VB Dems

Obama still holds a statistically insignificant lead over McCain in Virginia of 46%-44%, within the ±2.7% margin of error.

Obama leads McCain among Independents 42%-38%.

As a follow-up to my previous post, Obama leads McCain among young voters (age 18-29) 50%-38%, well beyond the margin of error. Young voters may be underrepresented by sampling because more of them exclusively use cell phones.

Also, Warner still holds a commanding lead over Gilmore 57%-32%.

Head on over to The Shad Plank today (Wed., July 23) at noon for a live blog with Dave “Mudcat” Saunders - self-described Democratic “bubba” consultant, co-author of “Foxes in the Henhouse: How the Republicans Stole the South and the Heartland and What the Democrats Must Do to Throw ‘Em Out.” I bet he’s just as colorful online as he is in person. Check it out here…

You are cordially invited to the

announcement of

Brent McKenzie

as a

Candidate for School Board

in the

Rose Hall District of Virginia Beach

on

Tuesday, July 22^nd

6:00 - 8:00 PM

at the

Town Center City Club

222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 230
Virginia Beach

Kindly RSVP to

757-816-2736 or Mckenzie.brent@gmail.com

“Superintendent” $250 “Principal” $100

“Teacher” $50 “Student” $35

Please make checks payable to Friends of Brent Mckenzie

The League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Obama. This not a big surprise. Obama has earned an impressive lifetime legislative record of supporting environmental issues 86% of the time, compared to McCain’s paltry 24%.

The Virginian-Pilot reports today that the number of 18-25 year olds in Virginia who have registered to vote in this year’s presidential election has increased by 10% this year - twice the rate of all Virginia voters. That’s good news for Obama.

Continue Reading »

(h/t SWAC Girl)

While some (like Bearing Drift, or what was that new name for them, David?) see this as an indictment of Jim Gilmore, I think it is also partly an indictment of John McSame. What do you think?

So asks my buddy Chris Jaramillo. Here’s a great write-up of Friday’s “events” from MyFox News Hampton Roads:

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The shouts of protesters turned an area of Town Center in Virginia Beach into an outdoor courtroom.

“Arrest Karl Rove! Arrest Karl Rove!” they yelled.

A man wearing devil’s horns and a Karl Rove mask made of paper stood as the accused in a mock trial. The jury of protesters charge him with several crimes including exposing a CIA operative… and most recently refusing to testify before Congress after being subpoenaed. Each accusation received the same verdict.

“What is your verdict? Guilty!”

The demonstration near the fountain was to counter, an event inside the Ruth’s Criss Steak House. President Bush’s former adviser, Karl Rove spoke to a crowd of Republicans on behalf of 2nd District Congresswoman Thelma Drake. After the fundraiser, Rove explained to reporters why he did not testify.

“A President has a right to counsel and advice from senior aids without being called up to Congress on the whim of Congress.”

Rove says his attorneys offered 5 times to meet with the House Judiciary Committee and answer questions. As for how his controversies might impact Drake’s campaign…

“I am a controversial figure. James Carville is a controversial figure. That’s just the way politics is today.”

But the protesters and some 2nd District voters disagree. Donna Digati of Virginia Beach told Virginiapolitics.tv, “It’s shocking that Thelma Drake would have him as her honored guest at a 25-hundred dollar plate luncheon and the man is in contempt of Congress.” Digati held a sign accusing Rove and Drake of being liars.

Drake’s Democratic opponent Glenn Nye was not available for comment - but his supporters like Democratic State Delegate Ward Armstrong spoke with Virginiapolitics.tv “Why not say, I disagree with what he’s done, she may very well have to vote on it in a few weeks in a contempt of Congress. Why in the world would you say that and continue to associate yourself with his administration,” Armstrong said.

The Virginia House Minority leader also said re-electing Drake was “to elect a 3rd term of George Bush.”

