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<channel>
	<title>Virginia News Platoon &#187; Virginia Politics</title>
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<title>Virginia News Platoon</title>
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		<item>
		<title>RPV Convention:  Interview with Danny Smith</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/31/rpv-convention-interview-with-danny-smith/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/31/rpv-convention-interview-with-danny-smith/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 20:33:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danny Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=327</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Friday, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview Danny Smith, who is running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 38th District.  The current incumbent is Bob Hull, who is facing a primary against Kaye Kory.  Smith discussed how his campaign is going and addressed some of the core issues [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On Friday, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview Danny Smith, who is running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 38<sup>th</sup> District.  The current incumbent is Bob Hull, who is facing a primary against Kaye Kory.  Smith discussed how his campaign is going and addressed some of the core issues that his campaign will focus on.  Right now, the residents of the 38<sup>th</sup> District deserves better leadership in Richmond, and Bob Hull has dropped the ball in his service to his community.  Danny Smith is the right candidate, who will provide solid leadership in Richmond.</p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/4931439">Interview with CCC:  Danny Smith, Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1366166">Krystle Weeks</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a> and <a href="http://yrdominion.blogspot.com"><em>YR Dominion</em></a></p>
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		<title>Democrats Dodging the Question</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/27/democrats-dodging-the-question/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/27/democrats-dodging-the-question/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 03:37:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob McDonnell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Card Check]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forced Unionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Click here to watch the three Democratic candidates for Governor dodge questions about card check.  Only one candidate, Republican Bob McDonnell gave a detailed response on where he stands on card check and forced unionism.   H/T to Bearing Drift
Click here to watch the video
**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Click here to watch the three Democratic candidates for Governor dodge questions about card check.  Only one candidate, Republican Bob McDonnell gave a detailed response on where he stands on card check and forced unionism.   H/T to <a href="http://bearingdrift.com/2009/05/27/dodgeball-virginia-democrat-style/"><em>Bearing Drift</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/kUSxJQKJdMo">Click here to watch the video</a></p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Muldoon Web of Lies&#8211;Part Three</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/22/muldoon-web-of-lies-part-three/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/22/muldoon-web-of-lies-part-three/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 06:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill Bolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lieutenant Governor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pat Muldoon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was my intention to end the Muldoon Web of Lies series after the second part.  However, #15 of Lieutenant Governor candidate Patrick Muldoon&#8217;s 30 reasons to &#8220;annoy a delegate with crazy rants&#8221; e-mail deserved some clarification.
Muldoon claims in his e-mail:
As many of you know, during the 2007 General Assembly session, House Bill 2035 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was my intention to end the Muldoon Web of Lies series after the second part.  However, #15 of Lieutenant Governor candidate Patrick Muldoon&#8217;s 30 reasons to &#8220;annoy a delegate with crazy rants&#8221; e-mail deserved some clarification.</p>
<p>Muldoon claims in his e-mail:</p>
<blockquote><p>As many of you know, during the 2007 General Assembly session, House Bill 2035 was passed requiring that 12 year-olds girls be vaccinated for the sexually transmitted disease Human papillomavirus (HPV).</p>
<p>This legislation was a gross infringement on parental rights and put Virginia’s young girls at great risk by mandating an unproven vaccination for an STD that they have no chance of contracting in the classroom.</p>
<p>This legislation was the result of an aggressive multimillion dollar advertising campaign by Merck and other pharmaceutical companies.</p>
<p>In fact, House Bill 2035 mandates that 12 year-olds receive an STD vaccine that wasn’t even proven effective for their age group, unless their parents affirmatively opt out.  Just try telling your pediatrician that you don’t want your middle schooler vaccinated … and get ready for an earful thanks to the mandate and Merck’s multimillion-dollar saturation advertising, PR and “physician education” campaign, which included funding for Bill Bolling’s “End Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime” effort.</p>
<p>I believe parental rights needs to be protected and mandating an untested STD vaccination for 12 year-old girls is not looking out for Virginia families. While I support the effort to end cervical cancer, I do not believe that forcing an unproven vaccine on young girls is the solution.</p>
<p>I will fight for Virginia’s parents and children, by seeking to repeal the STD vaccine mandate for young girls.  And I will promote abstinence and monogamy, not the so called “safe sex” agenda.</p></blockquote>
