FamilyFoundationBlog.com

In Sunday’s Roanoke Times, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling offered up an op-ed with some basic, sound ideas for improving the economy to President Obama in what amounted to an open letter. He provided seven suggestions to the president’s economic team, but the likelihood of the administration adhering to any of them is slight at best. After all, not only is this the most ideologically left-wing rooted president in history . . . but he doesn’t have an ecomomic team. They’ve all resigned (Business & Media Institute).

Just in case someone remained behind, the White House should take heed from someone who, in his role of Chief Jobs Creation Officer, meets with people every day who create jobs, not theoriticians who have worked in government their entire lives. The country is overtaxed, over regulated and feels the weight of the behemoth government suffocating the life out of our economic system.

Among the ideas offered by the LG are to extend all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and provide additional tax relief, reign in the job-killing EPA and relax restrictive regulations preventing banks from lending money to businesses for expansion. He also advocates repealing “those portions of the federal health care bill that impose massive mandates, fines and penalties on businesses.” That may be almost all of the new law, but he should have stated simply that it should be repealed in its entirety.

Lastly, Mr. Bolling wisely suggests a reduction of federal spending by at least  five percent per year until it reaches 2006 levels. A good start, and better than the House Republicans’ “Pledge To America” which plans to bring  spending down to the 2008 level. But the federal budget was in the $2.5 trillion range even in 2006. There is much more fat to be cut.

If Republicans do succeed in winning control of either or both chambers of Congress, it’s first test will be to prove their seriousness in significantly reducing the size and scope of governement and to provide a glide path down to solvency.

We’ve grown accustomed to the Left shutting out dissent and attempting to control information, most notably at colleges, where conservatives either are denied opportunities to speak on campus or, when they are, are shouted down and otherwise treated rudely. Not exactly fulfilling higher education’s mission, but nothing like what we see now coming from the White House, which is supposed to define the differences between American governance and those of tight-fisted, undemocratic regimes. 

First, it was the unprecedented ”interview” of Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan that the White House produced — shielding her from the Mainstream Media — and posted on the White House Web site, as if the Obama administration thinks its best friends are going to give Kagan a rough time (see The Raw Story Blog, here). Either her record and lack of qualification is that bad or they are trying to conceal a radical ideology.

Then there is the case of the White House putting the kibosh on the New York Times, which simply wanted to observe her brother teach a class (see Free Republic). Since when does the government have that authority? Have it or not, it exercised it, and Hunter College High School disallowed the Times from sitting in, saying that ”media requests now had to be given final approval by the White House.” What? But that wasn’t enough. It also reached further into the family tree, when it slapped down an interview with her cousin (see Sharon Oterman at the Times’ City Room Blog).

Staged interviews and gagging relatives are one thing, but the White House within the last day or so really has taken the cake: It suspended the Twitter account of the guest celebrity chef brought in to prepare the state dinner in honor of Mexican President Felipe Calderon (NBC Chicago Blog). Apparently, Rick Bayless, who is cooking pro bono, was divulging too much information about the meal (see Lynn Sweet Chicago Sun-Times) as well as conventional interviews with those right wingers at NPR and other MSMs, and the Obama administration is afraid of any revelations of double standards and ill-perceptions: First Lady Michelle’s obesity campaign may come into ridicule once the opulent delicacies and calorie-rich menu is disclosed, and the high-living lifestyle won’t set well with Americans suffering during a recession.

While every administration tries to spin the news and limit access to officials in order to limit damage, actually producing the news is an entirely new function of a democratic republic. Even allowing for the application of new technology making it possible to put out, in essence, a video news release, there is no excuse for the decidedly old-school hammering of free speech and press by third parties, not to mention the hypocrisy of shutting down an invited guest’s own techie communications to the public (as if the menu and festivities won’t be disclosed eventually).

More to the point, the control the Obama state has put on its own fawning media, is another example of the left actually doing what it asserts conservatives do. In fact, its behavior is more like a paranoid third world regime. But what it doesn’t understand, apparently, is that, just as with regimes, the more suppression, the more revelation. The more revelation, the more desperate and pathetic a government looks and becomes.

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)

Former Charlottesville Daily Progress reporter Bob Gibson refers to much of what passes as fact in our world today as “designer information.” There’s no doubt that politicians, the media and groups on both sides of issues play fast and lose with the facts. Last night we witnessed some of that on the floor of the Virginia Senate surrounding debate over the abortion funding amendment. Some of the claims made were, to be polite, creative.

