Governor McDonnell recognized by tech council for extraordinary leadership

Governor Bob McDonnell has excelled the past four years leading Virginia in the right direction, and Wednesday night he was recognized for that accomplishment. McLean-based Northern Virginia Technology Council presented their <a href="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=2055">Chairman's Award</a> to the Governor in recognition of "his extraordinary leadership of the Commonwealth and his successful efforts in ensuring Virginia remains a top state for business."<br /><br />For a man who campaigned as "Bob's For Jobs," it is a recognition that he kept that campaign promise, and more. He joins a Who's Who of leaders including former Senator George Allen, former Congressman Tom Davis, former Senator John Warner, Senator Mark Warner, and Senator Tim Kaine.<br /><br />Appreciative of the award, McDonnell noted:<br /><blockquote>“Over the past four years we’ve worked across party lines to bring Virginians together to get positive results for the Commonwealth. In this effort we’ve had no greater partner than the Northern Virginia Technology Council. <br /><br />"Through the leadership of President Bobbie Kilberg, the group has been a consistent and effective advocate for a number of our policy proposals including our successful efforts to make college more affordable and accessible for Virginia students, help Virginia’s technology community thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, and finally put in place the long overdue, long-term transportation funding plan Virginia businesses needed to keep creating good paying jobs for our citizens. Today, unemployment is down and the Commonwealth is headed in the right direction. I thank the members of the NVTC for their hard work in helping make these accomplishments possible, and I greatly appreciate tonight’s award.”</blockquote>NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg was complimentary of McDonnell, commenting:<br /><blockquote>“We are very pleased to present the 2013 NVTC Chairman's Award to Governor Bob McDonnell in recognition of his exceptional service to the Commonwealth. During his four years in office, Governor McDonnell has advocated for policies that promote technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, backed increased funding for education with a focus on producing more graduates with science, technology, engineering and math degrees, and championed much-needed comprehensive transportation funding legislation. His extraordinary leadership and policy initiatives have helped ensure that Virginia remains a top state for business.”</blockquote>Congratulations to Governor McDonnell for this well-deserved recognition.

Bob McDonnell Bob's for Jobs Bobbie Kilberg George Allen John Warner Mark Warner Northern Virginia Technology Council Tim Kaine Tom Davis Governor McDonnell recognized by tech council for extraordinary leadership

Governor Bob McDonnell has excelled the past four years leading Virginia in the right direction, and Wednesday night he was recognized for that accomplishment. McLean-based Northern Virginia Technology Council presented their Chairman's Award to the …

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George Allen co-chairs bipartisan Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) announced today that former Sens. <b>Blanche Lincoln</b> (D-AR) and <b>George Allen </b>(R-VA) will co-chair the Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative, an effort aimed at examining and highlighting the competitiveness challenges facing manufacturers.<br /><br />The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 12 million men and women, contributes more than $1.8 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.<br /><br />Among the first challenges the bipartisan partnership will take on are the impact of unnecessarily burdensome regulations on manufacturers. “Our regulatory system is too often incoherent, unaccountable and in desperate need of reform,” said Allen. “As governor, I witnessed firsthand the impact that regulations can have on a growing economy and small businesses in particular. In Virginia, we took a collaborative approach to protecting public health, ensuring the safety of working men and women and safeguarding the environment without hindering growth. We enacted commonsense policies that eliminated duplicative and complex regulations and embraced smart, innovative ways to achieve shared goals.”<br /><br />“We must continually strive to keep the United States as the best place in the world to manufacture, innovate and attract investment, but all too often, government policies on regulation, litigation, energy and taxes stand in our way,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Doug Oberhelman. “Senators Allen and Lincoln have a long history of reaching across the aisle to find pro-growth, pro-business solutions, and I look forward to their efforts to help strengthen manufacturing.”<br /><br />“As senator, I heard from manufacturers and small business owners about the impact of inconsistent and uncertain regulatory policy,” said Lincoln. “We can do better as a nation. To unleash the creative spirit of America’s entrepreneurs, we need a commonsense regulatory system that encourages innovation and investment. An American economy with a simple and streamlined regulatory system would be the envy of the world. I look forward to examining ways in which both parties can work together to address this important issue.”<br /><br />Lincoln and Allen will work with the NAM and its members to advance a manufacturing agenda that is focused on real priorities and reforms unnecessary impediments to growth.<br /><br /><i>--Press release from NAM</i>

bipartisan Blanche Lincoln George Allen NAM National Association of Manufacturers George Allen co-chairs bipartisan Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) announced today that former Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and George Allen (R-VA) will co-chair the Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative, an effort aimed at examining and highlighting the competitive…

