BaCote to face Libertarian challenge in 95th

Libertarian candidate Glenn McGuire has filed to challenge Del. Mamye BaCote, D-Newport News, in November for the House's 95th District.

McGuire was not available for comment, but he is listed as the Treasurer of the Virginia Peninsula Libertarian Party on the group's website.

This is the first challenger BaCote has faced since she defeated Republican challenger Sean V. Devlin in 2005, garnering nearly 73 percent of the votes cast. BaCote first won her seat in 2003.

Rep. Scott to hold tele town hall tomorrow

Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, will be holding a telephone town hall tomorrow to discuss the recent budget deal in Washington that raised the nation's debt limit with constituents.

Scott voted "no" on the deal reached between Congressional leaders and President Barack Obama that raised the debt ceiling in exchange for what will be nearly $2.5 trillion in budget cuts. He has also heavily criticized proposals on a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution that were put forward during the debate.

The tele town hall will take place at 7 p.m. Tues., Aug 23.

Any one wishing to participate can call in at 1-877-229-8943 and then enter code 18507# to take part.

Yancey calls Oder a role model

Republican David Yancey said he would model himself after departing Del. G. Glenn Oder, R-Newport News, after being selected as the GOP nominee to replace him last week.

Yancey said he wanted to be a "consensus builder" and work across party lines.

"I think he's the role model of what a delegate should be," Yancey told the Daily Press last Wednesday.

Christopher Newport University political scientist Quentin Kidd described Oder as a "progressive Republican."

That reputation didn't always work to Oder's benefit. He drew criticism in 2004 for supporting Gov. Mark Warner's tax increase plan as part of the "Gang of 17."

Yancey, 39, a Newport News businessman, declined to say whether or not he'd sign a no-tax increase pledge, like the one touted by Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform. "People know my word is my bond," Yancey said. "Raising taxes equals killing jobs."

Democrats will caucus to decide their 94th District nominee on Aug. 22. Newport News attorney Gary West, who challenged Oder in 2009, is the sole candidate to file paperwork to run in the caucus.

VA Dems question Gov. McDonnell's interest in GOP VP nod

With his political star rising on the national stage as he takes over leadership of the Republican Governors Association, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said he would be "very interested" in running for vice president on the 2012 GOP presidential ticket in a story that ran on Politico on Monday.

This has the Democratic Party of Virginia questioning McDonnell's commitment to the state and completing his term as governor, which ends in January 2014.

"We're pretty concerned. We've suspected for awhile that it wasn't quite Bob's for jobs it was probably just Bob for Bob," DPVA executive director David Mills said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning. "McDonnell has hinted at his desire to run for higher office in the recent past too, but this is by far in our view the most definitive statement he's made that he'd be willing to leave us and head out to the national scene and leave that time remaining on his term."

Mills pointed out that McDonnell left his job as attorney general before his term was up in order to run for governor and on the campaign trail he said more than once that he would fulfill his full term as governor if elected.

"The governor basically needs to be asked a simple question, was he being dishonest when he said he intended to serve his full term or has he flip-flopped on the matter?" Mills said.

While McDonnell said he was interested in being asked to run for vice president, he was vague about whether he would actually accept.

"I'd be very interested. It's a swing state. I'm not asking for the call. I'm not looking for the call. As I've said many times, I've got the best job in America," McDonnell told Politico.

"But I think anybody who is in public life, if a presidential nominee called him and said, 'I need your help to win,' it would be a tremendous honor," he said. "We'll see. It's going to be seven, eight, nine months before any of these decisions are made."

 McDonnell followed up in an interview with the Washington Post in a story that ran Monday.

“I’m not campaigning for it. I’m not lobbying for it. I’m not asking for it. I’m not expecting it all,’’ McDonnell told the Post. “All I’ve said is if any governor in America gets a call from a candidate and says ‘Hey, I’d like you to help my ticket. Would you be on it?’ I’d say sure, I’d think about it.”

The Post also reported that McDonnell said "he intends to complete his term as governor, which ends in January 2014."

Mills said McDonnell's priority should be Virginia and its economy rather than national politics, noting the commonwealth lost 14,000 jobs in June.

Despite the state's job losses, Virginia's 6 percent unemployment rate stands far below the nation's jobless rate of 9.1 percent.

McDonnell takes over the RGA after Texas Gov. Rick Perry left the post to join the crowded fray for the GOP presidential nomination last week. The job will enhance the governor's presence on the national political scene as he travels around the country in support of the 29 Republicans who serve as governors, and as he works on efforts to increase those numbers.

