Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw Bill Bolling elected as lieutenant governor, Jerry Kilgore lose as governor, and Bob McDonnell in a tight down-to-the-wire race for attorney general. I was needed at the Augusta County Government Center to witness the vote canvas, the beginning of a process that eventually led to my participation in a mid-December recount that saw McDonnell prevail with a mere 360 votes over his Democratic challenger, Creigh Deeds.<br /><br />Fast forward to last week's election that saw Democrats Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam winning the governor and lieutenant governor spots. The end of the day, however, showed a tighter-than-a-tick contest between Republican Mark Obenshain and Democrat Mark Herring that fluctuated back and forth as a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/us/politics/back-and-forth-in-undecided-virginia-attorney-general-race.html?_r=0" target="_blank">variety of events took place over the next seven days</a>. When all votes were finally tallied, Herring was ahead by 163 votes in a contest that was probably headed to recount.<br /><br />However, as happened in the 2005 race, recounts rarely change the final numbers by much. If Herring prevails, Virginia Democrats will have swept the top three offices that were won in landslide victories four years earlier by Republicans McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.nbc12.com/decisionvirginia/2013/11/herring-leads-race-for-attorney-general-after-final-count.html" target="_blank">NBC 12</a> has a report on the final count.

Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Ken Cuccinelli Lynn R. Mitchell Mark Herring Mark Obenshain Ralph Northam recount Terry McAuliffe Virginia Democrats Virginia Republicans Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw B...

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Lt. Governor Bolling congratulates Terry McAuliffe; urges GOP to look at its future

On Tuesday night, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement on the 2013 election results:<br /><blockquote>“The 2013 campaigns have come to an end, and the people of Virginia have chosen their leaders for the next four years. I congratulate Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam on their election victories, and stand ready to help them in any way I can as they prepare to lead Virginia.<br /><br />“The outcome of the race for Attorney General has not yet been determined, so I will refrain from commenting on that race until the final results are known. However, I recognize Mark Obenshain and Mark Herring for participating in such a hard fought and competitive campaign.<br /><br />“I also thank Ken Cuccinelli, Robert Sarvis and E.W. Jackson for their willingness to engage in the political process. Campaigns are never easy, and this campaign was particularly difficult. I hope they will take comfort knowing that they did their best, even though the outcome may not have been as they desired.<br /><br />“I also congratulate all of the candidates who won election victories tonight in the Virginia House of Delegates. I am pleased that the House of Delegates will continue to have a strong Republican majority, under the capable leadership of Speaker Bill Howell. I know they will continue to do their part in making certain that Virginia takes a mainstream approach to governing.<br /><br />“As a Republican, I am deeply disappointed that our party has lost control of our state's top two elected offices. There are clear lessons in these losses for the Republican Party. Going forward, we need to have an open and honest conversation about the future of our party and determine what we must do to reconnect with a more diverse voter base whose support is critical to political success in Virginia.<br /><br />“Now that the campaigns have ended, we must all come together in support of our elected leaders and help them in their effort to build a better Virginia. Let that process begin.”</blockquote>

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Bill Howell Ralph Northam Republican Terry McAuliffe Lt. Governor Bolling congratulates Terry McAuliffe; urges GOP to look at its future

On Tuesday night, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement on the 2013 election results: “The 2013 campaigns have com...

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Election 2013: Governor McDonnell congratulates Terry McAuliffe

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement Tuesday night regarding the election of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.<br /><blockquote>“I want to congratulate Terry McAuliffe on his election as the next governor of Virginia. There is no higher honor than serving in the same office once held by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Virginia is a Commonwealth of tremendous history and opportunity; this is the place where America began. The privilege of serving as governor carries with it immense responsibility, and I know Terry McAuliffe will act in the best interests of the more than 8 million people who call Virginia home.<br /><br />“Elections are long, tough, hard-fought affairs. But they have an end date. For the 2013 campaign, that date is today. Now, the signs, stickers and ads must be put away. In their place must come comity, cooperation and a commitment to working together, across party lines, to continue to improve the quality of life of all Virginians. That’s what we’ve tried to do over the last four years.<br /><br />“Virginia has been named 'America’s Best State for Business.' Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast, and the third-lowest east of the Mississippi River. Our colleges are more affordable and accessible. Our state pension system has been fixed. Our K-12 system is innovative and productive. Our transportation system finally has the long-term, sustainable funding and reforms it has long needed. We’ve posted four-straight budget surpluses, held the line on general fund spending and our Rainy Day Fund will soon grow to over $1 billion. This is the direct result of bipartisan cooperation in the service of making life better for the people of Virginia and getting results. I’m confident that Governor-elect McAuliffe will continue this great progress.<br /><br />“Four years ago the people of Virginia honored me with their votes and this office. I can never thank my fellow Virginians enough for the trust they placed in me. Immediately after winning, then-Governor Tim Kaine reached out personally and offered the full assistance of his administration in our transition. The Kaine administration could not have been more helpful in the two months that followed. They made the transition as seamless and smooth as it possibly could have been. Now, we look forward to doing the same for Governor-elect McAuliffe and his team. I have already spoken to the Governor-elect and let him know that we are ready to assist with the transition and prepared to offer all the help his team will need as they prepare to lead our great Commonwealth forward for the next four years.<br /><br />“Election nights are emotional times. For the winner there is the thrill of victory, combined with the recognition that the hard work preceding this moment is but a prelude to the tremendous effort yet to come. For those who fall short, there is the sadness of seeing such exertion, passion and time not produce the hoped-for result. With that in mind, I wish my friend Ken Cuccinelli the very best as he moves forward from tonight. I hope Ken will continue to stay involved in the public life of our state, and I thank him for serving our administration well as attorney general, and giving his all to public service and the campaign. I also congratulate Mr. Sarvis for running, with limited resources, a good and strong campaign.<br /><br />“Again I congratulate Governor-elect McAuliffe, and I pledge to work in partnership over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition of power that is in keeping with the grand history of our beloved Commonwealth, and that best prepares the Governor-elect and his team for their public service over the next four years.”</blockquote>

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Ken Cuccinelli Robert Sarvis Terry McAuliffe Virginia Election 2013: Governor McDonnell congratulates Terry McAuliffe

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement Tuesday night regarding the election of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd governor of the Co...

