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Annotations & Elucidations

The Left Over The Long Term

Remember Tim Kaine? Barely? Yeah, that’s him. He’s in the news today, throwing it down at the Republicans. As we say in sports, that’s why we play the game. In other news, the guy who succeeded Mr. Kaine, Governor Bob McDonnell, appointed a Family Foundation alumnus to his administration while arrogant academics scream foul at Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Also, the AG speaks frankly about what’s at stake in the legal battle over the government takeover of health care. Meanwhile, Mark Preston and Dick Morris, in Analysis, get the gold medal in telepathy today with almost identical headlines. You’ll have to read their columns to see if they are on the same wavelength about the midterm elections. Christopher Adamo adds his two bits in Commentary.

But there’s more to scare liberals than pending elections. Education reform and freedom is gaining more momentum, yet the Left stubbornly resists to a long-failed ideology and continues to pander to unions. Joshua Mercer at CatholicVoteAction Blog comments on a Michael Steele op-ed and the we also posted the op-ed itself. Worse yet for the Left, long term, the pro-life movement looks bright. More and more young people are involved as the pro-abortion crowd dwindles in numbers and energy — a victim of age and technology. David Bass at The American Spectator explains.

News

*McDonnell announces appointments (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Kaine: Democrats will hold congressional majorities (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

Cuccinelli: Federalism itself is at stake in health care debate (Woodbridge/Manassas News & Messenger)

Cuccinelli’s demand for U.Va. decried (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Academics fight Cuccinelli’s call for climate-change records (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

National News

GOP stops $40 billion in future spending for science bill (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senators press for National Guard troops on border (AP/GOPUSA.com)

‘Modifying’ Miranda modifies the political debate (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senate fails to end debate on bank regulation bill (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama ramps up criticism of Ariz. immigration law (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Analysis

Open season on political incumbents (Mark Preston/CNN.com)

Open Season on Incumbents (Dick Morris/GOPUSA.com)

The Golden Age of Centrism Wasn’t So Golden (Michael Barone/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

Pro-Choice Twilight Years (David N. Bass/The American Spectator AmSpecBlog)

Another Judicial Power Grab (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Steele: Democrats fail on school program (Michael Steele/CNN.com)

Michael Steele slams Obama for killing DC voucher program (Joshua Mercer/CatholicVoteAction Blog)

Immigration and Liberty (Walter E. Williams/GOPUSA.com) 

May Primaries And The Coming Electoral Tsunami (Christopher G. Adamo/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Battle Cry 

Old Dominion Watchdog steals the scene in today’s narrative. For all the whining . . . it looks like state employees are better off than most and most still complain even in a recessesion. Now, it looks like they’re going to get a bonus come fiscal-year’s end. Granted, they haven’t received a raise in three years, and state employees should be treated fairly (i.e., based on merit), but the consistent whining of government employees — state, local or federal — when things aren’t as bad as they claim, when many are under or unemployed, leaves something to be desired. After all, aren’t their unions the ones who raise the battle cry that they want to be treated as they would be in the private sector? Seems like they are — and more.

Speaking of earning money, in Commentary, check out Thomas Sowell’s reply to the President Obama’s assertion that at some point enough is plenty; Richard Olivastro explains that both sides have found scary aspects of Elana Kagen’s career (so why is the GOP throwing in the towel?); and interesting comments from conservatives, pro and con, about the Tea Party movement. Most pointedly, Josepsh Farah, who warns that libertarian types better not forsake social issues.

But back to the Commonwealth and more national recognition to the AG. This time, someone with sense. In Analysis, Mark J. Fitzgibbons of the American Thinker, exposes another cry from embattled liberal bureaucrats (okay, college professors) and assorted liberal sky-is-falling types: That Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is picking on them. Apparently, it’s fine to harrass job creators but not those who expect a life time of cush at the taxpayers expense. Cry on! 

