Tag Archives: 2011 Elections

Obama Defeated in Virginia…A Look at the 2011 State Elections

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I have to give props to Kimberley Strassel of The Wall Street Journal for her recent op-ed on President Obama’s decision to invest time in Virginia. Strassel pointed out what has been underlying in the 2011 elections in Virginia: the unpopular Presidency of Barack Hussein Obama. As mentioned by many in both the blogosphere and mainstream media, Obama’s star has been dimming due to his lack of interest in handling the economic situation, as well as pushing through damaging legislation, such as the health care plan.

Strassel was especially right, when she said: “Elected state Democrats—who form the backbone of grass-roots movements—couldn’t distance themselves far enough from Mr. Obama in this race. Most refused to mention the president, to defend his policies, or to appear with him.” This point was especially true, as many TV ads from Democratic candidates went above and beyond to keep their distance from the unpopular President.

With the results from Tuesday night’s election, Obama better think again about putting all of his energy in Virginia. Investing resources in Virginia was a bad move, as we saw how unpopular Obama was, especially in the Southern parts of the Commonwealth and in Loudoun County. While the election was in a low turnout year, this does not yield well in winning the Commonwealth, and in fact, he will have an even difficult time than he did in 2008.

Election Day: Do what you have to do for Liberty?

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Today is Election Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Liberty is at stake with these state elections, and we must continue to protect the freedoms we cherish by voting. If we allow liberals to take control in Virginia, we are likely to face a deeper economic crisis with tax increases across the board. Do we really want this to occur? No. So, it is time to rock the vote.

If you believe in liberty, then I do not have to share endorsements, because you’ll know what is right. However, if you live in the 35th State Senate District, you can probably tell there is a great need for change. In fact, I have given you six good reasons to defeat Dick Saslaw. (Note: I would have had more, but marathon training got the best of me.) Also, there has been some corruption within the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office…but of course, we need to fix that as well by dropping Stan Barry.

Aside from the election in Virginia, there is an election in Ohio as well to decide on Issue 2. SB 5 was voted on in the Ohio legislature to assist local governments with spending on government employees. Basically, it will enact some changes within benefits and collective bargaining agreements for government employees. This is one step for government reform, and the people will decide in Ohio to keep SB 5 (Issue 2) or vote against it and allow the local government to spend more to keep these employees happy. You can learn more about Issue 2 here, but it is imperative (especially if you have family in Ohio) to vote Yes on this issue.

There is much at stake both in Virginia and Ohio, so we can’t stand idle and watch liberty burn to the ground. We need to fight to preserve liberty.

On the Sixth Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw…

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On the sixth day of defeating Dick Saslaw, it is apparent that he will do anything to stay in elected office. Although, I have been behind on this series, I have covered on some of the essential reasons why Saslaw should be defeated on November 8, as he stands against gun rights, wants to raise your taxes, against school choice, and has a track record of failed leadership.

Today, I will be highlighting another reason why Saslaw should be defeated…the Kings Dominion law. Of course, we all know how valuable Kings Dominion, Water Country U.S.A., and Busch Gardens are to Virginia’s tourism industry. During summer, it is a ritual to attend these amusement parks. However, there is a law that Saslaw valiantly defends and that is to delay the start of school until after Labor Day.

Saslaw receives large donations from Sea World Parks & Entertainment and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. Saslaw has been against repealing this law and has even called the arguments by teachers and parents “hogwash.”

Even more interesting is that many of Saslaw’s fellow Northern Virginia state senate colleagues are against the Kings Dominion Law. Dave Marsden (37th State Senate District), Kaye Kory (38th State Senate District), and Janet Howell (32nd State Senate District) are in favor of repealing this law. Marsden even said, “What kind of message are we sending if selling cotton candy at Kings Dominion is more important than schools?”

If Saslaw is such a strong advocate of public education, why is he opposed to opening schools before Labor Day to ensure students receive more classroom time?

On the Fifth Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw…

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On the Fifth Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw, YouTube again gave to me…another great clip of his frequent habit to interrupt someone speaking about an issue that he disagrees with…school choice.

