Saturday February 4, 2012

Virginia Political News

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers defeats primary challenge - www.roanoke.com

The incumbent Roanoke mayor collected 867 votes to Sam Rasoul's 526 in the Democratic primary.Roanoke political veteran David Bowers proved he's still got plenty of fuel left in his tank, defeating challenger Sam Rasoul 867 to 526 in a firehouse primary to determine the Democratic nomination for mayor in this spring's city elections.

Sunday February 5, 2012 5:26AM | roanoke.com

Hinckley: Still a committed cad

Being a cad isn't a crime.

Sunday February 5, 2012 2:33AM | feedburner.com

Senate outsider Ralph Smith now savoring his opportunity - www.roanoke.com

Once written off, Ralph Smith plans to make the most of his second term.RICHMOND — To hear him tell it, Ralph Smith was underestimated long before he entered politics."I can relate back to algebra class, must have been about the ninth grade," said the Republican state senator and former Roanoke mayor.

Saturday February 4, 2012 5:20AM | roanoke.com

'Conscience clause' adoption bills advance - www.roanoke.com

Questions about public funding and religious freedom are wrapped up in the debate.RICHMOND — Private child placement agencies may soon have legal backing to deny adoption or foster care to prospective parents, including gays and lesbians, for religious or moral reasons. Two bills creating a so-called "conscience clause" made key gains in the General Assembly on Friday to the dismay of some Democ ...

Saturday February 4, 2012 5:20AM | roanoke.com

Roanoke's Democratic primary to be held today at William Fleming - www.roanoke.com

The Democratic nominees for Roanoke mayor and three city council seats will be determined through a firehouse primary from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at William Fleming High School, 3649 Ferncliff Ave. N.W.

Saturday February 4, 2012 5:20AM | roanoke.com

General Assembly Notebook: Bill to halt abortion funding passes - www.roanoke.com

RICHMOND — Sharply polarized debate over abortion-related issues continued Friday in the Virginia House of Delegates, which passed a proposal to halt state-funded abortions for poor women in cases where the child is likely to be born with a gross, totally incapacitating physical deformity or mental deficiency.

Saturday February 4, 2012 5:20AM | roanoke.com

McKenzie: Bell, civic leader and entrepreneur, will be missed

Henry Harrison Bell, 84, an entrepreneur, civic leader and all around nice guy, died Monday after a life spent making a difference.

Friday February 3, 2012 11:32PM | dailyprogress.com

Senate passes bill that adds wait time to absentee voting - www.roanoke.com

Virginians would have to wait at least five days after registering to vote to cast an absentee ballot under legislation passed by a divided state Senate on Thursday.SB 57 would apply to a 15-day window in an election cycle between the time absentee balloting begins and the deadline for voters to register. The bill`s sponsor, Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, called that window "an opportuni ...

Friday February 3, 2012 5:04AM | roanoke.com

Roanoke mayoral candidates ready for Saturday's face-off - www.roanoke.com

David Bowers and Sam Rasoul used different campaign methods going into Saturday's vote.Roanoke Democrats will vote Saturday to determine their candidate for mayor.Longtime political fixture Mayor David Bowers is running as the incumbent at the forefront of a unified city council against challenger Sam Rasoul, best known for his 2008 challenge to U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte.

Friday February 3, 2012 5:04AM | roanoke.com

Abortion bills gain traction this session - www.roanoke.com

The Senate`s passage of a measure requiring ultrasounds prior to abortions has intensified the rhetoric coming from people on both sides of the issue.RICHMOND - In a week dominated by abortion debate, foes of ultrasound legislation say an overlooked aspect of the proposed law is how invasive it will be.Determining gestational age early in a pregnancy often requires an internal probe rather tha ...

Friday February 3, 2012 5:04AM | roanoke.com

A woman's body as battlefield

I'm sick to death of women's bodies being used as a battlefield.

Friday February 3, 2012 12:17AM | feedburner.com

Rep. Scott cries foul on budget gimmicks

U.S. Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, said a bill considered by the House of Representatives is designed to hide the real economic effects and impact of extending the Bush-era tax cuts. The "Pro-Growth Budgeting Act," would change the way the non-partisan Congressional Budgeting Office (CBO) analyzes the fiscal and ecnomic impacts of measures before Congress. While in the past the CBO ...

Thursday February 2, 2012 10:36PM | feedburner.com

Del. Watson on way to fulfilling campaign promise

During his campaign freshman Del. Mike Watson, R-James City County, told voters he wanted to rein in the Business, Professional and Occupational Licenses tax. He took a major step towards that Thursday when a bill he sponsored with Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, passed the House of Delegates on an 88-12 vote. The BPOL tax is levied by localities on businesses`gross receipts. Under Watson` ...

Thursday February 2, 2012 10:03PM | feedburner.com

Penn State case spurs a raft of new abuse bills in Virginia - www.roanoke.com

Virginia legislators are considering a dozen proposals to strengthen the state`s reporting requirements.RICHMOND - Football coaches, day camp counselors, college professors and a wide range of others who may work with children could be added to the list of people required by law to report suspicions of child abuse, and may also face new criminal penalties if they fail to do so, under proposals ...