Welcome to VB Dems! We are a community blog discussing Democratic politics in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Learn more about us and how you can participate here. Then, as Garrison Keillor says, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." (Disclaimer)
Live Blogs: Sen. Creigh Deeds
Del. Paula Miller
Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple
Del. Joe Bouchard
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran
2nd Congressional Candidate Glenn Nye
Podcasts: Del. David Englin
Equality Virginia Reception
March on Washington
Sen. Jim Webb
Mayor Meyera Oberndorf
Larry Roberts, Counselor to Gov. Kaine
Disclaimer
The views expressed on the blog, VB Dems, are those of the individual diarists and comment makers, and not of the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee or any other group, organization, club, or entity to which authors may belong unless otherwise specified in individual blog entries. Posts are not authorized by any candidate or committee unless otherwise specified. The opinions expressed by users of VB Dems do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrators of VB Dems.
(UPDATE: New, more complete video replaces old here.)
Last week in Utah, we celebrated the 100th coal plant to be prevented or abandoned. This week we take a small yet significant step in stopping perhaps the 101st. The little Town of Dendron decided to choose its own future and decide for itself whether or not to allow the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative to ram a new 1,500-megawatt coal-fired power plant, the second largest of its kind in Virginia, down its throats. ODEC officials had hoped to deny the Town of its zoning authority, placing such authority to instead the plant-friendly Surry County Board of Supervisors. Read more here...
Former Sen. John Warner is teaming up with the Pew Environmental Group on a new project that will focus on links between global warming, energy policy and national security, the group announced Tuesday. "Leading military and security experts agree that if left unchecked, global warming could increase instability and lead to conflict in already fragile regions of the world," Warner said in a statement. "We ignore these facts at the peril of our national security and at great risk to those in uniform who serve this nation."
When it rains, it pours... three events for good Dems tomorrow evening: 1) Joe Bouchard presents in an 83rd candidate forum, 2) the VBDC has its Third Thursday social hour, and 3) Virginia Beach Green Drinks at Croc's 19th Street Bistro features a presentation from the Sierra Club. Terra, our new Chesapeake Bay group chairwoman, and I will be talking about our various activities to include getting Congress to improve and pass the ACES bill.
House Democrats have just unveiled the outlines of their proposal to reform health care today, partially paid for by a surcharge on the rich.
A lot of people have been throwing around the $1 trillion price tag without mentioning that it is over a period of 10 years. The U.S. currently spends about $2.5 trillion a year on health care. The cost has been going up at an average of 7% per year, more than twice the rate of general inflation, and it currently accounts for 16% of GDP. The status quo is unsustainable.
There is no sense making concessions to Republicans who are determined to vote against anything. They know that a successful Democratic health reform bill could "kill the GOP." What is absolutely necessary is a unified Democratic Party in support of creating the choice of a public option.
There is a contradiction in the letter of demands signed by the Blue Dogs (including Rep. Glenn Nye). They object to the cost while demanding things that would greatly increase cost. Blue dog districts tend to have a higher proportion of uninsured.
At least one of the Blue Dogs has already broken from the pack to support the bill. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) gets it:
"I am one of those people who believes that we should be required to have a public option because it will bring the costs of health care down."
A letter by 22 centrist New Democrat and Blue Dog legislators supports a public option.
Numerous independent polls show overwhelming (about 70%) public support for creating the choice of a public option.
From the press release: "Sen. Creigh Deeds announced Saturday that U.S. Senator Jim Webb, a combat Marine and former Secretary of the Navy, will serve as the Chair of 'Veterans for Deeds,' a policy steering committee composed of Virginians from every part of the Commonwealth and representative of every branch of the armed services."
Deeds also released his veterans plan. "Veterans for Deeds," headed by Webb, will work with Sen. Deeds to discuss these and other policy proposals.
Notable members of Veterans for Deeds from our area include:
* U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (Army; National Guard): Congressman Scott served in the Massachusetts National Guard and the United States Army Reserve
* Capt. Joseph Bouchard (U.S. Navy): Delegate Bouchard served 27 years in the Navy and commanded Naval Station Norfolk.
