Topic: Virginia Politics

A rift over the GOP's tax pledge?

Over the past generation, the GOP's pledge to introduce no new taxes has become the essential conservative credential. But some Republicans are refusing to sign.

Battle for women's votes: 6 flash points

The uproar over the Obama campaign’s 'Life of Julia' Web infographic – which made #Julia big on Twitter – highlights just how fiercely both parties are fighting for the women’s vote. The economy is by far the most important issue in November for both sexes. But there are other areas with special significance to women. Here are the main flash points.

US Senate race in Virginia shaping up as national battleground

In Virginia's US Senate race, Democrat Tim Kaine isn't Barack Obama, and Republican George Allen isn't Mitt Romney or the House GOP leadership. But you wouldn't know it from the special-interest ads pouring into this key battleground state.

Smoke the shad, press the flesh: a Virginia political ritual past its prime?

Republicans dominate one of Virginia's oldest political events, the annual 'Shad Planking' in Wakefield. This is no longer Democrat-friendly turf, but attendees still see reason for Democratic candidates to come.

'Shad Planking' offers window on US Senate race in Virginia

Oily, bony fish? Check. Baked beans? Check. Politics? You betcha! GOP US Senate hopeful George Allen gave the keynote speech at 'Shad Planking 2012' in Virginia. Why was Democratic rival Tim Kaine a no-show?

Hillary Clinton for president? Eight Democrats who might run next time.

Tired of the 2012 presidential race? 2016 actually isn’t that far away, especially for Democrats looking hungrily at a nomination race that will not include President Obama. Speculation has already started over who might run – fueled by no less a figure than former President Clinton, who has suggested in recent TV interviews that his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, might change her mind about not running once she’s had a break. Here are some of the possible contenders.

Mitt Romney's problem with women voters: views from a battleground state

In Virginia, a 2012 battleground state, women prefer Obama to Mitt Romney by 13 percentage points, polls show. Analysts say Virginia reflects the national outlook, which could bode well for the president come November.

Marco Rubio & 9 likely Republican VP candidates

Too soon to start speculating about possible Republican vice-presidential candidates? Evidently not. Mitt Romney's rise to the level of presumptive presidential nominee seems to have given political writers and pundits the go-ahead to begin one of the favored handicapping contests in all of politics.

Republicans may think 'blah' about Mitt Romney, but it's his numbers that count

The next big GOP presidential primary is Illinois on Tuesday. Mitt Romney is favored to win the most number of delegates – his likely pattern through April, which could put him ever closer to winning his party's nomination.

Eric Holder: Corporate fraud criminal cases coming soon

Eric Holder, the US attorney general, says his federal department continues to pursue individuals involved in corporate fraud. Eric Holder told states attorneys general fines alone aren't working.

Super Tuesday 101: Who’s ahead where

Ten states are holding presidential primaries or caucuses Tuesday – and many Republicans are hoping the results begin to bring an unusually volatile primary season to a close.

Here’s what to look for Tuesday night, state by state:

Republican governors worry about divisive GOP primary race

Republican governors say they are concerned the prolonged primary race has alienated independent voters and may have badly damaged the eventual nominee.

Rick Santorum and more: How social issues intruded on 2012 campaign

In an election year that was supposed to be all about economic recovery, social values having to do with sex – birth control, abortion, and gay marriage – are playing prominent roles.

Bullish on jobs? These 10 cities are.

Our list of the 10 metro areas that saw the most job growth in 2011 might surprise you.

Virginia: If it's wrong to exclude Gingrich and Perry, can they get on ballot?

Newt Gingrich is not amused at being left off the Virginia primary ballot, Rick Perry is suing, and some in the state are sympathetic. So what went wrong?  And can it be undone? 

Virginia primary: Was it so hard for Perry and Gingrich to get on the ballot?

Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry failed to collect enough signatures to get on the primary ballot in Virginia. Yes, the state has tough rules, but other candidates have managed to register.

In GOP race, Iowa and New Hampshire aren't what they used to be

Iowa still goes first in the presidential nominating contests, followed by New Hampshire. But voters there have lost their outsized influence in personally sizing up nominees, as televised debates and social media take precedence. 

Virginia Tech shooting: Who was gunman Ross Truett Ashley?

One media report about the Virginia Tech shooting has made a connection between the real estate office where Ross Truett Ashley allegedly stole an SUV and his apartment.

Poll: In 2012 swing states, Obama is tied with Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich

In 12 swing states in the 2012 election, Obama is deadlocked against Republican Mitt Romney, with 45 percent of the vote each, a new Purple Poll shows. Newt Gingrich also shows well. 

Bipartisan support for fixing our schools

The Historic Schools Rehabilitation Tax Credit offers developers, states, and school districts a federal tax credit to enter into public/private partnerships to help pay for modernization of schools that are on the National Register of Historic places. But is the plan too limited in scope?

Debt ceiling crisis: another day without resolution as the clock ticks

The political dance over the US debt ceiling crisis continued Sunday with the possibility that top lawmakers could be summoned to the White House, although no meeting had been scheduled.

Michele Bachmann: Is she the Mike Huckabee of 2012?

Like the folksy and articulate Huckabee, Michele Bachmann could appeal to evangelical Christian voters in Iowa. She has even hired his former campaign manager. But can she be more than a spoiler?

Herman Cain announces presidential candidacy: Is he 2012's Teddy Roosevelt?

Businessman and talk radio host Herman Cain has never won a political race, and most voters have never heard of him. But among those who have, his favorability ratings are very high.

Obama's health-care reform law faces new test in appeals court

Two cases challenging the constitutionality of the health-care reform law arrive Tuesday for oral argument at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va.