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There are several ways to locate past content from Bacon's Rebellion:

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2005

- December 12 -

The Gunst Guide to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Government regs have made a mess of real estate development, says the creator of Innsbrook. It's time to rewrite the rules and start over. by James A. Bacon

High Stakes Pool. As the national competition for scientific talent heats up, Virginia enjoys bipartisan support for Gov. Warner's proposal to fund more R&D at Virginia universities. by Doug Koelemay

At Last, a Debate on Sprawl. Inefficient patterns of development contribute to pollution, traffic congestion and local fiscal stress. With the election of Tim Kaine, suburban sprawl has finally become a statewide issue. by Patrick McSweeney

A Better Way to Grow. Suburban sprawl is the product of government subsidies. A free market approach to development would be far more efficient. by Patrick McSweeney

Deconstructing the Tower of Babel. The words "suburb," "urban," and "city" mean different things to everyone who hears them. Without a precise vocabulary, writers can't communicate clearly on the most pressing issues of the day. by EM Risse

The Advance. Republicans have a lot to think about when they lick their wounds at the Homestead this weekend. A little friendly advice: Think fiscal responsibility. by Barnie Day

The Mollycoddle Mystique. Mark Warner is "the man" after helping Tim Kaine win the gubernatorial race. He's got a PAC and he's making national appearances. The "Draft Warner" movement is gaining momentum. by Steven Sisson

Here's Timmaayyy! Gov.-Elect Tim Kaine has taken his transportation show on the road. The Blue Dog dishes the dirt on who said what in the Staunton hearing. by Steven Sisson

Does "Universal Pre-K" Work? Pre-school programs help poor children but do little for kids from middle class families. Tim Kaine's proposed $300 million universal program would be largely a waste of money. by Chris Braunlich

That Vision Thing. Virginia’s Republicans are doomed to repeat past mistakes as long as their legislative leaders pursue the same visionless path. by Philip Rodokanakis

Happy Winter Solstice to You. It's not enough to respect minority religions. It's not enough to practice separation of church and state. Now some York County educators are driving Christmas out of the schools. James Atticus Bowden

No Easy Way Out. Rail improvements can do only so much to get trucks off the road. Fiddling with the state road funding formula isn't on the table. And the federal government isn't riding to the rescue. What's left? by Steve Haner

Let's Get Moving! Virginia's economy cannot grow without a sound transportation system. Our roads, rails and ports are increasingly overloaded. So, let's stop debating and start taking action. by Samuel H. Kirby Jr.

-- November 28 --

Mission Creep. VITA isn't delivering the savings that were promised to taxpayers. Perhaps that's because the agency has set higher goals for itself: providing a more robust, secure IT infrastructure. by James A. Bacon

Faith in the Future. A new governor, a new legislature, a treasury flush with revenue... Constrained expectations of recent years are giving way to a sense of new possibilities. by Doug Koelemay

Beware the Blog! Anyone with a cause or a grudge can set up a blog on the Web and publish opinions for all the world to see. That makes the economic developer's job a lot harder than it used to be. by Debbie Kurtz, Sponsored Content

GOP Must Look Forward. Rehashing the reasons why Jerry Kilgore lost the election won't get a Republican elected in 2009. Virginia's GOP needs to figure out what it stands for. by Patrick McSweeney

A Republican Policy Agenda. Any GOP agenda needs to start with asserting control over state spending, otherwise the low-tax mantra has no credibility. by Patrick McSweeney

The Foundation of Babble. In the study of human settlement patterns, sloppy language leads to sloppy thought. Take, for instance, the use of the word "sprawl." by EM Risse

Let's Keep'em Both. Who needs good sportsmanship? Losing stinks! With the election so close between Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds, why not make everyone happy? by Barnie Day

In Politics "Winning" is Relative. The McDonnell-Deeds race for attorney general will likely go down as the closest statewide race in Virginia history. by Barnie Day

Yoda, Without the Ears. Bill Leighty, who deserves much of the credit for the Warner administration's success, will help ensure that the Kaine administration delivers four more years of the same. by Barnie Day

Mollycoddle Manque. Mark Warner is positioning himself to run for president in 2008, but a certain U.S. Senator from New York stands in his way. by Steven Sisson