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Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jj4EZIaBRTzmY0S1p6zcxvD-GTkkxhB98dC7CybLP1ChSotCZRvnXlPMPoOWBEA7iiOtSpMZM6rEm6ppGzPXUYk5sToF7tHAokkyiHIde6lELSFZbkNT2IcybM6NwPhxuX9m5vZcREDa/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jj4EZIaBRTzmY0S1p6zcxvD-GTkkxhB98dC7CybLP1ChSotCZRvnXlPMPoOWBEA7iiOtSpMZM6rEm6ppGzPXUYk5sToF7tHAokkyiHIde6lELSFZbkNT2IcybM6NwPhxuX9m5vZcREDa/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" /></a></div><br />It's Election Day 2013 in Virginia. The polls are open ... voters are voting, candidate supporters are greeting them, and volunteers are sending them out the door with "I Voted" stickers.<br /><br />The weather is good ... a cold, frosty start to the day with temps in the 20s is expected to lead to a high in the 50s under overcast skies.<br /><br />What an odd year it has been with some newspapers <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/no-gubernatorial-endorsements-from.html">refusing to endorse anyone for governor while others encouraged write-in votes for Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling</a>. Many are happy to see this election cycle finally come to an end.  For many, it marks the finish of the daily barrage of campaign emails, robocalls, and television ads.<br /><br />Virginia is being considered a bellwether for the country. The tea party and Libertarian wings of the Virginia Republican Party have their dream team of candidates in Ken Cuccinelli, E.W. Jackson, and Mark Obenshain for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Four years after the Republican team led by Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling swept into office with historic leads, will it happen again?<br /><br />This is a notoriously red area of the Commonwealth so what's going on in the central Shenandoah Valley area that includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County? I'll pass along news as I hear it.<br /><br /><b>10:15 a.m.:</b> Churchville precinct had light but steady turnout. The voting location within Churchville Elementary School had been moved with only one table for check-in as opposed to the usual two. About half a dozen people were in line to sign in; two machines were in use. Interestingly, there was a card table set up with a McAuliffe sign and materials but no presence from the Republicans.<br /><br /><b>2:00 p.m.:</b> Wilson Precinct. Steady, light turnout continued.<br /><br /><b>7:10 p.m.:</b> Polls have closed and the wait begins for returns to be posted and announced.

Augusta County Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell E.W. Jackson Election 2013 Ken Cuccinelli Libertarians Mark Obenshain Shenandoah Valley Staunton SWAC tea party Waynesboro Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

It's Election Day 2013 in Virginia. The polls are open ... voters are voting, candidate supporters are greeting them, and volunteers are...

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No gubernatorial endorsements from Times-Dispatch, Daily Progress, News & Advance, Roanoke Times ... Bill Bolling write-in suggested by two

<blockquote><i>"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee."</i> -- <i><b>Richmond Times-Dispatch</b></i> (October 20, 2013)</blockquote>In an editorial that laid it on the line, the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/our-opinion/our-choice-for-governor-in-none-of-the-above/article_6a2c5e41-20f3-561a-a25d-52eedf4741f3.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a> refused to endorse Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian for Virginia's 2013 gubernatorial race. That news ricocheted around the internet as citizens woke on a Sunday morning, met with raised eyebrows and mild surprise from some while others nodded in solemn agreement.<br /><br />This has, indeed, been an odd election year in Virginia.<br /><br />The <i>Times-Dispatch </i>notes many of the issues in question and the final results are the same: they are not comfortable endorsing. Indeed, they note:<br /><blockquote>In the past, <i>The Times-Dispatch</i> has endorsed candidates with varying degrees of enthusiasm. We find it impossible to endorse any of the 2013 candidates with even minimal zeal.<br /><br />Elections make voters complicit in the government they receive. If we would not urge a family member to vote this way or that, then we have no business recommending Cuccinelli, McAuliffe or Sarvis to our readers.</blockquote>Interestingly, the <a href="http://m.dailyprogress.com/opinion/editorials/bill-bolling-for-governor/article_38a77d40-3930-11e3-91a7-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm#.UmPLvqcRC4E.twitter"><i>Charlottesville Daily Progress</i></a>, finding itself in the same boat, endorsed Lieutenant Governor <b><a href="http://www.billbolling.com/">Bill Bolling</a></b> as a write-in candidate, noting, "Do the write thing. Put Bill Bolling’s name on your ballot on Nov. 5. Virginia needs him."<br /><br /><b>UPDATE October 28, 2013:</b> Another newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. On Sunday, the <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/article_b051cb8e-3dbd-11e3-bb5b-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>Lynchburg News & Advance</i></a> wrote, "<span class="paragraph-0">Put simply, not one of the three candidates for governor of Virginia deserves the office or has made a strong case that he is the best candidate. Not one of them, neither Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Republican Ken Cuccinelli nor Libertarian Robert Sarvis." And more. Be sure to read it.</span><br /><br /><span class="paragraph-0"><b>UPDATE October 31, 2013:</b> A third major Virginia newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. Is this unprecedented? The <a href="http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/editorial/2337438-12/a-year-to-regret-and-regroup.html"><b><i>Roanoke Times</i></b></a> editorial on Thursday noted, "... </span>an endorsement carries with it the credibility of this institution. When a candidate who receives our support visits ridicule or even shame on the commonwealth, we share in that disgrace."<br /><br />Then in a stunning reminder of the <a href="http://m.dailyprogress.com/opinion/editorials/bill-bolling-for-governor/article_38a77d40-3930-11e3-91a7-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm#.UmPLvqcRC4E.twitter"><i>Charlottesville Daily Progress</i></a>' endorsement of Lieutenant Governor <b>Bill Bolling</b> as a write-in candidate, the <i>Roanoke Times</i> added, "Those who cannot in good conscience vote for the official candidates should consider writing in Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling."<br /><br />With five days left until election day, 2013 continues to be one of the oddest, perhaps <i>the</i> oddest, in my memory....

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Charlottesville News Progress Lynchburg News and Advance Richmond Times-Dispatch Virginia write-in campaign No gubernatorial endorsements from Times-Dispatch, Daily Progress, News & Advance, Roanoke Times ... Bill Bolling write-in suggested by two

"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee." -- ...