<p>Well, let&#8217;s look at the real truth.  First, Bill Bolling does not, has not, and will not support mandatory vaccinations for HPV for anyone.  Second, the <a href="http://www.ltgov.virginia.gov/iniatives/cervicalCancer/index.cfm">program</a> that Bolling participated in was a bipartisan <em>national</em> program that encouraged women to visit their doctors, and attempted to educate them about the link between HPV and cancer.  The program recommended abstinence as the best method of avoiding HPV, and the vaccine only in terms of consultation with a doctor.</p>
<p>As for the &#8220;mandatory vaccine&#8221; claim, the State Senate passed legislation that added the HPV vaccine to the list of required vaccinations before a child enters school, but the opt-out basically neutralizes it.</p>
<p><span id="more-319"></span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>§ 32.1-46. Immunization of patients against certain diseases.</strong><br />
12. (Effective October 1, 2008) Three doses of properly spaced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for females. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the sixth grade.</p>
<p>The parent, guardian or person standing in loco parentis may have such child immunized by a physician or registered nurse or may present the child to the appropriate local health department, which shall administer the vaccines required by the State Board of Health Regulations for the Immunization of School Children without charge.</p>
<p>B. A physician, registered nurse or local health department administering a vaccine required by this section shall provide to the person who presents the child for immunizations a certificate that shall state the diseases for which the child has been immunized, the numbers of doses given, the dates when administered and any further immunizations indicated.</p>
<p>C. The vaccines required by this section shall meet the standards prescribed in, and be administered in accordance with, regulations of the Board.</p>
<p>D. The provisions of this section shall not apply if:</p>
<p>1. The parent or guardian of the child objects thereto on the grounds that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his religious tenets or practices, unless an emergency or epidemic of disease has been declared by the Board;</p>
<p>2. The parent or guardian presents a statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in Virginia, or a licensed nurse practitioner, that states that the physical condition of the child is such that the administration of one or more of the required immunizing agents would be detrimental to the health of the child; or</p>
<p>3. (Effective October 1, 2008) Because the human papillomavirus is not communicable in a school setting, a parent or guardian, at the parent&#8217;s or guardian&#8217;s sole discretion, may elect for the parent&#8217;s or guardian&#8217;s child not to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, after having reviewed materials describing the link between the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer approved for such use by the Board.</p>
<p>Finally, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that this vaccine can SAVE LIVES.  Saying that giving a child this vaccine will encourage them to have sex is like saying giving a kid a tetanus shot makes them more likely to jump into a pile of rusty nails.</p>
<p>In addition to this, there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about what the vaccine is and what it does.  Here’s a bit of background:</p>
<p>The facts are as follows:</p>
<p>n  Gardasil does only protect against four strains of HPV (types 6,11,16, and 18), but these strains are responsible for 70% of the cervical cancer cases, and 90% of genital warts.  Complaining that it doesn’t work on the remaining strains is like complaining that your bulletproof vest doesn’t protect you from a swift kick to the shins.</p>
<p>n  Gardasil has been thoroughly tested and approved by the FDA for girls aged 9-26.</p>
<p>o   From http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2006/new01385.html<br />
Four studies, one in the United States and three multinational, were conducted in 21,000 women to show how well Gardasil worked in women between the ages of 16 and 26 by giving them either the vaccine or placebo.  The results showed that in women who had not already been infected, Gardasil was nearly 100 percent effective in preventing precancerous cervical lesions, precancerous vaginal and vulvar lesions, and genital warts caused by infection with the HPV types against which the vaccine is directed.  While the study period was not long enough for cervical cancer to develop, the prevention of these cervical precancerous lesions is believed highly likely to result in the prevention of those cancers.</p>
<p>The studies also evaluated whether the vaccine can protect women already infected with some HPV types included in the vaccine from developing diseases related to those viruses.  The results show that the vaccine is only effective when given prior to infection.</p>
<p>Two studies were also performed to measure the immune response to the vaccine among younger females aged 9-15 years.  Their immune response was as good as that found in 16-26 year olds, indicating that the vaccine should have similar effectiveness when used in the 9-15 year age group.</p>
<p>n  Some people have pointed to the fact that there have been a handful of severe reactions as proof that Gardasil is somehow unsafe.  According to the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/CBER/safety/gardasil071408.htm), of the approx 16,000,000 doses administered in the US, “As of June 30, 2008, there have been 9,749 VAERS reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination. Of these, 94% were classified as reports of non-serious events, and 6% as serious events.”  That makes for a serious event rate of .00365%.  In a population that size, that’s not statistically significant.  None of these events have actually been linked to the vaccine by any sort of medical follow- up.  The FDA concludes:</p>
<p>SUMMARY</p>
<p>Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks.</p>
<p>CDC has not changed its recommendations for use of Gardasil. FDA has not made any changes to the prescribing information for how the vaccine is used or to the vaccine&#8217;s Precautions. In addition, FDA routinely reviews manufacturing information, and has not identified any issues affecting the safety, purity and potency of Gardasil.</p>