* David Ashe, Virginia Beach -- U.S. Marines
* Ollie Bates, Virginia Beach -- Captain, U.S. Navy
* Vivian Greentree, Norfolk - U.S. Navy
* Anne J. Rawley, Chesapeake - Captain, U.S. Navy
* Fmr. Sen. Sonny Stallings, Virginia Beach -- U.S. Marines
* John Francis Carter, Virginia Beach - Captain, U.S. Army Special Forces
(Click here for full list.)
"When our nation has called, generations of young Virginia men and women answered," Creigh said. "I'm proud to have leaders like these behind me as we bring Virginians together to make sure that we honor our commitments to brave men and women who defend our freedom. I'm especially happy that Jim Webb has agreed to lead this effort. His experience, character, and lifetime of service to Veterans - and all Virginians - is a tremendous advantage to me as work to keep moving Virginia forward."
Republicans expand the tent with a more open-minded market philosophy. A building carrying the name of the Virginia Republican Second District Chairman and housing the campaign headquarters of a Republican candidate also shelters a boutique, classes for pole dancing in heels, and an escort service. That's "Progress for Your Family."
Carrying on the Virginia Beach tradition of Republicans ignoring the local ordinance restricting the display of campaign signs and joining Bob McDonnell and Ken Stolle in this principled protest of the rule of law, City Councilman Ron Villanueva has posted signs where he set up shop conveniently located in a building with what is likely a well outfitted call center (apparently outcall only, but that works). DO NOT SELECT THIS LINK IF YOU ARE AT WORK OR ON ANY CHILD'S COMPUTERApollo Productions, an online entertainment service with this bricks and mortar office, caters to the prurient interests of clients and the proximity allows a potentially symbiotic blending of services for the tenants. It has been a going concern since the 1980's according to one source. Apollo is on the same floor as the campaign office, allowing the association to be discreet if need be. The fact that the service offers both male and female entertainers will undoubtedly curry favor with the growing broad stance Republican following; the righteous right might not be so pleased, but certainly Bob McDonnell's relationship with Pat Robertson can facilitate some kind of absolution or other method of credible deniability.
"I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" - Captain Renault, Casablanca
Help wish Joe Bouchard a Happy Birthday! On the 17th of July, send Joe $17! Or if you're feeling particularly generous, send him $1 for every year, IOW $55.
Senator Mark Warner was joined by Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Poneman to lead off what started as a conference and grew to a summit attended by a wide consortium of constituencies. Poneman stole the day early by announcing Virginia will immediately receive $37 million in funding for weatherization (some 8600 homes) under the stimulus plan. Some 500 attendees crowded into the Hampton University venue, far exceeding the anticipated seating requirements. In addition, hundreds more participated online. Dr. William Harvey, President of the University introduced the conference and welcomed the summit participants.
The summit featured three sessions: stimulus funding for low income household weatherization; stimulus funding for state and local governments; and funding for innovative projects such as smart grid. Senator Warner emphasized his role as a self proclaimed bipartisan radical centrist member of the Congress, pointing out that energy does not have not a Democratic or Republican solution, there is an American solution. He called for innovation and cooperation.
Virginia will receive more than $94 million to help weatherize low-income housing across the state. In addition, there will be another $76 million in grants, loans and rebates for alternative energy projects and others aimed at decreasing fossil fuels and increasing green jobs.
Rep. Rob Wittman and Rep. Randy Forbes voted against it.
At the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations annual picnic yesterday, Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms and Delegate Joe Bouchard presented Sam Reid, Chairman of VBCCO, with a proclamations from the City of Virginia Beach and Virginia's General Assembly, recognizing their 50 year anniversary in service to our community.
This annual picnic was very well attended with lots of pols working to "see and be seen". I enjoy attending as it is presents one of the few opportunities to have jovial conversations with Republicans. Ha!