Which brings us to the current leader of the free world (yeah, I know, but stick with me here) and his own personal PR firm, the Mainstream Media. President Obama is clearly one who can craft a message out of just about anything and make it fit his agenda, and there are few in the MSM willing to call him out on it and risk being thrown out of the press pool. The White House is the Madison Avenue of “designer information.”

Case in point was last week’s announcement by the White House that same-sex partners could no longer be denied visitation rights at the nation’s hospitals. Homosexual rights groups rejoiced at this monumental “civil rights” moment (never mind they already could do this). In fact, in Virginia, the General Assembly passed useless legislation a few years ago saying this very thing. No one objected because it wasn’t necessary. Anyway, the media said the president had been emotionally touched by a story out of Florida where a lesbian had sued a hospital over not being able to visit her partner. The story was oft repeated, and has been for a while.

Except it isn’t entirely accurate.

The Family Research Council reports the details here. According to the hospital:

The most important piece of information to consider from our side of this story is that the charge nurse on duty the night Ms. Pond was in our care — and the person who made all visitation access decisions that evening — is herself a lesbian with a life partner. In addition, numerous members of the medical team working in our trauma unit are openly homosexual. We can assure you that Ms. Langbehn was not treated differently because of her sexual orientation.

Oops. But then again, don’t count on too many Americans learning of this tiny little discrepancy between fact and messaging.

Annotations & Elucidations

Headaches For The Regime

I don’t know where to start. This certainly is one of our most gripping News Stands ever —all sorts of angles, topics and perspectives. We have sources and writers debuting today, such as BigGovernment.com, RealClearPolitics.com and NewsOK.com. We even have a link to a short ABC News report about Neil Armstrong slamming President Obama (on the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 13 flight) for completely cutting NASA’s manned flight space program. Not easy to go up against a living legend and international hero, so the president is predictably looking to retreat. On top of that headache for the regime is this embarrassment: The White House press corps is getting sued by a media organization for doing the president’s “bidding.” If that’s not funny enough, John McCain is disavowing the “maverick” moniker and the RINO U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray Lahood, is moving us toward a bicycle society that has raised objections from even the sleepiest corners of the policy realm.  

Not that it’s all sweetness and light out there. A GOP couple was beat up in New Orleans while attending the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. Jim Hoft of BigGovernment.com fingers the suspects. More: radical liberals are practicing what Saul Alinsky preached and are moving toward a confrontation with Tea Party activists. Brent Bozell and Michell Malkin both have a look.

In political news, Sean Trende of Real Clear Politics makes a compelling case for as many as a 100-seat GOP House gain in November, while the AP looks at the pending doctor shortage. Tony Blankley and James Antle both caution against GOP caution, in the elections and in opposing the next Supreme Court Justice nominee. The Wall Street Journal deconstructs liberals’ arguments for extended unemployment insurance by quoting top Clinton and Obama economic advisor Larry Summers, while the great Walter Williams sets the record straight on the job-killing minimum wage. So: Get your taxes done, take a breather, and get to reading. Lots of informative and enlightening words today. Enjoy.

News

Virginia tax revenues increased in March (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McDonnell: Critics are “uncivil and partisan” (The Daily Press)

McDonnell spokesman says voting rights letter sent to felons ‘without approval’ (Washington Post)

New Virginia law kills free online tax-filing program (The Daily Press)

Budget tweaks lift manufacturers, public workers (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Fimian calls for a ban on Earmarks (BearingDrift.com) 

Perriello pulls in $600,000 in donations this year (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Analysis

How Bad Could 2010 Really Get For Democrats? (Sean Trende/RealClearPolitics.com)

Doctor shortage? 28 states may expand nurses’ role (AP/GOPUSA.com)

National News

Neil Armstrong Criticizes President’s Space Plan (ABC News video :46/RealClearPolitics.com)

White House press corps sued for doing Obama’s ‘bidding’ (WorldNetDaily.com)

Gay Day of Silence a Waste of Tax Dollars, Critics Say (FoxNews.com)

Agitated McCain: Don’t call me a maverick (Politico.com)

Big Easy Beatdown . . .GOP Official and Boyfriend Savagely Beaten Leaving SRLC Dinner (Jim Hoft/BigGovernment.com)

Transportation’s bicycle policy hits potholes (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Aide to Democrat ex-congressman files harassment complaint (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Huckabee likens gay marriage to incest, polygamy (AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Commentary

Incentives Not to Work: Larry Summers v. Senate Democrats on jobless benefits (Editorial/Wall Street Journal)

Minimum Wage Cruelty (Walter E. Williams/GOPUSA.com)

Tea Parties vs. Hard-Left Protests (L. Brent Bozell, III/NewsOK.com)

John Paul Stevens Republicans (W. James Antle, III/The American Spectator)

Alinsky’s Avenging Angels: Tea Party Saboteurs (Michelle Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

No More Profiles in Caution (Tony Blankley/GOPUSA.com)

As the General Assembly began in January, perhaps the most anticipated legislative debate was going to be over the Virginia Health Care Freedom Act. How would this legislation — written to exempt Virginians from the unprecedented individual mandate in the Congressional health care bill — be received after a huge conservative victory in the fall? After all, the campaign was seen as a referendum against the federal government’s increasing control of private business and individual lives. But could it clear the typically obstructionist Virginia Senate?

