As the 2010 session of the Virginia General Assembly approaches much of the focus will be centered around the dire economic situation the Commonwealth currently faces but something that may be overlooked is legislation concerning the death penalty. It is crystal clear that the death penalty legislation that was vetoed last session by Governor Tim Kaine will more than likely be signed into law by Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell if the legislation makes it to his desk which I believe it will. There are a few important things to pay attention to once the session starts as well as some issues I have with those opposed to all bills regarding the expansion of the death penalty in Virginia.
Over the last week some in the news media have picked up on the perceived lack of motivation from "core" Democratic supporters of their statewide ticket and specifically Creigh Deeds' "Deeds Country" tour throughout the Southwest regions of the state. Ryan Nobles picked up on it at his website Decision Virginia http://bit.ly/3iLXjk and most recently the Washington Post wrote an article as well where even Creigh commented about the issue http://bit.ly/5cqff . I was heavily involved in the primary efforts for Creigh and was one of a handful of "Team Deeds NoVa" members. While I understand, but do not totally agree with the frustration about strategy from liberal bloggers I think an important element is being severely missed and that is the increase in coordinated staff and that it has been over two months to see any noticeable activity to come out of the Deeds campaign in regards to volunteer efforts. I think it is safe to say that the problem is not strategy but the amount of outside people from the state and national party who are now involved in the "coordinated" campaign.
(Edited to fix YouTube embedding. -Kenton - promoted by Kenton Ngo)
Virginians deserve a Governor who will put them ahead of Big Tobacco. Bob McDonnell's opposition to the smoking ban is clear evidence that he is not our guy.
Former Mayor of Alexandria and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia discussed President Obama's address on News Channel 8 the day of the speech before Congress and how the national issues will affect Virginians.
Kerry also comments on Republican governors not accepting stimulus package money and states that Virginians would like to see Republican candidate for Governor Bob McDonnell speak specifically on the issue.
