Gilmore Wins Senate Nomination – Barely

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore has just received the Republican nomination to replace retiring Sen. John Warner. His opponent for the nomination was Del. Bob Marshall. The nomination was decided at this weekend’s RPV State Convention in Richmond.

The final tally:

5,222 Gilmore
5,157 Marshall

Gilmore’s margin of victory was only 65 delegate votes, or less than 0.63%. This does not bode well for the re-election of current RPV chair John Hager, nor for the party in November.

Thanks to the Daily Press, The Shad Plank, Bearing Drift, and Virginia Virtucon for providing up to date reporting of the convention.

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When Silence Isn’t Golden

Frank Knotts at DelawarePolitics.net covers a recent Federal court ruling that bars a moment of silence in Illinois schools. The arrogance of liberal judges never ceases to amaze me.

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Is John McCain the New Goldwater?

I wouldn’t go quite that far, but …

In Quin Hillyer’s excellent piece in the American Spectator, we are treated to a rare objective piece on McCain from a conservative POV. As I have previously noted, just not as eloquently, McCain has been a principled politician most, if not all, of his career.

I certainly don’t agree with the Senator on everything. McCain is wrong on immigration, on campaign finance, and on certain environmental issues (cap and trade is not the solution even if you accept global warming). He’s right on a great many more issues. He also appears to be an honorable man. Read more

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Tom Davis – GOP Stalwart

Rep. Tom Davis (R-11) seems to have his knickers in a twist. He’s dropped out of the race for the GOP nod to replace Sen. John Warner (R-VA) because he couldn’t get the nominating process he wanted. He won’t attend the RPV convention this weekend because he’s not being nominated for something.  Now he’s dumping all over former Gov. Jim Gilmore and the Republican Party of Virginia.

Davis was always a little moderate to lib for my tastes, but he represents a moderate – liberal district. I don’t begrudge the man showing a little ambition and seeking the Senate seat. But is this how Davis wants to be remembered within the party?

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Salisbury’s Cavalier Attitude to Taxpayers’ Money

Looking at the front page of this morning’s Daily Times the average Salisbury taxpayer might believe that the Salisbury City Council, even Mayor Barrie Tilghman’s RUBBER STAMP majority of Louise Smith, Gary Comegys and Shanie Shields, is looking out for the average citizen. This would be a mistake.

Spooning out a few cups from Tilghman’s bureaucratic swamp while the voters are drowning amounts to little more than political posturing for the RUBBER STAMP. In any case, their specific cuts are meaningless.

Thanks to the determination of Smith, Comegys and Shields to make the city council as irrelevant as possible, cutting funds for a specific item have no force in law. Their “Program budget” allows Tilghman to spend appropriated funds however she wishes, as long as she stays within the very broad guidelines of the RUBBER STAMP’s parody of a budget ordinance. Read more

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Resume Enhancement – A US Senate Seat

Why does Mark Warner want to serve in the United States Senate?

This is an excellent question posed by Virginia Virtucon. Warner may be a smooth political operator, but is that a reason to elect him to the US Senate. Does he have any principles to stand on, other than the desire to make sure that he stays at the head of the “Cool Kid’s Table”?

Oh, I forgot. Liberals like Warner don’t have any principle. They’re from the government and they’re here to help!

cross posted at Blogger 4 Jim Gilmore

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The Hidden Bonus in Wicomico’s Budget

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council will vote whether to approve County Executive Rick Pollitt’s supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2009. This budget will be slightly different from Pollitt’s proposed budget. The Council decided to cut $646,000 from education and suggested that the cut be applied to roads ($300,000), contingency ($206,000) and fire companies ($140,000). Pollitt has agreed to apply the cuts per council’s recommendation.

Also in budget is the establishment of a county legal department. Ed Baker will continue as County Attorney, but will now be a full time employee of Wicomico County.

In principle, this is a good move on the part of Pollitt and the County Council. While Baker has provided excellent service, we all know that there can be serious problems with contracting out the job of a county or city attorney. Just look at Salisbury. Read more

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Communists for Obama

This is not a joke guys. Check out the Marxists / Socialist / Communists for Obama page on Obama’s OWN WEB SITE!

At least we can’t accuse Barack of false advertising on this one.

Thanks to Virginia Virtucon.

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Are You Tired of Paying at the Pump?

Get ready to pay more. MonoBlogue provides an excellent analysis of the upcoming Warner-Lieberman “Global Warming” (should read “Pick Our Pockets) bill now before the US Senate.

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Virginia Highways – Tolls, Privatization or Sell-Out

The Shad Plank raises the question of $2 tolls each way on the Hampton Roads Tunnel and the Monitor – Merrimac.

Del. Phil Hamilton’s plan is the way to go for new projects. Privatize them.

For existing projects, tolls may well be the answer. Leasing highways, bridges and tunnels to companies like Macquarie is NOT the answer.

This scheme is being used in other states. States receive a big pot of cash up front and blow it on myriad schemes. When the money runs out, they want to raises taxes even more than before.

Gov. Byrd was right (at least on this one). PAY AS YOU GO!

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