Drake responded to such comments with, “Karl Rove and I, George Bush and I, are republicans. Our philosophy of life is very similar. So it’s not unusual to agree in a lot of areas. But there are a lot of areas where I disagree with President Bush.”

Karl Rove and I, George Bush and I, are all soon out of office and out of power!

From the DPVA:

Today, Jim Gilmore continued to show that he won’t let the facts get in the way of a good slogan.

At this morning’s debate, Gilmore continued to sell pie-in-the-sky ideas that offshore drilling would “produce oil now” and lower gas prices.

This, despite the fact that Bush’s own Energy Information Administration has projected that offshore drilling won’t produce a drop of oil for almost 10 years and won’t lower gas prices until at least 2030.

In honor of Gilmore’s steadfast denial of the facts, the Democratic Party of Virginia released the following video today, entitled “Baloney.”

I frankly don’t have the energy to weed through the nonsense that Thelma Drake spews forward in her enewsletters. But Ant with AMS2FX did! Check it out! (Spotter, you will especially like the intro to the post.)

It’s a long post because there is so much stupidity to wade through. But I think this particular line sums it up fairly well: “What she does support is lying through her teeth by talking about two different things, relying on people not to notice.”

Nice analysis, Ant. What a painful job, but you did it! Thanks.

(Photo credit: Virginian-Pilot)

As David Campbell reported yesterday, water testing done in areas around a Chesapeake golf course sculpted from 1.5 million tons of Dominion’s fly ash have shown elevated levels of arsenic, lead and other contaminants. City officials informed the area residents of that Thursday and were yesterday asking the EPA for a “preliminary site assessment”, a first step, as the Virginian-Pilot reports, toward potentially being declared a Superfund site.

“If contamination is discovered in homeowners’ water, which comes from wells, the city will look for what Hallman called ‘responsible parties’ to foot the bill for any costly public utilties upgrades. Those parties could include Dominion Virginia Power and the original developers of the golf course, CPM Virginia LLC, he said.”

And this is rich. Chesapeake’s City Attorney Ron Hallman is already throwing up his hands saying the “city has done nothing wrong in the process.”. He’s pointing the finger squarely at Dominion and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality.

When a Dominion Virginia Power representative came in front of the city asking for approval, Hallman said, the company provided officials with a report that gave a “clean bill of health” to fly ash, a residue left from the burning of coal for electricity.

“We’ve relied in good faith on Dominion Power, who has assured us it was safe, on DEQ, who has assured us it was safe, and others.”

Dominion and the course’s original developers long have maintained that the fly ash used on the course was treated to prevent contaminants from leaching. With tests on the golf club’s wells showing high levels of arsenic and lead, Hallman said, he now has doubts about the information originally presented by Dominion.

Dominion officials had little to say Friday about the recent test results.

Imagine that!!! Dominion lies?!? You’re kidding me!?

More questions than answers, writes David. You have to wonder about Dominion’s influence over DEQ in writing the type of regulation that would have allowed this application of fly ash. Dominion had to get rid of the nasty stuff and paying a golf course to take it was probably cheaper than having to deposit it in a land fill. And then you have to wonder about the dirty golf course and how in 2007 it got itself sold to a third owner who just so happens to be Thelma Drake’s son. From the Virginian-Pilot:

“The project took off in early 2007 with a third acquisition of the property - by a Norfolk-based LLC managed by J. Mark Sawyers, son of U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake. Sawyers’ company bought the property from Wallace’s company for $700,000, about $500,000 less than the assessed value of the property, city real estate records show…The same month Sawyers’ company acquired the golf course - January 2007 - it was granted a tax break from the city.”

Shady dealings, indeed! Too bad it had to get to the point where residents’ health was jeopardized. So when it comes to the power plant in Wise County… are we going to continue to just trust Dominion, DEQ and some of our electeds? What’s the saying… fool me once, shame on you… fool me twice, shame on who?

