News Leader: 'Bill Bolling's good ideas'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEbBwqW45YkoCtMP1avcXjGT1b0IUvyQpQsAJI9GED-PC1n7MkzNlQE2gc3cx43NJ2b8Gt7_wC_juhOtGUQpZvzUctG97HDQdsBBXlvOZE9RA67Ay9ns-ZZNPNFLK44E8TgFhRNNG_6tx/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEbBwqW45YkoCtMP1avcXjGT1b0IUvyQpQsAJI9GED-PC1n7MkzNlQE2gc3cx43NJ2b8Gt7_wC_juhOtGUQpZvzUctG97HDQdsBBXlvOZE9RA67Ay9ns-ZZNPNFLK44E8TgFhRNNG_6tx/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jean Ann Bolling, Dr. Kurt Michael, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling</i><br /><i>Overlooking downtown Staunton, Virginia / August 17, 2013 </i></div><br />Yesterday the <a href="http://hamptonroads.com/2013/09/ideas-man-who-isnt-running#"><i>Virginian-Pilot</i></a> applauded Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's ideas presented by his <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/2013/09/30/virginia-mainstream-project-releases-government-reform-proposals/">Virginia Mainstream Project PAC</a>. Today, the <a href="http://www.newsleader.com/article/20131001/OPINION/310010025/Bill-Bolling-s-good-ideas"><i>Staunton News Leader</i></a> agreed:<br /><blockquote>Monday, as the federal government stumbled toward shutdown and Virginia’s lamentable gubernatorial campaign dragged toward November, we received a much-needed reminder that some elected officials are still serious about governing.<br /><br />Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, the man who would be our next governor had Republicans had the sense to nominate him, released some excellent government reform proposals.</blockquote>The <a href="http://hamptonroads.com/2013/09/ideas-man-who-isnt-running#"><i>Pilot</i></a> noted the LG is not up for reelection, commenting:<br /><blockquote>In each case, Bolling's propositions settle right in the mainstream of Virginia politics. They are proposals that serve voters rather than political parties. They are neither obviously Democratic ideas nor clearly Republican.<br /><br />They are, quite simply, legislative initiatives that should be - and no doubt would be - welcomed by the vast middle of the commonwealth's voters.<br /><br />Unfortunately for all those voters, the man who proposed them will soon be out of state government, a victim of the same forces that kept those legislative ideas in a desk until Monday.</blockquote>The Roanoke Times opined, <a href="http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/editorial/2268686-12/imagine-ideas-not-ick.html">Imagine: ideas, not ick</a>. The first paragraph probably echoes what many are thinking in these final weeks of the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial race:<br /><blockquote>Another week. Another palm slap to the forehead. Another “Gee, we could have had Bill Bolling” moment for Virginia voters.</blockquote>For those who will point fingers and again accuse of sour grapes (I'd like to see how <i>they</i> would handle how many in the Republican Party have been treated by the current crop), the editorial continued:<br /><blockquote>Cynics will say that Bolling found his moral high ground only after losing the GOP gubernatorial nomination to Cuccinelli. While we wish the lieutenant governor had shown more verve in his response to partisan machinations that thrust him aside in favor of his flashier opponent, it would be unfair to suggest Bolling’s motives are so shallow. He has a genuine heart for good government, as demonstrated by his long-time support for bipartisan redistricting reform despite its unpopularity within his own party.</blockquote>Read all the <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/2013/09/30/virginia-mainstream-project-releases-government-reform-proposals/">proposals presented by the LG's Virginia Mainstream Project</a>.<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Bill Bolling Jean Ann Bolling Kurt Michael Roaonke Times Staunton News Leader Virginia Mainstream Project Virginia politics Virginian-Pilot News Leader: 'Bill Bolling's good ideas'

Jean Ann Bolling, Dr. Kurt Michael, Lt. Governor Bill BollingOverlooking downtown Staunton, Virginia / August 17, 2013 Yesterday the Virginian-Pilot applauded Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's ideas presented by his Virginia Mainstream Project PAC. …