This is not the first time Virginians have had to wonder if their governor would leave his post for a vice presidential run. In 2008, then Gov. Tim Kaine was on the short list to be President Barack Obama's running mate.

Ultimately the question was never answered as Obama chose Joe Bidden, then  U.S. Senator from Delaware, to share the ticket.

"I think what Gov. Kaine could or could not have become is a little bit  hypothetical at this point. I think it's fair to say he didn't actively lobby or request he be considered for the job," Mills said.

Kaine, who is now seeking the 2012 Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jim Webb, similarly held a high profile national party post  while serving as governor. Kaine was the chairman of the Democratic National Committee during his final year in the governor's office - a move he was roundly criticized for by McDonnell and other Republicans.

Gov. McDonnell tapped to head RGA

The Republican Governors Association announced Friday that Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will serve as chairman of the organization.

McDonnell makes the move from vice chairman following former RGA chairman and Texas Gov. Rick Perry's decision to officially enter the 2012 presidential race last week.

The RGA is an organization that works to elect GOP governors across the country and provides leadership support for the 29 current Republican governors.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead the RGA,” McDonnell said in a RGA press release. “Thanks to the strong leadership of Governor Perry and the nation’s twenty-nine Republican governors, the RGA is in position to have an unprecedented impact this election cycle.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Republican governors to expand our majority and ensure the RGA remains the most effective political committee in the nation. Republican governors are leading the way in helping the private sector create new jobs, reforming government and getting our economy back on track,” McDonnell said.

Gov. McDonnell, Cuccinelli praise to Appeals Court ruling on Obama healthcare plan

The U.S. 11th District Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that portions of President Barack Obama's health care plan were unconstitutional - ruling that the federal government could not require citizen's to buy health insurance or face a penalty.

Virginia is party to a similar lawsuit in the 4th circuit that seeks to repeal what detractors call "Obamacare."

Gov. Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli both applauded the court's decision and issued the following statements:

Gov. Bob McDonnell:

“I am pleased by today’s decision. The 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals has correctly determined that the Commerce Clause provides no constitutional basis for a mandate that citizens must purchase a specific commercial product or face a penalty. The individual mandate provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act represents an unprecedented expansion of federal authority. In issuing their ruling, the court's majority wrote that, “the individual mandate was enacted as a regulatory penalty, not a revenue-raising tax, and cannot be sustained as an exercise of Congress’s power under the Taxing and Spending Clause.” It is clearly in direct contrast to the limited powers granted to our national government by the Constitution.

“The decision by the 11^th Circuit is similar to the prior district court ruling on Virginia’s challenge to the federal healthcare law. The 6^th Circuit reached a different conclusion, making it apparent that this issue must be heard in an expedited manner by the Supreme Court of the United States. The Department of Justice has resisted all prior requests to fast track this issue to the nation’s highest court. That is disappointing and I again urge the Department of Justice to call for expedited review. This law will impact every American. Regardless of where one stands on the policy and constitutional questions at hand, all should at least be able to agree on the need for certainty, finality and uniform application of the law throughout the country.”

A.G. Ken Cuccinelli:

"I am pleased that the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals found the individual insurance mandate and penalty unconstitutional.  The court determined that the power to force one citizen to purchase a good or service from another is outside the established outer limits of both the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause.  The court also ruled that although the president and Congress want to now call the penalty a tax to make it pass constitutional muster, the penalty cannot be sustained under the federal government's taxing authority because the penalty is clearly not a tax.

 

 "I congratulate our fellow attorneys general in this major victory, and although this court is not in our circuit, I am pleased that the judges ruled in favor of the two key arguments that are present in our Virginia suit."

Gov. McDonnell to attend fundraiser for Sen. Norment

As the Aug. 23 primaries approach and the general election campaigns for the General Assembley get set to kick into full swing following that, Gov. Bob McDonnell will attend a fundraiser for Sen. Tommy Norment on Sunday.

Senate minority leader Norment, R-Williamsburg, is facing off against Tea Party candidate Mark Frechette in the Aug. 23 GOP primary.

The fundraiser will take place Sunday evening at the Great Wolf Lodge in WIlliamsburg.

This is not the only fundraiser for a state Senate candidate McDonnell will be attending this weekend. On Saturday he evening the governor will be at the Virginian in Bristol to support Del. Bill Carrico's, R-Fries, attempt to move from the House to the Senate to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. WIlliam Wampler.

Carrico's target is the 40th Senate District which  encompasses Lee County, Wytheville and Grayson County following the General Assembly redistricting plan signed into law by McDonnell in April.

