Here are a few Virginia and national news headlines, political and otherwise, for Tuesday, November 26. Also, check out the video of John Whitbeck telling his anti-Semitic “joke” back in September, which Mark Herring (who Whitbeck wants to replace in the State Senate) called “offensive, deplorable and a disgrace to Loudoun County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Other than that, Whitbeck is far right wing, as “Loudoun Insider” of the blog “Too Conservative” explains (e.g., Whitbeck “proudly showcases his Dick Black endorsement on his website” and ” was also very involved in the noxious 2005 challenge by far right winger Chris Oprison against popular delegate (except with the Black Brigade) Joe May.”). A bad, bad joke no matter how you look at it.
*Republicans mindlessly oppose Iran nuclear deal (Just like they mindlessly opposed their own idea, an individual mandate, and another one of their ideas, cap and trade.)
*To reach Iran deal, secret diplomacy that worked
*Iran deal is a diplomatic success story
*Cantor on Iran: ‘Mistrust and verify’ (Let’s be clear: Can’tor’s only real option is war, as he’s ruled out diplomacy.)
*Does U.Va have a quota for Northern Virginia admissions?
*McAuliffe wading into budget process
*Governor to move cautiously on budget
*Creigh Deeds faults CSB in treatment of his son
*Deeds to push for mental health reforms (“The state senator says the mental health system is not helping the people who need it.”)
*Mark Obenshain weighs recount in Virginia attorney general race
*Elections board: Herring wins Va. attorney general race
*Schmookler: Obenshain Will Act With Honor
*A Showdown for AG in the Assembly? (“We will be blunt with this admonishment to Obenshain, his advisers and state Republicans: Seek a recount – it’s what is well within a candidate’s rights in an election this close, but do not mount an Assembly contest.” Exactly – that would be totally unacceptable.)
*Another Leesburg Attorney Enters Race to Replace Herring in 33rd Senate District (“Republican John Whitbeck waited until the Virginia State Board of Elections certified Sen. Mark Herring’s election to Virginia Attorney General to announce his run.” Yes, this is the guy who kicked off a Cuccinelli rally with an anti-Semitic “joke.”)
*Lt. Gov.-elect Northam assembles transition team, staff
*A broader, stronger GOP (“Former Republican congressman Tom Davis is organizing a group to support business-oriented candidates.”)
*Urban Professional League to host forum for House candidates (“A Roanoke organization for African-American professionals will host a forum next week for the candidates seeking the 11th District House of Delegates seat that will be vacated by retiring Democrat Onzlee Ware.”)
*Va. Beach woman’s Philippines mansion a haven for storm victims
*In Fairfax, a lengthy battle over school funding
*Morning wintry mix to driving rain; clearing out on Thanksgiving (“For the most part, this should be a rain event- and a heavy one. But some mixed frozen precipitation chances bookend this vigorous storm, starting this morning.”)
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