Here are a few Virginia and national news headlines for Thursday, January 30. If you’re an Arlington Democrat, don’t forget to vote this evening at the Key Elementary School for Alan Howze for County Board!
*Poll: Clinton has big Democratic lead in 2016 field
*GOP races to prove it has plan to help the middle class (One problem: The GOP does NOT have a plan to help the middle class, but instead HURTS the middle class in just about everything it does.)
*The GOP is ignoring its right-wing base (“Conservative activists who brought Republican lawmakers to power are feeling betrayed.”)
*This farm bill deserves a veto (It truly does appear to be a bloated, taxpayer-funded corporate welfare monstrosity.)
*Major Expansion Ahead at The Washington Post
*Patch Hit With Sweeping Layoffs As New Owner Hale Global Restructures (In stark contrast to the Post, who I encourage to hire Jason Spencer, an excellent reporter from everything I’ve seen!)
*VCU, U.Va. health systems urge state to expand Medicaid
*Our view: A blow to voting rights (“On this, the now-disgraced former governor took the right path. The issue, unfortunately, can be seen as partisan, but McDonnell treated it as one of basic human rights. Voting is partisan; the right to vote should not be.”)
*Robert Sarvis announces bid for Warner’s Senate seat
*Senate Democrats to use majority to revive bills (“The bills, including a nondiscrimination measure, had been scuttled by Republicans.”)
*Expansion of adoption rights killed by House panel (“The legislation would have let same-sex partners of single parents adopt children as well.” There are kids who need good homes, but Republicans let their homophobic bigotry get in the way of a happy ending. #FAIL)
*Going around, coming around (“Democrats’ latest power play matches Republicans’ 2012 effort and raises it with the novel empowerment of the chair of the Democrat-heavy Rules Committee.”)
*Va. lawmakers, experts back extending emergency custody
*Kaine pushes paycheck fairness act
*In Virginia, Gov. McAuliffe caught in textbook political dilemma of alliances (“McAuliffe the campaigner backed Sea of Japan alternative; McAuliffe the governor has a hard choice.”)
*Teachers oppose Virginia bill challenging mainstream science (This bill is beyond idiotic and needs to be summarily rejected by everyone.)
*EXCLUSIVE: Va. Republican lawmaker backs gay nuptials (Good for Del. Joseph Yost!)
*Herring explains decision to fight gay-marriage ban
*Alexandria mayor, Sen. Ebbin poised to seek Moran’s seat
*Norfolk couple is at the center of legal battle over same-sex marriage
*Editorial: Virginia Readies For Equality
*Religious Leaders call for Attorney General’s Impeachment (“The clergy members and faith-based groups say they’re united in insuring that marriage stays between a man and a woman.” That’s their right to argue, but there’s no reason anyone should listen to them.)
*Storms strain resources for homeless in Virginia Beach
*Temperatures finally heading up (“Hooray! We have gotten through the worst of the latest Arctic antics.”)
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