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Annotations & Elucidations

Brit And Tiger, Lisa And Isabella

The News Stand had an unexpected return to hiatus the last two days because of a sudden illness. The News is dominated by Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s cabinet — who he picked, how much salary they’ll make (his as well), and what they’ll be allowed to do in their off-time.  

In political news, the Washington Post looks at the issue of Delegate Dave Marsden’s residency in the 37th Senate district special election (January 12). Delegate Marsden, who is running against Republican Stephen Hunt, moved into the district only a few weeks ago and lives in a room in a friend’s house. Hunt, meanwhile, is hoping to hold the seat vacated by Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli, and is expected to be the only candidate to appear tonight at the Fairfax Family Forum candidate forum. Meanwhile, values and faith issues occupy the National News and Commentary sections: The Isabella Miller custody case has the attention of Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams, who quotes our president, Victoria Cobb, and Fox News Channel’s Brit Hume has raised the hackles of some with his comments on Tiger Woods . . . specifically, how he can save his spiritual life through Jesus.  

News

Va. state Senate candidate Marsden faces residency issue (Washington Post)

McDonnell announces three more Cabinet choices (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell picks N.Va. executive for technology post (Washington Post)

McDonnell, Cabinet to take unspecified pay cuts (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell will reduce salaries (The Daily Press)

McDonnell vows to cut his own pay (Roanoke Times)

McDonnell OK with secretary on boards (Roanoke Times/Norfolk Virginian-Pliot)

Sledd defends keeping corporate board seats (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell to let Va. Cabinet heads serve on corporate boards (Washington Post)

Public can weigh in on state budget today (The Daily Press)

Two GOP lobbyists switching firms (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Loudoun County’s nondiscrimination policy expanded to protect gays (Washington Post)

Businessman Scott Rigell launches congressional campaign (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Contempt citation sought in same-sex custody case (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National News

Comments on Buddhism, Tiger Woods upset faithful (AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Gay-marriage foes slam plans to televise Prop 8 trial (Washington Times)

Commentary

*Custody case defies ideology in some ways (Michael Paul Williams/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Persecution for the Brit Hume Witness (Peter Sprigg/FRC Blog)

The nearly 1,300 pro-family Virginians who gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center last night at The Family Foundation of Virginia’s Annual Gala were treated to a fantastic evening of inspiration, motivation and topped off by a wonderful keynote address by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The host of the Fox News Channel hit Huckabee was in great form with an inspirational speech filled with philosophy, morality, Biblical principles, humor (lava soap, anyone?) and capped with a moving exposition as to what happens when people ignore the tragedies around them (see Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog). 

Just a week before election day, it was abundantly clear that pro-family citizens are excited about the future and are mobilized to act. The energy in the convention center was palpable. From the beginning of the program with an inspirational rendition of our National Anthem by eight-year-old Alana Springsteen to the final special music by April Lee, no one could leave room last night not feeling excited about the future of Virginia and the future of The Family Foundation.

Governor Huckabee combined humor with personal stories and an emotional challenge to the crowd, encouraging them to fight for our freedom, regardless of the cost. Touching on his time as a pastor and then as a politician, he made it abundantly clear that there is no time when Christians should abandon politics and government. Instead, we must continue to fight for our values to ensure a prosperous future.

As Family Foundation of Virginia President Victoria Cobb told the audience:

We look forward to election day this year with cautious optimism. One might even say we look forward to the future with hope for change. Yet, while we may anticipate electoral victory, we realize that it is just one small part of the cultural renewal that we seek, and there is so much more to be done. The Family Foundation has had one of the busiest years in our history, but the results on Election Day are not the completion of our work – just a new beginning. 

The Family Foundation Gala has become the largest pro-family gathering of its kind in Virginia and Governor Huckabee’s message was perfect for the evening. Joining the him in the program were our emcee, and new Chaplain to The Family Foundation’s Pastors For Family Values, Bishop Earl Jackson; Speaker of the House Bill Howell, who introduced Governor Huckabee; and Pastor Jonathan Falwell of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, who gave the invocation and voiced strong support for the Family Foundation’s work.

