Virginia Republicans’ bald-faced power grab IN A SNEAK ATTACK notable more for its deviousness than its strategic acuity, Virginia Republicans engineered a bald-faced power grab Monday that would radically redraw the state’s electoral map without so much as a “yea,” “nay” or “maybe” from anything so trivial as a voter. Taking advantage of the absence of a single Democratic state senator, GOP lawmakers in Richmond rammed through a radically gerrymandered map designed to hand them control of the 40-member state Senate, which is now split evenly between the two parties. They were able to do so, on a vote of 20 to 19, because one Democratic senator was in Washington to attend President Obama’s inauguration. Touche, Republicans! Count that as a new low for hyper-partisanship, dirty tricks and the unaccountable arrogance of power. The Republican move was executed in the style of a putsch, arising from a conspiracy and with no warning, public input or debate. Pressing their momentary numerical superiority, GOP lawmakers amended a routine House bill by tacking on a new map, devised in secret. Although this is one of the most partisan redistricting plans in Virginia’s history, the Republicans then cut off debate after 30 minutes. Fortunately, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, a Republican who counts as a grown-up amid the sneaky schoolboys who dominate his party in Richmond, correctly saw the ruse as an invitation to political Armageddon — and a threat to his own legislative agenda. “I certainly don’t think that’s a good way to do business,” said the governor. Mr. McDonnell should immediately announce his intention to veto the map. If the redistricting is allowed to stand, it would radically reshape politics in Richmond. Unlike the GOP-dominated House of Delegates, the Senate has been in Democratic hands or closely divided since 2007. Read more
Pop-upView Separately

Virginia Republicans’ bald-faced power grab

IN A SNEAK ATTACK notable more for its deviousness than its strategic acuity, Virginia Republicans engineered a bald-faced power grab Monday that would radically redraw the state’s electoral map without so much as a “yea,” “nay” or “maybe” from anything so trivial as a voter.

Taking advantage of the absence of a single Democratic state senator, GOP lawmakers in Richmond rammed through a radically gerrymandered map designed to hand them control of the 40-member state Senate, which is now split evenly between the two parties.

They were able to do so, on a vote of 20 to 19, because one Democratic senator was in Washington to attend President Obama’s inauguration. Touche, Republicans! Count that as a new low for hyper-partisanship, dirty tricks and the unaccountable arrogance of power.

The Republican move was executed in the style of a putsch, arising from a conspiracy and with no warning, public input or debate. Pressing their momentary numerical superiority, GOP lawmakers amended a routine House bill by tacking on a new map, devised in secret. Although this is one of the most partisan redistricting plans in Virginia’s history, the Republicans then cut off debate after 30 minutes.

Fortunately, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, a Republican who counts as a grown-up amid the sneaky schoolboys who dominate his party in Richmond, correctly saw the ruse as an invitation to political Armageddon — and a threat to his own legislative agenda. “I certainly don’t think that’s a good way to do business,” said the governor.

Mr. McDonnell should immediately announce his intention to veto the map. If the redistricting is allowed to stand, it would radically reshape politics in Richmond. Unlike the GOP-dominated House of Delegates, the Senate has been in Democratic hands or closely divided since 2007.

Read more

Source: Washington Post

Terry McAuliffe for Governor Facebook | Twitter | Donate Virginia Democrat Terry McAuliffe is a businessman, entrepreneur, and Democratic Party leader from Fairfax County. For over 30 years, Terry has been fighting to create jobs, improve health care and education, and build a better future. The youngest of four boys, Terry knew he would need to pay his own way through college so, at age 14, he started a business—the first of many successful businesses he would create throughout his life. At the age of 30, he was elected chairman of a struggling community bank that was on the verge of liquidation, and he turned it around. Later he took over and saved a large home building company that was on the brink of bankruptcy. Terry has also been active as a volunteer for Democratic candidates and causes. He served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee where he brought his pragmatic, businessman’s approach to politics. As DNC Chairman, Terry increased grassroots outreach with supporters, got the Party out of debt, and invested in new technology. He has also served as a vocal advocate for working families across the country and Democratic Party principles, like fighting to end our nation’s reliance on foreign oil and develop renewable energy sources that are better for the environment and can create good jobs. Terry has traveled to every corner of the commonwealth, listening to Virginians, and sharing his vision about how to grow the economy, create more jobs, and decrease the cost of living. As Governor, Terry will build on the progress and leadership of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine – Governors who brought business and executive experience to Richmond, but who also knew that not every good idea comes out of Richmond. Terry would bring that same kind of experience to leading Virginia. Over the years, Terry has worked with people from all walks of life and different political stripes. In business and in politics, he’s been guided by his commitment to putting people first. Nearly 20 years ago, Terry and his wife Dorothy chose Virginia as their home. They live with their five children in Fairfax County, where they attend St. Luke Catholic Church. Terry is a lifetime member of the NAACP, and the McAuliffes are also active in and supportive of community and charitable groups, including Catholic Charities, McLean Little League, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Epilepsy Foundation, The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation, and Knock Out Abuse. Facebook | Twitter | Donate
Pop-upView Separately

