The AFP Blog – Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009

Chris Graham

– Unemployment in Waynesboro at 7.9 percent, 8:05 p.m. – Moran releases Green Virginia plan, 12:50 p.m. – ACLU says bills would violate religious freedoms, 12:50 p.m. – President Obama on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act bill signing, 10:37 a.m. – More feel good about direction of country, 9:08 a.m. – State issues…

Money and the influence it has

Chris Graham

“People should know money does not influence our business,” Staunton Republican State Del. Chris Saxman said yesterday, talking up his proposed bill that would ban state lawmakers and statewide officials from attending fundraising events sponsored by a political party, lobbyist or campaign contributors during the annual Virginia General Assembly session.

Business and Economy: Drill, baby … uh, never mind

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Virginia dipped below the $3 mark today, days after prices went back beneath the $3-per barrier in the Greater Augusta area. The average is down a stunning 41 cents since last week and 83 cents in the last month. Three…

White House ’08: McDonnell talks up McCain, energy issues in ’08 race

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Attorney General Bob McDonnell is applying for another job next year, as you might have heard. But first things first. McDonnell is focused through Nov. 4 on the ’08 elections and what he can do to help keep Virginia in the Republican Party column. “It’s a competitive state. It’s obvious…

’08 Senate: Gilmore goes on attack against Warner

Chris Graham

The Top Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Jim Gilmore standing at the podium in Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista at the foot of the Blue Ridge pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. A burly, hirsute man wearing a form-fitting Gilmore T-shirt handed the news reporter standing next to me a similarly-sized paper…

What Kaine was said to have said, and what he actually said

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] To hear John McCain’s Virginia campaign co-chair, Staunton Republican Del. Chris Saxman, tell it, Tim Kaine all but sold presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Barack Obama down the river this week in an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “We are glad Gov. Kaine is following John McCain’s leadership and has…