VBCCO will be sponsoring along with the City of Virginia Beach a Legislative Input Meeting on August 13, 7pm at the VB Convention Center.
From their website:
"This will be your opportunity to hear about the City's current legislative goals and priorities and to share your ideas and concerns with City Council and members of the General Assembly as they prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session."
More pics on the flip. And if anybody has a transcript of the proclamation, let us know!
A couple of weeks ago Delegate Joe Bouchard (D-83rd) raised the ire of the Republican candidate for his seat in the 83rd when he told an audience that Republicans talk about how they support the troops but then don't deliver. A review of Hampton Roads Republican legislative records backs up Bouchard's critique.
Somehow in that kickoff (Joe Bouchard) seemed to imply that Republicans weren't supporting our troops. And I take offense at that. I hope you guys take offense at that too. He brought up a bill of his that didn't get passed and blamed the Republicans for not passing that bill and said because his bill didn't pass Republicans didn't support the troops. Please don't let him get away with comments like that. Please talk to your friends, get out there, tell them what the real story is, tell them about our support for the troops, but also tell them it's not about personalities it's about effectiveness and how effectiveness (sic) you can be up there in the General Assembly. - Dr. Chris Stolle
So the real story has been invited and the real story is a record of empty rhetoric on the part of high profile Republicans in Virginia Beach including the candidate for governor. It is also a record of obstructionism without regard to the effect it may have on the military constituency. Three stand out for their lack of initiative for active duty military and veterans issues: Delegate Bob Purkey (R-82nd), State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th), and Bob McDonnell, statewide standard bearer and former delegate for the 84th. That is unless you think naming bridges and commending the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program meet the standard for support.
With the constituencies each represent(ed), you can conclude one of two things: either there are no military or veterans issues or these three really just don't care enough to carry them. Not a single one of these gents can point to a record of accomplishment for our troops.
(UPDATE by Eileen: David's post hits Politico. Check out "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Nye".) (UPDATE: Rep. Nye has now sent me a 3rd email. See comments.)
I sent several emails to Rep. Glen Nye urging his support for the ACES climate change bill and more emails expressing my disappointment after he voted against it.
I received two different emails from him in response:
In one email, Nye said I will be pleased to know the bill passed, praising it as "a comprehensive approach that charts a new course toward a clean energy economy" and "will create jobs, help end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and combat global warming" (without ever mentioning that he voted against it).
In the other email, Nye said I will be pleased to know that he voted against it "because we do not need another tax on American families during this time of economic hardship."
Oops! Nye can't have it both ways. Thelma Drake was consistently wrong, but at least she was consistent.
(UPDATE: My post about the Mayor's recent Energy Task Force meeting on offshore wind is in today's Hampton Roads Partnership blog. Check it out).
"Mayor Will Sessoms is the CEO of Virginia Beach Inc." is the title of the article splashing across the front page of today's Virginian-Pilot.
Here's the money quote...
He gets along well with City Manager Jim Spore. Both see economic development as crucial.
"It's about bringing more jobs and businesses to this city and taking more tax burden off the homeowner," Sessoms said.
Light rail, regional high speed rail, the future of the Dome site on Pacific Avenue that once housed a civic center, and the possibility of a wind farm off the Beach are issues that interest him deeply. He has created a task force on alternative energy.
Let's do it!
Below the fold is the post I submitted to SmartRegion.org discussing the Mayor's 2nd Alternative Energy Task Force meeting.
"We can't drill our way out of this problem", is the most quotable quote coming out of T. Boone Pickens. Perhaps he will expand and/or clarify that statement when he speaks as part of the Norfolk Forum series on Tues., Oct. 13 at Chrysler Hall.
Carl Pope, the Executive Director of the Sierra Club, has had several occasions to meet and talk with Boone. We are kindred souls when it comes to promotion of renewable energy especially wind power, our dire need for energy independence and weening ourselves from foreign oil.
