Politics Beat: No free speech for Virginia legislators?

Chris Graham

Republicans are falling all over themselves to protect the free speech rights of “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson. But if a Senate Democrat dares to say anything that a Republican considers to be out of line, well, no free speech for Democrats. “I’m not targeting anybody. I’m targeting behavior,” said State Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Louisa.

Karen Kwiatkowski: Congress is the problem

AFP

It occurs to me that Constitution isn’t the problem. The president isn’t the problem — or it’s always the same problem, depending on your perspective. No, the problem is a Congress that plays games all year long, partying and trading favors with special interests, with no idea of its constitutional responsibility or its duty to we the people.

Chris Graham: “Duck Dynasty” star suspension get us talking … about “Duck Dynasty”

Chris Graham

Reality shows have a quick shelf life. (Long live “The Osbournes,” right?) Not that “Duck Dynasty” was necessarily nearing the end of its shelf life, but you had to be wondering if the show was approaching the shark, if it hadn’t already jumped it and stuck the landing.

Andy Schmookler: Would you want to know

AFP

I want to speak to the conservatives in this area. I know from experience that you are good neighbors, and that you make an admirable local society. But I am concerned about what’s happened with you in the larger political world. It’s not about your conservative values, which I regard as mostly valuable to America.

Senate confirms Patricia Millett for appeals court

AFP

The post-judicial filibusters era is off to a rousing start with the Senate confirmation Tuesday of Patricia Millett, of Alexandria to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.The Senate voted 56-38 to confirm Millett, who was blocked by a Republican filibuster on Oct. 31 in a move that prompted Senate Democrats to push for a rules change.

mark obenshain

Mark Obenshain: Republican Advance

Chris Graham

The 30th annual Republican Advance was this weekend and I have to tell you: the future of the Republican Party in Virginia is bright. At the dinner last night, I shared, first and foremost, my gratitude for the many hundreds of dedicated Virginians who began doing the hard work of the canvass scarcely twelve hours after the polls closed on Election Night.