Now What? Tim Kaine won the gubernatorial race. What comes next? Ideally, it will be a focus on growing the economy, reining in state spending and getting moving on transportation. by Geoffrey Segal

Focus on Good Government. Democratic Gov.-elect Tim Kaine and fiscal conservatives have lots in common: a desire to make government work more efficiently. Here are some ideas where we can work together. by Mike Thompson

Leadership Vacuum. Some commentators pin the GOP's setbacks in November's election on conservative activists. In actuality, ineffective leadership of the House Republican caucus is the root of the problem. by Philip Rodokanakis

Wanted: A Conservative Hero. Moderates need not apply. James Atticus Bowden

This New House. With up to 17 newcomers it will be a very different House of Delegates in January.  Most of the rookies have had careers in government, and few have any real business experience. by Steve Haner

Gameplan for a Conservative Renaissance. Let's get real. The 2005 elections were a disaster for low tax conservatives. Running principled candidates is not enough. We need to organize, raise money, and get our message out. by Peter Ferrara

A New Generation of Boondoggles. Has Virginia learned nothing? State authorities have approved three new highway projects that will cost more than $1.8 billion and provide precious little congestion relief in return. by Trip Pollard

Can't Have it Both Ways. Pro-growth lobbyists criticize smart growth proposals for disrupting the efficient workings of a free market. Yet they are masters of manipulating the political system for private advantage. by Yakir M. Lubowsky

A Hot Topic this Winter. The City of Richmond employs temp workers to remove leaves and pick up trash but doesn't pay them close to a living wage. by Jason Guard

Edgar Cayce’s Legacy: Virginia’s Psychic Phenomena. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

-- November 14 --

New Man, New Ideas. Tim Kaine's victory will transform Virginia's  dead-end debate over how to raise more money and build more roads. The big new theme: How to manage travel demand. by James A. Bacon

Million Vote Baby. Tim Kaine joined an exclusive club on Election Day, reaffirming political lessons that even a child can grasp. by Doug Koelemay

Power Over Principle. Compromising his principles on abortion and capital punishment may have helped Tim Kaine win the election, but he's lost any claim to moral authority. by Patrick McSweeney

Just Say "No". Hey, Growth Control Freaks, here's a way to cut down on all that congestion in Northern Virginia -- stop recruiting so many new jobs! Turn off the economic development machine! by Barnie Day

Give the Guy Some Credit. The morning-after pundits are attributing Tim Kaine's victory over Jerry Kilgore to everybody and everything but Tim Kaine himself. Fact is, the Timster ran a darn smart campaign. by Barnie Day

All Hail the Choir Boy. Tim Kaine won the gubernatorial election by hiding his liberal agenda. The next four years are going to be ugly as the truth emerges. by Steven Sisson

Winning on Principles. Jerry Kilgore ran an unprincipled campaign and lost. Bill Bolling ran a principled campaign and won despite Kilgore's top-of-the-ticket loss. by Philip Rodokanakis

It Could Be Worse. Tim Kaine may be liberal, but he's also pragmatic. The Commonwealth will survive the next four years while Republicans figure out what they really stand for. James Atticus Bowden

Raise Your Mug to Virginia's Lagers and Ales. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

-- October 31 --

Coping with $60-per-Barrel Oil. Sen. John Watkins wants to devise a long-term energy plan for Virginia. Let's hope that plan includes free markets, micro-power, conservation and land use reform. by James A. Bacon

53, 25, 21. Those digits show the percentage of economic growth accounted for by technology compared to labor and capital. But technological progress, Virginians now understand, does not just happen. by Doug Koelemay

$2.2 Billion Ain't Chump Change. Some say the state revenue surplus is no big deal -- only $3.3 cents on the dollar.  It's exactly that kind of attitude that has let spending run out of control. by Patrick McSweeney

It All Depends on your Perspective. Constitutions are wonderful things. Let us just remember that they're written by the powerful.

by Barnie Day

Mobility and Access: A Report Card. Philip Shucet ran a tight ship at VDOT, but his 10 recommendations for transportation reform reflect the tunnel vision of a highway engineer. He still doesn't get the need for fundamental change in human settlement patterns. by EM Risse

The Warner Report Card: Incomplete. Mark Warner has made a positive impact on K-12 education in Virginia, but he's left much undone.by Chris Braunlich