News

Average pay for state employee slightly trumps private-sector pay (Old Dominion Watchdog)

State employees might get 3 percent bonus (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Gay-Straight Alliance winning battle for understanding (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Virginia Democrats call on Cuccinelli to give away donation from group under scrutiny (Washington Post)

Governor to donate debated $5,000 from Fla. contributor (Roanoke Times)

Analysis

Climategate Taxpayer Fraud Investigation Draws Ideological Heat (Mark J. Fitzgibbons/American Thinker)

Eyewitness: On the Ground With the Tim Burns Campaign in Pennsylvania (Capitol Confidential/BigGovernment.com)

National News

Play space owner defends herself against claims that she’s pushing religion (Washington Post)

Rev. Wright: ‘Obama threw me under the bus’ (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Why materialist ‘conservatives’ are wrong (Joseph Farah/WorldNetDaily.com)

Angry voters hammer establishment candidates (Washington Examiner)

Grayson says tea party won’t be big voting bloc (AP/GOPUSA.com)

McConnell faults Kagan on free speech stance (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Court: Sexually dangerous can be kept in prison (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

‘Enough Money’ (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Memo to Sen. Bennett: See Rock; Crawl Under It (Quin Hillyer/The American Spectator)

Both Sides Wave Warning Flags? (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s Defiant Transparency Promise Breach (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Starving for Attention at UC Berkeley (Debra Saunders/GOPUSA.com)

Cronkite Named as Soviet Target by FBI (Cliff Kincaid/GOPUSA.com)

Freedom of Expression? Not if it’s about Illegal Immigration (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Did CT’s AG Dick Blumenthal lie about his Vietnam service? (Fresh Ink Blog/GOPUSA.com)

Adding Insult to Ground Zero (Fresh Ink Blog/GOPUSA.com)

Court grants asylum to Obama’s aunt Zeituni Onyango (Fresh Ink Blog/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Ashcroft Envy?

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has reminded us of a move by then-U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft in 2002, who had the topless female Spirit of Justice statue covered in the Great Hall of the Department of Justice. In Mr. Cuccinelli’s case, he wanted to issue a new lapel pin with a modified Seal of the Commonwealth, which features an exposed breast of the Roman goddess Virtus, that would be fully clothed. He said it is a replica of an old version of the seal. Knowing the AG’s love of history, that must be true. Yet, the ensuing media racket persuaded him to revert to the standard issue. Unsurprisingly, the same people who have created this disproportionate distraction over this incredibly minor deal are the same ones hammering him for “distracting and frivolous” actions fighting the EPA and ObamaCare, though that is what he is sworn to do — uphold Virginia law. But blowing up minutia to cover for a lack of substance is never a consideration for the left.

In the News: The prayer State Police Chaplain prayer policy continues to make news, even nationally, and we’re along for the ride in the three of the first four links below. The AG makes headlines for other reasons, as well. He has a 100-day review in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (where you’ll find more Family Foundation quotes) and he’s made more national headlines requesting — under Virginia law — documents from a former U.Va. professor who may have been involved in deceptive “science” and defrauded the commonwealth out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money.

In Analysis, Erica Werner of the AP may not have a job tomorrow after the White House reads her piece documenting what it says about its actions on the Gulf oil spill aren’t exactly the truth. Also, according to the AP, as many as 80 Dem Congressional seats now are in play; and Marc Thiessen reports that Senator Jim Demint (R-S.C.) is leading a conservative revolution in GOP Senate primaries. In Commentary, it’s Larry Kudlow on money and Star Parker on Life. If that doesn’t sum it up, nothing does.

News

*McDonnell strikes a balance, conservatives rethink support (Washington Post)

*Virginia’s new policy on prayer policy (Newsweek/Washington Post)

*Va. governor lifts ban on police chaplains’ sectarian prayers (Associated Baptist Press)

*Cuccinelli draws praise, derision (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

State attorney general demands ex-professor’s files from University of Virginia (Washington Post)

Cuccinelli goes for a more modest version of the state seal (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

AG Cuccinelli drops new lapel pin to get away from distractions . . . (The Shad Plank Blog)

Cuccinelli ditches lapel pin with altered Virginia seal (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Cuccinelli yanks lapel pin with breast-plate-covered goddess (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Franklin County activist to head 5th District GOP (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Independent says he would run if Hurt on ballot in 5th District (Lynchburg News & Advance)

National News

Attorneys agree to block on Oklahoma abortion law (Washington Post)

Union: Va. Firm’s Ads chiding Ark. Senate candidate ‘racist’ (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Report: Congress makes too many vague laws (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Dobson changes mind, endorses Paul for Ky. Senate (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Analysis

Virginia Attorney General goes after Mann and UVA (Anthony Watts/Watts Up With That? Blog)

Leading the charge for GOP insurgents (Marc A. Thiessen/Washington Post)

SPIN METER: There since Day One? Maybe not (Erica Werner/AP/GOPUSA.com)