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'There's some good in this world ... and it's worth fighting for'

<a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2006/10/theres-some-good-in-this-world-and-its.html"><i>[Encore post from October 24, 2006, during the George Allen campaign]</i></a><br /><br />Got home early last night - around midnight - early for these campaign days of putting in 12- and 16-hour days at headquarters. I work hard as a volunteer ... the local activists say I live at HQs. Not true ... but not far off....<br /><br />My 19-year-old daughter was still awake when I walked in the door. She hugged me and we sat in the living room and talked and talked ... even teens need their mommies once in a while.<br /><br />She understands my need to help in the political process. I got involved in politics in 1999 when she was 12 years old - the first BUSH campaign. She's lived with this for a long time. She sees my intensity. She learned American history, government, and politics from me - her home school teacher.<br /><br />After 9/11 it became more intense. I felt an urgency, a need to do what I could to put the right leaders in position to protect my family and my country.<br /><br />My daughter shares my love of America and, while not the political junkie I am, she understands my need to be involved. She sees my interest and love of politics ... but she also sees when I'm tired, beat down, feeling the attacks....<br /><br />We talked a long while about all sorts of things ... and then she put "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," a movie I had not seen, in the DVD player. She fast-forwarded to one particular scene.<br /><br />It brought tears to my eyes ... because it proved without a doubt that she got it. She understood what I was doing. She understood what I was going through.<br /><br />She was showing me a scene between Frodo and Sam where Frodo feels he can't go on ... and Sam is explaining how and why they must go on. I hugged my daughter to me and told her it was exactly what I needed to see ... and somehow my sweet girl had known that.<br /><blockquote><b>Frodo:</b> I can't do this, Sam.<br /><br /><b>Sam:</b> I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding on to something.<br /><br /><b>Frodo:</b> What are we holding on to, Sam?<br /><br /><b>Sam:</b> There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for. </blockquote>

family Frodo George Allen Lord of the Rings Lynn R. Mitchell politics Sam some good worth fighting for 'There's some good in this world ... and it's worth fighting for'

[Encore post from October 24, 2006, during the George Allen campaign]Got home early last night - around midnight - early for these campaign days of putting in 12- and 16-hour days at headquarters. I work hard as a volunteer ... the local activists sa…

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Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the <a href="http://www.winchesterstar.com/article/51f7c3d3-8ba4-45a5-a36e-575f0a60cecf"><i>Winchester Star</i></a> reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The <i>Star</i> included an abundance of historical background about this man who, at the age of 98, is unknown to many Virginians but is firmly planted in the Commonwealth's history.<br /><br />Another former U.S. Senator and Governor George Allen remembered this Southern gentleman in a press release on Tuesday:<br /><blockquote>“Virginia and America mourn the passing of one of the most influential, respected and principled leaders of the 20th Century, Harry F. Byrd, Jr.<br /><br />“I will always remember his distinctive laugh and remarkably sharp perspectives throughout his long, meaningful life. The lasting legacy of Senator Byrd is his consistent, sound and unflinching leadership in working to achieve the ideal of a wise and frugal government. Senator Byrd was an independent, cheerful and amazingly insightful friend. I shall treasure his encouragement and counsel through the ups and downs of public service. Indeed, we emulated Senator Byrd’s example by returning unused Senate office funds every year.<br /><br />“Above all, Harry Byrd, Jr. was a gentleman of impeccable integrity in all aspects of his life.<br /><br />“Susan’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his children Harry III, Tom and Beverly, and the whole Byrd family, including grandson John who worked with me in the U.S. Senate. They are a wonderful, honorable family.”</blockquote>It is, indeed, the passing of an era in the Old Dominion.

