Virginia Politics On-Demand

VPOD 66: Senator Tommy Norment, Virginia GOP Senate Leader

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 10:41:49 -0700

In this episode of Virginia Politics On-Demand, Virginia Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment gives his thoughts on a wide-ranging interview which includes the budget deficit, the GOP role in transportation fudning, the changing dynamics in the Senate due to this year's general election, working with Creigh Deeds, Bill Bolling, Ken Cuccinelli, and Jody Wagner, and the coordination between the House Repulbican Camapaign Committee, Senate Republican Leadership Trust, Republican Party of Virginia, and the three statewide campaigns.

"In the last couple of years I have been very disappointed with the stewardship of my Democratic colleagues," lamented Norment about the budget yet again going into the red due to overly optimistic revenue projections and high spending by the state government. "While none of us could forecast exactly what the economy was going to do there were certainly enough indications out there that we needed to move deliberately and conservatively."

Not unexpectedly, he does not share the governor's view that the GOP was a roadblock to transportation funding. He goes onto say that the GOP played a critcial role in ensuring that the funding we have is in place and that the Democrats plans always included massives statewide tax increases.

Regarding the election, Norment believes it is extremely important.

"Our Republican base needs to be reminded on almost a daily basis that this election cycle in 2009, in my opinon, is the most critical governor's race in modern history of Virginia," said Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment. "We have to win this governors race...if you have a Democratically-controlled Senate and a Democrat in the Governor's Mansion we are going to be at the mercy of the Democrats -- and they are not going to be generous in their redistricting."

He also talks about consensus building within the caucus and across to the House of Delegates saying that the Senate caucus has "been very supportive of our friends in the House of Delegates that are Republicans" reducing some of the friction that existed in the past.

And, he weighs in again on the change in party leadership.

"There are a lot less tensions [at RPV]," he said.

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.
Opening music "Highway Run" by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.

VPOD 64: Dr. Bob Holsworth, 2009 Democratic Primary Recap

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:36:47 -0700

In this episode of Virginia Politics On-Demand, Virginia political scientist Dr. Bob Holsworth, president of Virginia Tomorrow, offers his insights into the Virginia Democratic Primary and lays the groundwork for what we can expect in the upcoming gubernatorial campaign between Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds. "Republicans are a little hungrier right now," said Holsworth of the upcoming campaign.

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here. To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed. Opening music "Highway Run" by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.

VPOD #44: Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA01); Nov. 24, 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:16:00 -0800

In this episode of Virginia Politics On-Demand: Rep. Rob Wittman discusses his re-election, the state of the GOP, his approach to being in the minority party, the new Virginia congressional delegation, the Navy's decision to move an aircraft carrier to Mayport, Fla., illegal immigration, transportation, energy, and the economy. Lots covered in just a short period of time.

VPOD: Election Day - Poll Volunteers

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:44:29 -0800

Two volunteers at the polls, Lorrain Ortega for Obama and Carl Dozier for McCain, give their thoughts on what they have seen today./n/nTo listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here./nTo automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed./n

VPOD: Election Day - Keith Fimian, congressional candidate

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:52:40 -0800

Special election day update podcast with Mr. Keith Fimian, candidate for congress in VA-11 vs. Mr. Gerry Connolly./n/nTo listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here./nTo automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed./n

VPOD: Election Day - Bill Day, congressional candidate

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:18:21 -0800

Bill Day, congressional candidate in the 1st District, provides his thoughts on today’s election./n/nTo listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here./nTo automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed./n

VPOD: Election Day - Rep. Randy Forbes

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:09:27 -0800

Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA04) provides his thoughts on today’s election./n/nTo listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here./nTo automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed./n

Episode 31. Virginia Politics On-Demand. July 10, 2008.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:18:22 -0700

In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:/n/n/nSpecial guest D.J. McGuire and a discussion of why last night’s transportation effort by House Republicans was both politically and policy-wise a great move/n/nBrian gives the back-story as to how Del. Oder’s [...]

VPOD. Episode 30. Interview: John Brownlee, candidate, Virginia Attorney General

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:00:55 -0700

Former U.S. Attorney in Virginia, John Brownlee, recently announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Virginia Attorney General. Brownlee was wrapping-up a visit to Hampton Roads, which included a speech to the Norfolk Republican Party, when I caught up with him to discuss his background and campaign. We additionally discussed his “justice [...]

VPOD. Episode 29. Interview: Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:21:50 -0700

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is calling for extensive VDOT reforms before raising any taxes commonwealth-wide. I had the opportunity to catch-up with him at his Richmond office to discuss his ideas on this special session and possible outcomes./n/n/nTo listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here./nTo automatically download and sync VPOD with your [...]

Episode 28. VPOD Interview: State Sen. John Miller. June 20, 2008.

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:18:08 -0700

State Sen. John Miller (D-1) has been a strong proponent of several transportation projects in Hampton Roads since winning election last November. He joins me today to discuss transportation, energy, and possible outcomes from next week’s special session./nOne noteworthy point made during the discussion was Miller’s willingness to consider off-shore drilling./nAfter listening to this [...]