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Richmond Times-Dispatch's non-endorsement for Virginia governor 2013 - UPDATED

<blockquote><i>"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee."</i> -- Richmond Times-Dispatch (October 20, 2013)</blockquote>In an editorial that laid it on the line, the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/our-opinion/our-choice-for-governor-in-none-of-the-above/article_6a2c5e41-20f3-561a-a25d-52eedf4741f3.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a> refused to endorse Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian for Virginia's 2013 gubernatorial race. That news ricocheted around the internet as citizens woke on a Sunday morning, met with raised eyebrows and mild surprise from some while others nodded in solemn agreement.<br /><br />This has, indeed, been an odd election year in Virginia.<br /><br />The <i>Times-Dispatch </i>notes many of the issues in question and the final results are the same: they are not comfortable endorsing. Indeed, they note:<br /><blockquote>In the past, <i>The Times-Dispatch</i> has endorsed candidates with varying degrees of enthusiasm. We find it impossible to endorse any of the 2013 candidates with even minimal zeal.<br /><br />Elections make voters complicit in the government they receive. If we would not urge a family member to vote this way or that, then we have no business recommending Cuccinelli, McAuliffe or Sarvis to our readers.</blockquote>Interestingly, the <a href="http://m.dailyprogress.com/opinion/editorials/bill-bolling-for-governor/article_38a77d40-3930-11e3-91a7-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm#.UmPLvqcRC4E.twitter"><i>Charlottesville Daily Progress</i></a>, finding itself in the same boat, endorsed Lieutenant Governor <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/">Bill Bolling</a> as a write-in candidate, noting, "Do the write thing. Put Bill Bolling’s name on your ballot on Nov. 5. Virginia needs him."<br /><br /><b>UPDATE October 28, 2013:</b> Another newspaper refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. On Sunday, the <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/article_b051cb8e-3dbd-11e3-bb5b-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>Lynchburg News & Advance</i></a> wrote, "<span class="paragraph-0">Put simply, not one of the three candidates for governor of Virginia deserves the office or has made a strong case that he is the best candidate. Not one of them, neither Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Republican Ken Cuccinelli nor Libertarian Robert Sarvis." And more.</span><br /><br /><span class="paragraph-0"><b>UPDATE October 31, 2013:</b> A third major Virginia newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. Is this unprecedented? The <i>Roanoke Times</i> editorial on Thursday noted, "... </span>an endorsement carries with it the credibility of this institution. When a candidate who receives our support visits ridicule or even shame on the commonwealth, we share in that disgrace."<br /><br />Then in a stunning reminder of the <a href="http://m.dailyprogress.com/opinion/editorials/bill-bolling-for-governor/article_38a77d40-3930-11e3-91a7-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm#.UmPLvqcRC4E.twitter"><i>Charlottesville Daily Progress</i></a>' endorsement of Lieutenant Governor <b>Bill Bolling</b> as a write-in candidate, the <i>Roanoke Times</i> added, "<span class="paragraph-0">Those who cannot in good conscience vote for the official candidates should consider writing in Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling."</span><br /><br /><span class="paragraph-0">With five days left until election day, 2013 continues to be one of the oddest in my memory.... </span>

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Daily Progress Lynchburg News and Advance Richmond Times-Dispatch Roanoke Times Virginia Richmond Times-Dispatch's non-endorsement for Virginia governor 2013 - UPDATED

"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee." -- ...

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McDonnell, Bolling, Warner, Kaine to honor fired AP reporter Bob Lewis

Virginia's top politicos plan to honor fired Associated Press reporter Bob Lewis at a reception on November 18, according to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-calderone/virginia-governor-senator-ap_b_4150494.html"><i>Huffington Post</i></a>. Governor Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine will be on hand to honor the 57-year-old respected wordsmith.<br /><br />In an interesting revelation, the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ap-reporters-mistake-did-the-punishment-fit-the-crime/2013/10/22/95b32b64-3b52-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html"><i>Huffington Post </i></a>wrote:<br /><blockquote>The McAuliffe campaign <a href="http://terrymcauliffe.com/mcauliffe-campaign-statement-on-ap-decision/" target="_hplink">responded immediately</a> after Monday's firing to say they did not push for actions to be taken against the journalists and noted having a "professional relationship" with Lewis, Potter and the AP's Virginia. <b>(The Washington Post <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ap-reporters-mistake-did-the-punishment-fit-the-crime/2013/10/22/95b32b64-3b52-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html" target="_hplink">reported</a> Tuesday night that Ken Cuccinelli, his Republican challenger in the Governor's race, passed the bogus tip to both the AP and the Post.)</b> [emphasis added]</blockquote>Indeed, the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ap-reporters-mistake-did-the-punishment-fit-the-crime/2013/10/22/95b32b64-3b52-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story_1.html"><i>Post</i></a> wrote about the tip:<br /><blockquote>Several journalists, including some at AP, said the McAuliffe story was pushed to news organizations by the campaign of McAuliffe’s rival, Ken Cuccinelli II (R). The Washington Post was among those that received a tip about it from Cuccinelli’s campaign, but The Post passed on the story after checking it.</blockquote>When the news hit that night, many were quick to jump on it. Within two hours the story had been retracted. Response to Lewis' firing has come from all sides of the political aisle, a testament to the man who has long covered Virginia politics. The reception by top leaders is further evidence of that.  Here's hoping my invitation is in the mail....

Bill Bolling Bob Lewis Bob McDonnell Huffington Post Ken Cuccinelli Mark Warner Tim Kaine Washington Post McDonnell, Bolling, Warner, Kaine to honor fired AP reporter Bob Lewis

Virginia's top politicos plan to honor fired Associated Press reporter Bob Lewis at a reception on November 18, according to the Huffing...