The answer came pretty early in session when five key Senate Democrats joined all 18 Republicans to send it comfortably through to the House where it was met warmly — even 55 percent of House Democrats voted for it. Similarly, the House version made its way through both chambers later in session. It was all anti-climatic until the events of last weekend.

After Congressional liberals rammed through its government-run health care plan, despite overwhelming opposition across the country, and the subsequent White House gloating, all eyes turned to Virginia. Yesterday, Governor Bob McDonnell made it official with what had to be the most widely reported bill signing ceremony in recent Virginia history. With his signature, Virginia has exempted itself from the most significant portion of the new federal law. We congratulate Governor McDonnell, the General Assembly and the bill patrons for their hard work in making history and protecting Virginia families from the federal government’s burdensome overreach and constitutionally questionable actions.

The patrons and chief co-patrons responsible for this major success for constitutional principle are: Senators Jill Vogel (R-27, Winchester), Steve Martin (R-11, Chesterfield) and Fred Quayle (R-13, Suffolk); and Delegates Bob Marshall (R-10, Manassas), John O’Bannon (R-73, Henrico) and Chris Peace (R-97, Hanover).

Now, however, even more national attention is focused on Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as he defends this new law against the government takeover of our health care system. We thank him for his efforts and state and national leadership on this matter, as he does what he was sworn to do — defend Virginia law and the Virginia and United States Constitutions. He, as you can guess, is under a blistering attack from a loud, but determined, minority opposed to the Virginia law and his legal actions against federally run health care. You can support him by signing an online petition found here.

Finally, thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators and worked so hard to defend the founding principles of Virginia and the nation during this General Assembly session. As these uncertain economic times continue, more work will be required in the months ahead to restore our Founders’ vision.

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)

Remember in the fall when President Obama came to Fairfax to campaign for the failed statewide Democrat ticket? He basically told everyone who disagreed with him to “shutup.” Funny how things turn around. The public is disagreeing with him now, and very loudly, saying “No!” to his scheme of a government takeover of our health care system. Now, he’s coming back to Fairfax — tomorrow. Just in time for us to disagree with him, again — and hopefully with the same degree of success he had the last time.

This just in from our friends at Americans For Prosperity and its Virginia director, Ben Marchi:

President Obama will speak in Fairfax tomorrow (Friday) at at George Mason University’s Patriot Center — get directions here. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.

The White House says, “There are no tickets needed for this event, just show up.” So we’re going to. If you want to get inside for the rally, you will likely need to get there early and stand in line. If you want to bring signs to send your message outside the arena, be aware that if you want to go inside afterwards, “no signs or banners are permitted, and those who come are encouraged to limit personal items and not bring bags or purses,” according to the White House Web site.

Then on Saturday, tea party groups from across the nation are coming together to send a resounding “KILL THE BILL” to Capitol Hill. Let’s join them and say “Hands Off My Health Care”!

Saturday at Noon in Upper Senate Park — AFP President Tim Phillips will be speaking along with others. If you can get there earlier, some tea party groups will be rallying starting at 10 a.m. on the East Lawn of the Capitol. For a Capitol Hill map, click here.

Please note: If you’re driving into Washington, D.C., on Saturday, take note of road closures due to the National Marathon. A list of closures and when roads will re-open is available here.

This is crunch time! Look forward to seeing you there!

Ben Marchi

State Director

Annotations & Elucidations 

Story Telling Time For Kaine And Shannon

More of the same in state news today, except for one article, so we added lots of commentary and news on national goings on. A great cadre of writers, from Michele Malkin to Walter Williams to Thomas Sowell weigh in on issues of the day. Malkin and Tasha Easterling take on the White House for taking on Fox News in the digital-era of enemies lists. Dick Morris and Eileen McGann look at the Obama weapon of choice — pessimism. Plus, there are several news stories on health care legislation (children are defined as being as old as 27), praise for homosexuality, opposition to praise for the “Obama song,” Bible verse bans and an update on a girl who has accepted Christ and run away from her Muslim parents. 