<p>Public health and safety are priorities for FDA and CDC. As with all licensed vaccines, we will continue to closely monitor the safety of Gardasil. FDA and CDC continue to find that Gardasil is a safe and effective vaccine that will potentially benefit the health of millions of women by providing protection against the types of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases.</p>
<p>n  Gardasil is not injected into the cervix, it’s injected into the upper arm or thigh.</p>
<p>From www.drugs.com/gardasil<br />
How is Gardasil given?</p>
<p>Gardasil is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle in your upper arm or thigh. You will receive this injection in a doctor&#8217;s office or other clinic setting.</p>
<p>Gardasil is given in a series of 3 shots. You may have the first shot at any time as long as you are between the ages of 9 and 26 years old. Then you will need to receive a second dose 2 months after your first shot, and a third dose 6 months after your first shot.</p>
<p>Be sure to receive all doses of Gardasil recommended by your healthcare provider or by the health department of the state you live in. If you do not receive the full series of vaccines, you may not be fully protected against the disease.</p>
<p>Gardasil should not be used in place of having a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.</p>
<p>n  The image some people want to conjure up of 12 year old girls being pulled out of class and frog-marched to the nurses office where they’re strapped down and pumped full of drugs is just false.  The legislation that passed incorporates the HPV vaccine into the list that all students are required to get before they enter school (measles, mumps, polio, etc).  Since there is a no-cause parental opt-out, the legislation pretty much boils down to requiring the school system to provide parents a pamphlet on HPV and Cervical cancer.</p>
<p>§ 32.1-46. Immunization of patients against certain diseases.</p>
<p>D.3. (Effective October 1, 2008) Because the human papillomavirus is not communicable in a school setting, a parent or guardian, at the parent&#8217;s or guardian&#8217;s sole discretion, may elect for the parent&#8217;s or guardian&#8217;s child not to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, after having reviewed materials describing the link between the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer approved for such use by the Board.</p>
<p>§  The Catholic Diocese of Virginia released the following letter, which states, “There is nothing intrinsically immoral associated with providing or receiving the HPV vaccine.”  While the bishops do not agree with the timeline in which the legislation was enacted, they clearly recognize that a need exists for such a vaccine, and that providing the strong parental opt-out was the correct course to take.</p>
<p>http://www.catholicvirginian.org/archive/2009/2009vol84iss12/pages/article4.html</p>
<p>Virginia Bishops speak to parents about HPV vaccine</p>
<p>March 24, 2009</p>
<p>Dear Concerned Parents:</p>
<p>In June of 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil, a vaccine for females that is designed to prevent four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). A law passed by our state legislature the following year — requiring the Virginia Department of Health to provide parents of rising sixth grade girls with information on HPV and the HPV vaccine — has recently taken effect.</p>
<p>According to this new law, schools (including non-public schools) are responsible for providing this information to those parents before the end of the current school year.</p>
<p>As you receive the state-required information, we wish to offer some information and observations for your consideration.</p>
<p>Considerations Regarding Catholic Teaching</p>
<p>The Catholic Church teaches generally that immunizing against disease is an important and morally responsible action. There is nothing intrinsically immoral associated with providing or receiving the HPV vaccine.</p>
<p>It is necessary to acknowledge the prevalence of HPV, the many deaths and other health problems it has caused, and the appropriateness of combating it. The four types of HPV that the vaccine is designed to prevent cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts.</p>
<p>At the same time, the Church also teaches that parents are the primary educators and caregivers of their children. Their discretion in deciding what health care measures are necessary and appropriate for their children must be fully respected by the state.</p>
<p>We believe that governments must be especially mindful of the difficult situation parents face when considering an immunization for a sexually transmitted disease for their young daughters. With many popular forces in today’s society encouraging irresponsible and immoral behavior, parents are rightly concerned that their daughters not receive a mixed message about the importance of chastity.</p>
<p>However, we also recognize that the prevalence of HPV makes exposure to the virus possible even in a marriage, due to the possibility of a spouse’s exposure as a result of sexual activity prior to marriage. Sadly, we also live in a society where non-consensual sex remains a threat to young women and therefore a source of potential exposure to HPV.</p>
<p>Legislative Debate</p>
<p>Since the FDA’s approval of Gardasil, there has been much public debate regarding the government’s role in promoting or even mandating the vaccine for school-aged girls. In Virginia, debate about this new vaccine led to the General Assembly’s enactment of legislation requiring the parents of girls about to enter the sixth grade to receive information from the state describing the link between HPV and cervical cancer and the availability of the new HPV vaccine.</p>
<p>During the course of this debate, the Virginia Catholic Conference (www.vacatholic.org), which is the public-policy agency of our two dioceses, emphasized two main points on our behalf:</p>
<ul>
<li>The primary responsibility for this medical decision must reside with parents. Parental discretion is critical and must not be subordinated to the state.</li>