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Governor announces 400 jobs in Fairfax County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhzWmNkhyphenhyphenpZLkUXGnu5WHFJqzs2WDbFlm6dWAQLVbkryeu_hJOpVK0Cv5cCwqwvL0T8IFz2SAeKc6HbrScA_WNL0C4tvKi6UQ3v0davWRfpAtt764tiIPQiUSE2KjqJRe4k4K7-xBWO05/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhzWmNkhyphenhyphenpZLkUXGnu5WHFJqzs2WDbFlm6dWAQLVbkryeu_hJOpVK0Cv5cCwqwvL0T8IFz2SAeKc6HbrScA_WNL0C4tvKi6UQ3v0davWRfpAtt764tiIPQiUSE2KjqJRe4k4K7-xBWO05/s200/Bob+McDonnell+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Four years ago, Virginia's attorney general, Bob McDonnell, was in the final days of his gubernatorial campaign with the slogan "Bob's for Jobs," a promise he kept when he was elected and joined with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling to make jobs a number one priority. Four years later, Governor Bob McDonnell continues to bring new opportunities to Virginians.<br /><br />On Wednesday the governor <a href="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=2046">announced 400 jobs</a> for Fairfax County with Cvent <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(NYSE: CVT)</span>, a leading cloud-based event management platform that recently went public. Virginia competed with neighboring Maryland for the project that will move its headquarters to Tysons Corner and, according to the press release, will create 400 new jobs in three years and retain 451 jobs.<br /><br />As the governor made the announcement, he commented:<br /><blockquote>“As a corporate citizen that has called Virginia home since 1999, it is tremendous news that Cvent will continue to grow in Fairfax County with this headquarters expansion. The company benefits from the large, well-educated labor pool in the region that provides a qualified workforce, and the available site located on the new Silver Line Metro route is an ideal location that meets Cvent’s needs and allows room for future growth. We welcome 400 new jobs and celebrate the company’s Fairfax employee base of more than 450 that will continue to thrive in Virginia.”</blockquote>The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $1 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with the project.<br /><br />Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities. Cvent will lease about 130,000 square feet of space at 1710 Solutions Drive, and plans to invest $7 million to expand its headquarters operations. The company plans to move in the latter half of 2014.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=2046">More information is available at the governor's website. </a>

Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Bob's for Jobs Cvent economy Fairfax County Virginia Governor announces 400 jobs in Fairfax County

Four years ago, Virginia's attorney general, Bob McDonnell, was in the final days of his gubernatorial campaign with the slogan "Bo...

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AP uses sledge hammer on reporter Bob Lewis - UPDATED

The news heard 'round the internet on Monday was long-time Richmond-based reporter Bob Lewis' firing by the Associated Press. Social media lit up as supporters from all sides of the political aisle expressed shock that his earlier suspension had turned into a pink slip as he was booted out the AP door.<br /><br />The entire episode began two weeks earlier, as reported by Andrew Cain with the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/latest-news/ap-fires-reporter-editor-over-mcauliffe-error/article_f6124b90-3a97-11e3-be61-001a4bcf6878.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a>:<br /><blockquote>AP erroneously reported the evening of Oct. 9 that documents in a federal fraud case in Rhode Island alleged that McAuliffe “lied to a federal official” investigating Joseph Caramadre, a Rhode Island estate planner who is accused of defrauding terminally ill people.<br /><br />In a bulletin that night killing the story about 90 minutes after it was first posted, AP said “the indictment did not identify McAuliffe as the ‘T.M.’ who allegedly lied to investigators.”</blockquote>To hear the AP retract a story sent a shiver throughout the news world. To have the questioned article be authored by Bob Lewis was even more stunning after his 28 years with the AP.<br /><br />It certainly has caused a stir in Virginia's political atmosphere. From the <i>RTD:</i> <br /><blockquote>Lewis and Potter “have always been fair, tough and smart. Virginians deserve dedicated reporters like them,” Gov. Bob McDonnell tweeted.<br /><br />Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling tweeted: “Sorry to see the AP fire Bob Lewis. Bob is one of the most respected reporters in Richmond. We all make mistakes. Bob did not deserve this.”<br /><br />Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., tweeted: “AP’s Bob Lewis has been a fixture at the Va Capitol and his reporting will be missed by Virginians. Best wishes at a tough moment, Bob.”<br /><br />Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, D-Va. tweeted: “Big loss for Virginia. @APBobLewis is an even-handed, talented reporter & a class act.”</blockquote>As many question whether Lewis' firing was overreaction by AP, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore took to Facebook to advocate on Lewis' behalf Monday, writing, "<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I add my voice calling for the AP to reinstate Bob Lewis and Dena Potter. Bob Lewis is 'Mr. AP.' They made a mistake but corrected it immediately. What if they fired every reporter who made a mistake? I got a list."</span><br /><br />Wherever he goes, Bob Lewis will have a built-in audience of those who have followed -- and respected -- his work for years. Count me as one of them.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b>  The reaction from Lowell at <a href="http://www.bluevirginia.us/diary/10462/negative-reaction-pours-in-to-aps-firing-of-bob-lewis-dean-of-the-virginia-political-press-corps">Blue Virginia</a> and the Richmond Democrat, er, <a href="http://www.the-richmonder.com/2013/10/the-aps-dismissal-of-bob-lewis-is.html">The Richmonder</a>, confirms that reactions to Bob Lewis' firing are bipartisan even among bloggers, a good reflection of a good reporter.<br /><br /><b>Update #2:</b> The <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/ap-fires-third-staffer-over-mcauliffe-error-guild-files-grievances/article_947ae2be-2e60-5556-a959-e1528335ca0d.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a> reports that a third person has been fired by the AP even as the News Media Guild has filed grievances on behalf of Lewis and his colleagues.

Andrew Cain AP Associated Press Bill Bolling Bob Lewis Bob McDonnell Dena Potter facebook Jim Gilmore Mark Warner Richmond Times-Dispatch Tim Kaine AP uses sledge hammer on reporter Bob Lewis - UPDATED

The news heard 'round the internet on Monday was long-time Richmond-based reporter Bob Lewis' firing by the Associated Press. Social...

