News 2008-08-15 Andanh.com

Summing up the whole John Edwards thing. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:03:19 -0500
Democratic strategist David "Mudcat" Saunders was gracious enough to blog with us on the Shad Plank a while back. Besides being an adviser to former Gov. Mark R. Warner, he has also advised former Sen. John Edwards. Saunders was quoted in CNN last week on how Edwards is dealing with the fallout from news of his sexual affair. He summed it up about as well as anyone can. "I talked to John (Tuesday) and he's not doing well. He's just -- to be very frank with you -- he's just not doing well. He needs to be concentrating on himself and his family at this point in his life. He's a good boy. He just made a hell of a mistake."

Wagner says she'll run for lieutenant governor Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:44:05 -0500
Jody Wagner, who recently stepped down as the state secretary of finance, just announced that she will run for lieutenant governor in 2009, challenging incumbent Republican Bill Bolling, who has said he will seek re-election'. Wagner has established a campaign Web site, www.jodyforva.com, and plans to push her experience as a mother and small-business owner in addition to her political background. "I'm running for lieutenant governor because as a mom and a small business owner, I know that we need steady, proven leadership in Richmond," Wagner said in a statement announcing her candidacy. "Leaders who keep Virginia's fiscal house in order. Leaders who understand how to help Virginia's small businesses thrive. Leaders who know that investing in education is the way to make sure our...

Dems also opening a Norfolk office on Saturday Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:19:23 -0500
In addition to Suffolk and Gloucester, the Dems will be opening a campaign office in Norfolk on Saturday, this one part of the Democratic Party of Virginia's Coordinated Campaign. The office will be a base for Norfolk volunteer and grassroots efforts to elect presidential candidate Barack Obama, Senate candidate Mark Warner and 2nd District congressional candidate Glenn Nye, who is challenging Republican incumbent Thelma Drake. The office is at 9647 1st View St., and the official opening is at 10 a.m.

Another Kaine landing spot? Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:16:41 -0500
If Gov. Timothy M. Kaine doesn't land on the second rung of Barack Obama's camapign, perhaps he'll take the top spot at Virginia Commonwealth University. Kaine has openly toyed with the idea of leading the university, which is a central part of Richmond's character, and on Wednesday the current president said that he plans to step down in 11-months. Sitting president Eugene P. Trani had quintuple coronary artery bypass surgery a little over a month ago and said that he's going to follow doctors orders and cut a little out of his schedule. That's a pretty good time frame for Kaine - the top spot would be open for six-months while Kaine served out the remainer of his term pushing Democratic candidates on the 2009...

Obama in Richmond? Kaine and Warner focus-grouped? What's it all mean? Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:53:07 -0500
The Veepometer is swinging wild on this one. According to Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic.com, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is planning "an event" in Richmond next Thursday. The nature of the event remains a mystery -- a veep announcement? A Michelle Obama appearance? Ambinder doesn't think it's The Announcement. But ... And he offers a truly intriguing tidbit: It seems that the Obama campaign did some focus group testing in Norfolk last week, trying to see who plays better with the public -- Tim Kaine or Mark Warner. Warner won the contest, which is a good thing seeing as how he's the convention keynote speaker. Or maybe he's the convention speaker because he did well with the focus group. But then again .... All...

Warner, Deeds, Moran and the Local 8888 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:50:37 -0500
The Local 8888 is about to kick off negotiations for a new contract with Northrop Grumman, and former Gov. Mark R. Warner, Del. Brian Moran and Sen. Creigh Deeds are all going to be on hand for a rally today in Newport News. The rally is the opening slavo and show of solidarity by the union, which is expecting to start negotiations the week after Labor Day. The union contact expires Oct. 26. The event is also a chance for Warner to do some retail politiking as he prepares for the home stretch of his run against former Gov. Jim Gilmore to replace retiring U.S. Sen John Warner. The Warners are not related. Meanwhile, Moran and Deeds are both positioning themselves for next years gubernatorial...

