Q and A: Erik Curren and the 20th

Chris Graham

It started for me when I got the e-mail from the Erik Curren House campaign last week pushing back a self-imposed campaign-fundraising deadline. The questions. The Curren camp had wanted to raise $20,000 following the announcement that Republican incumbent Chris Saxman was dropping out of the race to show viability and support at the home…

A new class of landlords

AFP

As homeowners contend with a chilly housing market, many are turning to others to pay their mortgages for them – by renting out their properties. Through first quarter 2009, Allstate saw approximately a 25.3 percent increase in the number of Virginia homeowners switching to landlord policies over prior year.

Dukes loaded for another title run

Chris Graham

I thought it was a done deal. Redshirt junior Drew Dudzik was Rodney Landers’ backup in 2008 and got his baptism-by-fire when Landers went down in the first half of James Madison’s 35-27 national-semifinal loss to Montana, throwing for 70 yards and running for 88 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion for the highlight…

The Latest

Chris Graham

Friday, Aug. 7 – State News: New online resources for teachers Thursday, Aug. 6 – Local News: 40th anniversary of Camille disaster this month – Elections ’09: Wagner releases statement on Bolling’s absence from revenue meeting Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Local News: Harrisonburg traffic alert – State News: ACLU of Virginia weighs in on sectarian…

David Reynolds | Kids know

David Reynolds

Columnists often fall prey to that which we constantly warn our readers: You are not as smart as you think you are because you don’t know what you don’t know. Somehow we think that the world’s problems can be easily solved if only the world would listen to us, that our wisdom will point civilization…

There’s always next year

Chris Graham

I was still trying to be hopeful Sunday night after the loss to the Covington Lumberbacks that put our Waynesboro Generals team on the brink of elimination from the 2009 Valley League playoff race. Team owner Jerry Carter, out of character, for those who know him, was the realist among us. “We’re still in this,”…

Tom Perriello | Fifth District Report

AFP

A well-educated workforce is critical for regaining America’s long-term competitive advantage. But the cost of paying for college and community college is becoming even more burdensome for Americans in this economy. While families are losing income and benefits, college tuition prices continue to rise. The average student now graduates with over $22,000 in total student…

Can Bell unify GOP in 20th?

Chris Graham

We knew it would be Dickie Bell. I’m a little surprised that it was that obvious to the Republicans, I guess. “We have some differences. We have some mending to do. We’re not unlike any other political faction. We need to get to work on those things and show the people of the 20th District…

Breaking down the race for the 20th GOP nomination

Chris Graham

The 20th District Republican Party nomination is Dickie Bell’s to lose, just as it appeared this time last week in the hours after Chris Saxman’s stunning announcement that he was dropping out of the race. Bell is an ideal candidate in more ways than one. The 62-year-old moderate is in his fourth term on Staunton…