http://www.headlineva.com/index.php/politics/ Virginia Politics en scottb@vpa.net Copyright 2012 2012-02-10T05:23:23+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/5-va-counties-designated-primary-disaster-areas-ar-1678682/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/5-va-counties-designated-primary-disaster-areas-ar-1678682/#When:04:23:23Z The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Craig, Frederick, Page and Surry counties as a primary disaster area because of damage caused by drought and excessive heat in 2011. Prince George County received the designation because of damage caused by Hurricane Irene. Richmond 2012-02-10T04:23:23+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/ex-richmond-resident-becomes-dc-court-appeals-judg-ar-1678681/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/ex-richmond-resident-becomes-dc-court-appeals-judg-ar-1678681/#When:04:20:11Z A former public defender who worked in New York and Washington will be sworn in as a judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The investiture ceremony for Catharine Easterly is scheduled for 4 p.m. today. Richmond 2012-02-10T04:20:11+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/romney-campaign-stop-va-today-ar-1678677/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/romney-campaign-stop-va-today-ar-1678677/#When:04:16:04Z Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is making another appearance in Northern Virginia. Richmond 2012-02-10T04:16:04+00:00 http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2012/feb/10/marshall-wins-manassas-tea-party-straw-poll-ar-1677283/ http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2012/feb/10/marshall-wins-manassas-tea-party-straw-poll-ar-1677283/#When:04:00:00Z Del. Robert G. Marshall, who is running for senate against former Gov. George Allen and others, prevailed in a Manassas Tea Party straw poll. Woodbridge 2012-02-10T04:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain01-conscience-clause-for-adoption-agencies-p-ar-1677864/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain01-conscience-clause-for-adoption-agencies-p-ar-1677864/#When:22:00:00Z Critics say regulations allow faith-based adoption agencies to discriminate against gay children or a prospective gay parent. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-one-public-notices-bill-fails-another-adv-ar-1677883/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-one-public-notices-bill-fails-another-adv-ar-1677883/#When:22:00:00Z A House of Delegates subcommittee on Thursday voted down House Bill 773, introduced by Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Augusta, that would make it optional for local governments in Virginia to publish various public notices in newspapers. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-panel-advances-epipen-bill-ar-1677881/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-panel-advances-epipen-bill-ar-1677881/#When:22:00:00Z Legislation that would encourage local school boards to maintain a supply of EpiPens to administer to students suffering from severe allergic reactions appears on track to pass the General Assembly this year. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-capitol-briefs-ar-1677838/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-capitol-briefs-ar-1677838/#When:22:00:00Z What's happening today? Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-illegal-immigration-bills-likely-to-advan-ar-1677878/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-illegal-immigration-bills-likely-to-advan-ar-1677878/#When:22:00:00Z Without the Democrat-controlled Senate that has stopped it in years past, legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants in Virginia has begun its path through the General Assembly. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-senate-panel-backs-one-year-study-on-fox--ar-1677873/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain06-senate-panel-backs-one-year-study-on-fox--ar-1677873/#When:22:00:00Z A huge crowd turns out for Senate panel hearing. Virginia will conduct a one-year study of a little-known practice called fox penning. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdbiz01-us-trade-ambassador-visits-richmond-ar-1677748/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdbiz01-us-trade-ambassador-visits-richmond-ar-1677748/#When:22:00:00Z U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk visited the Richmond region Thursday to discuss trade issues with local businesses. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmet02-huckabee-tells-students-they-will-struggle-ar-1677841/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmet02-huckabee-tells-students-they-will-struggle-ar-1677841/#When:22:00:00Z Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee told the students at Washington and Lee University's Mock Convention on Thursday night that their generation will struggle in part because of the staggering federal debt. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-democrats-deride-gops-focus-on-social-iss-ar-1677836/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-democrats-deride-gops-focus-on-social-iss-ar-1677836/#When:22:00:00Z House and Senate Democrats on Thursday unloaded on Republicans, accusing them of using their newly gained control of both chambers to shove through a social agenda. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-voters-back-drug-testing-of-welfare-recip-ar-1677832/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/10/tdmain05-voters-back-drug-testing-of-welfare-recip-ar-1677832/#When:22:00:00Z They also support repeal of HPV requirement; pre-Labor Day school openings. Richmond 2012-02-09T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/1/va-democrats-accuse-gop-of-overreaching-ar-1676628/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/1/va-democrats-accuse-gop-of-overreaching-ar-1676628/#When:16:35:08Z House and Senate Democrats this morning unloaded on Republicans, who now control both chambers, for pushing social legislation that has dominated much of the legislative session's first half. Richmond 2012-02-09T16:35:08+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/senate-panel-backs-public-employee-pay-raise-plan-ar-1676744/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/senate-panel-backs-public-employee-pay-raise-plan-ar-1676744/#When:11:49:04Z A Senate subcommittee voted today to require local governments and school