Poll: McAuliffe leads Cuccinelli by five

The first Public Policy Polling survey of Virginia voters in calendar year 2013 has Democrat Terry McAuliffe leading Republican Ken Cuccinelli by five points in the state governor’s race. McAuliffe was at 46 percent in the poll to 41 percent for Cuccinelli. PPP also tested a three-way race that would feature Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling as an independent candidate. In that scenario, McAuliffe was at 40 percent to 32 percent for Cuccinelli and 15 percent for Bolling.

McDonnell: Eliminate gas tax, increase sales tax

Chris Graham

With legislators and transportation leaders by his side, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced on Tuesday a plan that would provide more than $3.1 billion in transportation funding for the Commonwealth over the next five years, tying transportation funding to economic growth and replacing the state’s outdated gas tax revenue model with a 0.8 percent increase in the state’s sales tax dedicated to transportation.

Gateway History Lecture: Strategic analyses of the American Civil War

Chris Graham

Dr. Jim Armstead noted professor of military strategy will present “Strategic Analyses of Civil War” at WTA’s Gateway on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Dr. Armstead’s presentation will look at the whole of the war, the strategic plans on both sides and address why North won. The presentation has been given round the world to very favorable reviews and is famous for its comprehensive view of the conflict.

McClellan, Stamos: Cuccinelli should explain refusal to support Violence Against Women Act

Contributors

Democratic State Del. Jennifer McClellan and Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos condemned the failure of the U.S. House of Representatives to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and asked Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to explain why he refused to join 47 other state attorneys general in asking congress to pass the law.

David Reynolds: It’s that time again

David Reynolds

It’s that time again. Virginia General Assembly time. Remember that little election way back in November 2011, the one when all 140 seats of the General Assembly were up for grabs? Now it is time for the winners to take their annual winter trek down the James. As for those the voters have excused from such chilly trips to Richmond, they are free to go elsewhere this winter, preferably to a more hospitable spot where “the weather better suits their souls.”