Terry McAuliffe for Governor

Facebook | Twitter | Donate

Virginia Democrat Terry McAuliffe is a businessman, entrepreneur, and Democratic Party leader from Fairfax County. For over 30 years, Terry has been fighting to create jobs, improve health care and education, and build a better future.

The youngest of four boys, Terry knew he would need to pay his own way through college so, at age 14, he started a business—the first of many successful businesses he would create throughout his life. At the age of 30, he was elected chairman of a struggling community bank that was on the verge of liquidation, and he turned it around. Later he took over and saved a large home building company that was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Terry has also been active as a volunteer for Democratic candidates and causes. He served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee where he brought his pragmatic, businessman’s approach to politics. As DNC Chairman, Terry increased grassroots outreach with supporters, got the Party out of debt, and invested in new technology. He has also served as a vocal advocate for working families across the country and Democratic Party principles, like fighting to end our nation’s reliance on foreign oil and develop renewable energy sources that are better for the environment and can create good jobs.

Terry has traveled to every corner of the commonwealth, listening to Virginians, and sharing his vision about how to grow the economy, create more jobs, and decrease the cost of living. As Governor, Terry will build on the progress and leadership of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine – Governors who brought business and executive experience to Richmond, but who also knew that not every good idea comes out of Richmond. Terry would bring that same kind of experience to leading Virginia. Over the years, Terry has worked with people from all walks of life and different political stripes. In business and in politics, he’s been guided by his commitment to putting people first.

Nearly 20 years ago, Terry and his wife Dorothy chose Virginia as their home. They live with their five children in Fairfax County, where they attend St. Luke Catholic Church. Terry is a lifetime member of the NAACP, and the McAuliffes are also active in and supportive of community and charitable groups, including Catholic Charities, McLean Little League, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Epilepsy Foundation, The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation, and Knock Out Abuse.

Facebook | Twitter | Donate

Head Start “When Virginians choose their next governor in just 312 days, a lot will be decided about the country’s next three years. If Virginia chooses a Democratic governor in 2013, I know we’ll see increased support for important issues like healthcare and education – issues that will move our country forward. But if the Republicans’ prime pick – Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli – takes the reins, I can guarantee that he will not only block health care implementation, but will also energize backwards Republican policies nationwide. We already know this will be a close race — President Obama won Virginia by just three percent! Now is our moment to make a difference – we can’t delay. Help us raise $50,000 by the December 31 FEC deadline at midnight, so we can start going all out in January to win this important race. We need to get started, and we’ve only got 86 hours left. Rush a donation of $20 or more to help the DGA defeat a right-wing extremist in Virginia and win this critical governors race. This November, we won tough states for Democrats: Montana, New Hampshire and Missouri. We know how to win these tough, swing-state races. Virginia matters because the whole nation will be watching. We’ll win by out-hustling, out-organizing and out-working the other side. It starts with being on the ground early. We need to be there now, but to do it, we need your support now. The only way we can start building a winning organization in January is if we meet our $50,000 FEC goal by the time the ball drops on December 31. Will you help? Hurry $20 or more to the DGA, so we can beat our FEC deadline and do the work we need to do now to win Virginia. We can’t get there without you. I wish you and your family a great holiday season. Thanks for everything, Mark GiangrecoDeputy Communications DirectorDemocratic Governors Association”
Pop-upView Separately

Head Start

“When Virginians choose their next governor in just 312 days, a lot will be decided about the country’s next three years.

If Virginia chooses a Democratic governor in 2013, I know we’ll see increased support for important issues like healthcare and education – issues that will move our country forward.

But if the Republicans’ prime pick – Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli – takes the reins, I can guarantee that he will not only block health care implementation, but will also energize backwards Republican policies nationwide.

We already know this will be a close race — President Obama won Virginia by just three percent! Now is our moment to make a difference – we can’t delay.

Help us raise $50,000 by the December 31 FEC deadline at midnight, so we can start going all out in January to win this important race. We need to get started, and we’ve only got 86 hours left.

Rush a donation of $20 or more to help the DGA defeat a right-wing extremist in Virginia and win this critical governors race.

