Drake joins "gang of 22" in bipartisan energy proposal

Need to play a bit of catch-up (the Shad Plank team has been a bit short-handed this week):

U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, was one of the "gang of 22" lawmakers who unveiled an energy proposal yesterday. The gang was decidedly bipartisan -- 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats, a group put together by Reps. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, and John Peterson, R-Penn.

Their plan, which was weeks in the making, would allow offshore drilling that is at least 25 miles off the coast. A Drake-drafted addition would allow individual states to increase that to 50 miles, which is the distance that Virginia lawmakers have supported.

Another portion of the plan that was added at Drake's request: the map of how offshore revenue would be divided among states was altered to expand Virginia's share of the pot.

The proposal, called the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act, would retain the ban on drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.

Glenn Nye, Drake's Democratic challenger in the November election, announced today that he will detail his own energy proposals at a press conference/campaign event Saturday morning.

Big swings on the Kaine Veepometer

Big changes on the Tim Kaine-for-veep watch.

1. The Hill reports that the former Hillary Clinton campaign staffers who were urging Barack Obama to select Clinton as a running mate have given up. They say she's not in the running and have closed down their Web site. This might have been worth a point in Kaine's favor, but I'm pretty sure that everyone in the country except these former staffers already knew that she wasn't in the running. Zero points. Running total: +4.

2. Anonymous is a Woman says she is "willing to go out on a limb and predict Tim Kaine is not going to be Obama’s VP pick" because Kaine is talking about the possibility himself. That costs Kaine a point and takes the running total to +3. But it gets worse.

3. Newsweek's "Stumper" also writes about Kaine's willingness (eagerness?) to be in the spotlight, and says it all may be just a diversionary tactic -- a clever ploy by the Obama camp to keep reporters from thinking about other possible picks. That possibility costs Kaine two more points, bringing the veepometer running total down to a measly +1.

But....

We're not falling for it. We know a diversionary tactic when we see it and this business of calling Kaine a diversionary tactic is itself clearly a diversionary tactic meant to keep us from continuing to speculate about Kaine's chances. Devilishly clever, that.

And there is also -- again thanks to Stumper -- a Kaine YouTube moment: the guv on his harmonica playing along with a bluegrass band. "I'd say this vaults him into first place, at least among shortlisters, for the coveted role of Obama's Ambassador to Appalachia," Stumper writes. Now there's an endorsement ... though it does come from a Princeton grad who lives in Brooklyn. Still, if Obama sends Kaine out with Mark Warner and Jim Webb he would have his very own Soggy Bottom Boys. And that prospect, along with this video:

...are good for five points. New Kaine Veepometer running total: +6

At the moment, the veepometer tilts toward Kaine (but stay tuned)

Here are the morning's hot developments on the Tim Kaine veepometer:

1. AP is reporting that, on his call-in radio show, the governor said he is not planning a speech for the Democratic convention. For those of you keeping score, this would be minus one point.

2. In the same story, AP reports that Kaine also "burnished his chief policy qualifications: education and economic development." That's worth at least two plus points. Running total: +1

3. Kerry Dougherty's column in the Pilot this morning is an open letter to Barack Obama, urging him to choose Kaine. Zero points. Running total: +1

4. New York Times op-ed contributor Dan Schnur says Kaine would be a bad choice. Plus two points. Running total: +3

5. Schnur was the national communications director for John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign. And he doesn't like Mitt Romney as a veep choice, either. Minus two points. Running total: +1

6. Kaine was interviewed for an hour last night by Charlie Rose. Plus three points. Running total: +4

We'll keep you posted as the veepometer fluctuates.

Tim Kaine and the VP conundrum.

In case you don't get Time magazine, here's an interesting piece on the politics behind Sen. Barack Obama and his choice for vice president.

The analysis from Michael Duffy suggests that Obama can either shore up his weaknesses or "double down." If he shores up, expect a choice like Sen. Joe Biden, a Washington vet with foreign policy credentials.

If he doubles down -- picking someone just like himself -- he goes with Kaine, stressing the whole change thing.

Or he could split the difference with someone like Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana.

Anyway, it's food for thought until the next hot rumor comes along.

House recommends contempt charges against Rove...

It's unclear what's going to happen to Karl Rove, even though Hampton Roads protestors found him guilty in a mock trial outside of a Virginia Beach Ruth Chris Steakhouse a few weeks back.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee broke - surprise - along partisan lines to recommend contempt charges against the one-time top White House political operative sometimes referred to as Bush's brain.

The charges would be largely symbolic, because it's hard to imagine President George Bush would allow anything to really happen to Rove. But the committee vote sends the issue to the full House floor, which could force sitting Republicans to vote in support of Rove - an always polarizing figure who now does analysis for Fox News.