Drake, Hampton officials to host gang awareness forum Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:40:36 -0500
U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, whose district includes a portion of Hampton, will join Hampton Mayor Molly Ward and Schools Superintendent Patrick Russo in hosting a "gang awareness forum" at the Hampton Roads Convention Center Monday evening. The forum will address the behavior of gang members, physical attributes, gangs active in the city of Hampton, and the factors that lead youths to get involved in gangs. There will be presentations will be offered by the FBI and members of the Hampton Police Gang Unit. The forum will be in Conference Rooms B, C and D at the convention center, and will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

VFW to honor Webb for leadership on new G.I. bill Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:53:15 -0500
Sen. Jim Webb will receive a gold medal and citation of merit from the Veterans of Foreign Wars next week for his leadership on the new G.I. bill, which was signed into law on June 30. Among other things, the bill dramatically improves educational benefits for veterans who have served since 9/11. Webb made a new G.I. bill a central theme of his campaign in 2006, when he defeated one-term Republican Sen. George Allen. Webb will receive his VFW honors and speak to the annual VFW convention in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday. George Lisicki, the VFW's commander in chief, said: "The VFW had been pushing for a new GI Bill for 10 years. We had called, written, testified, and met with every (congressional) member and...

Is McCain more in tune with 'Virginia values?' Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:36:27 -0500
Top strategists for Republican Sen. John McCain here in Virginia concede that the race is close, and they plan to work hard to extend their 40-year winning streak in presidential elections. In a conference call with reporters, McCain 2008 Political Director Mike DuHaime suggested that Northern Virginia would not produce huge margins for Democrats, as has been the case in past statewide elections. McCain will appeal to Northern Virginians as a maverick, someone who is willing to cross party lines to solve a problem, DuHaime said. Bipartisanship? Practical problem-solver? That's the same approach that Democrat Mark Warner used in his successful campaign for governor in 2001. Now Warner is on a significant down-ticket race, running against Republican Jim Gilmore for the U.S. Senate. So far,...

Dems opening campaign offices in Suffolk, Gloucester Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:02:43 -0500
The campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will open an office in Suffolk on Saturday, at 140 W. Washington Street. The "official" opening runs from noon to 2 p.m. The Obama campaign announced a few weeks ago that it would open 20 offices across Virginia as part of its effort to end the GOP's 44-year winning streak in presidential elections here. Also Saturday, the Democrats Coordinated Campaign will open an office in Gloucester's York River Crossing Shopping Center that will provide space for the Obama campaign, Mark Warner's Senate campaign and Bill Day's challenge of 1st District U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman.

Northern Neck's Mercy Creek was 'Born to Rock' Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
From tough to tender, local duo flows freely with acoustic sounds.

D espite being headquartered on the Northern Neck, the acoustic duo Mercy Creek remains one of the most visible musical acts across Hampton Roads.

Get your yard in shape to survive drought Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
M aybe, just maybe, by the time you read this article, we will be blessed with inches and inches of rain — not enough to cause problems but enough to saturate the soil to a healthy depth.

Say goodbye to Book Corner, hello Ticket Calendar Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T his May, if someone had asked me to tell them the most difficult decision I would make this year, I might have replied that it would involve telling my supervisor that I wanted to pursue my longtime goal of attending graduate school. I believed that ultimately everyone would understand and support my decision, but I was intimidated by the prospect of explaining to my supervisor that this was what I wanted to do.

Republican strategists like GOP's chances in Va. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Two say state Democrats won't identify with that party's presumptive nominee, Sen. Obama.

Virginia Democrats have compiled a modest winning streak in statewide races, but they won't break the Republicans' 36-year stranglehold on presidential elections, GOP strategists said Thursday.

Gilmore touts domestic energy during visit Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The GOP Senate candidate tours a private Newport News shipyard.