GOP expands political playing field; Dems slipping (Liz Sidoti/AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

The Left Loses Its Way by Abandoning ‘Third Way’ (Michael Barone/GOPUSA.com)

The NAACP and Abortion Politics (Star Parker/TownHall.com)

Race and Resentment (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Obamacon Doves vs. Hard-Money Heartland Hawks (Larry Kudlow/GOPUSA.com)

‘Government is Us’ (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Northrop Grumman Day In The Commonwealth 

At VITA, of course, every day is Northrop Grumman Day, but there is legitimate news to celebrate: A major domestic corporation, a Fortune 500 company, that does business all over the world is moving its HQ to our commonwealth. Of course, to get it to move here, we’re giving  away 14 million taxpayer dollars and a labyrinth of incentives, tax credits, etc., Wouldn’t it be simpler to do away with — or at least greatly reduce — the state corporate income tax? A discussion for another day.

Elsewhere, we make the news in the Old Dominion Watchdog, Governor McDonnell is asked to lift the ban on State Police Chaplains praying in Jesus’ name, and how much real estate does the commonwealth own? Norman Leahy, of Tertium Quids, asks. Speaking of such, is the governor going to sell the gubernatorial retreat? Say it ain’t so! As usual, our Commentary section is loaded, with Bobby Eberle returning from hiatus and Thomas Sowell as brilliant as ever.

Lots of National News to contemplate, including two GOP insiders in serious trouble in Senate primaries, more about the health care law not doing all it said it would (except for the tax increases, of course), President Obama uses divisive identity politics for partisan political gain, and a commission meets at taxpayer expense to figure out how to reduce the national debt. I’ll do it for free: CUT SPENDING!

News

*Lawmakers restrict public funding for abortions (Old Dominion Watchdog)

Northrop Grumman picks Virginia for headquarters (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell, Northrop confirm company has chosen Virginia for headquarters (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Va. offered Northrop Grumman up to $14 million (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Virginia gives Northrop Grumman up to $14 million to move headquarters (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

McDonnell considers sale of gubernatorial retreat (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

On role of federal lawsuits to AG’s term, Cuccinelli and Democrats agree (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

McDonnell asked to lift a ban on State Police troopers referring to Jesus in public prayers (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Off-track betting center proposed at Innsbrook (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Sullivan seeks GOP nomination for Chesterfield House seat (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Analysis

Virginia’s messy real estate portfolio (Norman Leahy/Tertium Quids)

National News

Arizona pushes immigration politics to forefront (AP/GOPUSA.com) 

McCain: Arizona had to crack down on immigration (AP/GOPUSA.com)

GOP prevents cloture on Democrat financial regulation bill (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama panel weighs politically toxic deficit fixes (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Some families will face wait to cover young adults (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Free speech versus kids and violent video games (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama asks specific Americans for help in 2010 (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Coats favored (barely) in crowded Indiana GOP primary (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

With Obama, It’s Always ‘His’ People vs. ‘Those’ People (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Filtering History (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Are Americans Going John Galt? (Doug Patton/GOPUSA.com)

Obamacare Revealing Changes to Come (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Obama Sends in the Clowns (J. Matt Barber/GOPUSA.com)

Cut Gas Prices Now (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

National Debt — The Real Dirty Little Secret (Thomas D. Segel/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Travel Plans, Conservative Media And Scary Sonia

The buzz around Capitol Square today is all about Europe — as in stranded travellers there trying to get back here. Among them, one Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, who is to preside over the Virginia Senate in tomorrow’s reconvened General Assembly session (aka, “Veto Session”). There may very well be several tie votes and, at this point, it looks like he won’t be there to break them. Ties kill bills or amendments. It’s always something when it comes to the General Assembly, although no one seems to remember anything like this.

Nationally, a new conservative television network is about to launch and there are implications for NBC and its propaganda News Division and its whining, scratching ugly step child MSNBC. See Carl Franzen of AOLNews in Analysis. However, the big news was yesterday’s hearing at the Supreme Court in the Christian Legal Society case. I especially point that out to you because, if reading is believing, maybe you can see why Justice Sonia Sotomayor is every bit the unqualified jurist her critics portrayed her. It’s more than just a little bit scary. Of course, never miss our all-stars: Among them today, Thomas Sowell, Michael Barone and Debra Saunders.