Rep. Wittman to host 'seniors' town hall meetings

Congressman Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, announced he will hold a series of three town hall meetings this month dealing with issues facing senior citizens.

Two of the town halls will be in person in Yorktown on Wednesday, Aug. 24, and Fredricksburg Monday, Aug. 22. The third will be a teleconference where participants can call in to speak to Wittman on Tuesday, Aug. 23. 

“With these meetings, seniors will have an opportunity to discuss issues affecting them directly,” Wittman said in a press release. “Seniors often ask about how recent action by Congress will affect their Social Security and Medicare, and how this work will also affect their children and grandchildren.  I look forward to speaking with folks about these issues and more.”

Fredricksburg:

Monday, Aug. 22,

  11 a.m.

 Chancellor Senior Center

 12100 Chancellors Village, off of Rt. 3

 

Teleconference:

 

Tuesday, Aug 23

 

7 - 8 p.m.

 

Dial-in: 877-229-8943

 

Pass code:  13327

 

Yorktown:

 

Wednesday, Aug. 24

 

1 p.m.

 

Yorktown Senior Center

 

Washington Square Shopping Center

 

5314 George Washington Memorial Highway

 

Democrat Courtney Lynch enters 2012 U.S. Senate race

Former Marine Corps officer Courtney Lynch, of Fairfax City, announced Wednesday she has entered the race for U.S. Senate.

Lynch will face former Gov. Tim Kaine and Julien Modica, of Reston, in the Democratic primary in an attempt to fill the Senate seat held by Jim Webb who is not seeking reelection.

"Citizens of our great state and nation are frustrated with the direction the country is heading in. More of the same is not an option for voters," Lynch said in a press release. "Being a political insider is not high on the list of requirements to serve this nation. In fact, fresh faces with valuable ideas are in demand."

Lynch earned a law degree from William & Mary, and is the co-author of the book "Leading from the Front: No Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women."

The Fairfax City mother of three said she plans to run a campaign that focuses on fiscal responsibility and jobs creation, and has laid out an "action plan"  called "Securing the Future, Restoring the Dream" on her website detailing her campaign.

"The race is ripe for a Democratic challenger with proven leadership experience to earn the respect of voters who want a new direction and a new kind of leader," Lynch said.

Lynch is entering a field of candidates dominated by two former governor's. In addition to Kain, Republican Gov. George Allen is seeking the GOP nomination to regain the Senate seat he lost in 2006 to Democrat Webb.

"Right now most media attention regarding the 2012 Senate race is focused on the frenzy of two political heavyweights slugging it out in the battleground state of Virginia," Lynch said.

Lynch's entry into the race brings the total field of candidates to replace Webb to eight.

Lynch, Kaine and Modica are vying for the Democratic nomination.

Allen, Tim Donner, E.W. Jackson, David McCormick and Jaime Radtke are seeking the GOP nomination.

 

Gov. McDonnell asks Virginians to donate to Navy SEALs' families

Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking "every Virginian" to make a donation to help support the families of the 22 Virginia Beach-based Navy SEALs, and other service members, killed in the Chinook helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

The governor encouraged Virginians to donate specifically to the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides financial support and tragedy assistance to families of Navy SEALs who have been injured or killed on active duty.

 

“The Navy SEAL Foundation, as well as the many other military support organizations for branches of our armed forces, provides immediate help to families during times of need. These are excellent organizations that help to take some of the immediate cost burden away from families, and continue to provide support to families down the road," McDonnell said. "I want to encourage every Virginian to make a donation today, no matter how small. This is another way that Virginians can show that we are forever thankful to those who have given their lives for our freedom, and we will not forget their loved ones here at home.”

 

A $10 donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation can be made by texting SEAL to 90999 or by visiting the foundation's website at www.nswfoundation.org .

 

Navy SEAL Foundation board director Kristi Cummings gave this statementon support the organization has received since the crash:

 

"The Navy SEAL Foundation is focusing its efforts now on the families of the fallen SEALs, so we can facilitate the help they need to make it through today, tomorrow and the challenging months ahead. The public is being so incredibly kind, and the foundation is seeing a tremendous outpouring of support from individuals across the country. We have seen more visitors than ever on our Facebook page, where individuals are posting their condolences and memories, in addition to increased online donations. We also have had a tremendous amount of traffic going to our website.  People are truly looking for a way to show this community that they care and that they appreciate their service."

 

Additional organizations that offer support to the military families affected by the deaths of the 30 service members in Afghanistan Saturday include:

 

Armed Forces Relief Trust Fund: www.afrtrust.org

Special Operations Warrior Foundation: www.specialops.org

Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation: www.woundedeodwarrior.org