The Washington Post has put it to speculation that Jody Wagner will soon quit her job as Secretary of Finance to run for Lieutenant Governor. Such a move sets up a Democratic primary as Russell County’s Jon Bowerbank has already very clearly signaled his intentions to run for that seat.

This is good news for Democrats. There is nothing healthier for the party than a good, heated debate on the issues. We’ll scratch them out as we also consider Creigh Deeds vs. Brian Moran for the Governor spot.

I know exactly where I stand of the issues, where on a scale of most important to mildly important, they run as follows: 1. the environment, 2. human rights tied with reproductive rights, 3. economic development, 4. transparency in government, and 5. education. I’m also fast losing my patience with candidates who pander. I’m awarded that luxury as we work hard to get more and more Virginia Democrats elected to office. We don’t have to put up with Republican-lite anymore. Thank God!

Let me also add that I put a tremendous amount of stock in a candidate that embraces the Netroots. I see it as a sign that the candidate is available to being put under our microscope when it comes to the issues and that they value the often “think outside the box” insight that us political blogging wonks have to offer. I tend to hold grudges when anyone blows me off. Since I believe in the 11th commandment, they’ll get the silent treatment from me, which is the way I usually handles things when I’m not happy.

And I’m not saying that any of the 2009 candidates have done that, either. I’m just saying…

Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement on the death of former Virginia State Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr., who represented the 36th senatorial district from 1972 to 2000. He has also ordered the state’s flags flown at half staff to honor Senator Gartlan.

“Senator Gartlan was a true statesman. He wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to issues of social and economic justice,” said Governor Kaine. “He was a tireless and effective advocate for the environment, the mentally and physically disabled, and for abused and neglected children. He spearheaded efforts for funding natural resources and human service programs during his almost three decades of public service. His role was critical in galvanizing the regional efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

“He earned the respect of both parties for his intellect, integrity, and force of will. Over the years, he served as chairman of three Senate committees – Courts of Justice, Privileges and Elections, and Rehabilitation and Social Services. He also was a bold and active member of the Senate Finance committee, where he chaired the human services subcommittee.

“This is a sad day for Virginia, and our hearts are with Senator Gartlan’s family and many friends.”

On behalf of the independent-minded voters of the Commonwealth, the Democratic Party of Virginia would like to ask Thelma Drake three questions about her Friday fundraiser with Bush operative - and Congressional runaway - Karl Rove.

1. If the full House votes on contempt of Congress charges for Karl Rove, how will you vote?

2. Do you think it’s appropriate to hold an event with Karl Rove, given the fact that he’s currently fleeing from a Congressional subpoena?

3. In your literature, you claim to be ‘changing the way Washington does business.’ How do you plan to change Washington when you’re asking for favors from the worst perpetrator of Washington-style divisive politics?

Great questions! Paging Thelma Drake!

BREAKING: The House Judiciary Committee just voted 7-1 that Rove’s claim to immunity is invalid.

From Robert Greenwald, Brave New World:

This sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. We have a unique opportunity right now to send Karl Rove to jail, but only if we take immediate action.

All we have to do is pressure the 40 members of the House Judiciary Committee, make them hold Rove in contempt and send him to jail. We’ve never had such a direct opportunity to hold Rove accountable. No, this is not enough punishment for his years and years of crimes, but it’s a huge start, and will send a very clear message to the entire Bush administration.

We put together this video to explain the issues surrounding Rove’s failure to testify before Congress, and why Rove should be held in contempt and sent to jail. Check out Send Karl Rove to Jail, and sign our petition to ensure that the HJC holds Rove in contempt.

Watch the video and sign the petition.

Thelma “Tra La La” Drake was presented with a golden opportunity to quickly deliver more oil and gas to her constituents suffering from rising gas prices and she blew it! She and Rep. Robb Wittman voted against the Drill Now Act that would have forced her Big Oil buddies quickly and easily increase domestic production by opening up 68 million acres of American oil-producing land sitting leased, available—and idle. (Rep. Randy Forbes, BTW, voted with his constituents and in support of the bill.)