News

Fight brewing over McDonnell health care cuts (Washington Post)

Bolling grounded in Italy by volcano ash (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Bolling stranded in Italy, likely to miss Wednesday’s reconvene legislative session (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Virginia State Police told to back governor’s plans (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Chesterfield optometrist to run for Nixon’s seat in House of Delegates (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Analysis

Right-Wing RightNetwork Already Causing a Stir (Carl Franzen/AOLNews.com)

National

Court splits sharply on campus Christian argument (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Divorce dilemma: Texas says gays can’t get divorce (AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Obama says Boxer could lose if Dems don’t work (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Palin set to take stand in Tenn. hacking trial (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Ignoring DC pressure, Crist mulls independent run (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

Using the Oklahoma City Bombing (Debra Saunders/GOPUSA.com)

The Limits of Power (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Tea Partiers Fight Obama’s Culture of Dependence (Michael Barone/GOPUSA.com)

Two Views in Conflict (Star Parker/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Time For Tea (Parties)

It’s a busy Monday version of the News Stand. We’re in the news, again, because liberals are complaining about us. Translation: We’re doing an effective job thwarting their agenda.

Someone else doing an effective job are the lobbyists paid for by local governments with  your tax money, who lobby, mostly, against interests of taxpayers and for the interests of government. Hundreds of thousands of dollars across the state, in fact. The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot features one such lobbyist and the dough she rakes in for the Virginia Beach School Board. However, some localities have stopped paying for outside help, which is good. But they continue to lobby the General Assembly with in-house staff. Not much better. Elsewhere, Tea Parties are spring up across the state and there are several dispatches regarding such. In news sure to cheer Planned Parenthood, a Catholic pharmacy which did not sell contraception, closed.

Nationally, we see the class exhibited by the New Jersey teachers union (it circulated an e-mail wishing for Republican Governor Chris Christie’s death). In Analysis, Internet safety  activist Stacy Rumenap looks at a recent big win in federal court against the FCC and Henry Lamb discusses how President Obama got that national security force he campaigned for . . . in the health care bill! Nancy Pelosi was right. We did have to pass the bill to learn what was in it! In Commentary, Michelle Malkin and Mark Tapscott examine how the left in the media and out will try to sabotage the Tea Parties.

News

*UR recognition of Family Foundation leader protested (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

*Jepson alumna condemned by students for leadership award (The Collegian)

*Family Foundation lobbies McDonnell on abortion, stem cell research (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Some school divisions think lobbyists worth the investment (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Catholic pharmacy shutters in Virginia (Washington Times)

Tea Party: We’re taxed enough (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Farris, Viguerie To Speak At Culpeper Tea Party (Culpeper Star Exponent)

Tea Party seeks to ‘wake up’ America at Freedom Rally (Danville Register & Bee)

New flap brings McDonnell’s national viability to fore (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

‘Jobs’ governor’s first 90 days have veered off course (The Daily Press)

Mims sworn in as Supreme Court justice (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

After loss, Va.’s Deeds tries to regain his footing (Washington Post)

National News

Teachers union memo ‘prays’ for governor’s death (CNN.com)

Obama election-year jobs agenda stalls in Congress (AP/GOPUSA.com)

GOP senators push for ‘mainstream’ court nominee (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Psst: Hilary Rodham Clinton for court? (AP/GOPUSA.com)

GOP Chairman Steele: ‘I’ve made mistakes’ (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Analysis

Obamacare Will Be at Center of High Court Hearing (Michael Barone/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s Private Army (Henry Lamb/GOPUSA.com)

Court Rules FCC Lacks Authority to Regulate Internet (Stacy Rumenap/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

Crash course: Your illustrated guide to Tea Party saboteurs (Michelle Malkin/MichelleMalkin.com)

Will Mainstream Media reporters and editors expose, screen out, or help Tea Party saboteurs? (Mark Tapscott/Beltway Confidential-WashingtonExaminer.com)

Are All Cultures Equal? (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Back In The Day, Again

We’ve been here before . . . and before and before. A governor signs a proclamation designating April Confederate History Month and all, well, war, breaks out. One minute Governor Bob McDonnell is loved by libs for an executive directive; the next, they’re on his back about a proclamation. But the libs are keeping busy. They’re still harassing Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli over his law suit challenging the constitutionality of the government takeover of the health care system.