<li>Rather than enacting legislation prematurely, the more prudent path would have been to allow more time to gather information about this very new vaccine and assess any risks that may be associated with it. The long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine are unknown.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Law and the Choice for Parents</p>
<p>The bill that was enacted is consistent with the first point: It contains no vaccination requirement. Parents will receive the information and have complete discretion to decide for themselves what is in the best interests of their daughters.</p>
<p>In our view, however, the second point merits heightened attention as well. Given that the long-term effects of the vaccine are unknown, parents may wish to explore the significance of this issue further, through consultation with a family physician and through additional research.</p>
<p>Also, because HPV is spread through sexual contact, parents who choose the vaccine for their daughters may find it appropriate to communicate their desire both to prevent HPV infection and to warn against the behavior by which HPV is spread.</p>
<p>Ultimately, because each child is unique, each parent is in the best position to determine the right approach, in terms of the medical decision and the most effective way of discussing it with his or her daughter. We encourage you, therefore, to review the state-compiled information thoroughly and to seek additional information. Two resources that we recommend are:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Catholic Medical Association’s Position Paper on HPV Immunization (http://www.cathmed.org/publications/cma_statement_hpv_vaccine_jan07.pdf)</li>
<li>The Statement of the National Catholic Bioethics Center on Vaccination against HPV (http://www.ncbcenter.org/06-07-11-hpv_vaccine.asp).</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to these two recommended resources, there are many other written sources on which we offer no opinion but which nevertheless may have information worth considering. Three such sources are:</p>
<ul>
<li>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website’s section on vaccines (http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccines.htm)</li>
<li>The HPV Vaccine Information Statement produced by the U.S. government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hpv.pdf)</li>
<li>A link about the vaccine on the manufacturer’s website (http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/product/2008_0708.html)</li>
</ul>
<p>Thank you for permitting us the opportunity to share these thoughts, which we hope will be of value as you make this important parental decision.</p>
<p>Faithfully Yours in Christ,</p>
<p>Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde</p>
<p>Bishop of Arlington</p>
<p>Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo</p>
<p>Bishop of Richmond</p></blockquote>
<p>There you have it:  the real truth about the HPV vaccine claim.  What else will the Muldoon campaign come up with next?</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://www.crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>&#8220;Audit the Fed&#8221; Legislation Gaining Traction in Congress</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/22/audit-the-fed-legislation-gaining-traction-in-congress/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/22/audit-the-fed-legislation-gaining-traction-in-congress/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 06:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia Fiscal Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Goodlatte]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[End the Fed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HR 1207]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Randy Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rob Wittman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ron Paul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tom Perriello]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;Audit the Fed&#8221; (H.R. 1207) Legislation has been gaining some popularity and momentum in the House recently, and it has also received some support from across the aisle.  Rep. Tom Perriello (D- VA 5th) has signed onto this legislation, which has been introduced by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) to make the Federal Reserve more [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;Audit the Fed&#8221; (H.R. 1207) Legislation has been gaining some popularity and momentum in the House recently, and it has also received some support from across the aisle.  Rep. Tom Perriello (D- VA 5<sup>th</sup>) has signed onto this legislation, which has been introduced by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) to make the Federal Reserve more accountable and transparent.  Perriello also joins other Virginia Congressmen, including:  Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA 4<sup>th</sup>), Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA 6<sup>th</sup>), and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA 1<sup>st</sup>) in supporting this legislation.</p>
<p>H.R. 1207 will amend section 714 of Title 31 of the U.S. Code to remove the restrictions on how the GAO can audit the Federal Reserve.  Once these restrictions are removed, all of the Federal Reserve interactions would be open to Congressional oversight.</p>
<p>Hopefully, once this legislation is passed, we will be one step closer to ending the Federal Reserve once and for all.</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://www.crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<title>It&#8217;s either one or the other, Timmy!</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/21/its-either-one-or-the-other-timmy/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/21/its-either-one-or-the-other-timmy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 11:05:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Kaine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Governor Tim Kaine, who also serves as the DNC Chair, is having a difficult time balancing between two jobs.  Maybe, it is time for him to decide whether he wants to lead the Commonwealth of Virginia or play party partisan. 