She has now 100% exposed herself as a total Bush flunky adding and assisting Big Oil in its desperate land grab in the waning months of having oil men in the White House. As George Bush goes, so too shall Thelma… as in out the door!

“Well tests conducted on a golf course sculpted from 1.5 million tons of fly ash have revealed elevated levels of arsenic, lead and other contaminants…The test results, based on average readings from the three monitoring wells, found arsenic at 8 times the drinking water standard and lead at more than 5 times the standard.”

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I’m having a blast (albeit an expensive blast) at Netroots Nation in Austin, TX. Today was day 1 of 4 and we’re off to a great start!

“Between 2,000 and 3,000 liberal-leaning bloggers are getting some face time this week, in hopes of gathering strength before the fall election”, writes cnet news. And that face time is truly why this conference is so much fun and important.

Today was day 1 of 4 where each day is jammed backed with sessions to choose from. I missed the first session this morning. I attended the “State level blogger caucus” during the second session and bumped into Beachmom, Ben from NLS and Miles from The Green Miles. Beachmom and I joined about 7 or 8 of my Sierra Club colleagues over lunch (Ironworks BBQ - yum!). We missed the Howard Dean rally however. After lunch, Beachmom went to a Mommy bloggers caucus and I went to the DFA’s “Crafting your message” session which was very good. Then I went to the Blogs United session followed by a MyDD session where they handed out free Bud Lites. I’m on a break before heading back for Gov. Howard Dean’s Keynote address this evening and some bar-hopping after that.

Saturday night I’m meeting up with an old high school friend who I haven’t seen since 1978 when we graduated from high school. We’re headed to Hoovers, a place he says “serves southern-style food with a really good point of view”. Cool!

I love mentioning that I’m from Virginia’s 2nd, home of Thelma “Tra La La” Drake. I love the reaction I get! Ha!

Democrats are calling GOPpers’ bluff with their discount dental clinic adage. “Drill on the leases you have, or let somebody else do it - but don’t just sit on them while Americans are paying $4 a gallon”, said Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer. “Use it or lose it.”

The DRILL Act stands for “Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands”. As we transition to a clean energy economy, it is only common sense to drill on the 68 million acres of American oil-producing land sitting leased, available—and idle. “I see no reason to give even more handouts of public land to companies enjoying record profits and billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies. Let them start on the land they already have”, said Hoyer.

DRILL Act increases domestic oil production — exactly what Repugs say we should be doing - but unlike their plan, delivers more oil and faster.

Makes sense to me!

“We need your service, right now, at this moment - our moment - in history. I’m not going to tell you what your role should be; that’s for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history.” - Barack Obama

And the best place to start is by checking out Obama’s new Virginia Beach office! The grand opening is Saturday, July 19 at 2pm. The new office is located at 3613 Virginia Beach Blvd., the front office in TranSouth Square. Take the Rosemont exit from Hwy 264. Additional parking behind the piano store.

For more info, contact Matt Kresling at 310-902-7182. Also, click on the “Get Active” tab above to learn more about the Coordinated Campaign that is run out of our place over on Cleveland Street in the BB&T building. This weekend they’ll be pushing our “Energy Independence” message on voters. Help us confront the Republican lies about offshore drilling - the wrong way to alleviate the energy problems we are facing at the moment. Senator Obama, Gov. Warner, and Glenn Nye have a different idea, and we are going to tell people about it.

FYI… $52 frickin’ million dollars… Continue Reading »

There has been some encouraging progress in addressing some of the air pollution issues at local port facilities that I had raised in previous posts.

In March, the EPA announced new air pollution regulations that require diesel-burning tug boats and other vessels (as well as trains) to cut soot emissions by 90% and smog-causing chemicals by 80%. The regulations will be phased in starting next year, with all ships and trains expected to meet the new standards by 2030. Perhaps that schedule could be accelerated by a more aggressive administration.