Democrats are now turning the spotlight onto fellow GOPers like U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, who held a fundraiser with Rove just this month. Democrats think that if Rove is willing to come raise money for Drake than she shouldn't be able to vote in support of Rove.

For the full story on the vote click here.

Wittman to propose "substantial legislation" on bay water quality

1st Congressional District Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, plans to introduce what his office is calling "substantial legislation to deal with water quality in the Chesapeake Bay" in the next day or two.

Before being elected to replace the late U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis, Wittman was a state delegate and worked as a shellfish specialist for the Virginia Health Department. From a statement he gave today to the House Water Resources and Environment subcommittee, it seems that his legislation will focus on inventorying and evaluating the cleanup efforts already in place and on restoring habitat for water fowl.

"Both commercial and sport fishing industries are suffering from poor water quality in the Bay," Wittman said. 

"By cleaning up the Bay we can increase the oysters, crabs and fish available to both commercial and sport fisherman.  Waterman and fisherman contribute to local economies and these men and women also represent an important part of the heritage of the Bay.  We must make sure this way of life does not fade into history."

To read his full statement to the subcommittee, click here.

Virginia 21 gets a new boss.

The Shad Plank congratulates Steven Jones, who has been named executive director of Virginia21, a group that lobbies the General Assembly on behalf of the college crowd.

Jones joined the group as its deputy director in 2006. He will oversee all aspects of the organization, including fund-raising, policy development and advocating various issues.

Virginia21 has scored several legislative successes, including passage of a measure aimed at helping students find less expensive textbooks. Its 2009 agenda will take shape after students return in the fall.

"We like to derive all of our ideas from the students," said Jones.

A group of student leaders meets regularly to hash out business. They'll meet again in the next two weeks, and at that point will toss around ideas to take back to individual campuses.

One item already on Virginia21's agenda: Establishment of a full-time sexual violence prevention coordinator at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Jones said SCHEV had such a position, but it ran into funding problems.

Earlier this year, Del. Glenn Oder, R-Newport News, sponsored legislation to re-establish the position, but it never went beyond a subcommittee.

Jones is a 2006 graduate of Longwood University. He served as the College Republican Field Director during the 2005 campaign for governor and interned for Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City.

While we're at it, let's congratulate Emily Webb, the new deputy director for Virginia21. She is a 2008 graduate of Virginia Tech where she received her bachelor's degree in political science.

Gilmore meets up with some old ... friends?

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore stopped by York County on Monday as part of his Working Families Tour. I counted about 40 people, more or less, who braved the summer heat for a chance to bend the ear of the Republican senatorial candidate at the President's Park Museum.

After Gilmore's spoke, he circulated through the crowd to shake a few hands.

Arriving a bit late was Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City. This is the same Norment who was a fierce opponent of Gilmore during the 2001 General Assembly session, when a debate over the phase-out of the car tax split the Republican Party.

Apparently, time heals old wounds -- or at least provides an effective numbing agent.

A smiling Norment walked up to Gilmore and the two men shook hands. Norment said he wanted to "pay his respects." Gilmore responded in kind, sizing up Norment and saying, "You look good."

Norment thanked Gilmore for his "hard work."

Perhaps this isn't much different than last year's 1st District Senate race, when Norment ended up supporting conservative, anti-tax Tricia Stall who unexpectedly wrested the GOP nomination away from Sen. Marty Williams of Newport News.

It wiill be interesting to see if Norment supports Gilmore's campaign with more than a handshake and a smile. Norment has never considered himself part of the No-Taxes-At-Any-Cost wing of the Republican Party, but he's also seen the GOP lose its majority in the Senate, and Republicans have circled the wagons against Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine.

Should be an interesting fall.

10 reasons to choose Tim Kaine ... and 10 reasons not to

Gov. Tim Kaine did nothing Tuesday to dampen the tongue-wagging about his potential as a running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Appearing on WTOP radio, Kaine did not commit to finishing his term as governor. Pressed for details about his talks with Obama, he politely said it wasn’t the public’s business, at least for now.

So here, for the Obama campaign’s benefit, and with a lot of help from Hugh Lessig, are the top 10 reasons to choose Tim Kaine as a running mate ... and the top 10 reasons not to.

