In the days after they rejected an openly gay attorney for a judgeship in Richmond, state Republicans repeatedly complained about media coverage unfairly aligning them with Bob Marshall, the House of Delegates' most well-known and radical social conservative.

The ads are virtually ubiquitous, whether in print, online or on television. They boldly proclaim, with photographic proof and clinical trial results, the potential for a bottle of pills to help users shed excess weight and lose that pot belly. No exercise necessary. No balanced diet needed.

By the time Democratic Sen. Chuck Colgan cast his vote Wednesday for a proposed two-year state budget, ending a month-long legislative standoff, word of his intentions had already spread through much of the Capitol.

The deal that the state struck with Elizabeth River Crossings is difficult to comprehend. It’s even harder to explain.

When the Virginia Supreme Court struck down a law establishing regional taxing authorities in 2008, its decision hinged on whether the General Assembly had violated the state constitution by delegating its power to impose a tax. It also made clear there was little practical distinction between taxes and fees.

This year, the state and federal governments will require public school divisions across Virginia to complete 39 reports, many of them about nutrition, teacher licensure and administrative affairs. Some will be due once. Others, quarterly or monthly.

Lawmakers are poised for one final effort this week to agree on a budget before the scheduled adjournment on Saturday of the General Assembly's regular session. If they're going to finish on time, they'll have to work quickly.

By the time Senate Republicans called for a vote on their two-year budget plan, three Democrats were already gone. Nearly every bench in the gallery was open. The proposal drew a 20 to 17 party-line vote, one short of the 21 necessary to pass. Like the smattering of spectators, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling could only watch, unable to vote on budgetary matters.

Ramona Taylor walked the halls of the General Assembly last week, stopping to see Hampton Roads lawmakers and appealing one more time, in person, for a chance to prove she's worthy of a third term on the bench in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Lawmakers established the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare program, better known as VIEW, in 1994 as part of an effort to reform the state's welfare system. The program links poorer Virginians with education, training and work experience to help them become self-sufficient.