Hot Button Politics. Some say Jerry Kilgore's death penalty ads backfired. The Blue Dog says they did the job: highlighting Tim Kaine's liberal leanings for a conservative electorate. by Steven Sisson

Death Penalty Dodge? Tim Kaine says he would enforce Virginia's laws regarding the death penalty. Here, then, is the follow-up question: If elected, would he work to enact a legal moratorium on executions? by Steven Sisson

A Dripping Faucet. State spending in Virginia is like a leaky faucet that you can't turn off. Unfortunately, neither gubernatorial candidate knows a fiscal wrench from a soldering iron. by Philip Rodokanakis

Last Call to Vote. There are good reasons to vote the Republican ticket Nov. 8. Get out there and do it! James Atticus Bowden

Muddy Water, Clear Politics. Some candidates do everything they can to obscure the facts. There's a good reason for that: The facts don't support their positions. James Atticus Bowden

Unintelligent Design for Science. If evolution is only a "theory," so is the "theory" that the earth revolves around the sun. Must we we teach pre-Copernican astronomy in our science classes? Steve Haner

Pork on Steroids. Transportation spending at the federal level has become a raw money grab, and it's getting that way in Virginia, too. by William Vincent

Breaking the Codes: Virginia’s Multiplying Numbers. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- October 17 -

Lost in Suburbia. Virginia's transportation "crisis" is really an urban design crisis in masquerade. Broad Street in Henrico County is a case in point: The ugly, dysfunctional retail strip is truly a road from hell. by James A. Bacon

Lost in Translation. Can Virginia's restructuring of higher education remain bold and, therefore, effective? by Doug Koelemay

Hither the Surplus? A crucial issue facing Virginia is how to dispose of $2 billion in surplus revenues that will be baked into the 2006 budget.  It should be treated as a windfall, not a permanent increase in revenue. by Patrick McSweeney

Barnie's Next Homework Assignment. Read the state Constitution and write a paper explaining why the General Assembly cannot obligate future legislatures to spending hikes. by Patrick McSweeney

Reality-Based Regionalism. Most people talk about "regionalism" with no clear idea of what they mean. A regional approach to solving problems is a good idea -- if informed by Geographic Literacy. by EM Risse

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee. Contrary to the view in some quarters, government isn't the problem -- it's the solution. Only government can invest in education, transportation and other critical infrastructure. by Barnie Day

Jingle in Our Pocket. That "huge" state budget surplus you hear about amounts to a couple of pennies on the dollar. It's not a big deal. by Barnie Day

Opportunity Lost? The Council for Virginia's Future is developing valuable performance measures for state programs. But it's a long way from living up to its full potential. by Geoffrey Segal

What's at Stake? If you think that November's House elections don't matter, try again. Virginia needs fresh thinking about education, transportation, health care and a host of other issues. by Michael Thompson

Rumors and Speculations. The Blue Dog barks and growls about Russ Potts' campaign aide, Larry Sabato's Center for Politics, Gov. Warner's latest campaign ad, and the future of Ben Affleck in Virginia politics. by Steven Sisson

Quo Vadis Kilgore? Jerry Kilgore's middle-of-the-road campaign has disappointed conservatives, who support candidates who take principled stands. As a result, he risks losing the election. by Philip Rodokanakis

From Gristmill to Hydro Power: Virginia's Dams

by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- October 3 -

UVa Under Siege -- from Within. Racial incidents at the University of Virginia last August were all too real. But the administration's over-reaction needlessly fed black students' fears and alienation. by James A. Bacon

Separate but Equal at UVa. The University of Virginia must work to overcome Virginia's legacy of discrimination -- but supporting the self-segregation of black students is not the way to do it. by Conaway Haskins

Pragmatic Conservatives. The characteristics of the 2006 General Assembly are taking shape well ahead of the November elections. by Doug Koelemay

Hide the Pea. Virginia has a sad history of politicians who tell voters they oppose taxes then break their promise once elected. Will November 2005 bring us more of the same? by Patrick McSweeney

Here We Go Again. The state budget is brimming with surplus revenues, but legislators are sowing the seeds of Virginia's next fiscal crisis by embracing new, long-term spending commitments. by Patrick McSweeney

A View from the Heartland. Scattered, low-density settlement patterns make us sitting ducks for energy shocks and natural disasters. by EM Risse