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Bill Bolling and Virginia Mainstream Project ... good ideas for good government

<i>From Lieutenant Governor <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/">Bill Bolling </a>and his Virginia Mainstream Project....</i><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span> <br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"> <tbody><tr> <td bgcolor="transparent" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px transparent; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11px;"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="height: 100%px; width: 100%px;"> <tbody><tr> <td style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11px; padding: 10px;" valign="top"> <div style="border-color: rgb(194,217,231);"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"> <tbody><tr> <td style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 11px;"> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><img src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/859440/caa139ca3d728c68d4b94fe872b21e32/image/jpeg" style="width: 580px;" width="580" /></b></span></span></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table></td> </tr></tbody> </table><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friends – </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Last week, through <em>Virginia Mainstream Project</em>, I released a series of proposals designed to improve the structure and operation of Virginia’s state government.<span>  </span>Full details of these recommendations can be found </span><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15593061&msgid=394782&act=VAD2&c=859440&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.billbolling.com%2F2013%2F09%2F30%2Fvirginia-mainstream-project-releases-government-reform-proposals%2F" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The proposed changes would impact the election and role of the Lieutenant Governor, approve gubernatorial succession, create a bipartisan redistricting process, implement the merit-based selection of judges, establish a Government Performance Review Commission, change Virginia’s two-year budget cycle and mandate a review of all current exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act to improve governmental transparency.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I called on all candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General to support these proposals because they will make state government more efficient, more effective, and more accountable to the people of Virginia.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m pleased to report that these proposals have received enthusiastic support from opinion leaders all over the Commonwealth:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15593061&msgid=394782&act=VAD2&c=859440&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesdispatch.com%2Fopinion%2Four-opinion%2Ftoday-s-top-opinion-mainstream%2Farticle_18c740b4-2e18-11e3-a66b-001a4bcf6878.html%3FTNNoMobile" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Today’s top opinion: Mainstream</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (Richmond Times-Dispatch)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We issue a full-throated huzzah to Bolling’s proposal for bipartisan redistricting. He would take the process out of the hands of the legislature by empowering a citizen panel to draw the electoral maps.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15593061&msgid=394782&act=VAD2&c=859440&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roanoke.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorial%2F2268686-12%2Fimagine-ideas-not-ick.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Imagine: ideas, not ick</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (The Roanoke Times)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He [Bolling] has done all Virginians a service by injecting meaningful policy proposals into a campaign otherwise mired in slime.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15593061&msgid=394782&act=VAD2&c=859440&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhamptonroads.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fideas-man-who-isnt-running" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Ideas from the man who isn’t running</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (The Virginian-Pilot)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Free of political constraints, Bolling <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2067199107" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span> proposed a long slate of ideas to make Virginia a better state, a more democratic state and a more open state.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15593061&msgid=394782&act=VAD2&c=859440&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsleader.com%2Farticle%2F20131001%2FOPINION%2F310010025%3Fnclick_check%3D1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Bill Bolling’s good ideas</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (Staunton News Leader)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Many of these proposals are common sense. We used to employ that in government. Bolling reminds us we still can and indeed should.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many thanks to all those who have voiced support for these proposals.<span>  </span>The <em>Virginia Mainstream Project</em> will continue to promote responsible, common-sense solutions to the important challenges facing our state and make certain that we keep our focus on the thing that matters most … BUILDING A BETTER VIRGINIA.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sincerely,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img height="38" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/859440/fb02dff03010101301fd274a00f6bc02/image/jpeg" style="min-height: 38px; width: 188px;" width="228" /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling</span></span></span></div>

Bill Bolling Commonwealth of Virginia Republicans Virginia Mainstream Project Bill Bolling and Virginia Mainstream Project ... good ideas for good government

From Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his Virginia Mainstream Project.... ...

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LTE: 'Bill Bolling, we need you'

Letter to the editor in today's <a href="http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/pickoftheday/2268636-12/step-up-bill-bolling.html"><i>Roanoke Times</i></a>:<br /><br /><div id="storyDate">Friday, October 4, 2013</div><br /> <div id="storyBody"><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">Bill Bolling, where are you?</div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">I know that you have been lieutenant governor for two terms. You have served with a governor who has moved Virginia forward. You know what Virginia needs to stay the great commonwealth that it is.</div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">We have no choice for governor this November. We need you.</div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">You said yourself on TV that you should have run. It is not too late; run as an independent or write-in. </div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">The people of Virginia don’t even know where the candidates stand on issues. All we have heard is negative commercials from both sides.</div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG">We need you to led Virginia for the next four years, so we can be proud of the wonderful state we live in. And keep Virginia moving forward.</div><div class="Editorial-LettersBIG"><br /></div><div class="Editorial-LettersSigTown">CHARLOTTE CREASY<br />ROANOKE</div></div>

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Roanoke Times write-in campaign LTE: 'Bill Bolling, we need you'

Letter to the editor in today's Roanoke Times : Friday, October 4, 2013 Bill Bolling, where are you? I know that you have been li...

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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 Bolling Overlooking downtown Staunton, Virginia / August 17, 2013 Yesterday the Virgin...

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U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander James Hoeft going ashore ... thanks for 20 years of service