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Boyd, Mudcat ... 2013's odd political climate in Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyDkvpcnP_zUgC-sz0FJppncvyHrUGP6EQB2OLwsxxuPlXWuSpGE2q7TQDvN5YOE6alY1gmyk67vDLmflHZg1PFCtNmDUzaVtMWDvqtFJ9nlcaCz1y5DnoXyzmux_36QOe2d2ZYG4RXiv/s1600/GOP-Dems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyDkvpcnP_zUgC-sz0FJppncvyHrUGP6EQB2OLwsxxuPlXWuSpGE2q7TQDvN5YOE6alY1gmyk67vDLmflHZg1PFCtNmDUzaVtMWDvqtFJ9nlcaCz1y5DnoXyzmux_36QOe2d2ZYG4RXiv/s320/GOP-Dems.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The political climate in Virginia continues to get curiouser and curiouser on an almost daily basis and, today, it clouded yet again. <br /><br />Two weeks ago, that ground shift you felt under your feet was the GOP reacting as longtime veteran Republican strategist Boyd Marcus endorsed and moved over to work for Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe for governor. Conservative to the core, Boyd's move had some calling him a RINO, a moderate, and excoriating him for daring to step over the political line even as the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/gop-strategist-boyd-marcus-joins-mcauliffe-campaign/2013/09/08/156158b0-16f8-11e3-a2ec-b47e45e6f8ef_story.html">Washington Post</a> noted, "Democrats and even some Republicans see Marcus’s move as emblematic of a deep rift within the party: Marcus had been aligned with pragmatic establishment figures and repelled by the resolute tea party style...." <br /><br />Interesting, then, that in another twist of this continuing drama, the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/veteran-democratic-strategist-says-hes-pulling-for-cuccinelli-in-virginia-governors-race/2013/09/09/43120b1e-1979-11e3-82ef-a059e54c49d0_story.html">Washington Post </a>reported today that longtime Democratic strategist Mudcat Saunders had sorta-kinda joined the Cuccinelli campaign even though he didn't formally endorse him. Mudcat's reason? He doesn't agree with "corporate" types. That made me wonder if he meant he doesn't agree with capitalism. He was all over the map with thoughts about the campaign but seemed to zero in on southwestern Virginia and the coal industry, something Democrats and liberal environmentalists seem determined to destroy: “Once my party starts caring for the people at the bottom of the mountain as much as they care for the trees at the top of the mountain, I’ll join the conversation." <br /><br />So was Mudcat piqued that McAuliffe didn't turn to him to consult his campaign, perhaps ticked that a Republican was hired instead? Or did the Cuccinelli campaign begin overtures to Mudcat after Boyd went to McAuliffe? Or could it be that the rural-leaning Mudcat just didn't like the globe-trotting McAuliffe who is closely associated with the Clintons?<br /><br />There's no knowing for sure but it certainly adds to the mystique and entertainment of those watching this eclectic campaign season play out. With six weeks left until election day, it will be interesting to see who may next trip over party lines.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.vapolitics.us/">Virginia Politics On Demand </a>

2013 gubernatorial election Boyd Marcus coal industry democrats Ken Cuccinelli Mudcat Saunders Republicans Terry McAuliffe Virginia politics Boyd, Mudcat ... 2013's odd political climate in Virginia

The political climate in Virginia continues to get curiouser and curiouser on an almost daily basis and, today, it clouded yet again. Two weeks ago, that ground shift you felt under your feet was the GOP reacting as longtime veteran Republican strate…

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Bob McDonnell orders flags flown at half-staff in memory of Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