"Take Me Now, Lord,  I Don't Want to See No More" That was the week that was -- in quotations. by Barnie Day

Political Imperatives in 2006. It's time for General Assembly Republicans to get serious about governing -- and time for Democrats to stop bailing them out from their mistakes. by Barnie Day

The China Challenge. The United States may dominate the global economy today, but China is coming up fast. As developing countries surpass us in scientific and engineering talent, we lose our biggest competitive advantage in the global economy. Sponsored Content

Banging the Potts. Russ Potts is one tough blogger. The Blue Dog and his friends pulled no punches in their blog conference, but Potts gave as good as he got. by Steven Sisson

The $9.5 Billion Man. Chuck Caputo is campaigning as a consensus- building candidate. But his agenda calls for an unprecedented $9.5 billion in new state spending. by Philip Rodokanakis

Questions for the AG Candidates. There are two kinds of questions to ask candidates for Attorney General: Those that voters care about -- and those that actually pertain to the AG's job. by Steve Haner

- September 19 -

It's the Global Economy, Stupid. A "flat" world is opening Virginia's economy to ferocious foreign competition. Business people worry about it every day. Our candidates for statewide office appear to be clueless. by James A. Bacon

Twin Hopes. Virginians hope that their candidates listen to them -- and that they don’t. by Doug Koelemay

Baliles Sharpens the Debate. Jerry Baliles has proposed a bold plan to increase transportation funding. Trouble is, it would just inject more money into the same failed transportation policies of the past. by Patrick McSweeney

Warner Blinked. In his bid for the U.S. presidency, Mark Warner made a serious error in ruling out a 2006 run against George Allen. by Patrick McSweeney

Post Labor Day Funk. Political campaigns are supposed to pick up in September. But the yack-fest that passes for debate in Virginia has only distracted voters from the fundamental issues. by EM Risse

The Big Lie in the Big Easy. The Bush administration failed New Orleans and thousands of people died. It's time for accountability, not spin control. by Barnie Day

Lock-Box These Campaigns! Sound bites and e-mail blasts are no substitute for serious thought. Virginians deserve better from their gubernatorial candidates. by Barnie Day

What's Our Disaster Response? New Orleans children aren't the only ones suffering from disaster. Forty-one failed Virginia schools have inflicted a man-made catastrophe upon the 20,000 pupils they fail to educate. by Chris Braunlich

A Walk in the Park. The Blue Dog schmoozes his way through the Buena Vista Labor Day parade. by Steven Sisson

A Walk in the Park II. Jerry Kilgore and Russ Potts will blog with the Blue Dog -- why won't Tim Kaine? by Steven Sisson

Supersize Me! Jerry Kilgore's diet for Virginia's clogged transportation arteries is like eating a salad with a helping of ice cream. Tim Kaine's nutritional plan is worse: all burgers and fries. by Philip Rodokanakis

Questions for a Faux Independent. Randy Gilliland, a 91st House district candidate, is a Democrat in an Independent's clothing. Here are 10 questions he should answer. by James Atticus Bowden

Herding Candidates. Contenders for House of Delegates this year offer loads of solutions for solving Virginia's road woes.  The ideas have little in common except promising to get someone else to pay for the improvements. by Steve Haner

The Lessons of Katrina. Virginians don't have to worry about broken levees, but Hurricane Katrina still gave us plenty to think about. by Fred Williamson and Joanna Hanks

Medicaid Reform for Virginia. A House Republican task force is exploring innovative strategies for bringing Medicaid spending under control while preserving the quality of care for the poor. by Del. Phillip Hamilton

- September 5 -

Carpool Comeback. Thanks to $3-per-gallon gasoline and NuRide's online, ride-sharing service, carpooling could stage a big rebound. by James A. Bacon

The Last Hurricane Party. When New Orleans needed competence from the feds, it got lame excuses, political spin and an avoidable catastrophe. Without changes, we're next. by Doug Koelemay

What Was Kaine Thinking? By agreeing to debate Russ Potts, Tim Kaine is taking a huge risk. Potts could well drain more votes from Kaine than Jerry Kilgore. by Patrick McSweeney

Warner's Credibility Gap. Mark Warner bamboozled voters twice regarding his intention to raise taxes. Now he wants people to trust him as he negotiates $3 billion in VITA contracts. by Patrick McSweeney