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbs9palj5_Emt_xwjVvKdlwnDqYhZlrhGCPlukRdIIL4Vz38vVzGF78duuKiDKuRmIxB7rNlyolxVZNoX086JoJAWrwEdz3uyiPwWSELnDWZ7HdPxjqX593QI90Qg2RSOH4Bz5055NBs7/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbs9palj5_Emt_xwjVvKdlwnDqYhZlrhGCPlukRdIIL4Vz38vVzGF78duuKiDKuRmIxB7rNlyolxVZNoX086JoJAWrwEdz3uyiPwWSELnDWZ7HdPxjqX593QI90Qg2RSOH4Bz5055NBs7/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Watch</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aye mates, for 20 years</div><div style="text-align: center;">This Sailor has stood the watch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While some of us were in our bunks at night</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seaman Hoeft stood the watch</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />While some of us were in school learning our trade</div><div style="text-align: center;">Electronics Technician Third Class Hoeft stood the watch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen<br />brewing on the horizon of history,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ensign Hoeft stood the watch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many times he would cast an eye ashore</div><div style="text-align: center;">and see his family standing there</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needing his guidance and help</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needing that hand to hold during those hard times</div><div style="text-align: center;">But Lieutenant Junior Grade Hoeft stood the watch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He stood the watch for twenty years</div><div style="text-align: center;">He stood the watch so that we, our families and</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our fellow countrymen, could sleep soundly in safety,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each and every night,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing that Lieutenant Hoeft stood the watch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today, we are here to say</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shipmate ... the watch stands relieved</div><div style="text-align: center;">Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lieutenant Commander Hoeft, you stand relieved</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have the watch! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Boatswain, stand by to pipe the side, shipmate going ashore! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3AeDvioAfE_gL9fURGSjLNT-pHbGDtjctkBe1gVRycnHjPueeB_oSybqed-cu5KwpnNINJRyHBZOnapuGhF94xzmwx5PoTWvbtL45CEAdtiV9eTBgunOwg1dTzrLXVN6CsnrjCftB63c/s1600/_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3AeDvioAfE_gL9fURGSjLNT-pHbGDtjctkBe1gVRycnHjPueeB_oSybqed-cu5KwpnNINJRyHBZOnapuGhF94xzmwx5PoTWvbtL45CEAdtiV9eTBgunOwg1dTzrLXVN6CsnrjCftB63c/s400/_12.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jim Hoeft sits at the Governor's conference table in Richmond. </i><br /><i>Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-2-bloggers-at-bill-bollings.html">4th Annual Bloggers Day</a> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>February 16, 2011</i></div><br />We know him as Jim or JR who was the founder of <a href="http://www.bearingdrift.com/">Bearing Drift</a> and now has founded <a href="http://www.vapolitics.us/">Virginia Politics On Demand,</a> recruiting top-notch bloggers to help provide news and information to the Virginia blogosphere. He has covered Republican Advances, Eric Cantor's Republican Roundup, candidate events, interviewed elected officials and those running for office, and fill in for radio personalities. That is the Jim I've known since 2006.<br /><br />Jim's other career was as an officer in the U.S. Navy and, in a ceremony in Virginia Beach on Friday, September 13, 2013, he retired after 20 years of service.<br /><br />His Naval career began in 1992 at the Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Florida. From 1992-93 he was at Nuclear Power Training Command in Orland, and in 1993-94 part of Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, SC. He ended up in Newport News, Va, from 1994-96 with the PCU Cheyenne (SSN 773). He spent 1996-99 at Old Dominion University NROTC, 2000 in Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI, and returned to the USS Mitscher (DDG 57) from 2000-02 and the USS Ponce (LPD 15) from 2002-03.<br /><br />Jim found his niche in public affairs:<br /><blockquote>2003-06: U.S. Fleet Forces Command<br />TAD: Hurricane Katrina<br />Navy Expedition Combat Command<br /><br />2006-07: Navy Personnel Development Command<br /><br />2007-08: Navy Public Affairs Support Element<br />TAD: Amphibious Squadron 8 embarked<br />USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3)<br /><br />2008-11: Joint Public Affairs Support Element<br />TAD: Operation Assured Delivery<br />Operation Odyssey Dawn embarked USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20)<br />Pakistan Flood Relief<br />Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill<br /><br />2011-13: Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command<br />IA: United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti</blockquote>Congratulations to our friend and colleague with best wishes for the next chapter in his life and a sincere thank you for 20 years of service to our country.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/09/u-s-navy-lieutenant-commander-james-hoeft-going-ashore-thanks-for-20-years-of-service/">Virginia Politics On Demand </a><br /><br /><i>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell</i>

Bearing Drift Bill Bolling Bloggers Day Jim Hoeft Lieutenant Commander James Hoeft Lynn R. Mitchell U.S. Navy Virginia Politics On Demand U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander James Hoeft going ashore ... thanks for 20 years of service

The Watch Aye mates, for 20 years This Sailor has stood the watch. While some of us were in our bunks at night Seaman Hoeft stood the watch ...

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2013 voters won't let go of Bolling

There it was again in Saturday's <i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i> ... another letter to the editor urging voters to write in Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for Governor. At a time when you would expect the write-in talk to die down, it isn't. Tonight yet another person told me they were writing in the LG. It's something I hear on a regular basis.<br /><br />On August 29, a <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-for-august/article_a7ea5edd-e906-5435-98cf-72663a94a094.html">letter writer to the RTD</a> wrote:<br /><blockquote>Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has no one to blame for his lackluster polling numbers but himself. When he became greedy and unceremoniously pushed Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling out the front door, he immediately lost the moderate support.<br /><br />If Cuccinelli had run again for attorney general or lieutenant governor supporting Bolling (with his moderate force) for governor, polling data would probably be very different. If the current trend continues, it is likely that Virginia will have a second-rate governor with little or no elective or governing experience.<br /><br />Joseph Childress. Palmyra.</blockquote>Saturday's <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/your-opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letters-to-the-editor-for-sept/article_6d23208d-220f-5ba7-b916-85453b026531.html">letter writer responded</a>:<br /><blockquote>I agree 100 percent with letter-writer Joseph Childress (“Cuccinelli has only himself to blame”). Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli did push Bill Bolling out the front door, as Childress wrote.<br /><br />I know Bolling is not seeking a write-in, but I shall write his name in on Election Day, and I hope whoever reads this will agree and do the same.<br /><br />Bolling is a fine politician, a Virginia gentleman and a true friend.<br /><br />Grace T. Seat. South Boston.</blockquote>There's a quiet defiance rolling through Virginia. Will it grow as Election Day approaches?

2013 gubernatorial election Bill Bolling Grace Seat Joseph Childress Richmond Times-Dispatch Virginia GOP write-in campaign 2013 voters won't let go of Bolling

There it was again in Saturday's Richmond Times-Dispatch ... another letter to the editor urging voters to write in Lieutenant Governor...