Now, about that one article on state news: It seems that DNC Chairman Tim Kaine is at it again, using state time and offices to advance political causes — this time, to help Democrat attorney general candidate, Delegate Steve Shannon, re-write recent history. Either way it’s a Kaine boo-boo: If Kaine’s story is true, he’s helping Shannon in a dubious way. If it isn’t true, then Kaine and Shannon have concocted a story to cover up for Shannon’s lack of depth in understanding the impact of the Melendez-Diaz decision on Virginia, and the need for this summer’s special session.

News:

McDonnell up by 7 points in poll (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Poll: McDonnell maintains lead in race for governor (Northern Virginia Daily)

Virginia Governor Election: McDonnell 50%, Deeds 43% (RasmussenReports.com)

Governor acknowledges talks with attorney general candidate (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

McDonnell says he won’t renew ban on discrimination against gays (Lynchburg News & Advance) 

Deeds and McDonnell Target McDonnell Image (Washington Post)

Mudslinging starts in 51st District race (InsideNoVa.com)

National News:

House bill would require ‘kids’ to be covered to age 27 (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Health care legislation back behind closed doors (AP/OneNewsNow.com)

Bible verse ban spawns ‘wave of support for Christ’ (OneNewsNow.com)

State custody step for Rifqa “just a guise’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Parents voice opposition to Obama ‘praise song’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Homosexuality not a ‘civil right’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Commentary:

Who’s Behind the White House War on Fox News? (Michele Malkin/GOPUSA.com)

White House Goes After Fox News (Tasha Easterling/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Pessimism: Obama’s Political Ally (Dick Morris & Eileen McGann/GOPUSA.com)

Magic Numbers In Politics: Part II (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Academic Dishonesty (Walter Williams/GOPUSA.com)

Lurching toward Sodom  and Gomorrah (Bryan Fischer/Rightly Concerned Blog)

Wealth Redistribution On Steroids (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

Annotations & Elucidations 

Dirty Deeds, Dems In Disarray

If you want state campaign news, scroll to National News. Of course, we have a comprehensive list of articles from Virginia-based papers, but as most anticipated, the national media has taken a great interest in our beloved commonwealth. So, see USA Today, Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com and Politico.com for the national perspective. When you do, you will see what we and the state press corps has come to see: That even Democrats don’t like Creigh Deeds’ gubernatorial campaign, from the White House down to Governor Kaine and other liberal electeds at all levels and regions of Virginia. (Deeds isn’t cozy with Governor Kaine, now, anyway, so one wonders if his comments aren’t a tit-for-tat.)

All this internal Democrat commotion brings us to a time of reminiscence, that first Deeds bumper sticker. What did it say? “Not Words. Deeds”? Or something to that effect. Yes, we have seen his deeds — not just in his big spending, anti-marriage and pro-abortion policies and flip-flops, but also in his terribly negative campaign. So bad, the inevitable has happened — an AC/DC knock-off video. (See it here.) One note of interest on another subject: According to The Daily Press, there are 100,000 fewer voters on Virginia’s books this year than last. Hmmm. Why do you think that happened?

News:

Kaine says it’s time for Deeds to make case to voters (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Moran Advises Deeds: Give People a Reason to Vote for You (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

McCain, Holtz to rally for McDonnell (Washington Times)

McDonnell talks business during Charlottesville stop (Charlottesville Daily Progress)

BET co-founder apologizes after mocking Deeds’ stammer (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Words about Deeds stir a new controversy (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Deeds uses video to swipe at McDonnell (Roanoke Times)

BET co-founder apologizes for mocking Deeds (Washington Times)

State will have fewer voters this November (The Daily Press)

Road Plans Differ in Details, Not Chances (Washington Post)

Term Limits Proposed (Harrisonburg Daily News-Record)

Bouchard, Stolle in a rematch for 83rd House District (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Bell, Curren Talk Jobs, Spending (Harrisonburg Daily News-Record)

Valentine, Garrett debate voting records (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Longtime incumbent faces familiar foes in 82nd District (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

State senator wants GOP nod for 5th District; Hurt aims to unseat Perriello (Charlottesville Daily Progress)

National News:

White House Steps Back in Virginia Race (Wall Street Journal Online)

Deeds points finger at Washington (Politico.com)

Virginia race seen as referendum on Obama (USA Today)

National Parties Battle in VA and NJ to Set Stage for 2010 (ABCNews.com)

High Court Takes Up Case of Cross on Public Land (FoxNews.com)