George Allen governor Harry F. Byrd Jr U.S. Senate Virginia history Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the Winchester Star reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The Star included an abundance of historical back…

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Observations at the Homestead gubernatorial debate

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00HbtbfjrRUFAfs3xK0lj2wOzBvcBQWaUZ7OFTElCvJFmXdqPYSPYccSZk3zEnjVMXY3vD_YbFkCGbAzTiDB95jPHVVNjPfHV5zeCTfdxQE5LIMTh1o_q_wtiqLJ8C17DZ-mMGc25_GU/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362587583604724690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00HbtbfjrRUFAfs3xK0lj2wOzBvcBQWaUZ7OFTElCvJFmXdqPYSPYccSZk3zEnjVMXY3vD_YbFkCGbAzTiDB95jPHVVNjPfHV5zeCTfdxQE5LIMTh1o_q_wtiqLJ8C17DZ-mMGc25_GU/s400/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <i>The Homestead early Saturday morning.</i></div><br />We arrived early at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs for the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) gubernatorial debate between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli after leaving home at 8:00 Saturday morning for the leisurely, one-hour drive over the mountains.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetj2gwn2naco7g7lwdKS6OgbSIFuUNs5yNFDndkaqTzMQ7TaNg-mffJCQLxxFM6O7SaAj9Mg9BAn1Sw9K8DxHRbQccmtkXshNKOaLa_jy_c8pAK5ScdbDW5uA2bKdNxEdhqNDl4XLLCXi/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetj2gwn2naco7g7lwdKS6OgbSIFuUNs5yNFDndkaqTzMQ7TaNg-mffJCQLxxFM6O7SaAj9Mg9BAn1Sw9K8DxHRbQccmtkXshNKOaLa_jy_c8pAK5ScdbDW5uA2bKdNxEdhqNDl4XLLCXi/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Everyone and his brother has written about the debate and there's not really much more I could add to that so I'll pass along some out-of-the-way observations....<br /><br />Ken Cuccinelli ... walking in George Allen's boots? Were those cowboy boots he was wearing with that lawyer suit on Saturday?<br /><br />Chris LaCivita, part of the Cuccinelli's entourage for their pre-debate mike check, dropped his name tag in the hallway. Yellow ... all access ... hmm. Wonder if I could get away with it? Tried to get his attention as he hurried away so retrieved the name tag and handed it off to Cuccinelli campaign  manager Dave Rexrode in the ballroom. With an all access pass ... oh, the places I could go?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8VZf3m0SYsQBq-Iw1t_xV_IppF6_VoRhxnqysxzaxRKSabc9jXCKfkXErhyphenhyphen0Fcr7X2przm88IOV4VA1cRNqCkjLaYZXmcVRbB5boMLCDg_HTKuvI_Hs-sPJ1ej1S3WWqljo68RIxhgiw/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8VZf3m0SYsQBq-Iw1t_xV_IppF6_VoRhxnqysxzaxRKSabc9jXCKfkXErhyphenhyphen0Fcr7X2przm88IOV4VA1cRNqCkjLaYZXmcVRbB5boMLCDg_HTKuvI_Hs-sPJ1ej1S3WWqljo68RIxhgiw/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Pre-debate was a flurry of activity as media worked to get set up. This is a community where many knew others as they called greetings to one another. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ue-h3GeLEQ60dd3iJYc9U_QOLDTMITzFN5mAtvaweqcHin01Yf-lkt0PjlmUEBEEb-8EBkDTv71UO3AFzi3i6lBjrrm7MZfyFmII_oHlxCVR0-7sgBNzjKhmsPCb-S6NGyfDUM9AsKke/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ue-h3GeLEQ60dd3iJYc9U_QOLDTMITzFN5mAtvaweqcHin01Yf-lkt0PjlmUEBEEb-8EBkDTv71UO3AFzi3i6lBjrrm7MZfyFmII_oHlxCVR0-7sgBNzjKhmsPCb-S6NGyfDUM9AsKke/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mike Stark</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cue the "Twilight Zone" music ... sitting at the table in front of me was Mike Stark. If you don't recognize the name, you weren't blogging in 2006. We've jostled on the blogging front lines -- liberal Democrat versus conservative Republican -- throughout the years so I asked to get his photo to prove his presence to my fellow SWAC bloggers. He was congenial as we discussed issues like energy and Obamacare ... kind of a surreal feeling.<br /><br />Brian Coy with the McAuliffe campaign came by press tables to meet everyone and hand out a fact sheet. A young man with America Rising, the Republican youthful outfit, stopped by with an information sheet and introduced himself. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhTHN_1CJtS_kX-zDY9N7UUhSGmg5rsdbT6I2A_mpo3IZQkU1vCLdGhZfQOyNoMpX-Y9ffHrYgiOTfO5gb-kVdCRmYLIgIjt3OP21akG8-h3X3AbJd1vpy_cxorhdd5LfGsu4PccEVjxi/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhTHN_1CJtS_kX-zDY9N7UUhSGmg5rsdbT6I2A_mpo3IZQkU1vCLdGhZfQOyNoMpX-Y9ffHrYgiOTfO5gb-kVdCRmYLIgIjt3OP21akG8-h3X3AbJd1vpy_cxorhdd5LfGsu4PccEVjxi/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bob Brown, photo-journalist, Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></div><br />As always, I enjoyed sitting with local political reporter Bob Stuart from the <a href="http://www.newsvirginian.com/">Daily Progress/News-Virginian</a>. Look for his a<a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/virginia_politics/gubernatorial-candidates-duke-it-out-in-homestead-debate/article_f57a1c4c-f1a6-11e2-88e3-0019bb30f31a.html">rticle about the debate in Sunday's paper</a>. Bob Brown, longtime photo-journalist from the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/">Richmond Times-Dispatch,</a> was there -- love his work so stopped by to say hi and chatted a moment with him. There was no sighting of the TD's political writer Jeff Schapiro. His bow tie was missed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aua3Q1CTnOgwny1PB7VrjlHlze_tkPWJZtOGLlnPtZF7eGXRVkK6tBeEEEswzR2NPgOqN1Nj5XJYSaot8oWgitPVNKrQ9nsNXIDxWWJGaSn8MlHHnPDNj6d378eZ4vec46AmO0Uex2db/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aua3Q1CTnOgwny1PB7VrjlHlze_tkPWJZtOGLlnPtZF7eGXRVkK6tBeEEEswzR2NPgOqN1Nj5XJYSaot8oWgitPVNKrQ9nsNXIDxWWJGaSn8MlHHnPDNj6d378eZ4vec46AmO0Uex2db/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ellen Qualls</i></div><br />Bob pointed out Ellen Qualls, who kind of made her name working with Mark Warner and is now a consultant to the McAuliffe campaign, was standing nearby. State Senator Creigh Deeds was seen in the audience.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSiuSi2tzj6hYepauJYA0dbUQW_4DJ2q9ewE6yb0AmJ6IrsKKn8u8cNhEySD_StUcUmcMgGrfu_ZMeiBGTZ3d-4xdz9XiAJdRXmiwK4-aHXUOAJNzzIxWwDKmehqFwqyiEz6BZS84U5hb/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSiuSi2tzj6hYepauJYA0dbUQW_4DJ2q9ewE6yb0AmJ6IrsKKn8u8cNhEySD_StUcUmcMgGrfu_ZMeiBGTZ3d-4xdz9XiAJdRXmiwK4-aHXUOAJNzzIxWwDKmehqFwqyiEz6BZS84U5hb/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The debate began with introductions of the candidates and then intro of Judy Woodruff, co-anchor