Down Memory Lane with Katrina. Hurricane Katrina was anything but a "natural" disaster. New Orleans' vulnerability to a Cat 5 hurricane has been well documented since the 1970s, if not earlier. by EM Risse

The M&M Factor. Virginia normally leans Republican. But the 2005 election isn't normal. Electoral Math + Mark Warner tips the odds to Tim Kaine. by Barnie Day

Baliles Weighs In. Former Gov. Jerry Baliles has altered the terms of the transportation debate with a bold new proposal: Raise $1 billion a year through tolls on Virginia Interstates. by Barnie Day

Spending the Surplus. There's a good chance that the state is heading for a $2 billion surplus. Let's spend it on one-time projects that won't run up future government obligations. by Michael Thompson

Blue Moon Over Venezuela. Pat Robertson was wrong to advocate the assassination of Huge Chavez, but he was right to label the Venezuelan strongman as a threat to the United States -- and his own people. by Steven Sisson

Feelings vs. Facts. The case for extending Metro rail to Dulles plays upon the emotions. The case against it is based upon facts and logic. by Philip Rodokanakis

Sand in the Gear. The moneyed interests and political establish- ment have failed for years to get rid of true-blue conservative Tom Gear, R-Hampton. In 2005, they're giving it one more shot. by James Atticus Bowden

Your Budget's So Big...  How big was Virginia's 2005 budget surplus? It was so big that 2006 revenues could shrink and the state still would run a surplus. by Steve Haner

Amendment or Legislation? Until Virginians amend the state Constitution, property owners have no lasting security. Private property remains subject to the caprice of local officials and each new General Assembly. by Jeremy P. Hopkins

The Black Vote in 2005. African Americans will favor Tim Kaine this November, but perhaps not by the same margin that Democratic candidates are accustomed to. by Conaway Haskins

Virginia Pundit Watch. Another Campaign Overshadowed. by Will Vehrs

Down the Drain or Waste Not, Want Not: Wastewater Treatment in Virginia. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- August 22 - 

Does Not Compute. VDOT's forecasting model is the best yet devised, but it's still grievously flawed. Virginia does not face $108 billion in unmet transportation needs over the next 20 years. by James A. Bacon

Hypocrisy Helps. To feign and dissemble are human, but it doesn't bring progress. Endangered species, gas prices and illegal immigrants could all use some straight talk. by Doug Koelemay

Bidding War. Tim Kaine and Jerry Kilgore are vying to see who can promise the most new spending for education. It's more of the same policy that's been failing us for the past 50 years. by Patrick McSweeney

No Dog-Whistle Campaigning. There is no fudging in the abortion debate. Either Virginia's gubernatorial candidates clarify their positions or they risk losing big chunks of the electorate. by Patrick McSweeney

Balanced Communities. Developing Balanced Communities is critical to achieving sustainable New Urban Regions in a globally competitive economy. Herewith is a primer on what they are and how to create them. by EM Risse

The Sprint to November. A 10-Point Survivor's Guide to the Winner's Circle. by Barnie Day

Hard Times. Richmond, 1865.... Henrico, 2005... The barbarian still lurks within us. by Barnie Day

Starting with A Clean Slate. What would local government look like if you could design it from the ground up? Thanks to Sandy Springs, Ga., we'll soon find out. by Geoffrey Segal

Blue Dog Muzzled. Tim Kaine is the only statewide candidate who won't give the Blue Dog an interview -- all because of a little satire. Chill out, guys, the Blue Dog barks at everyone. by Steven Sisson

Illegals and the Nanny State. The Cheap Labor lobby accuses Virginians of racism for opposing the influx of illegal immigrants into the state. We're not racist - we just oppose subsidies for lawbreakers. by Steven Sisson

Virginia's Fiscal Windmill. Virginia's politicians have proven themselves incapable of reining in state spending. The only recourse is enacting constitutional spending limits, A Taxpayer Bill of Rights. by Philip Rodokanakis

A Record of Reform. VDOT isn't the only star in state government. The Warner administration has built a strong record of cutting costs and improving performance. by William Leighty

Virginia Pundit Watch. Teeing Off on Virginia. by Will Vehrs

Tunnel Vision: Blasting through Rock, Burrowing under the Bay

by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- August 8 - 

The Shucet Effect. If the rest of state government had kept pace with VDOT over the past three years, Virginia could have cut spending by nearly $900 million. Don't tell me there's no waste left in government! by James A. Bacon