Last month, the Senate unanimously passed “The Marine Pollution Prevention Act of 2008″ that was overwhelmingly approved by the House last year. It would authorize the U.S. to join an international treaty that could dramatically cut cargo and cruise ship pollution. President Bush has resisted such a treaty, but a new administration could quickly get on board.

Locally, the Virginia Port Authority will announce tomorrow that it has received a $750,000 EPA grant to help pay for three low-emission yard switchers at the Norfolk International Terminals. This will save the port an estimated $143,000 per year in fuel costs and reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by 80-90%. Last month, the port received certification for its environmental management systems from the International Organization for Standardization.

All of these measures will eventually help reduce fine particle pollution from our local ports.

Thelma Drake again offers nothing but false platitudes instead of sound energy policy as she shamelessly panders to her constituents’ panic reaction to rising gas prices. Her latest is a desperate revival of someone else’s old failed bill. And just like her plan for offshore drilling, it would have no real affect on gas prices. “Yet here Thelma Drake goes again, playing partisan Washington politics instead of offering solutions to our energy crisis,” writes Glenn Nye in a statement.

The bill would reduce the number of “boutique” fuels currently in the system. These are specialty blends designed to cut pollution from cars and trucks. When a oddly similar bill was offered in election year 2006, the EPA contradicting claims made by Big Oil’s pawns (Bush, Drake, et al) and reported that boutique fuels did not contributed to higher gasoline prices and instead provided “significant, cost-effective air-quality improvements”. The American Petroleum Institute stated that the “implementation of this legislation would not address the most important drivers of the gasoline price increases”. The National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, said at a Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on gasoline prices that reducing boutique fuels “may not provide the supply relief that many advocates think” and could be counterproductive. (Source: The Hill)

Now the patron of the 2006 bill, Rep. Joe Barton (TX) saw the writing on the wall and “backed off after industry and government officials expressed doubts that the fuel types were a major contributor to the price increase.

And then along comes Thelma…

“Just this year, Thelma Drake has voted against drilling in the places where oil can be brought to market fastest and against stopping price gouging at the pump. And she’s done nothing to help balance the budget and stabilize the dollar, which would have a real impact on gas prices in our nation. We need real leadership, not more partisan politics”, said Nye.

Major Williamsburg employer Anheuser-Busch has been sold to Belgian brewer InBev. Cindy McCain will make millions on the deal.

At least she will be able to afford gas for her airplane, which she absolutely needs because “in Arizona the only way to get around the state is by small private plane.”

It’s probably an exercise in futility trying to make any Republican understand how absolutely repulsive it is that Thelma Drake, an incumbent - as in someone currently representing decent honest Americans, could voluntarily and happily bring in someone like Karl Rove to fundraise for her. But apparently, money is money to them, however dirty it is.

The man has defied a Congressional subpoena and now faces contempt of Congress charges. Any decent American would have the same reaction as Delegate Joe Bouchard did with this statement: “I hope she will cancel the event,” Bouchard said, “and choose her constituents over her loyalty to Rove.” “It’s surprising that our Congresswoman would associate with a man who could be facing contempt of Congress charges”, he added.

So much about Thelma Drake makes my skin crawl: “They didn’t want to leave”, she says about victims of Hurricane Katrina as an excuse for the disastrous job her beloved George Bush did. “Things are going very well in Iraq”, she says as the U.S. realizes such tremendous loss of life. She runs away from veterans who demand answers, locks the doors to her office in fear of mid-aged paunchy people who albeit don’t like her but pose no more threat than any average public speaker at a City Council meeting. She’s a total sellout to Big Oil and votes against the 11,000 children in Virginia without health insurance. I could go on and on. But this thing with Karl Rove really takes the cake. What a disgusting woman!