of the "PBS NewsHour." There was a slight hiccup when Ms. Woodruff offered the podium to McAuliffe to begin opening statements, only to be told by Cuccinelli that he was to be first. She apologized and tossed it over to him. Later in the debate, Cuccinelli again corrected Woodruff's question rotation. Awkward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETdMJTNLbupSvXZ33WxVpOb99KPHnyNTW0lHSr3f5HlV-cTLUjVPF4dR4mTxxIGJgV_lxPpQ4NoLealgmy_PPIMYp6QC0cQGSE_HRxUExFAv3kHPlf_Kd7Pg2WZzDxZeATfK3iQoyGBb0/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETdMJTNLbupSvXZ33WxVpOb99KPHnyNTW0lHSr3f5HlV-cTLUjVPF4dR4mTxxIGJgV_lxPpQ4NoLealgmy_PPIMYp6QC0cQGSE_HRxUExFAv3kHPlf_Kd7Pg2WZzDxZeATfK3iQoyGBb0/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Afterward, both candidates offered a brief interview opportunity for the media. In the middle of the cluster pictured above was Terry McAuliffe.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1rU_QKlDucAaGXVNO5BORg9pb3majGeQI-i5XeXRtlBtZT-ecbRN9rXaZkAi1GtzFVB3Qzhc5SGCPcRj_Fr5mWRpDDBerfyQnAsMjSLVtdzj-2DVSmdrH03H43YIYAkNZEpsZOw6E2-L/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1rU_QKlDucAaGXVNO5BORg9pb3majGeQI-i5XeXRtlBtZT-ecbRN9rXaZkAi1GtzFVB3Qzhc5SGCPcRj_Fr5mWRpDDBerfyQnAsMjSLVtdzj-2DVSmdrH03H43YIYAkNZEpsZOw6E2-L/s400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />As I was leaving the ballroom after the debate, Libertarian candidate <a href="http://www.lp.org/blogs/staff/libertarian-candidate-for-va-governor-robert-sarvis-beats-margin-in-poll">Robert Sarvis</a> was outside the doors greeting folks. I got his photo and talked briefly with him, asking how he felt about not being included in the debate and if he hoped to be in future ones.  He was upbeat and said he's working to make that happen.<br /><br />Just down the hall stood Greg Letiecq in the hallway talking with someone so I patted him on the arm as I passed. NoVa was in the house.... <br /><br />Heavy media coverage. Extra tables were brought in after all seats were taken.<br /><br />Someone's cell phone went off at 12:25 on Republican side of ballroom -- it was playing some kind of country song that went on for several seconds while Cuccinelli was speaking -- another awkward moment.<br /><br />Many thanks to Marilyn Shaw with the VBA who does a great job year after year of communicating with the press and including bloggers. The Homestead was gorgeous, as always. Another year, another VBA debate tucked away into the archives. It's less than four months until election day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi7KBZZc5qM8SIx94La3TSBDnmLSvEgEHy70m-tF348eFsVm-GP3-mt1QJ7bpHKtBO_6NRR3ehIuvDlHGD5AJ39zIKxg6iILE6iOkcldsmliFmWyEI6CMREblE5cJuXrm7YG6ptTjlHH0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi7KBZZc5qM8SIx94La3TSBDnmLSvEgEHy70m-tF348eFsVm-GP3-mt1QJ7bpHKtBO_6NRR3ehIuvDlHGD5AJ39zIKxg6iILE6iOkcldsmliFmWyEI6CMREblE5cJuXrm7YG6ptTjlHH0/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I never tire of the drive to the Homestead on the back roads of western Virginia. Those who know me know I have to post the obligatory rural photo, this one taken near my home as I started out on my morning journey to Hot Springs. Hay bales, mountains, chicory ... serenity.<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 20, 2013