This November, we won tough states for Democrats: Montana, New Hampshire and Missouri.

We know how to win these tough, swing-state races. Virginia matters because the whole nation will be watching. We’ll win by out-hustling, out-organizing and out-working the other side.

It starts with being on the ground early. We need to be there now, but to do it, we need your support now.

The only way we can start building a winning organization in January is if we meet our $50,000 FEC goal by the time the ball drops on December 31.

Will you help?

Hurry $20 or more to the DGA, so we can beat our FEC deadline and do the work we need to do now to win Virginia. We can’t get there without you.

I wish you and your family a great holiday season.

Thanks for everything,

Mark Giangreco
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic Governors Association”

Terry McAuliffe to Run for Governor of Virginia McAuliffe — a veteran political adviser and former chair of the Democratic National Committee — has long been mulling a run for governor, but said he would only enter the race if Senator Mark Warner decided not to run. McAuliffe’s decision, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that Warner won’t run. If fact, since Election Day, rumors have only heightened about Warner — a former Virginia governor and current U.S. senator — entering the race.
Pop-upView Separately

Terry McAuliffe to Run for Governor of Virginia

McAuliffe — a veteran political adviser and former chair of the Democratic National Committee — has long been mulling a run for governor, but said he would only enter the race if Senator Mark Warner decided not to run.

McAuliffe’s decision, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that Warner won’t run. If fact, since Election Day, rumors have only heightened about Warner — a former Virginia governor and current U.S. senator — entering the race.

Tyre, U.S. Naval Veteran: “President Obama is the first Democratic president that I will vote for.”

Tyre Nelson grew up on a farm in Nebraska in a very conservative family and served 20 years in the Navy. Up until very recently Tyre considered himself a Republican, but now Tyre stands with President Obama because the president is taking care of our veterans and military families. 

As Tyre shares: “I believe that the Republican Party does not any longer represent who I want myself or my kids to be.”

Commit to vote | Make a Plan to vote | Volunteer

News Leader Endorsement: Four more years for President Obama “In Gov. Mitt Romney’s America, the poor and middle class would give so the wealthy could grow their bank accounts. The poor, if they became ill, would simply clog emergency rooms. Loving couples who don’t fit a traditional definition could be discriminated against. That’s a narrow, mean place, a world ruled by elites and ultra conservatives. That’s not the America we are promised, one in which we have a fair chance of making a life for ourselves and our families and seeking our individual dreams. The America we envisioned four years ago hasn’t yet been fulfilled. The president had to spend too much time winning old wars, righting old wrongs, battling nasty personal politics of destruction and then struggling to reinvigorate the economy. In all, we’re better off for having Barack Obama as our president. We endorse him for re-election.” Commit to vote | Make a Plan to vote | Contribute | Volunteer
Pop-upView Separately

News Leader Endorsement: Four more years for President Obama

“In Gov. Mitt Romney’s America, the poor and middle class would give so the wealthy could grow their bank accounts. The poor, if they became ill, would simply clog emergency rooms. Loving couples who don’t fit a traditional definition could be discriminated against.

That’s a narrow, mean place, a world ruled by elites and ultra conservatives. That’s not the America we are promised, one in which we have a fair chance of making a life for ourselves and our families and seeking our individual dreams.

The America we envisioned four years ago hasn’t yet been fulfilled. The president had to spend too much time winning old wars, righting old wrongs, battling nasty personal politics of destruction and then struggling to reinvigorate the economy.

In all, we’re better off for having Barack Obama as our president. We endorse him for re-election.”

Commit to vote | Make a Plan to vote | Contribute | Volunteer

GOP voter reg scandal grows: RNC employee arrested and charged with destroying voter reg applications in Virginia A man who was being paid to register voters by the Republican Party of Virginia was arrested Thursday after he was seen dumping eight registration forms into a dumpster. Colin Small, 31, was working as a supervisor as part of a registration operation in eight swing states financed by the Republican National Committee. Small, of Phoenixville, Pa., was first hired by Strategic Allied Consulting, a firm that was fired by the party after suspect voter forms surfaced in Florida and other states.
Pop-upView Separately

GOP voter reg scandal grows: RNC employee arrested and charged with destroying voter reg applications in Virginia

A man who was being paid to register voters by the Republican Party of Virginia was arrested Thursday after he was seen dumping eight registration forms into a dumpster.

Colin Small, 31, was working as a supervisor as part of a registration operation in eight swing states financed by the Republican National Committee. Small, of Phoenixville, Pa., was first hired by Strategic Allied Consulting, a firm that was fired by the party after suspect voter forms surfaced in Florida and other states.

Source: Los Angeles Times