Episode 27. Virginia Politics On-Demand. June 19, 2008.

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:59:11 -0700

In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:/n/n/nJ.R. dives right into the discussion by wondering when we’re going to “Drill here! Drill now! And Pay Less!”;/n/nBrian illustrates how little Democrats have to offer when it comes to transportation (including [...]

Episode 26. VPOD interview: State Sen. Frank Wagner proposes energy/transportation solutions. June 18, 2008.

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:33:39 -0700

While Democrats continue to offer very little in the way of solutions to our energy concerns, unless you count RAISING the price of oil (such as removing subsidies for energy companies, increasing the gas tax, etc.), some responsible legislators, including Virginia’s own State Sen. Frank Wagner and U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, are actually trying to [...]

Episode 25. VPOD Interview: Corey Stewart, Chairman, Prince William County. June 17, 2008.

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:39:51 -0700

Virginia Politics On-Demand Interview: Corey Stewart./nCorey Stewart is chairman at-large of the Board of County Supervisors in Prince William County. His, and the county’s, position on the issue of illegal immigration has placed him as a leader of national efforts by local communities to take action when the federal government has failed./nThe action, enabling [...]

VPOD Interview: Glenn Nye, Democratic Candidate for Congress

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:12:47 -0700

I caught up with Glenn Nye, candidate for congress in the 2nd Congressional district, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA), at the recent Democratic Party of Virginia Convention./n/n/n addthis_url = /'http%3A%2F%2Fbearingdrift.com%2F2008%2F06%2F14%2Fvpod-interview-glenn-nye-democratic-candidate-for-congress%2F/';/n addthis_title = /'VPOD+Interview%3A+Glenn+Nye%2C+Democratic+Candidate+for+Congress/';/n addthis_pub = /'/';/n/n

Episode 24. Virginia Politics On-Demand. June 12, 2008.

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:47:52 -0700

In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:/n/n/nA recap of the congressional primaries — where we bash Democrats/n/nHillary announcing her campaign “suspension” — where we bash Democrats/n/nReagan’s famous words “Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall” — where we [...]

Episode 23. Virginia Politics On-Demand. June 5, 2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:10:06 -0700

In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:/n/nRepublicans: a house divided?/nObama’s Virginia visit/nWarner’s campaign video/nYour emails! That’s right — you’re part of the show too, so drop your email to J.R. with the subject line “VPOD”/nThe upcoming primaries [...]

Exclusive podcast with Rep. Cantor at RPV Convention

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:10:31 -0700

Yesterday, buried in the live-blog, I interviewed Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA07). Here is the podcast in a separate post in case you missed it. Also be sure to listen to our podcast with U.S. Senate nominee, former Gov. Jim Gilmore./n/nHear more great podcasts from Bearing Drift by using this feed./n/n/n addthis_url [...]

VPOD: Convention thoughts and recap

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:12:41 -0700

In this episode of Virginia Politics On-Demand:/n/n/nWorking with the media/n/nThe Jeffersoniad Hospitality Suite/n/nTactical errors by the convention planners/n/nWhy elections matter/n/nThe class of Bob Marshall and John Hager, and/n/nWhat does yesterday mean?/n/nHear more great podcasts from Bearing Drift by using this feed. Put Vpod on your iPod!/n/n/n addthis_url = /'http%3A%2F%2Fbearingdrift.com%2F2008%2F06%2F01%2Fvpod-convention-thoughts-and-recap%2F/';/n [...]

Live from the RPV convention

Sat, 31 May 2008 07:29:46 -0700

Votes coming in for Senate…/n1st: 643.27-490.73 for Marshall (confirmed)/n2nd: 612-345.6 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n3rd: 121.83-75.16 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n4th: 382.53-319.45 for Marshall (confirmed)/n5th: 666.17-419.65 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n6th: 530.62-507.47 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n7th: 1035.79-581.52 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n8th: 156.96-145.04 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n9th: 551.78-335.22 for Gilmore (confirmed)/n10th: 584.5-160.5 for Marshall (confirmed)/n11th: 1137-577 Marshall (confirmed)/nGilmore wins, 5222.73 to 5156.97./n/nJim Gilmore speaks with [...]

Exclusive podcast with Jim Gilmore

Sat, 31 May 2008 01:30:21 -0700

My interview with Gov. Jim Gilmore following his narrow win over Del. Bob Marshall/n/nHear more great podcasts from Bearing Drift by using this feed./n/n/n addthis_url = /'http%3A%2F%2Fbearingdrift.com%2F2008%2F05%2F31%2Fexclusive-podcast-with-jim-gilmore%2F/';/n addthis_title = /'Exclusive+podcast+with+Jim+Gilmore/';/n addthis_pub = /'/';/n/n

New Bearing Drift Promo

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:47:31 -0700

Let us know what you think of our new promo. Words by “The Squeaky Wheel.” Podsafe music by Orlamusic.com/n/n/n addthis_url = /'http%3A%2F%2Fbearingdrift.com%2F2008%2F05%2F27%2Fnew-bearing-drift-promo%2F/';/n addthis_title = /'New+Bearing+Drift+Promo/';/n addthis_pub = /'/';/n/n

VPOD: Del. Bob Marshall, Candidate for U.S. Senate

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:20:51 -0700

Del. Bob Marshall joins me tonight on this evening’s Virginia Politics On-Demand. Del. Marshall is criss-crossing the state trying to convince Republicans before the convention on May 31 why he would be a better choice to run against Mark Warner this November over Jim Gilmore./nDel. Marshall discusses his views on Mark Warner, Jim Gilmore, [...]