Nationally, Senate Republicans’ spine seems to be growing thicker and sturdier, but it’s too early to tell. But apparently, they are ready to oppose a hyper liberal Obama circuit court nominee. In Analysis, the great Michael Barone looks back at the mid-term election of 1946 to look for trends in 2010. Who knew? But 1946 was the biggest GOP Congressional landslide in decades, much bigger than even the famous 1994 sweep. Also, Phillip Dennis gives an inside look inside the Tea Party movement and its leadership. His conclusion may surprise the casual observer (and floor liberals!). Meanwhile, Commentary features our normal all-stars, including Walter E. Williams, Michelle Malkin and Thomas Sowell.

News

Democrats seek more information from Cuccinelli (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell Confederate History proclamation criticized (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell: April is Confederate History Month (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

McDonnell’s Confederate History Month proclamation irks civil rights leaders (Washington Post)

McDonnell declaration draws ire, approval (Roanoke Times)

Allen rallies GOP faithful (Roanoke Times)

Church & Culture: Religious themes abound in arts, politics, sports (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National News

Ready-to-run Mitt Romney could trip in health care (Philadelphia Daily News)

Republicans step up opposition to liberal court nominee (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Black conservative tea party backers take heat (AP/GOPUSA.com)

O’Connor: More justices may skip State of Union (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Analysis

What 1946 Can Tell Us About 2010 (Michael Barone/The American)

Palin? Armey? Republican Or Dem? The Leader Of Tea Party Is . . . No One! (Phillip Dennis/Investors Business Daily)

Fear and loathing at the RNC (Byron York/Washington Examiner)

Commentary

True Confessions from America’s Census Workers (Michelle Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

The Face of Hate (J. Matt Barber/GOPUSA.com)

Parting Company (Walter E. Williams/GOPUSA.com)

Not Necessarily Discrimination (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

A Sinking Ship of State (Tony Blankley/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Obama’s 17-Minute Non-Answer; George Orwell Proven Right?

We lead off the News today with our own Victoria Cobb interviewed about the McDonnell administration’s prices of filling 900-plus positions on state boards and commissions. The Richmond Times-Dispatch was intrigued by conservative activists (namely us, see here) urging conservatives to get involved and apply. Otherwise, the state’s political media remains obsessed with the attorney general.

Nationally, there is intrigue of another sort: Republican U.S. Senate primaries. Former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) is putting up a serious challenge to incumbent John McCain while former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsed former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio in the hotly contested GOP nomination fight which also includes current Governor Charlie Crist. Speaking of the GOP, the fallout from the wacky fundraiser has one resigning and Chairman Michael Steele under fire.

Commentary is abuzz with The Answer — President Obama’s 17 minute ramble to a simple question from a woman about taxes! Bobby Eberle, David Limbaugh and Debra Saunders share their thoughts. We gladly feature the great Thomas Sowell, again, and Harris Sherline expounds on something mentioned here from time to time: George Orwell is more right than even he had a right to expect.

News

*McDonnell urges online applications for boards, panels (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

GOP has dream activist in Cuccinelli (AP/Danville Register & Bee)

Cuccinelli casts a shadow (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

State employee argues to Va. Supreme Court that he was fired for being gay (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Analysis

Supreme Court prospects are Kagan, Wood Garland (AP/GOPUSA.com)

National News

Hayworth defines Ariz. race as tea party vs. DC (AP/GOPUSA.com)

RNC official steps down, but Steele stands firm (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Gingrich tells GOP: Back off RNC’s Michael Steele (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Giuliani endorses Rubio for Senate seat in Fla. (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Whitman chips in $20M more in Calif. gov. race (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Karl Rove ad urges residents to fill out census (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

Race and Politics (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Just think if Obama had to answer a hard question (BobbyEberle/GOPUSA.com)

Didn’t Obama Get the Memo that His Bill Passed? (BobbyEberle/GOPUSA.com)

Read the Transcript and Freak (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s 17-Minute Non-Answer Answer (Debra Saunders/GOPUSA.com)

Congress Has Become an Institution of the Useless (Doug Patton/GOPUSA.com)

George Orwell’s Predictions Come True (Harris R. Sherline/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

Obama Says Drill, Baby, Drill

Wow, the Obama administration is doing something that makes sense? Allowing drilling off the coast of Virginia? There must be some catch. But, at least in its preliminary stage, Governor Bob McDonnell and the vast majority of Virginians are getting their wish. Of course, he’s slamming the door on production in Alaska, California, Florida and elsewhere. No doubt, he’s aiming for some political cover, especially as he now pushes for extreme regulatory restrictions on U.S. energy consumption. (See? I’m for all types of energy, I support drilling.)