But how can wind power, which generates electricity, help us out of our imported oil dilemma? Long-term, it will be through plug-in hybrid cars. But Pickens doesn't think we can afford to wait for the long term, so he's offering an audacious alternative vision -- generate enough wind so that America no longer needs to use natural gas to generate electricity, and then use that gas instead to power up to one-third of our vehicle fleet with compressed natural gas (CNG).
Yet almost a year ago, Pickens in an interview on the Situation Room was questioned by Wolf Blitzer: "What about drilling offshore?" "I say east, west coast and ANWR-get it all! To get off of foreign oil, that is the enemy...You're drilling and whatever you are able to find and put into the domestic system will help us."
Our Commonwealth's Attorney is easily swayed from prosecutorial responsibility by favor. Our constitutional officers flagrantly violate the letter and spirit of the law. We have elected officials who believe their offices confer them immunity from accountability. And it all seems to bewilder our local media. We desperately need outside assistance.
State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) spent a lot of the last two decades railing about judicial appointments, judicial impropriety, and law enforcement. Those have been the centerpiece of his legislative agenda and would-be legacy. You'd think he'd want a judicial appointment where he could lay down the law, but he has set his sights on something in enforcement. Padding his state retirement by securing a job as Sheriff to top it off with a high-3 average annual salary might have perplexed some just a bit. Hey, it's good work if you can get it and if Virginia Beach's citizens wanted to fall for the law and order shtick and give him a nice bonus on his way out, it's their privilege. He has curried favor and developed cordial relationships throughout the community and seems a hands down favorite for the position. Even if there is no grassroots support showing interest in his campaign, his strong name recognition combined with synergy from his brother's campaign for delegate provide an advantage.
Back room politics is not unusual. So when the self-anointed heir apparent to the office Stolle seeks suddenly found himself faced with the prospect of a primary against the Senator, his disappointment was quelled by an "understanding." After all, Stolle only needs three years to be entitled to the maximum potential retirement and then the fellow could step right in with Stolle's blessing and endorsement. Not finishing terms in office is a Republican tradition. So sayeth Bob McDonnell. If the calming of the waters had ended there, it might have been routine.
The conditions were clear enough to Virginia Beach Democrats. No yard signs inside the Red Wing city park and remove those outside after the celebration. Those conditions apparently did and do not apply to Republicans. The city has yet to take to task the McDonnell, Cuccinelli, or Iaquinto campaigns on their failure to follow those guidelines even a day after and turned a blind eye to the Stolle, Tata, and Villanueva campaigns during the Fil-Am Day festivities in the park on the 4th.
The campaign signs that remain for McDonnell and Iaquinto are the result of obviously deliberate oversight. Those campaigns had workers removing an abundance of 4 x 8 and yard signs that were affixed to and on city property yesterday. As for Cuccinelli, his paid campaign's presence made an obligatory appearance early and departed quickly, so it has a different reason for failing to police up the signs. Apparently signs are the alternative when you have more signs than supporters.
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, stealth Republican, came by the event early and was either oblivious or chose to disregard the violations. State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) who is running for Virginia Beach Sheriff to uphold the law, yet is apparently above the law, was one of the most flagrant violators. If 4 x 8's can win a campaign, he should rest easy; his lined the drive through the park entrance. And McDonnell, who arrived at the event late in the day, showed the kind of attention to upholding community standards demonstrated throughout his unfinished term as Attorney General. Maybe Cuccinelli has been studying at his knee.
Wow! Great op-ed in today's Daily Press! And, don't forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25 when Dr. Chris Llewellyn will present on the Surry coal plant at the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee breakfast.
Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, which is seeking approval for a massive, coal-burning power plant in Surry County, serves fewer than 300,000 homes in Virginia. Those homes need a reliable source of power, but this plant would exact an environmental cost far out of scale to the number of people who would benefit.
• Carbon dioxide: By the company's public projections, the plant would discharge 14.6 million tons a year into the air. To put that in scale, based on EPA numbers, it's equivalent to the annual output of 2.5 million average passenger cars.