Top 10 Reasons to choose Tim Kaine
No. 10: It doesn’t really matter. George W. Bush won despite Dick Cheney, and George H.W. Bush won despite Dan Quayle. John Kerry couldn’t carry North Carolina with John Edwards, and the estimable Lloyd Bentsen couldn’t save Mike Dukakis.
No. 9: He’s not Dan Quayle. Kaine is an aggressive campaigner who enjoys mixing it up. Remember that deer-in-the-headlights look from Quayle when he became the running mate of former President Bush? You wouldn’t get that from Kaine. A former Richmond mayor, he is schooled in rough-and-tumble city council politics. As a candidate for governor, he is debate-tested. And we bet he can spell “potato.”
No. 8: Not likely to be YouTubed. As George Allen and Jesse Jackson will attest, the microphone is always on. Kaine is a disciplined campaigner who can be friendly with the press without dropping his guard.
No. 7: Kaine’s personal appeal. A Roman Catholic, he once served as a missionary in Honduras. He speaks fluent Spanish. He was a civil rights lawyer. Obama wants to attract Latinos and the faith community, and Kaine’s resume can help.
No. 6: Virginia Tech. Kaine’s most memorable moment in the spotlight is one that he wishes never happened. The eyes of the nation focused on Virginia Tech after a horrific campus shooting in April 2007. Kaine rushed back to the United States from an overseas trip and gave a heartfelt speech on national television.
No. 5: He has executive experience. A governor deals with key sectors of the economy all the time. He works to attract business. He develops budgets. Kaine’s experience would complement Obama’s resume.
No. 4: That “change” thing. Obama loves to blast away at business-as-usual Washington. Kaine provides a beyond-the-Beltway perspective. Obama and Kaine would give Democrats a Young Guns ticket that symbolizes a time of transformation.
No. 3: It is not a “political” marriage. These guys actually like each other. Obama campaigned for Kaine when Kaine was running for governor, and Kaine became the first governor outside of Illinois to endorse Obama for president.
No. 2: Virginia, Virginia, Virginia. The Old Dominion hasn’t backed a Democrat for president since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. If Obama really wants to redraw the electoral map, Kaine might help him deliver.
No. 1: The top reason to choose Tim Kaine? He plays the harmonica. Go ahead and laugh, but Bill Clinton probably won a few votes when he donned sunglasses and played the sax on national TV. Would Kaine rock with his harmonica on MTV?

Top 10 reasons not to choose Tim Kaine
No. 10: It doesn’t really matter. See No. 10 reason to choose Tim Kaine.
No. 9: He’s too partisan. An aggressive campaigner, Kaine is all-too-eager to take on Republicans. During the transportation debate this year, he essentially dared the GOP to put up or shut up. Obama talks about breaking down old barriers. Does Kaine fit the mold?
No. 8: Drop the prepared text. To put it nicely, one candidate on the Obama/Kaine team would be really good at giving prepared speeches. Reading from a teleprompter would have to be kept to a minimum.
No. 7: Tim who? With less than 100 days to Election Day, will Kaine have enough time to sell himself to voters outside of Virginia?
No. 6: Kaine would leave Virginia to the Republicans. If Kaine is elected vice president, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a conservative Republican, moves into the Executive Mansion and could run for a full term in 2009.
No. 5: Lack of executive experience. Yes, this experience thing cuts both ways. Kaine has only been governor since 2006. Before that, he was the council-appointed mayor of Richmond. Republicans could exploit an Obama/Kaine ticket as too young and inexperienced.
No. 4: Kaine’s record, or lack of one, as governor. Since taking office in 2006, the governor has failed to rally support for a transportation funding plan. He pushed through reforms in mental health, but that was propelled by the Virginia Tech tragedy.
No. 3: Kaine and Obama are very much alike. Is that a good thing? Why not balance the ticket with a governor like Pennsylvania’s Ed Rendell, who backed Hillary Clinton and appeals to blue-collar voters?
No. 2: No foreign policy experience. Voters remain concerned about fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ticking time bomb that is Iraq. Kaine’s missionary experience doesn’t exactly prepare him for geopolitics.
No. 1: The top reason not to choose Tim Kaine? The Eyebrow. You know what we mean. Kaine’s arcing eyebrow is the only thing most people remember about the governor’s Democratic response to the State of the Union Address in 2006. Don’t believe us? Go Google “Tim Kaine eyebrow” and see what you get.

Kaine under 'serious' consideration for VP

According to stories in The Washington Post and Politico.com, Gov. Tim Kaine is getting a serious look as a vice presidential candidate from Sen. Barack Obama.

Reports indicate that Kaine is being formally vetted, that he's been asked to supply documents to the Obama campaign, and that his name is on a very short list that includes Sen. Joe Biden, former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn, and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.

The stories cite Kaine's personal biography, his outside-the-Beltway perspective and his personal friendship with Obama.

Kaine will appear this morning on WTOP radio in Washington, D.C. for his regularly scheduled monthly call-in show. Anyone care to guess what the first question will be?

We'll keep you posted.