Also last evening, Delegate Glenn Oder (R-94, Newport News) was honored with The Family Foundation’s Legislator of the Year Award for his leadership on payday lending reform (see The Shad Plank). Delegate Oder showed principled leadership and an ability to work with a diverse coalition of organizations and legislators to get results on a tough issue. The compromise bill he was able to craft has significantly reduced the number of payday lending stores in Virginia and helped protect families from predatory lenders.

We’re all excited that our big day is here: The Annual Family Foundation of Virginia Gala with keynote speaker Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and current host of the hit Fox News Channel program Huckabee. Although there are opportunities to live blog from the event and other activities, such as the press availability with Governor Huckabee this afternoon, we’re going to take in the sights and sounds and report to you tomorrow and throughout the rest of the week.

The Gala will be a memorable event, to say the least. In addition to what will be a dynamite presentation by Governor Huckabee, other speakers and performers, a near capacity crowd of 1,300 people in attendance (doubling last year) will guarantee a unique experience of camaraderie and fellowship. The good news is, you can still attend! Although online registration closed at 1:00 p.m. today, some tickets are still available at the door at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Doors to the ballroom will open at 6:30 p.m., but with the large crowd we encourage you to arrive early to have time to find parking and make it to the ballroom. The event will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

The reception for full table sponsors will begin at 5:30 p.m. Because of the large crowd and photo line with Governor Huckabee please plan to arrive at the reception promptly. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Anyone who wants to meet yours truly, please ask the staff. I’ll be around. Looking forward to bringing to everyone reviews and thoughts over the next few days.

Time is running out to make a reservation for The Family Foundation’s 2009 Annual Gala. This year’s Gala is this coming Monday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is the keynote speaker (click here to listen to him preview his speech on a radio interview). Former Governor Huckabee now hosts the ratings leading weekend show Huckabee on Fox News Channel.

We anticipate a record of more than 1,300 guests at this year’s Gala (who said conservatism is dead in Virginia?), but the Convention Center Grand Ballroom still has some seats and tables available. To reserve your seat or for sponsorship information, call The Family Foundation at 804-343-0010, e-mail Gala@FamilyFoundation.org, or click here.

The Downtown Marriott, directly across the street from the Convention Center at 5th and East Broad Streets, has contracted with The Family Foundation to block off rooms for Gala guests. To make reservations for the significantly discounted group rate, please contact the Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 and mention The Family Foundation Gala.

EVENT DETAILS

Monday, October 26

Greater Richmond Convention Center Grand Ballroom, corner of 5th and East Broad Streets

5:30 p.m.: Private Reception and Photo Opportunity for Table Sponsors

7:00 p.m.: Program and Dinner

Business Attire

Last week, Family Foundation of Virginia President Victoria Cobb previewed our Annual Gala on American Family Radio’s Richmond affiliate, with host JimmyG. The Gala features as its keynote speaker former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who currently stars on the Fox News Channel show Huckabee. In the nine minute interview, Victoria covers a lot of ground: The Gala (click here for more information), The Family Foundation’s mission, the upcoming Virginia statewide elections, and issues important to Christians and values voters. 

To listen to the interview (8:50) with Victoria Cobb on AFR Richmond’s JimmyG Show, click here.

Late last week, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who is the keynote speaker at our upcoming Annual Gala, gave an interview to American Family Radio’s Richmond affiliate. The host of cable television’s highest rated weekend program, Huckabee, which airs on Fox News Channel, was as you would expect: intelligent, forthright, unafraid to speak the truth, and willing to impart knowledge from nearly 20 years in elected statewide office and as a presidential candidate, as well as from his background as a pastor. In the nine minute interview with host JimmyG, he confronted crucial social issues that afflict our country and how they affect all other issues, and gave a preview of his remarks to the nearly 1,300 who are expected to hear him Monday, October 26, at The Family Foundation of Virginia’s Annual Gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. (For more information about The Gala, click here.)

To listen to the interview (9:10) with Mike Hukabee on AFR Richmond’s JimmyG Show, click here.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who now hosts the ratings-busting Fox News Channel weekend show Huckabee, will be on American Family Radio’s Richmond affiliate tomorrow to preview his keynote speech at our Annual Gala on October 26, as well as other issues. In addition, you can hear Family Foundation of Virginia President Victoria Cobb today. Both interviews are at 5:30 p.m.