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore toured a private shipyard on the southern tip of the Peninsula on Thursday, highlighting his U.S. Senate campaign push to boost domestic oil production.

Hearing next month in Vick bankruptcy case Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A federal bankruptcy judge has scheduled a hearing for Sept. 5 to determine whether a trustee is needed to oversee Michael Vick's finances.

Will November election continue 'The Way It Is'? Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
W hen's the last time you heard a guy who played piano with the Grateful Dead quote a slain hard-core rapper in staunch support of a presidential candidate?

Warner tapped as keynote speaker at convention Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Democrats acknowledge Virginia's new place on the electoral map with their selection.

Tapping former governor Mark Warner as keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention signals the rising importance of Virginia in presidential politics.

Little Creek-based sailor dies in crash Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Navy man stationed at Little Creek Amphibious Base died Tuesday night in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach.

Barr courts Virginia voters Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Libertarian makes a pitch to those who are dissatisfied with both major-party candidates.

Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr doesn't see much of a difference between that guy who is calling for fundamental change and the other fellow who insists he's a maverick.

County proposes real estate tax hike Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A public hearing on the proposed 52-cent rate will be held Sept. 16.

County officials proposed raising the real estate tax rate by 6 percent.

Four arrested in gang activity, burglaries Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Police have arrested an adult and three juveniles, all believed to be members of the Bloods street gang, and charged them in a series of recent burglaries in Portsmouth.

Two shot in argument in Suffolk Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The former couple were wounded when the ex-boyfriend forced his way into her home.

They used to live together as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Pilot accused of flying under the influence pleads guilty Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:59:00 -0400
The Suffolk Peanut Fest helicopter pilot accused of flying under the influence of alcohol pleaded guilty to felony child abuse or neglect and a misdemeanor charge of reckless handling of aircraft.

Suffolk woman enters plea in indecent liberties case Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:23:00 -0400
A 35-year-old Suffolk woman entered an Alford plea to a charge of taking indecent liberties with her 13-year-old niece.

Woman enters Alford plea in child sex case Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 35-year-old Suffolk woman entered an Alford plea to a charge of taking indecent liberties with her 13-year-old niece.

Brother, sister charged with distributing drugs Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
James City Police arrested a brother and sister Wednesday and charged them with distribution of narcotics.

Local Vietnam POW, retired admiral honored Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Joint Forces Staff College names auditorium after Jeremiah Denton Jr. for years of service.

As Jeremiah Denton Jr. made his way to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in February 1973, he knew he'd reached a turning point.

WJCC students improve on ACT college tests Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:48:00 -0400
The 111 Williamsburg- James City County high school students who took the ACT college entrance exams in 2007-08 outperformed the state and the nation, according to results released Wednesday.

Schools told to let Christian group in rent-free Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A federal judge granted an injunction, saying the school district's fee policy is unconstitutional.

A federal judge has ordered Williamsburg- James City County Public Schools to stop charging a Christian group to use one of its schools as a meeting place while a lawsuit against the school district is under way.

No one injured in fire caused by lightning Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A fire believed to have been caused by a lightning strike damaged a home Sunday night in the Windsor Forest subdivision of James City County, according to the James City Fire Department.

House fire caused by lightning in James City County Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:39:00 -0400
A fire believed to have been caused by a lightning strike damaged a home Sunday night in the Windsor Forest subdivision of James City County, according to the James City Fire Department.

Vote puts commissioners at odds with supes Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Despite recent votes, the chairman of the supervisors says there's no strife between the boards.

For the second time in just more than a month, the county's planning commissioners failed to recommend a measure already endorsed by the Board of Supervisors who appointed them.

Poles vital to Jamestown's survival Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Members of the American Council for Polish Culture honor the 400th anniversary of the first Poles to arrive at the settlement.

To many, the Polish culture brings to mind a spicy treat of Polish sausage, sold by street vendors throughout the nation. Yet, many are unaware of the skills, such as glass-making, the Polish brought to the first North American settlements, said Bernadette Wiermanski, vice president of the American Council for Polish Culture.