We Are What We Finance. Virginia pension funds, not just private companies, could grow on "profits" from credit-worthy infrastructure projects. by Doug Koelemay

In Search of a Budget Strategy. The state's swelling budget surplus should embarrass Gov. Warner, but it doesn't. He says we need it to pay for Virginia's bottomless needs. In other words, spending is out of control. by Patrick McSweeney

Voters Want Substance. Transportation will dominate next year's General Assembly session, yet the press treatment of the issue goes no deeper than campaign platitudes and media handouts. by Patrick McSweeney

"Collapse," an Appreciation. Jared Diamond's master work surveys the collapse of unsustainable societies from the ancient Mayans to the Greenland Norse. There are lessons there for 21st century Virginians. by EM Risse

Reading the Mason-Dixon Poll. Mark Warner is the most popular governor in the history of the Mason Dixon poll, and voters aren't buying the GOP flat-earth agenda. Things are looking up for Tim Kaine. by Barnie Day

A Castle for Your Cottage. Thanks to the Supreme Court, municipalities have more leeway than ever to condemn your property in the name of the "public good." The General Assembly needs to set things right. by Chris Braunlich

Cultural Lightning Rods. The Supreme Court selection process will spill into Virginia's gubernatorial contest by highlighting the controversies over abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research. by Steven Sisson

PG-13 Library Cards. Libraries are for the edification of the masses, not their entertainment. Can we please sweep them clean of  CDs, DVDs and Internet pornography? by Steven Sisson

Republican Mutes. No one expects Democrats to tell the truth about Gov. Warner’s fiscal record, but why are the Republicans so silent? by Philip Rodokanakis

Principles for Tax Reform. The abomination labeled "tax reform" in 2004 was anything but. The basic principles underlying Virginia's tax code should include fairness, appropriateness and minimalism. by James Atticus Bowden

Virginia Pundit Watch. Hands Down, It's Hinkle. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Limestone and Karst: Caves in Virginia. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- July 25 -

Rush Hour Will Never Be the Same. Technology is liberating workers from the tyranny of the central workplace, scrambling commuting patterns in the process. Our transportation policies are still catching up. by James A. Bacon

Smell the Red Herrings. Virginians will be the losers if the election debate focuses on the world according to the political consultants. by Doug Koelemay

Shades of 1989. Hearings over U.S. Supreme Court appointments could influence Virginia elections this year by elevating the visibility social issues. by Patrick McSweeney

Tolls Versus Taxes. Tolls beat taxes as a funding mechanism for transportation projects because those with money at risk have reason to make realistic assumptions about costs and traffic.

by Patrick McSweeney

The Shelter Crisis. The price of housing is getting out of reach for a majority of Virginians. The solution isn't more government subsidies, which are part of the problem, but putting houses in the right locations. by EM Risse

Discordant Trio. Adam Smith, Andrew Jackson and Henry Ford originated powerful strains of thought in American democracy.  Each one has its merits.  But working in concert, they create an unsustainable society. by EM Risse

Guru of Gridlock. Tim Lomax, co-author of the 2005 Urban Mobility Study, says there’s no simple remedy for traffic congestion -- Americans need to try a wide range of strategies. His thinking could pave the way for the Network of Space. Sponsored content

Short-Changing Virginia's Vets. Virginia's 90,000 veterans receive lower disability benefits than their counterparts in 49 other states. Someone needs to hold Washington accountable. by Barnie Day

Give It Back! The state's budget surplus is approaching $2 billion a year. It's time to rebate some of it back to the taxpayers. by Michael Thompson

Faith of Our Fathers. The "Separation of Church and State" doctrine originated as a reaction to the Anglican Church's close ties to the colonial government, not a rejection of all religion in the government sphere. by Steven Sisson

Ten Commandments Purgatory. A recent Supreme Court ruling has put the Ten Commandments issue back in the public eye. Here's how the candidates parse the ruling. by Steven Sisson

Accountable Government. There's more to "fiscal responsibility" than raising taxes. Virginia needs to restrain spending, and appointing an independent Inspector General is a good place to start. by Philip Rodokanakis

The Odd Couple. Bill Howell and John Chichester find themselves at odds over tax policy. But in a throwback to a past political era, the two senior legislators manage to stay friends. by John Goolrick