Bob Brown Bob Stuart Ellen Qualls George Allen Judy Woodruff Ken Cuccinelli Robert Sarvis Terry McAuliffe The Homestead Virginia Bar Association Observations at the Homestead gubernatorial debate

The Homestead early Saturday morning.We arrived early at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs for the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) gubernatorial debate between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli after leaving home at 8:00 Saturd…

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Saturday in Chesterfield: Susan Allen and 'The Remarkable Ronald Reagan'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpogyKY3173EzBDQkBuBdh3erkwdFF_DAQvNFzCeMiO8osMBsqknti8a34ZdcybJcY3JMM3N7kgOH0ZRDMTLbdlpLLLCH6-xdfBC3gWx6hx1QUi5uYHg2jLF2I4hmumPaoOKoE5nmqrUN9/s1600/Susan+Allen+Reagan+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpogyKY3173EzBDQkBuBdh3erkwdFF_DAQvNFzCeMiO8osMBsqknti8a34ZdcybJcY3JMM3N7kgOH0ZRDMTLbdlpLLLCH6-xdfBC3gWx6hx1QUi5uYHg2jLF2I4hmumPaoOKoE5nmqrUN9/s400/Susan+Allen+Reagan+book+cover.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />Ronald Reagan was a remarkable man, and one person who would know that is Virginia's former First Lady Susan Allen whose husband George began his political career leading the Young Republicans for Reagan in 1976. Now Mrs. Allen has lovingly written about this man admired by many.<br /><br /><a href="http://tlcbooktours.com/2013/05/susan-allen-author-of-the-remarkable-ronald-reagan-on-tour-june-2013/"><i>The Remarkable Ronald Reagan: Cowboy and Commander-in-Chief</i></a> is a children's book but I am eager to read it for two reasons: 1) it's about Ronald Reagan; 2) its author is Susan Allen. They are both people I greatly admire.<br /><br />Mrs. Allen and her book will be at the <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/80338">Chesterfield Town Center's Barnes & Noble</a> bookstore this Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. For those in the Richmond area, it's a wonderful opportunity to visit with Susan for story time and to have her sign your copy of the book.<br /><br />The Barnes & Noble website offered an overview of the book:<br /><blockquote>Ronald Reagan was a natural leader, well-remembered not just for his political leadership, but also for his warmth, kindness, dignity, and optimism. There’s a lot kids can learn from Reagan, about our country and about being good leaders and good people. <br /><br /><i>The Remarkable Ronald Reagan: Cowboy and Commander in Chief</i> is a fun, colorful look at his life, from his humble beginnings as the son of a shoe salesman, to his years as a Hollywood actor, his service in WWII, his life as a rancher, and finally the culmination of his political career in the Oval Office. Ronald Reagan is an ideal role model, not only as a leader and former president, but also as a shining example of self-sacrifice and determination. <i>The Remarkable Ronald Reagan</i> is a treat for the entire family. </blockquote><a href="http://tlcbooktours.com/2013/05/susan-allen-author-of-the-remarkable-ronald-reagan-on-tour-june-2013/">TLC Book Tours</a> offered more in its assessment of the book:<br /><blockquote><i>The Remarkable Ronald Reagan</i> is a wonderful new children's book about our great president and his big dreams in life and his great accomplishments as our Nation's leader....Written for elementary students, adults will also enjoy the walk down memory lane with Reagan -- and everyone will learn something new about this remarkable man! Look forward to seeing you there! </blockquote>If you miss the Chesterfield stop on Mrs. Allen's book tour, she will be at the <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/80706">Charlottesville Barracks Road Shopping Center Barnes & Noble</a> on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. <br /><br />Mrs. Allen <a href="http://www.myfoxdc.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9045784#.UdG9ejfrB1I.facebook">talked with the folks at the DC Fox News affiliate</a> in an interview about her book. Also, be sure to check out her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SusanAllenVA?fref=ts">Facebook page</a> for photos of various locations along the tour and updates about upcoming dates.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuLyp74IiFA07amxT7ePHbYQCAoAAqA3lCE5kSSYuetVCIDHhjABDU71OZdh1HyEKDMlcd8NFUxt6msptuseV6-6hPsygOB4LlXMwBcoOZfvVzllWP-ZIkWkOxAuIAdKQ_hCpK-PdwRZU/s1600/Susan+Allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuLyp74IiFA07amxT7ePHbYQCAoAAqA3lCE5kSSYuetVCIDHhjABDU71OZdh1HyEKDMlcd8NFUxt6msptuseV6-6hPsygOB4LlXMwBcoOZfvVzllWP-ZIkWkOxAuIAdKQ_hCpK-PdwRZU/s1600/Susan+Allen.jpg" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>About Susan Allen</b></span><br />Susan Allen served as First Lady of Virginia when her husband, George Allen, was elected as the Commonwealth’s 67thGovernor. In that role, she worked on many initiatives including tourism, breast cancer awareness, and children’s issues.<br /><br />Accompanying her father-in-law, famed NFL head coach and Chairman of The President’s Council on Physical Fitness, Susan met Ronald Reagan in 1987 in the Oval Office. Reagan was an Allen family friend and the one who inspired her husband to run for office. George led Young Virginians for Reagan in 1976 and currently serves on the Board for Governors for the Reagan Ranch.<br /><br />Susan Allen resides in Mt. Vernon, VA, with her husband and is an avid fan of reading, history, and the outdoors. The Allens have two daughters, Tyler and Brooke, and one son, Forrest.<br /><br /><i>[And an unofficial added note from me: Susan Allen is an all-around classy lady.] </i>