Restaurant owner pleads guilty in theft Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The owner of a Mathews restaurant was jailed this week after pleading guilty in connection with the theft last year of $1,000 from the owner of the Olivia's restaurants in Gloucester.

Altemus' lawyers want prosecutor replaced; cite bias, conflicts Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A motion filed with the Circuit Court says Hicks is politically motivated to unseat several county supervisors.

Commonwealth's Attorney Robert D. Hicks has "clear personal biases and conflicts" in the prosecution of four indicted Gloucester supervisors and should be replaced as the prosecutor, asserted lawyers for Supervisor Teresa Altemus in documents filed in Gloucester County Circuit Court.

Citizens close in on petition goal Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Voters can still sign the recall forms at least through Aug. 20.

A push to gather signatures for petitions to recall four members of the Board of Supervisors will continue through at least Aug. 20, when the four supervisors have their second appearance in Gloucester County Circuit Court.

Trash police turning this hospital green Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Green Team is helping the hospital reduce its garbage by 20%, saving $1,000 a month.

Try to put something recyclable in the trash bin at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, and you might get caught.

Verizon adding 21 channels to FiOS TV Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Verizon announced Thursday that it was adding 21 channels, including 16 in high-definition, to its FiOS TV service in Hampton Roads.

Credit cards for your business have advantages Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Having a credit card for your business comes with certain advantages. As your business grows, using one can help you save time and money.

Drug premiums to go up about 12% Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The typical Medicare beneficiary can expect to see about a $3 increase in their monthly premiums for prescription drug coverage in 2009, federal officials said Thursday.

Reports signal bleak outlook Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Inflation hits its highest point in 17 years, consumer prices surge and the job market remains strained.

Inflation is running at the fastest pace in 17 years, the job market is under further strain and foreclosure filings are surging.

Netflix glitch means no flix for many Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Netflix Inc. said Thursday that major technical problems over the past three days have severely limited the number of DVDs it could send out.

FAA cites American for several violations, seeks $7.1M fine Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday that it was seeking $7.1 million from American Airlines for continuing to fly airliners after safety problems were reported and for drug-testing violations.

Oil prices drop, markets rise Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Investors take advantage of bargain stocks. Consumer prices jump, pushing inflation up.

Wall Street rebounded Thursday, rising sharply as oil prices fell and investors took advantage of bargains in financial stocks after two straight days of heavy declines.

Bush accuses Russia of 'bullying and intimidation' in harsh treatment of Georgia Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:38:00 -0400
WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Bush on Friday accused Russia of "bullying and intimidation" in its harsh military treatment of Georgia, saying the people in the former Soviet republic have chosen freedom and "we will not cast them aside."

Judge rules there's enough evidence for Detroit mayor to stand trial on assault charges Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:26:00 -0400
DETROIT (AP) _ A judge ruled Friday that there's enough evidence for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to stand trial on two felony assault charges stemming from a confrontation with two investigators.

AP Exclusive: US Intelligence says Iran's Quds force, Lebanese Hezbollah training hit squa Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:31:00 -0400
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Iraqi Shiite assassination teams are being trained in at least four locations in Iran by Tehran's elite Quds force and Lebanese Hezbollah and are planning to return to Iraq in the next few months to kill specific Iraqi officials as well as U.S. and Iraqi troops, according to intelligence gleaned from captured militia fighters and other sources in Iraq.

Loyalty in politics: Is Edwards' former aide covering for him by claiming to be the father Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:16:00 -0400
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ For nearly a decade, Andrew Young was John Edwards' loyal foot soldier as Edwards rocketed from millionaire trial lawyer to U.S. senator to two-time White House hopeful.

Texas district allowing teachers to carry guns as measure to prevent school shootings Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:18:00 -0400
HARROLD, Texas (AP) _ A tiny Texas district will allow teachers and staff members to carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings when classes begin this month, provided the gun-toting employees follow certain requirements.

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