being disarmed really is the clincher).

As Joe Huffman always asks: "Can you demonstrate one time or place, throughout all history, where the average person was made safer by restricting access to handheld weapons?"

slj

""Can you demonstrate one time or place, throughout all history, where the average person was made safer by restricting access to handheld weapons?"

I'm a bit confused. Are you arguing for UN-limited access to handheld weapons?

JMD was married.
Failed a campaign.

Got help from T Davis.
Divorced her husband.
Married T Davis.

JMD is in danger of failing a campaign.
Got help from Bloomberg...

Intrigued - you really think JMDD may dump Tom Davis for Bloomberg?

You may be onto something...

Tom Davis is spending all his campaign money...

who will fund JMDD next campaign?

Looks like Tom Davis's days in Congress may be numbered - especially if the Democrat run a conservative candidate against him instead of Leslie Bryne.

I'd like to see Fairfax Sherif Stan Berry against Tom Davis. A pro-gun, law enforcement vet. I think he could win.

Cuccinelli vs. Oleszek

Watching their only televised debate at www.statesenatedebate.com tells it all.

Ms. Oleszek could not answer even ONE question during the debate. She skirted every question and sounded absolutely pathetic. The Dems should have run someone else against Cooch. I'm sure Ms. Oleszek is a nice woman, but she is not ready for Richmond...

I'm hoping someone can explain the following to me. On VPAP, I tracked the money JDD received from TD. Under Friends for Davis, it appears that at the end of October he received hundreds of thousands in Inkind contributions from a printing firm and a PR firm (of the Swiftboat variety). Now, TD is not currently running for anything, in fact he just decided NOT to run for Senate, so why would he need Inkind contributions from these firms. If they were going to end up with JDD why didn't they just give her the Inkind contributions?? There seems to have been very little Cash involved. I'm confused on how this all works. Thanks.

Here in Prince William, we've been swamped with campaign mailings -- in the Woodbridge area the other day, mail deliveries consequently ran late. But what's worst about it is that the mailings, many of them oversized, are all from state party offices (both Democratic and Republican), run by consultants who have no true feel for local issues, but know how to play hot-button issues. (The GOP mailings are even labeled "The Xxxxx Family," although I live alone. Gotta keep up that hearth-and-home image, right?) I'm sick of having my mailbox being bombarded with such crap. If I had my druthers, I'd take both the Democratic and Republican state chairmen, grab them by the scruff of the necks, and repeatedly knock their heads together.

This blog has actually been refreshing on one level...a discussion about Va Politics without one mention of the GOP illegal aliens "boogy-man". While this is an issue, for about two months, it has been treated like it was the only issue. Large mistake...glad to see NoVa coming up for air and trying to get back on course.

I am going to abuse back this election

The issues are:
Traffic how to improve?
Education how best to spend our money?
Criminal justice how to decrease crime?
Healthcare and mental health how to improve access?
Fighting illegal immigration how much will it cost and is it a Commonwealth obligation?

Traffic we need a defined revenue stream. Large fines the brainchild of Delegate Albo R unopposed and Senate sponsor Jay O'Brien R are bandaids. Bite the bullet with a state gas tax increase dedicated to roads. To achieve a dedicated revenue source whatever it may be we need a Democratic legislature or one that is willing to work in a bipartisan way.

Education: Much of our state has a 40% annual High School drop out rate. Speaking at the NCE meeting in Chicago "DR Heckman, the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and the recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences", stated: "Research in psychology, economics and neuroscience has shown the importance of the early years in producing successful outcomes for the advantaged and social pathology among the disadvantaged. In the world of politics, where tradeoffs are the rule, investing in disadvantaged young children is rare".. the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged widens. This is seen in VA when funds from the general fund were siphoned off for transportation instead of being dedicated to Governor Kaine's preschool program. Early intervention has shown with Head Start and Early Head Start in controlled studies to reduce the high school drop out rate. This is a Governors conference bipartisan initiative in many states. Those who choose to sign the no tax increase pledge allow idealogy to trump reason.

Criminal Justice crime decreases and caseload drops with a decrease in the high school drop out rate.

Access to health care: raiding the general fund decrease access to health care and mental health care much of this funding comes from the general fund medicaid payment rates are only 80% of medicare rates physicians are continuing to close their pannels and cut off access to care causing greater stress on the Emergency facilities for primary care at a later and more expensive stage. Funding must be improved to preserve and increase access. The SCHIP program under Governor Gilmore and Dennis Smith refused to recruit Medicaid and SCHIP recipients this changed with bipartisan support under Governor Warner. The threat now is underfunding and no tax increase pledge idealogy.

The illegal immigrant question is who will pay for this and are the illegal immigrants responsible for the 40% highschool drop out rate? Support the laws in place now and call for federal not a patchwork of state regulations to address our borders and deal rationally with the immigrants who made our country strong. Increased funding to root out immigrants is folly and denying education to children brought here by their parents is a national issue that requires a federal solution,blame those who did not support the President on his immigration issue. The only issue I agree with him on.

On Tuesday we all need to vote to elect bipartisan leaders who are not locked into an idealogy that refuses to deal with facts and vision for our children's and families future.

I vote for the people that DON'T put 20 signs in every intersection...

Election eve - who will win, who will lose?

Regardless - this has been a fascinating election season. It's rare in Virginia to see people passionately discuss local politics - due in no small part to this and other blogs and the comments they elicit.

Thanks all - whether it turns out that 58 million "dumb Americans" will have their counterpart in Virginia, the issues have been aired. And who ever would have expected two mainstream Virginia candidates in suburban Fairfax County to try to appeal to gay voters, awkward as it was for both of them?

Because red light cams failed to deliver, the yellow lights at RT7 and Towlston Rd. were secretly increased, not just once but twice. "Red light running" dropped to almost nothing and the cam plug was eventually pulled. Most of that deliberate "red light running" at RT7 and Towlston wasn't so deliberate after all, at least not on the part of unsuspecting motorists.

Senator Devolites Davis, Virginia's red light cam saleslady, was asked in public meetings to disclose the safety facts about the lights to the public. She refused to ... at the very same time she was engineering a red light cam comeback.

This lifelong Republican has no use for elected officials that deliberately deceive the public on issues vital to the safety and well being of everyone, namely the lights.

If Senator Devolites Davis gets the boot, rest assured she has earned it.

Unfortunately we have a Democrat running on issues that normally Republicans use, and a Republican running on issues that normally are used by Democrats. If Davis was a Democrat I would be enthusiastic about voting for her. But given that the Dems need a majority in the VA Senate, and to send a clear message to Bush et. al., I am holding my nose and voting for Petersen. I just hope the Democrats don't think his issues are the reason and they don;t give him any real platform.

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