There's little doubt that would-be governor Creigh Deeds is currently stuck between Barack and a hard place. Long known as a genial, gun-lovin' Democrat, Deeds has been forced to fight his current battle against Bob McDonnell -- a slick, well-coiffed conservative Ken doll -- well outside his comfort zone.
During the last presidential election, young voter turnout was unprecedented. Among Democrats, the overall turnout jumped 90 percent in 2008, compared to four years earlier. Young Democrats' participation jumped 135 percent. Will the same number of young Virginians come out to vote for their future governor?
One of the largest impacts the incoming governor will make on the University of Virginia will be his appointments to one of the most senior decision-making bodies at the University -- the Board of Visitors (BOV). Among other tasks, the BOV allocates funds and approves the university budget.
One of the most troubling aspects of Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine’s budget proposal is that we do without any state-run emergency mental health beds for those under 18. Both child advocates and mental health watchdogs say this is a terrible idea that will crowd hospitals, correctional facilities and, some worry, morgues.
Ten step teams converged to compete for $1,500 in total prize money, with proceeds going towards a local scholarship fund. The evening was billed as a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack Obama, and our new President’s name was emblazoned on everything from pins to scarves.