Elsewhere, does the governor’s “no major budget changes” include the status quo on Planned Parenthood, elective abortion and embryonic stem cell research? He also looks to make some permanent restructuring (smaller) state government. So have others. We’ll see.

Meanwhile, offering reason to the disingenuousness of the left, who claim Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s court challenge to the federal government’s health care takeover is a waste of taxpayer money, are editorials, commentaries and news coverage from all over the commonwealth. I commend them to you all. Speaking of the power grab, it’s not all as great as the libs projected as they find out not more than a week after it passed. So much for that child coverage being cheaper — or even existent; and Henry Waxman is showing his tolerance for speech and financial freedom by a witch trial for companies that dare say they will lose money because of the health care takeover. The AP has the details. 

News

Va. governor to name team to reshape, shrink operations (Washington Post)

McDonnell not expecting major budget changes (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Cuccinelli: Health-care lawsuit could save state $1 billion (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Obama to Allow Oil Drilling Off Virginia Coast (AP/AOLNews)

Group opposing health care orders DNC to stop using its slogan (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

One threat proven real against GOP Congressman (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Editorial: Health Care: Unconstitutional (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National News

University of Wyo. cancels William Ayers speech (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Health premiums could rise 17 pct. for young adults (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama administration moves to fix kids coverage gap (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama: Tea party features ‘core group’ against him (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama signs student loan/health care legislation in Virginia (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary

Is the Va. attorney general wasting tax money on Obamacare lawsuit? No. (Mark Hemingway/Washington Examiner)

Virginia Democrats suddenly discover spending discipline (Mark J. Fitzgibbons/Washington Examiner)

‘Change’ Is Not New (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Liberals In Vitriol Denial (Brent Bozell/GOPUSA.com)

Henry Waxman: the Witch Hunter of Capitol Hill (Michelle Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

Frustrating, Stubborn Facts (Tony Blankley/GOPUSA.com)

Why the Tenth Amendment is Important (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s Gifts to the ‘Outlier’ Have Only Just Begun (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

The (Health Care) Law of Unintended Consequences (Doug Patton/GOPUSA.com)

Clowns to the left, Jokers on the Right (Debra Saunders/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations

It’s Up To Ken

It’s official as of about 3:00 today: Virginia law prohibits the federal government from imposing an individual mandate on Virginians to buy health insurance. That’s when Governor Bob McDonnell signed the Virginia Health Care Freedom legislation into law. Now, it’s up to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to defend the feds’ assault on us.

Here are some highlights of today’s News Stand: It’s not a day old and already there are problems with the children’s portion of the takeover — that portion doesn’t start until 2014. Hmm. Perhaps read the bill next time. So much for all the “good things” that begin immediately, Mr. President. Also, if health care, AIG, GM, the banking and insurance industries, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are enough, pretty soon the federal government will be the sole proprietor of student loans. Isn’t that great? While they’re at it, the White House says Joe Biden dropping the F-word yesterday was a good thing. Pure class, this bunch.

In Commentary and Analysis: It’s always a good day when we feature Walter Williams. Today, we have him twice, along with the great Thomas Sowell. Tony Blankley chimes in, as well, mincing no words: they’re socialists. 

News

McDonnell to sign Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act today (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Cuccinelli sues federal government to stop health-care reform law (Washington Post)

Virginia, 13 other states sue over health-care law (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

University, local lawmakers file suit over health-care bill (Lynchburg News & Advance)

For Beach activists, a goal: Stop clinic from opening (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Richmond firm receives lottery marketing contract (AP.org)

National News

Abortion activists fired up for 2010 (Politico/Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Stem-Cell Health Care Must Put the Patients First (Roll Call)

Senate writing final chapter to health care bill (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Problems already with child health care coverage (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Banks losing student loan business to government (AP/GOPUSA.com)

White House, experts: Health care suit will fail (AP/GOPUSA.com)

White House embraces Biden profanity (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Judge: No school prom but lesbian’s right violated (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Breyer, Scalia explain why they often disagree (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Protests cancel Coulter speech in Ottawa (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Analysis

Is Health Care a Right (Walter E. Williams/GMU.edu)

Commentary

Sunday’s Socialist Triumph (Tony Blankley/GOPUSA.com)

An Off-Budget Office? (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Constitutional Awakening (Walter E. Williams/GOPUSA.com)