In late August, following the fatal shootings of reporter Allison Parker and her colleague Adam Ward, I posted the following on my Facebook page: “Yet another tragedy…My heart and sympathy goes out to the families of the victims… In Virginia, we have been going backward (on gun … [Read more...]
General Assembly 2015
The Francis Effect: Policy, Progress, and the Prospects for Common Ground
While it may be too early to determine whether the Pope’s recent visit will have a lasting effect on how we conduct our civil lives, our politics, or even how we think about ourselves as a nation, he has certainly gotten our attention. During his visit, every news outlet was … [Read more...]
Redistricting Special Session Falls Apart
Democratic plan remains before the Body The special session on redistricting called by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to redraw congressional lines that had been ruled unconstitutional by the District Court fell apart on Monday, August 17, 2015, largely over a Republican effort to fire a … [Read more...]
Redistricting Special Session to begin August 17, 2015
The redistricting process is one that voters should should follow more closely than they have in the past. It is critically important for the future of democracy and how citizens choose their leaders. Over the last ten years, redistricting software used to draw districts has … [Read more...]
Supreme Court Decisions and Virginia
Last week was a week that will not be forgotten for many years – and I’m not just talking about the fantastic run of the UVA men’s baseball team to the NCAA Championship. On two separate days, and in two dramatic decisions, the U. S. Supreme Court took actions that will influence … [Read more...]