Bachmann got law degree from William and Mary

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who recently announced her presidential bid, received her Master of Laws degree from the College of William and Mary in 1988. Bachmann's studies focused on tax law, according to her congressional website. The program is no longer offered.

 On Sunday, Bachmann referenced the degree when defending her credentials to Fox News host Chris Wallace. Wallace had asked whether or not she was a 'flake'. He later apologized for the question.

The course of study may have been influential in developing Bachmann's views on federal tax policy. She's a favorite among many Tea Party groups.

If elected, Bachmann would be the fifth U.S. president to be educated at the school and would join some rather elite company. The four presidents to attend the school were George Washington (he got his surveyor's certificate), Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler, according to the college's website.

"William & Mary is the alma mater of a nation so it is always a pleasure to watch an alumna of the university take an active role in the nation’s political life," said Brian Whitson, a spokesman for the school.

Rigell guests on C-SPAN's Washington Journal

U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, weighed in on President Obama's Afghanistan speech on C-SPAN's Washington Journal Thursday.

Rigell said he disagreed with Sen. John McCain's assertion that the U.S. needed to leave a larger force on the ground.

Rigell said that because of the mobile nature of al Qaeda, pointing out that Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, the U.S. needed a "lighter footprint" in Afghanistan.

As the Daily Press reported on Wednesday night, the President's speech was met with reservation by Hampton Roads' congressional members. Here's the video:

 

 

James City County businessman Mike Watson enters race for 93rd District seat

Mike Watson, a James City County Republican, is launching a bid to challenge Del. Robin Abbott, D-Newport News, in the 93rd District.

A political newcomer, Watson is president of Control Automation Technologies Corp. and CATLab Accredited Calibration Laboratories.

The seat he is seeking was formerly held by disgraced ex-Del. Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News.

Abbott defeated Hamilton in 2009, in a campaign dominated by issues surrounding his job at an Old Dominion University teacher training center. Hamilton was convicted earlier this year on federal corruption charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Watson is the first Republican to file to get in the race in the 93rd District. State redistricting added several historically Republican precincts to the district, which stretches across Newport News, York County, Williamsburg and James City County. 

Loyola gets Rigell endorsement in 6th District Senate race

Ben Loyola, vying to be the Republican nominee for the 6th District Virginia Senate race, picked up the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, on Monday. Loyola was one of the candidates Rigell defeated last year for the GOP nomination in the 2nd Congressional District. (Rigell went on to defeat freshman Democrat Glenn Nye.)

Here's the statement from Rigell:

Ben Loyola is the right leader for the Virginia Senate. As a small business owner, he knows what it takes to create jobs and get our economy moving again. As a conservative and a naval veteran, he knows that freedom is not free and will be an important voice for limited government in Richmond.   I know he will work with Governor Bob McDonnell to control government spending and to create new economic investment. That is why I’m proud to support Ben Loyola for the Virginia Senate.

Rigell's congressional district overlaps with most of the 6th District. Loyola also heaped praise on Rigell in the news release, adding in:

Rep. Rigell and I have campaigned together so much, I really consider him a 'brother in combat'. His campaign helped Republicans regain the House of Representatives and since then he has been a strong leader for controlling spending and bringing accountability to government. I look forward to partnering with him and Governor Bob McDonnell to accomplish the same mission in the Virginia Senate.

Loyola is competing for the nomination against  Joanne Lapetina, a Norfolk physician.  John Amiral, who previously ran for House of Delegates in the 87th District, was a candidate but announced today that he has decided not to run.

The seat is currently held by State Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, who is serving his first term. The nominee will be decided at a party convention on July 9.