Kaine told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he is having problems with balancing his duties. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Governor Tim Kaine, who also serves as the DNC Chair, is having a difficult time balancing between two jobs.  Maybe, it is time for him to decide whether he wants to lead the Commonwealth of Virginia or play party partisan. </p>
<p>Kaine told the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/DEMSGATER16_20090515-183802/267963/"><em>Richmond Times-Dispatch</em></a> that he is having problems with balancing his duties. </p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I am trying to juggle two pretty challenging jobs,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not an easy time to be a governor.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>Some people are lucky to be able to balance the commitments of holding two jobs, and there are some who are not capable enough to handle the commitments of holding two jobs, as in Tim Kaine&#8217;s case. </p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<title>Terry McAuliffe Prefers Union Workers over the Non-Union Workers</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/21/terry-mcauliffe-prefers-union-workers-over-the-non-union-workers/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/21/terry-mcauliffe-prefers-union-workers-over-the-non-union-workers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 10:49:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Right to Work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Terry McAuliffe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=315</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It appears that Terry McAuliffe, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor, made a huge gaffe at a debate held on Tuesday at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.  The comment he made was that he created jobs in Florida and hired all union workers.  Like Virginia, Florida is also a right [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It appears that Terry McAuliffe, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor, made a huge gaffe at a debate held on Tuesday at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.  The comment he made was that <strong>he created jobs in Florida and hired all union workers</strong>.  Like Virginia, Florida is also a right to work state, which prohibits compulsory unionism membership as a condition of employment.</p>
<p>It looks like McAuliffe has stepped into some deep <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D14s42rL4UM">chicken shit</a> here, as he violated Florida&#8217;s law, and would most likely advocate doing the same in Virginia.  RPV Chairman Pat Mullins even made a statement about McAuliffe&#8217;s union worker preference.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;Terry McAuliffe either doesn&#8217;t know or doesn&#8217;t care what the letter and spirit of right-to-work laws are if he brags about discriminating against non-union workers,&#8221; said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins. &#8220;Requiring all workers to be unionized is against the policy of Virginia and it is shocking that he would boast about breaking it. Our hard-working citizens and employers deserve to know: will Terry McAuliffe encourage the same kind of discriminatory hiring practices in Virginia he claims to have engaged in while in Florida?&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://www.crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<title>Muldoon Web of Lies:  Part Two</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/16/muldoon-web-of-lies-part-two/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/16/muldoon-web-of-lies-part-two/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2009 17:35:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Election]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill Bolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lieutenant Governor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pat Muldoon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=313</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is the next part of the Muldoon Web of Lies two part series, unless another e-mail compels me to write another part.
