ROANOKE VALLEY POLITICS

Griffith is challenging Boucher

RICHMOND -- Republican Del. Morgan Griffith of Salem is considering a run for The U.S. House of Representatives
against Democratic Rick Boucher from Abingdon , Virginia.
Griffith is The Majority Leader in The Virginia House of Delegates.
The National Republican Congressional Committee had conversations with Griffith,
who opposes creating a cap-and-trade system to curb pollution emissions.

Ralph Smith wants more time to read the budget.

Tea Party organizers plan three debates

5th District debate is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Brookville High School to select the Republican nominee to run for the seat held by Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economy has yet to see The Worst of The Recession.
Federal "stimulus" funds Republicans criticize have kept the state operating.
The reserves are gone and the federal stimulus funding will soon be over.
Unlike the federal government, the state must balance its budget.

The Virginia House of Delegates proposed a new state budget which will increase class sizes while reducing public school funding,
and implementing drastic cuts in programs for the disabled, seniors, and the working poor.
The Senate Finance Committee passed its version of The Budget which calls for more than $700 million in cuts,
made possible by a plan to save $500 million by contributing less than expected over the next two years into the retirement fund for teachers and state employees,
and major cuts to Medicaid.
One way or another, tax increases the state is avoiding will surface
in higher local taxes.

House of Delegates OKs repeal of gun-purchase limit

The Gun Bill is likely to clear the House of Delegates, which has a Republican majority.
If the bill passes the Democratic-led Senate, where its chances are uncertain, Gov. Bob McDonnell intends to sign the measure into law.
Death penalty expansion bills are touted by Republicans in Virginia,
which already has the second-busiest death chamber in the USA.
The Senate passed a massive increase of civil court filing fees to raise money for sheriff's departments.
John Edwards (D Roanoke) warned such steep increases could put civil court out of the reach of "the little guy."
McDonnell is considering "privatizing" Virginia Liquor Stores
McDonnell Campaign claimed Virginians prefer "welfare" to work
The Republican candidate repeatedly endorsed
The Economic policies of George W. Bush
Outrageous Guns-in-Bars legislation passed the Virginia House and Senate
Statewide "smoking" ban approved by the House of Delegates & Senate
"Smokers" have few indoor options as the statewide ban goes into effect.
AT ISSUE: Will Sledd keep serving on corporate boards?
Ex- VA TECH director 'inadvertently' took The Cho File
Tech officials inaction was 'Inexcusable' according to a revised report.
Virginia Tech disputes the "implications".
Appalachian Power surcharge approved
TV ads circulated in Roanoke and Bristol saying Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert F. McDonnell supported $180 million in electric power rate increases.