Virginia Pundit Watch. Polls Trump Debate? by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. No More Free Rides: Toll Roads in Virginia. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- July 11 -

The Maintenance Mantra. The Road Gang wants you to believe that the surging maintenance budget for Virginia's roads justifies another tax increase. Take a closer look at the numbers before you buy their story. by James A. Bacon

May the Healthforce Be With You. Without waiting for government to study the problem yet again, Northern Virginians are expanding their healthcare workforce. by Doug Koelemay

A Budget Impasse in 2006? Government shutdowns are the nuclear option of state politics. Virginia could be heading for just such a calamity over transportation taxes. by Patrick McSweeney

Kelo v. the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain has galvanized the property rights movement in Virginia. Even the politicians are hopping aboard. by Patrick McSweeney

Cranky Cranwell. Gov. Warner counsels rapprochement with Republicans in Virginia. But the Democrats' new party chair has swung into attack mode. by Patrick McSweeney

Transport in the November Election. Politicians are fixated on finding more money for Virginia's ailing transportation system, whether through taxes, tolls or private investment. But without Balanced Communities, there will never be enough money. by EM Risse

Where There's Smoke... MZM, the Washington-based security contractor in hot water with the feds, has extensive ties to Virginia Republicans. Who knows where the threads will lead to? by Barnie Day

The Debate Debate. Jerry Kilgore is making a fatal mistake refusing to debate Russ Potts. Love him or hate him, Potts is a legitimate candidate, and it makes Kilgore look weak to avoid him. by Barnie Day

Your Money... or Your Home. Now there's another reason to limit local government spending: to curtail municipalities' appetite not only for our money but our property.by Geoffrey Segal

Byrned Out? If Leslie Byrne isn't the most liberal candidate to run for statewide office in Virginia, you can be darn sure the Bolling campaign will paint her that way. by Steven Sisson

The Blue Dog Muzzled. What happened to freedom of religion? Even in the conservative Shenandoah Valley, the public-prayer police are ever vigilant against the public expression of religious sentiment. by Steven Sisson

Accidental Pirates. In a world of evolving technology, outdated laws could criminalize innocent acts like using a Wi-Fi network. Virginia needs to give its state code an overhaul. by Philip Rodokanakis

Virginia's Finitudes. Let's explore a new principle of state/local taxation: People should pay based upon how hard they use and abuse Virginia's finite resources of land, water and air. by James Atticus Bowden

Virginia Pundit Watch. "Beach, baseball and brewskis." by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Don’t Wash a Mule on the Sidewalk: Odd Laws, Obsolete Ordinances. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- June 20 -

The Incredible Expanding Budget Surplus. I hate to say, "I told you so," but... I told you so. Virginia is awash in black ink. The new budget numbers should energize the low-tax movement. by James A. Bacon

Elections? Whatever. More Virginians voted in American Idol than in last week's primary elections. Such widespread indifference calls out for fundamental change. by Doug Koelemay

Recapping the Primaries. The June Republican primaries were cast as a referendum on last year's tax hike. Taxes were on the mind of voters, but so were other issues. by Patrick McSweeney

Reforming the Property Tax. Forget about providing "relief" for residential property taxes. That's a Band-Aid. Restructure taxes to eliminate incentives behind so much of today's dysfunctional economic and social behavior. by EM Risse

METRO Ills and Base Closings. In the absence of balanced system capacity and Subregional demand, the METRO will be a long-term drain on Virginia's treasury. But the proposed military base realignment could help create that balance. by EM Risse

Cohousing and Dooryard Density. The "Cohousing" movement provides useful data on density for residential projects. If re-developed at "Cohousing" densities, our Subregions could accommodate growth for years without consuming any more land. by EM Risse

Who Will Wear Warner's Cloak? The lesson of last week's election was simple: Voters want pragmatic politicians, like Mark Warner, who govern from the center. The big question now: Who will succeed him? by Barnie Day

Save Educational Standards. No Child Left Behind is a work in progress. The federal school-accountability program has real problems but is worth saving. Five basic reforms would help. by Chris Braunlich

A Chicken in Every Pot. Farming and food processing are big business in the Shenandoah Valley. If you're not from here, you probably missed the biggest issue of the month: The Pilgrim's Pride Buyout. by Steven Sisson