<b>Governor Orders State Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Friday and Saturday</b><br /><br />On Wednesday, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and Saturday in memory of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., 98, who passed away Wednesday morning. Governor McDonnell noted the order and commented on the Senator's passing: <br /><blockquote>“This morning, Harry F. Byrd, Jr., America’s oldest living former senator, passed away at his home in Winchester. This is a sad day in the Commonwealth. A chapter of our history has concluded; we’ve lost a good and decent person and a dedicated public servant.<br /><br />"Senator Byrd was a son of the Valley. He was born in Winchester. While he would go on to attend school at VMI and UVa, serve our nation in World War II, represent the area in the State Senate, and then serve three terms in Washington as a United States Senator, it was always true that in spirit and in soul, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. never left the Valley that he loved.<br /><br />"Senator Byrd was an iconic figure in Virginia history. He lived through a century of immense change, both here at home and abroad, and he never sat on the sidelines. From his time in public office to his long career in journalism, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. was at the center of the great debates and policy discussions that marked our nation’s path forward. He made his mark as a strong fiscal conservative, always committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars be wisely and conservatively utilized.<br /><br />"I had the great opportunity to visit with the senator several times over the past few years at his home. His mind was sharp, and he was quick with stories from growing up in Virginia’s Executive Mansion in the 1920’s to his experiences as the first person ever elected and re-elected to the United States Senate as an independent. The senator was rightly known for his civility, candor and wit, and those attributes remained with him until the very end. As governor, there were a number of times I would receive a carefully handwritten letter from the senator, well into his 90’s, letting me know how he felt about legislation and policy discussions in Richmond. He lived to participate in the public discourse and he cherished democracy and civic engagement. That was the common thread that ran from his time in public office to his editorials and columns in The Winchester Star and The Harrisonburg Daily News-Record.<br /><br />"Virginia will mourn the passing of Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr.”</blockquote>

Bob McDonnell Harry F. Byrd Jr U.S. Senate Virginia politics Winchester Bob McDonnell orders flags flown at half-staff in memory of Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

Governor Orders State Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Friday and SaturdayOn Wednesday, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and Saturday in memory of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., 98, who passed away …

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The race for Governor: The silly snark over Rt. 58

"Instead of wasting time with snarky videos and scripted statements of indignation from surrogates, maybe both candidates should spend a week traveling U.S. 58 to see it for themselves. ... It’s about time for them to run campaigns worthy of the title [of Governor]." -- <i>Roanoke Times</i> editorial (<a href="http://roanoke.com/opinion/editorial/2114021-12/stuck-on-the-side-of-the-road.html">Stuck on the side of the road</a>)

Ken Cuccinelli Roanoke Times Rt. 58 Terry McAuliffe Virginia politics The race for Governor: The silly snark over Rt. 58

"Instead of wasting time with snarky videos and scripted statements of indignation from surrogates, maybe both candidates should spend a week traveling U.S. 58 to see it for themselves. ... It’s about time for them to run campaigns worthy of the titl…

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The Governor apologizes to his 'beloved Virginia'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y_AWizh7QcuslFRPhSceew5wtXy6uY8dBusf28h0E98EV5dGuCnikHwwj3e1aBXL4-Nt-K8fWX0Fj0dLkeFM65bR2t8fP9RO95x4YW8KBUaV_jdFIvJltU7bzk7ByBj1iCYSCdJfL7b/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+Bill+Bolling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y_AWizh7QcuslFRPhSceew5wtXy6uY8dBusf28h0E98EV5dGuCnikHwwj3e1aBXL4-Nt-K8fWX0Fj0dLkeFM65bR2t8fP9RO95x4YW8KBUaV_jdFIvJltU7bzk7ByBj1iCYSCdJfL7b/s400/Bob+McDonnell+Bill+Bolling.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling<br />Executive Mansion, January 2011</div><br /><i>"Being Governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens. I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence. I hope today's action is another step toward that end. </i><br /><br /><i>"Virginia has never been stronger and I plan to focus on creating even more jobs and facilitating greater opportunity during the last five months of my term as your Governor. Our work together on education, transportation, pension reform, voting rights, and economic expansion has produced great results for Virginia." </i>--Governor Bob McDonnell (July 23, 2013)<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://vapoliticalpineapple.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-governor-apologizes-to-his-beloved.html">Va Political Pineapple</a><br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />January 2011 

Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Executive Mansion Virginia politics The Governor apologizes to his 'beloved Virginia'

Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill BollingExecutive Mansion, January 2011"Being Governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I…

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