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Staunton weekend lunch with the Bollings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNCCC4BujqCQgt_BG28E7KJI6FWecDXAEKlFtI-u4LWAH7wnFsInODK6_OCb3DzYYxUi1AySxEl0LGTtYgAsm5szgsLL1pBIzBrXxA0M_1Xw88vMRcvk0-aoBT9AuuxiawZDbfo7cCd8-/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNCCC4BujqCQgt_BG28E7KJI6FWecDXAEKlFtI-u4LWAH7wnFsInODK6_OCb3DzYYxUi1AySxEl0LGTtYgAsm5szgsLL1pBIzBrXxA0M_1Xw88vMRcvk0-aoBT9AuuxiawZDbfo7cCd8-/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and wife Jean Ann at Staunton's Depot Grille over the weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBam-uLCHysEWPHKqdLS0mlkM-OyD61J7BTpQFJrXq7HWgwJSzhG2lZyipWeu1py9vpoI9SjXoQeEpzRyHLf7I96Bis7zJIeg74ziyH74u334bbv5MB7rfR_krJ6iieI3oOHBQOh9c4ws/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBam-uLCHysEWPHKqdLS0mlkM-OyD61J7BTpQFJrXq7HWgwJSzhG2lZyipWeu1py9vpoI9SjXoQeEpzRyHLf7I96Bis7zJIeg74ziyH74u334bbv5MB7rfR_krJ6iieI3oOHBQOh9c4ws/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Lieutenant Governor and Dr. Kurt Michael at the historic downtown Staunton train station.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiXpkTaBePHp3QtLrkIzfOiXbtMIITW9HnYtGJSWma5lUOpQMJ4lOCdzCLgEF07v0oLdy6nYh-IQ2IFuM4pqiw4rrrWMOOG3ZTxYTRhyphenhyphen60WMgcmt9SKLdHhyJUxFa8cnK9KYg_uSskIo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsiXpkTaBePHp3QtLrkIzfOiXbtMIITW9HnYtGJSWma5lUOpQMJ4lOCdzCLgEF07v0oLdy6nYh-IQ2IFuM4pqiw4rrrWMOOG3ZTxYTRhyphenhyphen60WMgcmt9SKLdHhyJUxFa8cnK9KYg_uSskIo/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQEVc1J1kaGTb3iG4IdsV9MTCluS3Gx85lc3T9P61uLVveqZIGdaYqf_wkRZdR2CoK0V0Ya0Mi559DIu1snnzjuubY47vAdHb490AyYiLjMD5CTjTfyy3z6P_f016kDLWezH7wDYhUJye/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQEVc1J1kaGTb3iG4IdsV9MTCluS3Gx85lc3T9P61uLVveqZIGdaYqf_wkRZdR2CoK0V0Ya0Mi559DIu1snnzjuubY47vAdHb490AyYiLjMD5CTjTfyy3z6P_f016kDLWezH7wDYhUJye/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Jean Ann and Bill Bolling on the railroad bridge behind the Depot Grille Restaurant with a commanding view of downtown Staunton.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><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;">Jean Ann Bolling, Kurt Michael, Bill Bolling</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aEPNqfQm9oyf-jJEu6MC8KsO3B-HqBzTx5K2PlORbrShsXgQpc0SELy3D-q_v_SHL3kUBXxAzA2neq_M4hO_Z-p3_qutakXNc7jax2XBtPsawpozzkhJVa1vgMXeSnedcbhIErS0lSSw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aEPNqfQm9oyf-jJEu6MC8KsO3B-HqBzTx5K2PlORbrShsXgQpc0SELy3D-q_v_SHL3kUBXxAzA2neq_M4hO_Z-p3_qutakXNc7jax2XBtPsawpozzkhJVa1vgMXeSnedcbhIErS0lSSw/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sears Hill observation deck overlooking the train station and downtown Staunton.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRT0vuGfm2ISa-Ha5ObI53aCKoc-DuE7O2I5iVSG4-n2PDL0XP_P1NSHXiGD9lwKV7kVJZshL-p8yl1P40lpb1VU6GMTOaR_NhxM6sHdUvuqKvhuAjaeWadGGIGnM5Q62TfsUwyZpRL7p/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRT0vuGfm2ISa-Ha5ObI53aCKoc-DuE7O2I5iVSG4-n2PDL0XP_P1NSHXiGD9lwKV7kVJZshL-p8yl1P40lpb1VU6GMTOaR_NhxM6sHdUvuqKvhuAjaeWadGGIGnM5Q62TfsUwyZpRL7p/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg83Uk8_R6rChg5IAC8c3zircuCbSRjBd9myhFgMDkFssWd20n6PZkwwM17GWygrGgMp1dGD8O7JhsFMVh60PZAhdKLtEW-tAlOYlLCUsGg2WDC4bIjBXb8ybwFMLBZYfodtvadTtVY3p/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg83Uk8_R6rChg5IAC8c3zircuCbSRjBd9myhFgMDkFssWd20n6PZkwwM17GWygrGgMp1dGD8O7JhsFMVh60PZAhdKLtEW-tAlOYlLCUsGg2WDC4bIjBXb8ybwFMLBZYfodtvadTtVY3p/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Heading up Sears Hill to look over the city from the observation deck.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM2KMGAmq7MT1nky7DFyXkkHfmZRPm2R7eTsIYiYz-RDtoW0sBbL76JbNQFux7keJD-kTTaZJH4SkSNW8mCckF_RGUHKmfhxgzwIvSNkJANuxEeBX0lWMz385KYVsrRCEdxrUq28wSsi1/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM2KMGAmq7MT1nky7DFyXkkHfmZRPm2R7eTsIYiYz-RDtoW0sBbL76JbNQFux7keJD-kTTaZJH4SkSNW8mCckF_RGUHKmfhxgzwIvSNkJANuxEeBX0lWMz385KYVsrRCEdxrUq28wSsi1/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Walking the downtown streets of Staunton on a beautiful day with temps in the mid-70s.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 17, 2013

Bill Bolling Depot Grille Historic Downtown Staunton Jean Ann Bolling Kurt Michael Lynn R. Mitchell Sears Hill bridge Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Is For Lovers Staunton weekend lunch with the Bollings

Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and wife Jean Ann at Staunton's Depot Grille over the weekend. The Lieutenant Governor a...

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Schapiro exposes negative campaigning ... Bolling again calls for positive messaging

In his column in Sunday's <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/jeff-schapiro/schapiro-enthusiasm-gap-scrambles-va-campaign/article_54cb9772-dc81-5e95-a661-9188ac298b5c.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a>, political reporter Jeff Schapiro wrote:<br /><blockquote>What Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli say, to whom and how they say it, speaks to the direction of the gubernatorial campaign. Some of it is noise. A lot is dog-whistle politics: shrill, high-frequency babble tailored to the ears of targeted voters.</blockquote>All the negativity hasn't been lost on Virginia's Lieutenant Governor <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/">Bill Bolling</a> who wrote on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bollingva">Facebook</a>:<br /><blockquote>Jeff Schapiro does a pretty good job capturing the essence of this year's gubernatorial campaign, which is characterized by way too much negativity and way too little substance. I still believe the candidate who can project a positive message in the final weeks of the campaign is the candidate who will win.</blockquote>A positive message from our 2013 candidates? What a novel idea.

