Politics

Va. Senate approves job protection for gay state workers

Meredith.Kruse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:11:59 -0500

RICHMOND On a near party- line vote, Virginia's state Senate passed a measure Monday that would protect gay and lesbian state workers from discrimination. Suffolk Republican Frederick Quayle broke ranks with the GOP and joined the 22 Democrats in the chamber in supporting the bill. "I just thought it was the right thing to do," he said later.

Death and taxes: How bills disappear

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:08:59 -0500

Welcome to the subcommittee where tax-increase bills go to die. The Republican-controlled House of Delegates and Virginia's new Republican governor, Bob McDonnell, have made it crystal clear that as they struggle to close the state's yawning budget gap, tax increases are off the table.

McDonnell: Opposition to gay measures based on law

Andrew.Tran — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:18:29 -0500

RICHMOND

Gov. Bob McDonnell on Monday said his opposition to two gay rights-related vestiges of former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s tenure are based on legal theory and aren’t a sign his administration is anti-gay .

Freshman lawmaker taking his job by the horns

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:18:53 -0500

When James Edmunds headed to Richmond to begin his first term in the House of Delegates, he brought along some mementos from his Halifax County farm. Little did he know he was hauling contraband.

Wayne Newton to testify on Patawomeck Indians

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:17:18 -0500

RICHMOND A bit of Las Vegas glitz will come to Virginia's General Assembly today. Entertainer Wayne Newton is scheduled to testify in support of legislation that would extend state recognition to the Patawomeck Indians, a tribe to which he belongs.

Va. Senate passes bill opposing mandatory health insurance

Meredith.Kruse — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:40:39 -0500

By Michael Sluss RICHMOND The Virginia Senate took a stand against a key provision of a proposed federal health care overhaul Monday, passing legislation declaring that Virginia residents cannot be forced to buy health insurance.

Plan to extend state benefits to same-sex partners is withdrawn

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:19:43 -0500

RICHMOND On the advice of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a proposed state regulatory change to allow government employees to add same-sex partners to their state health benefits has been withdrawn from consideration.

With eye on U.S. Rep. Nye, GOP hopefuls debate

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:14:44 -0500

NASSAWADOX The first public debate Thursday night of the six Republicans seeking the GOP nomination to run for Congress against Glenn Nye was less about their differences than their shared views that the federal government has to shrink and the U.S. has to become energy independent. Their messages varied, but all carried the same theme - less government interference.

McDonnell to unveil plans to cut Virginia budget

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:09:34 -0500

RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell has been picked to deliver the Republican response to President Barack Obama's upcoming State of the Union address, a strong indication he is an ascendant figure in the national GOP. In his home state, meanwhile, McDonnell is faced with fixing Virginia's budget mess and reviving the state's fortunes when the economic downturn ends.

Unanimous vote kills Kaine's proposed tax increase

Mark.Edelen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:54:28 -0500

By Michael Sluss RICHMOND No member of the House of Delegates voted Thursday to support former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposal to increase the state income tax and effectively eliminate the personal property tax on vehicles.