Recently, Muldoon has claimed when Bill Bolling was a State Senator that he allowed a Medicaid bill to go down.  The Muldoon campaign claims the following:
While he was a State Senator, Bill [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is the next part of the Muldoon Web of Lies two part series, unless another e-mail compels me to write another part.</p>
<p>Recently, Muldoon has claimed when Bill Bolling was a State Senator that he allowed a Medicaid bill to go down.  The Muldoon campaign claims the following:</p>
<blockquote><p>While he was a State Senator, Bill Bolling sponsored a bill related to Medicaid, to which Delegate Bob Marshall attached an amendment barring Medicaid money for abortion. When it returned to the State Senate, my opponent allowed his own bill to go down without a fight and, contrary to senate rules, without a recorded vote. All Bolling had to do as the bill’s patron to force his colleagues to go on record was to invoke the Senate rules. My opponent’s role in waving through this travesty remains the most astounding, puzzling and disappointing example of the go-along-to-get-along attitude that has characterized his tenure in the Kaine/Bolling Administration.</p></blockquote>
<p>What a twist?  Let&#8217;s be clear here, because it appears that the Muldoon does not understand what it is like to serve in the State Senate or any legislative body.  Basically, it boils down to this point.  Bolling made a motion to accept amendments, and State Sen. Dick Saslaw moved to send it to committee.  Bolling, then called a parliamentary inquiry, and Governor Kaine ruled for Saslaw.  Then, Senator Ken Cuccinelli called the previous question of accepting amendments, and the bill failed 13-26.  The motion to re-refer to committee was passed with a voice vote and there were not eight hands for a vote on the board.  You can read it for yourself:  <a href="http://www.crystalclearconservative.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/sb1247.pdf">SB1247</a>.</p>
<p>Bill Bolling has always been pro-life.  In fact, he has received support from two pro-life, pro-family organizations.  Holly Smith, who is the Chairman of the Virginia Society for Human Life PAC, said:</p>
<blockquote><p>“The Virginia Society for Human Life Political Action Committee (VSHL PAC) is pleased to endorse you for reelection to the office of Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.<br />
During your term as Lieutenant Governor, you have advanced and defended pro-life principles.  We particularly appreciate the deciding vote you cast on the amendment to the 2008 Virginia budget that would have banned taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, which operates the largest chain of abortion facilities in the United States.”</p></blockquote>
<p>and Victoria Cobb, who serves as the Executive Director of the Family Foundation of Virginia, said:</p>
<blockquote><p>“I can honestly say that no elected official in Virginia did more to encourage the passage of the [Marriage] Amendment than you.  Your willingness to participate in va4marriage.org events and fundraisers was critical to our success, as was your personal contribution of radio ads across Virginia.  Your passionate advocacy for traditional marriage clearly contributed to our victory.”</p></blockquote>
<p>So, who can you count on to be an effective leader?  I know that I can count on Bill Bolling to work on behalf of Virginians and to defend our core conservative principles.</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<title>Muldoon&#8217;s Web of Lies&#8211;Part One</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/11/muldoons-web-of-lies-part-one/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/11/muldoons-web-of-lies-part-one/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 03:13:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bill Bolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patrick Muldoon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[School Choice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, I am certain you have been receiving a litany of e-mails from each of the Republican statewide candidates recently.  While they all seem to tout some sort of positive achievement, there is one candidate who has displayed a negative streak that no one else wants to touch or even analyze.   Patrick [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, I am certain you have been receiving a litany of e-mails from each of the Republican statewide candidates recently.  While they all seem to tout some sort of positive achievement, there is one candidate who has displayed a negative streak that no one else wants to touch or even analyze.   Patrick Muldoon, who is running against Bill Bolling at the Republican State Convention, has been sending out last ditch desperation e-mails to the delegates for support.  However, each of these e-mails is filled with many fabrications of Bill Bolling&#8217;s record as a legislator and as Lieutenant Governor.  Bolling has been a tireless leader and public servant, who has a proven record on behalf of working on behalf of families, whether it is having a 100% pro-life voting record, advocating for school choice, and fighting for lower taxes.  </p>
<p>Muldoon&#8217;s desperation keeps getting more interesting.  Each day up until the Convention on May 30<sup>th</sup>, Muldoon plans to send out an e-mail each day stating why he should be elected, along with attacking Bolling&#8217;s record.  Today, the 9<sup>th</sup> District, Muldoon&#8217;s home district, sent an e-mail out stating they are supporting Bolling, because of his dedication and service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This e-mail also noted that they assisted Muldoon, when he ran for several public offices and failed to win, but he did not take their advice when they encouraged him to stop the attacks.  If this is not a sign of desperation, I don&#8217;t know what else could be considered under this category.</p>