Bill Bolling Jeff Schapiro Ken Cuccinelli Terry McAuliffe Virginia gubernatorial race Schapiro exposes negative campaigning ... Bolling again calls for positive messaging

In his column in Sunday's Richmond Times-Dispatch , political reporter Jeff Schapiro wrote: What Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli say,...

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Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/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/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=12220636661&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/bollingva?directed_target_id=0">Bill Bolling</a>, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100003218640991&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanann.bolling?directed_target_id=0">Jean Ann Bolling</a>, and Dr. <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1118178617&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Kurt.Y.Michael?directed_target_id=0">Kurt Michael</a> at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in historic Staunton, Virginia. My life is richer for longtime friendships with people who have servant's hearts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="userContent">"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">–Martin Luther King Jr.</span> </div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 18, 2013

Bill Bolling Depot Grille Jean Ann Bolling Kurt Michael Lynn R. Mitchell Sears Hill bridge Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

  Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling , Jean Ann Bolling , and Dr. Kurt Michael at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in hist...

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Bolling, Sabato hit Twitter, FB with Va gubernatorial frustrations

Virginia's gubernatorial campaign took another interesting turn on Friday as two powerful political pundits took to social media to express frustration with the candidates and the state of both campaigns.<br /><br />Sinking further into the muck, the past week saw the Cuccinelli campaign accusing McAuliffe of saying something he didn't while news broke that McAuliffe's former GreenTech company has come under SEC scrutiny.<br /><br />It was almost possible to hear the exasperation in University of Virginia Professor Larry Sabato's voice Friday afternoon as he <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=Larry%20Sabato&src=typd">tweeted</a>:<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just re-checked my VA Constitution. Requirements for GOV do NOT include being controversial or seedy.<br />— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarrySabato/statuses/363348708491919360">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Sabato immediately followed that tweet with another referring to Virginia's Lieutenant Governor:<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bill Bolling goofed big-time. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23VAGOV&src=hash">#VAGOV</a><br />— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarrySabato/statuses/363348904915378176">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Friday night the <a href="http://www.billbolling.com/">Lieutenant Governor</a> himself took to <a href="https://twitter.com/lgbillbolling/status/363473020356005888">Twitter</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bollingva?hc_location=stream">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/billbolling?hc_location=stream">here</a> (he has two FB pages) to express frustration about the current state of Virginia's governor's race. Bill Bolling posted:<br /><blockquote><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"></span></span></span>I'm very frustrated by the current direction of the gubernatorial campaign. Instead of spending millions of dollars calling each other names, I'd like to see the candidates actually talk about the important issues facing our state. The people of Virginia deserve better than they are getting, and that's a bipartisan criticism.</blockquote>By Saturday morning he had received hundreds of thumbs ups from around the Commonwealth and, presumably, there were many more who did not publicly give their approval but were thinking it.<br /><br />Dozens left comments, some noting that they would be writing in Bill Bolling's name on the November ballot, a recurring theme that has come up in letters to the editor and conversations on the street. This comment from a supporter named Bill echoed those sentiments:<br /><blockquote><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[32efj].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42097311}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">I will be writing in Bill Bolling and I have lots of friends here in Goochland that will be doing the same.</span></span></span></blockquote>Another supporter pleaded:<br /><blockquote>Bill, it's not too late. Give us another choice. PLEASE!!!!!</blockquote>Commenter John looked at the election in a different light:<br /><blockquote><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5fr0p].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42098062}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5fr0p].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42098062}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5fr0p].[1][4][1]{comment10153084183635387_42098062}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">If this were a job interview for a corporation, I was the hiring manager, and I was down to the two party's respective candidates as my final applicants, I would tell my Human Resource Department to leave the job posted, as I haven't found the right hire.</span></span></span></blockquote>That was the tone of most of the comments as voters expressed concerns, even suggesting Bolling 2017. The naysayers stopped by, too, like James who quipped:<br /><blockquote>It might be helpful if you constructively supported your party's nominee....</blockquote>To which Chris responded:<br /><blockquote>Well, it would have also been nice to have gotten to vote in a primary too, but that didn't happen either.</blockquote>Bottom line: there is definitely dissatisfaction among voters, something picked up on in Sunday's <i>News & Advance</i> editorial, <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/article_be923a3a-fbaf-11e2-b11b-001a4bcf6878.html"><i>Cuccinelli, McAuliffe and the Split in the GOP</i></a>. With that said, we are still three months away from election day 2013.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.politicalpineapple.com/">Va Political Pineapple</a>

Bill Bolling bipartisan facebook GreenTech Ken Cuccinelli Larry Sabato Lynchburg News and Advance Rt. 58 Terry McAuliffe Virginia gubernatorial race write-in campaign Bolling, Sabato hit Twitter, FB with Va gubernatorial frustrations

Virginia's gubernatorial campaign took another interesting turn on Friday as two powerful political pundits took to social media to expr...

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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 Bolling Executive Mansion, January 2011 "Being Governor of Virginia is the highest ...

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Saturday's debate: The biggest winners were not there

For some in the ballroom at Saturday's gubernatorial Homestead debate, the two men standing at the podiums were not the ones they had expected, and the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/today-s-top-opinion-not-there/article_d87d8a93-d3c9-537d-9da0-32ea8811e95c.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a> pointedly touched on that in Tuesday's editorial:<br /><blockquote>We said at the beginning [of this editorial] that the biggest winners were not at the Omni Homestead Resort. Their names were Bill Bolling and Robert Sarvis. Bolling, of course, is the lieutenant governor who (1) dropped out of the campaign for the GOP gubernatorial nomination after the party’s scheming sachems boosted Cuccinelli when they switched the process from a primary to a convention, and (2) declined to run as an independent. If he had joined the debate and had lived up to his potential, he would have run away with the crown. If Bolling were to ascend to the governorship, a write-in campaign could become feasible. <br /><br />Sarvis is the Libertarian nominee. A June 23 Op/Ed column by A. Barton Hinkle described his virtues; a box on the same page listed his stands on various issues. Polls suggest Sarvis attracts more support than usual for third-party candidates in Virginia. He could become a factor in the race and deserves attention from analysts and citizens.</blockquote>Touché.

Bill Bolling Homestead debate Richmond Times-Dispatch Robert Sarvis Saturday's debate: The biggest winners were not there

For some in the ballroom at Saturday's gubernatorial Homestead debate, the two men standing at the podiums were not the ones they had ex...

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