We all know that Saslaw is a puppet for the teacher’s unions, so it should come as no surprise that he would be against school choice initiatives. After all, school choice allows the parents to have control over their child’s education. When Del. Jimmie Massie (R-Henrico) delivered his statement before the Senate Finance Committee regarding school choice legislation, Saslaw rudely interrupted Massie and basically cut down the legislation. Additionally, The Family Foundation of Virginia also noted Saslaw’s disdain for school choice.

For the record, Saslaw voted against HB2009, which would have allowed open enrollment for students to attend the school of their choice within their district.

Perhaps, it is time to send someone to Richmond, who would champion school choice legislation in place of Saslaw.

On the Fourth Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw…

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Prepare yourselves…

On the Fourth Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw, all signs point to failed leadership. If it involves the BRAC/Mark Center relocations, the HOT Lanes, and transforming the bureaucracy in funding transportation, then Dick Saslaw has failed at addressing the transportation issues involving the Mark Center and HOT lanes, and he has done nothing to ensure that Northern Virginia has received their fair share.

In terms of BRAC selecting the Mark Center for relocations, there might have been nothing that could have prevented the Pentagon from choosing that site. The decision was made five years ago to locate 7000 Department of Defense personnel to the Mark Center site, and in that five year span, nothing was done to find a remedy for the traffic problems that would occur. Where was Saslaw in all of this?

If you thought the BRAC/Mark Center lack of leadership was bad, let’s take a look at the HOT Lanes. HOT Lanes were the brain child of former Governor Tim Kaine, and remember, they are supposed to solve our traffic woes. If this were the case, let’s take a look at a WTOP report that points to how HOT lanes were actually making traffic worst in Atlanta, not better.

Even Arlington County agreed that HOT Lanes were going to create more problems, and they posed a lawsuit against bringing these lanes further up I-395. Instead, these lanes will end at Edsall Road, and since this is the area Saslaw represents, he did nothing to prevent the lawsuit being pursued by the Arlington County Board of Supervisors (chaired by Barbara Favola, his chosen candidate for the 31st State Senate District). Where’s the leadership? You would think he would want to prevent the lawsuit from occurring.

Last, but not least, where has Saslaw been on bringing transportation funding to Northern Virginia? Since Saslaw has been in office, he has done nothing to transform the bureaucracy in Richmond to create a model more receptive to the population growth in Northern Virginia. We need transportation improvements to allow us to spend more time with family and for relaxation, instead we are stuck in gridlock. Where’s the leadership? You would think Saslaw would want to ensure that his district received their fair share of funding.

On the Third Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw…

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On the third day of defeating Dick Saslaw, could there be abuse of power allegations involving the current state senate Majority Leader? Why yes, yes there is!

The ramifications from the redistricting plans proposed by the State Senate sent shock waves to many, as some districts were eliminated and moved to Northern Virginia, and some were gerrymandered to protect incumbents, who might face strong challenges. When asked about the redistricting plans, Saslaw said that he used his power to make Democratic districts stronger, and saying that he was doing his job by ensuring that Dems keep or win seats. Yet, he says he is for non-partisan redistricting.

According to PolitiFact, Saslaw said:

“We are not going to change one period or one comma,” Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, declared on April 16. Saslaw said the Senate plan was constitutional and threatened to take the matter to court.

Now, fast forward to April 27, when legislators reached a tentative deal on a new plan leaving Democrats in control of the Senate, but unlike the original plan, weakening their chances of adding to the 22-18 majority.

Confronted with his original statement of stubbornness, Saslaw conceded that plenty of periods and commas had been changed in those two weeks and he’d changed his tune.

“I lied,” he joked. “It was an unrealistic choice of words … both sides gave a little.”

Talk about a complete flop!

Let’s talk about another example of Saslaw’s abuse of power. Remember the primary fight in the 31st State Senate District between Jaime Areizaga-Soto and Barbara Favola. Favola was favored by Saslaw to win this primary, and he did everything he could to ensure her victory. According to Blue Virginia and Virginia Virtucon, Saslaw did all he could do to prevent others from running against Favola in the primary by dissuading potential donors from giving to her opponents.

