By Susan Laume: Those following Virginia’s gun violence prevention measures were surprised when State Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36th) joined three other Democrats, Sens. “Chap” Petersen (D-34th), John Edwards (D-21st) and Creigh Deeds (D-25th), in a committee vote against advancing an assault weapons ban on February 17. Gun control and gun advocates were among those in the audience to ask about…
Ten million tons of carbon would be added to Virginia’s carbon footprint annually if the Virginia legislature approves a bill to permit two new gas-fired power plants in Charles City County, southeast of Richmond. The bill, SB 992, would greenlight the largest fossil-fueled electrical plant in Virginia ever, the Chickahominy Plant, producing 1,600 MW and costing a proposed $1.6 billion.…
The 50+ Committee of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee spent a busy day in Richmond on Jan. 16 meeting with state lawmakers on issues that are key to seniors. Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35), the Senate’s majority leader, recognized the group from the floor of the Senate, and numerous other legislators also made time for this important constituency. Issues discussed included…
As the Virginia state legislature opened for business this week, Northern Virginia legislators scored more than half the standing committee chair positions – as well as providing the Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House, and House Majority Leader. Senators and delegates from our region will hold 14 of the 25 committee chairs, covering topic such as agriculture, commerce, transportation,…
Gun rights advocates interrupted speakers frequently with boos, shouts and chants as the Fairfax County state legislative delegation held its traditional public forum on Jan. 4, four days in advance of the opening of the General Assembly this Wednesday. Gun supporters, many with orange “Guns Save Lives” stickers, were prominent in the audience at the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium…
Northern Virginia’s own Eileen Filler-Corn has been elected speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates — the first time a woman has held the position. Filler-Corn, who has represented the 41st district, based in Springfield, since 2010, will also be the first Jew to hold the post. “The firsts are not lost on me – the first woman and the…
Democrats took control of the Virginia House and Senate on Tuesday, and consolidated their legislative hold in Northern Virginia as Dan Helmer ousted Republican incumbent Del. Tim Hugo in the 40th District (Centreville) to make the region a solid sea of blue. Democrats also swept to victory in local elections in Fairfax County, with two challengers defeating Republican school board…
Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay won the Democratic Primary for chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night, beating opponents at-large school board member Ryan McElveen, Georgetown Law professor Alicia Plerhoples and developer Tim Chapman. The race for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Fairfax County was won by challenger Steve Descano, who defeated incumbent Ray Morrogh, a Fairfax County prosecutor for more than…
The Democratic Primary will take place from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Participation is open to any registered voter and you don’t need to re- register or sign up with the Democratic Party in order to cast a ballot in the Primary. The voting process is the same as it is in the November General Election. Just head…
To the Editor of The Blue View: Stop us if you’ve heard this before: “This election is the most consequential of our lifetimes.” We say it every November – and we’re proven right time and time again. After last year’s midterm elections, the House of Representatives is finally providing the much-needed check that President Trump’s White House has been lacking.…
By George Hogan and David Allison: In a recent OxFam study, an analysis was completed to determine the best state in which to work. The report categorized 11 policy areas into three basic dimensions—wage policies, worker protection policies, and the right to organize—and ranked states accordingly. Not surprisingly, our Commonwealth of Virginia placed dead last. As representatives of two Northern…
By Mimi Dash: Experience matters. Look no further than across the Potomac River at the job House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is doing to an inexperienced president and administration. But as our Democratic Party drifts further and further to the left, one thing is becoming abundantly clear: purity is becoming a hotter commodity. That, in a nutshell, is the decision many…
By Julie Galdo: Recently I had a visit from State Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35) for the first time in 36 years living in Falls Church, and I was disappointed. Instead of sharing why he was running again, Sen. Saslaw spent our few minutes together telling me why his Democratic primary opponent, Yasmine Taeb, was not worthy of my vote. I…
Updated 4:10 pm to remove reference to town hall, which has been cancelled Virginia Del. Kathy Tran (D-42) has apologized to constituents for misspeaking, while reaffirming her opposition to infanticide and clarifying that a bill she sponsored would not extend the time period for legal abortion in Virginia. Tran kicked up a firestorm last week in answering yes when asked…