VPOD: Chairman John Hager, Republican Party of Virginia

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:20:12 -0700

In today’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, I’m joined by Chairman John Hager of the Republican Party of Virginia. We discuss Sen. John McCain, the 2008 U.S. Senate race, how demographics in Virginia are influencing politics, how the party apparatus is working, his observations on political trends over the past eight months or so since he [...]

VPOD: Rep. Thelma Drake

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:43:34 -0700

Rep. Thelma Drake (VA-02), our guest on today’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, has been the target of a million-dollar attack ad campaign by MoveOn.org and several left-wing fringe organizations. If you were to listen to them and their followers, you would think she was complicit in illegal activity and has been reckless with American lives. [...]

VPOD: Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:13:21 -0700

In today’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, Attorney General Bob McDonnell gives his first blog interview since last week’s announcement by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling that he would be seeking re-election. McDonnell discusses HB3202 and his role, the importance of a united ticket, the U.S. Senate race, State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli’s announcement that he is running [...]

VPOD: Bob Berry, Candidate for U.S. Senate

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:16:43 -0700

Bob Berry is running an insurgent, up-hill campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. He joined me tonight on Virginia Politics On-Demand to tell us a little about who he is and why he’s running, including reviewing his platform. But the real good stuff comes towards the end of the podcast when [...]

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Gov. Jim Gilmore

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:20:19 -0700

In tonight’s VPOD, Gov. Gilmore reacts to Lt. Gov. Bolling’s announcement to run for lieutenant governor vice governor, talks about party unity, his views on the economy, national security, FISA, social conservatism, Sen. John McCain and the presidential race, and more./nUse this feed for iTunes and other podcatchers./n/n

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Amit Singh, Congressional Candidate

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:10:05 -0700

Today, I caught up with Amit Singh, a Republican running for the GOP nomination in the 8th Congressional District (Arlington). Singh is in Virginia Beach this weekend for a family wedding./nWe spoke a little about Singh’s background, why he is running and his interest in politics, as well as specifics on issues like the [...]

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Gov. Tim Kaine

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:28:56 -0700

Gov. Tim Kaine visited Hampton Roads to hold a Town Meeting at Virginia Wesleyan College. After the meeting and a press conference, the governor still found time to provide this exclusive one-on-one podcast. This interview is jam-packed with the governor’s thoughts on the General Assembly, one-term Governors, transportation, his legacy, and Sen. Barack [...]

Republican U.S. House leader Boehner stumps in Virginia Beach

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:43:15 -0700

Republican Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner of Ohio stopped by Virginia Beach yesterday for a fundraiser on behalf of Rep. Thelma Drake. Here are audio excerpts of some very interesting things Boehner said on:/n/nWhat’s it like to be in the minority and why losing in 2006 may have been the [...]

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Mar. 4

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:38:22 -0800

In today’s VPOD: Kaine whips something out, Gear has something taken away, nobody knows what to do about transportation, and all that’s left for Hillary is the crying./n/nSound effects provided by Music for Video./nSubscribe to VPOD using the “podcast only” feed./n

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Mar. 3

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:44:34 -0800

In today’s VPOD: Rumors galore! A Virginia vice president? Nye doesn’t own a home in the second district? A new candidate in the second district? Bolling’s defining moment of 2009 is now?/n/nSound effects provided by Music for Video./nSubscribe to VPOD using the “podcast only” feed./nCorrection: in the podcast I mentioned that Friday [...]

Virginia Politics On-Demand: Feb. 29

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:19:34 -0800

In today’s VPOD: Regional Transportation Authorities are ruled unconstitutional by the state supreme court. Audio from Gov. Tim Kaine and an interview with Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling./n/nSound effects provided by Music for Video./nSubscribe to VPOD using the “podcast only” feed./n

Virginia Politics On-Demand, Feb. 28

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:33:05 -0800

Tonight’s VPOD includes:/nPlanned Parenthood Budget Amendment, Ronald Reagan Day, the “Job Savings Bill”, DMV exams, and Del. Moran’s Blogger Day./n/n

Virginia Politics On-Demand (VPOD)

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:24:39 -0800

Grab your iPod and download this week’s VPOD./nThis is a great show with Sen. Northam and Sen. Cuccinelli discussing the Homestead Exemption amendment, Ana Gamonal of the Gilmore Campaign and a statement from former Gov. Mark Warner on illegal immigration, news on the Mark Tate scandal and the bloggers involved, a report on the “triggerman” [...]