• Mercury: ODEC's projections say the plant would discharge at least 100 pounds of mercury. Many lakes, streams and rivers are already contaminated by dissipated mercury, and the more the state tests, the more warnings it issues about eating fish from contaminated waters, because mercury causes neurological damage and retardation. The Blackwater River in Surry and Isle of Wight is already contaminated.
• NOX emissions: Nitrogen oxide emissions are a major source of smog and haze, air pollution and acid rain. The plant would put 3,000 tons into the air yearly.
• Health effects: Human bodies pay the price for "clean coal." The coal plant would mean more asthma attacks, more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more heart attacks, more deaths. Click here to read the rest...
The proposed plant will have these effects as well, such as:
* Over the planned lifetime of the plant, it will contribute to global warming, by spilling millions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is foolhardy at a moment when scientists worldwide agree that further atmospheric greenhouse gases could tip the planet into a warming cycle from which there is no escape.
* The nitrogen pollution from the plant would worsen nutrient pollution of the Chesapeake Bay.
* The plant's appetite for coal will contribute to the practice of mountaintop removal mining, which is devastating the natural beauty and long-term viability of the Appalachian region.
Guest post from Newport News' Pat Murphy. Pat is a political adviser who worked on John Miller's Senate campaign and is currently working on Gary West's Delegate campaign.
It is with a great deal of sadness and disappointment that I write about this.
When I quit the Virginia News Source, (4-days ago) I had hoped that we would cut ties and that would be the end of it. When they started posting lies about me, after I'd quit, I had several conversations with Robert Dean of VNS and he assured me that it would stop. It didn't. He gave me his word, and it still didn't stop.
So I've asked Eileen to allow me to present a factual account of why I left and leave you to decide for yourself.
I have over the past 8 years, written hundreds of columns for the Virginia News Source. I was the most widely read columnist on VNS. I never asked for a thing. I had thought this would secure some kind of loyalty from the VNS people, but clearly I was wrong. Over the past year, the administrator of VNS, Morris Rowe, has been pushing me to write a blog. And not just pushing, but shoving. Understand, all I ever wanted to do was write a column about local politics, government and issues. I never wanted a blog. But I was told that VNS needed more hits to generate revenue from advertising, so blogs was the only way to go.
Then the emails started. A never ending stream of emails from Rowe about how many "hits" VNS had compared to the Pilot, the Daily Press and the Washington Post. He pushed me to write more controversy. "Controversy sells" was a direct quote from one of this emails. Then about 2 weeks ago he told me that he was going to have Wally Erb start attacking me to generate more hits to the website. I thought this was idiotic. It was a professional wrestling tactic to start a fight, where none existed.
2012 is a long way away and everyday Sarah Palin will become more and more irrelevant. In the meantime, I expect her to be stumping for Bob McDonnell in Virginia with the ol' "Drill Baby Drill" meme.
Here's an interesting map for you demographics buffs.
Patchwork Nation was first developed to cover the 2008 election. But it is being reincarnated to "cover more communities and more topics, with a focus on the economy and how it affects different sorts of communities".
Maine is in big trouble being almost in the Service Industry. The Campus and Career areas seem ideal but there are so few of them. Anyway... interesting stuff.
Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Va 2nd) is at this moment hosting his First Annual Hampton Roads Veterans Job Fair in Norfolk bringing together local employers, job counselors, and veterans who are looking for work. The response has greatly exceeded expectations in a region that is faring better than most during this economic downturn. One of Nye's focuses in Washington has been bills to help create jobs for veterans. He said this job fair is another way to help bring veterans together with employers to start creating jobs in Hampton Roads now.
"Our veterans leave the military with skills and experience that can be incredibly valuable in the private sector. A lot of business owners in Hampton Roads are veterans themselves, so they know the value of hiring other vets." -- Congressman Nye.
The event will also feature the world premiere screening of a new documentary about veterans struggling to find jobs after returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a new episode of the In Their Boots documentary series about veterans readjusting to life at home after returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The episode, Vets for Hire, tells the story of three veterans struggling to find work after leaving the military. The film also discusses Congressman Nye's work to pass legislation to create a national network of Veterans Business Centers to help veterans start and run their own businesses.