If you live in the Richmond area, tune your FM dial to AFR at 89.7 or 88.1. If you do not live in the Richmond area, you can still listen live at WAUQ’s Web site (here); and whether you live in the Richmond area or not, if you cannot listen to the interviews live, they will be archived at that site in the near future for you to listen at your convenience.

AFR is a wonderful partner of ours and a real blessing to its listeners. We really appreciate its staff and their support of our work. So we encourage you to listen and to e-mail this link and share this information on social networking sites with friends and family.

Speaking of the Gala, there are less than two weeks until the big night. If you haven’t reserved your tickets or sponsorship yet, please don’t wait any longer as both are going fast! With more than 1,150 expected guests, the room is close to capacity and we can’t promise that there will be seats available if you don’t purchase them now. Call our office at 804-343-0010 or make your secure purchase online by clicking here or go to our Web site and click on the picture of Governor Huckabee.

Since we announced Mike Huckabee as the keynote speaker for The Family Foundation of Virginia’s Annual Gala on Monday, October 26, in Richmond, the response has been outstanding. We have more than 700 reservations already, exceeding the 600-plus people who attended last year.

We anticipate a capacity crowd, so if you want to attend, please purchase your tickets or sponsorships now, by visiting our Gala Web page, here.

With the popularity of Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and now host of cable’s number one rated weekend show, Fox News Channel’s, Huckabee, this year’s Gala stands to be the largest gathering of pro-family Virginians in the commonwealth. As one of America’s most powerful and eloquent speakers in the defense of unborn life, the former governor is sure to highlight an unforgettable and inspiring evening.

Another aspect of the Gala in which you may consider participating is the Gala program. It is an excellent opportunity for pro-family small business owners or family-friendly organizations to promote their company to like-minded conservatives, while also supporting the work of The Family Foundation. The deadline for receiving program ads is Friday, October 9.

For more information on the Gala program, call (804) 343-0010, e-mail Hillary@FamilyFoundation.org or click here to see program details.

Thank you in advance for your support of The Family Foundation of Virginia. We hope you will choose to be a part of this year’s Gala in some form and benefit from the inspirational message from Mike Huckabee.

Be A Part Of A Remarkable Evening

The Family Foundation of Virginia Gala with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as keynote speaker

The Greater Richmond Convention Center, Monday, October 26

Private sponsors reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Here’s the first of some videos we will sample for you of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a former presidential candidate and current host of the hit cable television show, Huckabee, on Fox News Channel, who is our keynote speaker at The Family Foundation of Virginia’s 2009 Annual Gala. Here, the former governor, as a candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, spoke at “Georgia For Life 2008″ that January on the steps of the state capitol in Atlanta.

Lincoln said, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” If abortion is not wrong, certainly nothing is, or ever will be, wrong.

Tickets for The Family Foundation of Virginia’s 2009 Annual Gala, featuring keynote speaker Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and current host of his own show on Fox News Channel, now are available online!

To purchase tickets, sign up for sponsorships and find other details online about this marquee event, click here to visit our Web site.

Space is limited so sign up now before tables and seats fill up!

The Gala is Monday, October 26, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. A private sponsors reception and photo line with Governor Huckabee will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Suggested dress is business attire. Sponsorship benefits for the various levels include seats at Governor Huckabee’s table, a photo with him, a private reception and autographed books.

Click here for complete details.

Mike Huckabee is the host of the number one rated weekend cable hit, Huckabee, on the Fox News Channel. Known for his strong stand in defense of the unborn and traditional marriage, he is a former Baptist minister who ran for and won elected office. He is the embodiment of everything the angry far left in our nation hates — a combination of church and state!

There is a discounted group rate available at The Richmond Marriott-Downtown, for out of town guests who wish to stay overnight. The hotel is located directly across the street from the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Please call the Marriott at (804) 643-3400 and mention The Family Foundation Annual Gala for more information.

For questions, more information or to register by phone, please call The Family Foundation office at (804) 343-0010.