divisions to give pay raises to their employees and teachers to offset a requirement that workers contribute 5 percent of their pay toward their pensions. Richmond 2012-02-09T11:49:04+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/castle-doctrine-bill-clears-va-house-ar-1676703/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/castle-doctrine-bill-clears-va-house-ar-1676703/#When:11:37:05Z Legislation would allow homeowners to use any degree of force, even lethal, against intruders without threat of criminal or civil charges. Richmond 2012-02-09T11:37:05+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/va-get-4796-million-benefits-mortgage-settlement-ar-1676686/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/va-get-4796-million-benefits-mortgage-settlement-ar-1676686/#When:11:29:44Z Virginians and home borrowers in the state will receive about $479.6 million in relief from a $25 billion settlement over foreclosure abuses. Richmond 2012-02-09T11:29:44+00:00 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/dailypress/the_shad_plank/~3/DP6PSYSE-6M/kaine-disagrees-with-administrations-contraceptive-rule-allen-fights-hypocrisy-charge.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/dailypress/the_shad_plank/~3/DP6PSYSE-6M/kaine-disagrees-with-administrations-contraceptive-rule-allen-fights-hypocrisy-charge.html#When:09:48:37Z Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said Tuesday that he disagreed with a recent White House decision that would require health insurance plans to offer contraceptives to women for free, including those plans provided by Catholic employers or charities. Kaine was in Newport News on Tuesday speaking with a group of veterans gathered at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 176. "The Affordable Care Act requires coverage of women's preventive health care services and the decision that that would include FDA approved… Newport_News 2012-02-09T09:48:37+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/senator-walks-out-of-committee-in-dispute-ar-1676367/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/senator-walks-out-of-committee-in-dispute-ar-1676367/#When:09:20:40Z A discussion among senators during a committee hearing on legislation that would change teacher's contracts grew testy today, prompting one incensed lawmaker to storm out of the meeting. Richmond 2012-02-09T09:20:40+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/poll-finds-strong-support-drug-testing-welfare-rec-ar-1675853/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/poll-finds-strong-support-drug-testing-welfare-rec-ar-1675853/#When:05:05:55Z More than 75 percent of Virginians think welfare recipients should be required to pass a drug test to receive benefits, Quinnipiac University poll says   Richmond 2012-02-09T05:05:55+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/washington-lee-nixes-elephant-mock-political-conve-ar-1675776/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/washington-lee-nixes-elephant-mock-political-conve-ar-1675776/#When:04:14:14Z Washington and Lee University has canceled the appearance of an elephant in a parade at a mock political convention after an animal-rights group objected. Richmond 2012-02-09T04:14:14+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/state-trust-team-preserve-civil-war-battlefield-ar-1675765/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/state-trust-team-preserve-civil-war-battlefield-ar-1675765/#When:04:07:21Z The Civil War Trust is teaming up with the state of Virginia and the National Park Service to preserve 77 acres on the Cedar Creek Battlefield in Frederick County. Richmond 2012-02-09T04:07:21+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-bill-limiting-use-of-gps-tracking-heads-t-ar-1674974/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-bill-limiting-use-of-gps-tracking-heads-t-ar-1674974/#When:22:00:00Z The bill comes amid the proliferation of spy-like GPS devices, which are widely available online and soon will be in big-box stores. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-capitol-briefs-ar-1674968/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-capitol-briefs-ar-1674968/#When:22:00:00Z What's happening today? Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmet01-poll-shows-obama-ahead-of-romney-among-va--ar-1674993/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmet01-poll-shows-obama-ahead-of-romney-among-va--ar-1674993/#When:22:00:00Z President Barack Obama has pulled ahead of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney in this 2012 swing state, edging the former Massachusetts governor in a hypothetical matchup 47 percent to 43 percent, according to a poll released Wednesday. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain06-bills-target-cigarette-smuggling-ar-1675005/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain06-bills-target-cigarette-smuggling-ar-1675005/#When:22:00:00Z Possession of more than 25 cartons of cigarettes with intent to distribute them would become illegal in Virginia under legislation moving through the General Assembly. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-castle-doctrine-bill-advances-in-house-ar-1674971/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-castle-doctrine-bill-advances-in-house-ar-1674971/#When:22:00:00Z Legislation that would allow homeowners to shoot intruders first and ask questions later is all but assured to pass the House of Delegates today after advancing to its final reading on a voice vote. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-teacher-contract-bill-headed-to-full-hous-ar-1674977/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-teacher-contract-bill-headed-to-full-hous-ar-1674977/#When:22:00:00Z The measure has undergone substantial alterations from the original proposal to institute annual contracts and evaluations, to a plan that would allow teachers currently on continuing contracts to keep them. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-bill-to-expand-eligibility-for-capital-mu-ar-1674979/ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2012/feb/09/tdmain05-bill-to-expand-eligibility-for-capital-mu-ar-1674979/#When:22:00:00Z A bill that would expand eligibility for the death penalty to people involved in a capital murder who do not actually commit the killing was narrowly defeated Wednesday by a Senate committee. Richmond 2012-02-08T22:00:00+00:00 http://www.headlineva.com/index.php/politics/