The job fair is taking place at VFW Post 4809, 5728 Bartee Street in Norfolk until 5:00 PM this evening.
Virginia has received $285 million in funding for 45 Virginia highway projects, the first installment of nearly $700 million in transportation stimulus funds the state is scheduled to receive over the next year. There is about $25 million for three projects in Rep. Randy Forbes' district in Chesapeake, including the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
VB Dems Feed
From the 
Republicans expand the tent with a more open-minded market philosophy. A building carrying the name of the Virginia Republican Second District Chairman and housing the campaign headquarters of a Republican candidate also shelters a boutique, classes for pole dancing in heels, and an escort service. That's "Progress for Your Family."
Help wish Joe Bouchard a Happy Birthday! On the 17th of July, send Joe $17! Or if you're feeling particularly generous, send him $1 for every year, IOW $55.
Senator Mark Warner was joined by Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Poneman to lead off what started as a 
At the 
So the real story has been invited and the real story is a record of empty rhetoric on the part of high profile Republicans in Virginia Beach including the candidate for governor. It is also a record of obstructionism without regard to the effect it may have on the military constituency. Three stand out for their lack of initiative for active duty military and veterans issues: Delegate Bob Purkey (R-82nd), State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th), and Bob McDonnell, statewide standard bearer and former delegate for the 84th. That is unless you think naming bridges and commending the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program meet the standard for support.
(UPDATE: My post about the Mayor's recent Energy Task Force meeting on offshore wind is in today's Hampton Roads Partnership blog. 
State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) spent a lot of the last two decades railing about judicial appointments, judicial impropriety, and law enforcement. Those have been the centerpiece of his legislative agenda and would-be legacy. You'd think he'd want a judicial appointment where he could lay down the law, but he has set his sights on something in enforcement. Padding his state retirement by securing a job as Sheriff to top it off with a high-3 average annual salary might have perplexed some just a bit. Hey, it's good work if you can get it and if Virginia Beach's citizens wanted to fall for the law and order shtick and give him a nice bonus on his way out, it's their privilege. He has curried favor and developed cordial relationships throughout the community and seems a hands down favorite for the position. Even if there is no grassroots support showing interest in his campaign, his strong name recognition combined with synergy from his brother's campaign for delegate provide an advantage.
The conditions were clear enough to Virginia Beach Democrats. No yard signs inside the Red Wing city park and remove those outside after the celebration. Those conditions apparently did and do not apply to Republicans. The city has yet to take to task the McDonnell, Cuccinelli, or Iaquinto campaigns on their failure to follow those guidelines even a day after and turned a blind eye to the Stolle, Tata, and Villanueva campaigns during the Fil-Am Day festivities in the park on the 4th.
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, stealth Republican, came by the event early and was either oblivious or chose to disregard the violations. State Senator Ken Stolle (R-8th) who is running for Virginia Beach Sheriff to uphold the law, yet is apparently above the law, was one of the most flagrant violators. If 4 x 8's can win a campaign, he should rest easy; his lined the drive through the park entrance. And McDonnell, who arrived at the event late in the day, showed the kind of attention to upholding community standards demonstrated throughout his unfinished term as Attorney General. Maybe Cuccinelli has been studying at his knee.
Wow! Great op-ed in 
Guest post from Newport News' Pat Murphy. Pat is a political adviser who worked on John Miller's Senate campaign and is currently working on Gary West's Delegate campaign.
Here's an interesting map for you demographics buffs.
Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Va 2nd) is at this moment hosting his First Annual Hampton Roads Veterans Job Fair in Norfolk bringing together local employers, job counselors, and veterans who are looking for work. The response has greatly exceeded expectations in a region that is faring better than most during this economic downturn. One of Nye's focuses in Washington has been bills to help create jobs for veterans. He said this job fair is another way to help bring veterans together with employers to start creating jobs in Hampton Roads now.