If Saslaw wanted to be fair, he would have allowed the grassroots to choose the candidate, not doing everything he could to prevent others from providing a strong challenge to his chosen candidate. There is no doubt that this made his fellow Democrats mad along the way.

(Note: I am behind on this and hoping to catch up on this series.)

On the second day of defeating Dick Saslaw…

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On the Second Day of Defeating Dick Saslaw…YouTube gave to me…another great clip of Saslaw hating on gun rights.

Note: Saslaw interrupts VCDL President Philip Van Cleave’s testimony in support of HB 1573.

Now, we all know Saslaw hates guns. In fact, he goes as far as to block a bill during the last General Assembly that is based on the Castle Doctrine (HB 1573), which would allow a homeowner to use physical force against someone who commits the crime of breaking and entering into their house.

Evidently, this is not the only time Saslaw has shown his disdain for gun rights supporters. In 2008, a supporter, who was lobbying against a potential change to Virginia’s gun laws, overheard the Senator’s insults towards gun rights advocates. According to the Bristol Herald Courier, Saslaw said: “I see we’re debating a gun bill today. Half of the cast of ‘Deliverance’ is in town.”

It is one thing to be against gun rights advocates, but to insult or interrupt someone for sharing their views, goes to show that you do not have the decorum to serve in the State Senate.

On the first day of defeating Saslaw…

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Welcome to the Twelve Days of defeating Dick Saslaw, State Senator for the 35th District.  Each day up until Election Day, we will have a post devoted to highlighting Saslaw’s service (or lack thereof) in the Virginia State Senate.  Of course, I am endorsing his opponent, Robert Sarvis, as he will be the best representative for our district.

So, let’s get started with the festivities:

On the first day of defeating Dick Saslaw, YouTube gave to me...one great clip declaring his love for raising taxes.

Yes, this might be an oldie, but Saslaw voted to increase your taxes.  After all, he can’t get enough of your money.  Saslaw wanted to raise the gas tax and that he would raise sales tax to fund transportation.

“This is a political issue and sooner or later someone’s going to have to have a backbone to do something about it,” Saslaw said.

Raising taxes hurts working families.  Why does Saslaw want to hurt those he claims to represent?  Since he says raising taxes is a political issue, then let’s make it a issue to defeat him on November 8.

Jeff Frederick to Debate an Empty Chair this Friday

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Incumbent Sen. Toddy Puller (D-Woodbridge) is shying away from debating her challenger, Jeff Frederick. Does this mean that she is afraid to discuss the issues and her plan for improving the district? Puller is in one of the toughest races in her career, and one would think that she would want to ask questions of her challenger, so voters could make an informed decision on November 8th.

It appears that Puller is not going to debate Frederick on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt on Friday at 10 a.m., and Frederick will now be on air in an interview format. (For those in the D.C. area, you can tune into NewsChannel 8 for the interview that was supposed to be a debate.)

Frederick said:

Elected representatives shouldn’t be hiding from their constituents. Senator Puller and I both believe that their are stark differences in our records, so it would be helpful to let us highlight these differences for voters. We can have a frank discussion on lowering taxes, improving economic growth and finally making some tangible progress on Route 1. There is still time for Senator Puller to reconsider her decision not to debate. I hope she will still show up on Friday.

My guess is that Puller is trying to avoid discussing real issues, particularly since she opposes the eminent domain amendment to the Virginia Constitution, and the lack of progress surrounding the improvements of the Route 1 corridor.

Cross posted at Bearing Drift

Update: While it seems like Puller is avoiding debates, it appears that Del. Luke Torian (D-Woodbridge) is willing to go on NewsTalk to debate his opponent. There’s no fear there.

Save the Treehouse…Defeat Sharon Bulova

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The Fairfax County “Nanny State” is alive and well.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=11212

Falls Church Homeowner’s Treehouse Found To Be in Violation of Fairfax County’s Zoning Laws: MyFoxDC.com


It’s time for a change in leadership. Vote Spike Williams for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.