<p>The most recent fabrication is Muldoon&#8217;s recent attacks of the McDonnell/Bolling Energy Plan.  Muldoon states in his e-mail that Bolling is taking a page out of Al Gore&#8217;s Global Warming Agenda by not signing Americans for Prosperity&#8217;s pledge to &#8220;oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.&#8221;  The truth is that Bill Bolling has signed this pledge and remains devoted to ensuring that we address our energy needs in Virginia by utilizing offshore drilling, clean coal technology, and utilizing renewable resources.  There is no correlation between the McDonnell/Bolling energy plan and Al Gore, so how can Muldoon claim this without proof.  </p>
<p>Virginians do not need desperation or liars leading them, rather they deserve a honest leader, who will work tirelessly for them.  Muldoon&#8217;s web of lies only hurts himself, not Bill Bolling, who is an effective leader.</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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		<title>Delegate Tim Hugo&#8217;s Campaign Kickoff</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/03/delegate-tim-hugos-campaign-kickoff/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/05/03/delegate-tim-hugos-campaign-kickoff/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2009 11:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob McDonnell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Assembly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tim Hugo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Before a large crowd of supporters, Delegate Tim Hugo kicked off his campaign yesterday in Clifton.  Hugo was introduced to the crowd by Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson.  Peterson emphasized that Hugo has done a lot for the town of Clifton and for the 40th District, while listening to the concerns of residents.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Before a large crowd of supporters, Delegate Tim Hugo kicked off his campaign yesterday in Clifton.  Hugo was introduced to the crowd by Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson.  Peterson emphasized that Hugo has done a lot for the town of Clifton and for the 40<sup>th</sup> District, while listening to the concerns of residents.  </p>
<p><a>Tom Peterson&#8217;s remarks</a></p>
<p>After Peterson&#8217;s remarks, Hugo addressed the crowd by highlighting his list of accomplishments. When residents in Virginia Run were concerned by a high number of traffic accidents due to the fading of the road lines, Hugo helped to ensure that the roads were paved and marked clearly.  In Centreville, there was a problem with loitering at the Centreville Library, Hugo sought to ensure that this problem was solved in a common sense matter.  When there was a high number of accidents around Popes Head Road and drag racing, Hugo sought to have additional police enforcement and a traffic light at the intersection of Popes Head and Fairfax County Parkway.  These are the accomplishments of a leader, who truly listens to the voters, and seeks common sense solutions.</p>
<p><a>Tim Hugo&#8217;s remarks</a></p>
<p>After Hugo&#8217;s remarks, he introduced Former Attorney General and candidate for Governor, Bob McDonnell.  McDonnell discussed how important it is to ensure that Hugo is re-elected.  McDonnell also talked about his proposals for education and energy.  </p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/2a9Dc5K-hEk">Bob McDonnell&#8217;s remarks</a><br />
**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a> and <a href="http://yrdominion.blogspot.com"><em>YR Dominion</em></a></p>
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		<title>Things are getting a little heated</title>
		<link>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/04/29/things-are-getting-a-little-heated/</link>
		<comments>http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/2009/04/29/things-are-getting-a-little-heated/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:05:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>krystleweeks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Virginia News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brian Moran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Terry McAuliffe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virginia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://virginia.newsplatoon.com/?p=307</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At a recent Democratic Governor&#8217;s Forum in Danville recently, there was a smackdown of epic proportions over whether or not Terry McAuliffe would support offshore drilling.  In this video, Brian Moran simply calls McAuliffe out for his lack of silence on whether he supports offshore drilling.  This is where things really start to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At a recent Democratic Governor&#8217;s Forum in Danville recently, there was a smackdown of epic proportions over whether or not Terry McAuliffe would support offshore drilling.  In this video, Brian Moran simply calls McAuliffe out for his lack of silence on whether he supports offshore drilling.  This is where things really start to get heated.  McAuliffe starts attacking Moran on supporting legislation that would increase the development of natural gas.  Watch the drama unfold.</p>
<p><a>Click here to watch the video</a></p>
<p>Now, let the festivities begin as the Democrats are eating themselves alive.</p>
<p>**Cross Posted at <a href="http://crystalclearconservative.com"><em>Crystal Clear Conservative</em></a></p>
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