Barnes and Noble book tour facebook Fox News George Allen Ronald Reagan Susan Allen TLC Book Tours Saturday in Chesterfield: Susan Allen and 'The Remarkable Ronald Reagan'

Ronald Reagan was a remarkable man, and one person who would know that is Virginia's former First Lady Susan Allen whose husband George began his political career leading the Young Republicans for Reagan in 1976. Now Mrs. Allen has lovingly written a…

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PBS' Judy Woodruff to moderate VBA gubernatorial debate at Homestead Resort

<img align="left" height="236" hspace="12" src="http://mail.aol.com/37834-111/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=31264087&folder=NewMail&partId=7" width="168" /> The Virginia Bar Association (VBA) announced Friday that PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff will be the moderator for their 123rd summer meeting's Gubernatorial Debate between Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli. The event will take place on July 20 at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.<br /><br />Ms. Woodruff has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC and PBS. She regularly co-anchors “PBS NewsHour,” a program she rejoined in 2007. Previously she worked at CNN for 12 years, during which time she anchored the weekday “Inside Politics” program. Woodruff served as chief Washington correspondent for PBS “NewsHour” and for NBC’s “Today Show." <br /><br />The award-winning broadcast journalist also appears monthly on the Bloomberg Television program “Conversations with Judy Woodruff.”<br /><br />“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the co-anchor of ‘PBS NewsHour’ – and someone with Judy Woodruff’s experience in political coverage – as our moderator,” VBA President Tom Bagby said. “This debate is likely to receive national attention and certainly will be one to attend.” <br /><br />Woodruff’s appearance as moderator for the 2013 VBA debate follows that of CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley. Crowley took The Homestead stage last July with U.S. Senate candidates Tim Kaine and George Allen. Not long after that, Crowley became only the second woman to moderate a presidential debate, and the first woman to do so in 20 years.<br /><br />Polls of the 2013 Virginia governor’s race show Republican Cuccinelli and Democrat McAuliffe closely matched in voters’ minds several months ahead of Election Day. A sizable percentage of adults have not decided who will get their vote. Pundits have dubbed the match-up one of two marquee gubernatorial races in the nation this year. <br /><br />By sponsoring debates and inviting news media coverage, the nonpartisan VBA seeks to educate the public and its members about candidates’ views, and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the election process. <br /><br /><i>Founded in 1888, the VBA (www.vba.org) is the state’s oldest and largest voluntary organization of lawyers, judges and legal educators. As the independent voice of the Virginia lawyer, it advances the highest ideals of the profession through advocacy and volunteer service.</i>

Candy Crowley George Allen Homestead Resort Hot Spring Judy Woodruff Ken Cuccinelli NewsHour PBS Terry McAuliffe Tim Kaine Virginia Bar Association Virginia gubernatorial race PBS' Judy Woodruff to moderate VBA gubernatorial debate at Homestead Resort

The Virginia Bar Association (VBA) announced Friday that PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff will be the moderator for their 123rd summer meeting's Gubernatorial Debate between Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate Ken Cuccinel…

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