Primary Lessons. Winning primary elections against entrenched incumbents is tough, but the anti-tax contingent sent Richmond some lessons that will reverberate for years to come. by Philip Rodokanakis

A Pleasing Primary. The pundits have written off the June '05 primary as a loss for the low-tax movement. Let them believe what they want. The movement is gaining momentum. by James Atticus Bowden

McEachin Win Studied Nationally. How did Donald McEachin beat the candidate backed by Virginia's Democratic establishment? By sticking to core Democratic principles.

by Paul Goldman

Virginia Pundit Watch. One Fearless Pundit. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Below the Surface: Or What the Heck Is Vermiculite? by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- June 6 -

Why June 14 Matters. The politicians are poised to raise your taxes again. By voting for anti-tax candidates in the GOP primary, you can send a message: We insist that state government do better. by James A. Bacon

Re-VITA-lyzing Government. After two years, the Virginia Information Technologies Agency is generating cost savings and making government more accessible to citizens. by Doug Koelemay

The Filibuster Fracas. In the showdown over judicial appointments, John Warner opted for comity in the Senate. George Allen stood for principle: The majority should prevail. by Patrick McSweeney

Kaine's Warner Problem. Mark Warner has accomplished so much of the Democrats' roads-and-schools agenda that he hasn't left Tim Kaine much room to maneuver. by Patrick McSweeney

Regional Rigor Mortis. The latest Urban Mobility report confirms what we all know: Traffic congestion is getting worse. As Virginia's transportation systems decay, so do our regional economies and quality of life. by EM Risse

Memorial Day by the Numbers. Over the years, more than 1.2 million American soldiers paid the ultimate price. On Memorial Day we salute them. by Barnie Day

Is This a Great State, or What? The really consequential votes in the June 14 primary will take place in the GOP primary. Democrats can rig the outcome to help in November's general election. by Barnie Day

Our Fearless Economic Forecast. The good news: Virginia's economy and tax revenues will grow far faster than the national average. The bad news: So will state spending. by Michael Thompson

Valley Yin and Yang. Democrat Bruce Elder will have a tough time running against the GOP's Chris Saxman in the 20th House district. Saxman has a strong legislative record -- plus he serves great food.

by Steven Sisson

Elder vs. Saxman. The race is on. The Blue Dog sniffs around the Elder campaign. by Steven Sisson

Demos for RINOs. Some Republicans running for the House this year are so soft on spending and taxes that their biggest support comes from Democrats crossing over to vote for them. by Philip Rodokanakis

It's All About Taxes. It matters who wins the Republican primary. Get out and vote! by James Atticus Bowden

Virginia Pundit Watch. One Fearless Pundit. by Will Vehrs

- May 23 -

Fright of the Creative Class. Richard Florida is back. He says there's a global competition for creative talent, and the U.S. may be squandering its edge. But don't panic: Much of his analysis doesn't hold up. by James A. Bacon

In Name Only. US Airways keeps its name in its merger with America West, but the Arizona airline is sucking the show right out of Virginia. by Doug Koelemay

Justifying Low Taxes. Big spenders list endless "unmet needs" to justify tax hikes. Their foes must show how low taxes meet laudable goals, too, like spurring economic growth and protecting household income. by Patrick McSweeney

Boldness Succeeds in Politics. Virginia’s Republican Party doesn’t need unity or discipline – it needs leadership and vision. Without those traits, the GOP could go the way of the British Tories. by Patrick McSweeney

The Shelter Crisis. Massive housing subsidies and dysfunctional human settlement patterns make a volatile mix. We're witnessing the worst housing bubble in the history of the United States. The inevitable bust will be painful. by EM Risse

Elegant, Exquisite Judgment. Tim Sullivan was a great university president. William and Mary will miss him. So will we. by Barnie Day

Out of the Gas and Dust... The amorphous gubernatorial campaign seems to be coalescing around one big issue: Do Virginians really want government by referendum? by Barnie Day

Happily Ever CAFTA. A free trade agreement with Central America would boost Virginia exports and cost us very little. Only an aggressive sugar lobby stands in the way. by Chris Braunlich

Begun, the Tax War Has. Darth Sidious the Governor Mollycoddle has taken over the senate. The forces of the Dark Side are extending their reach. The defenders of the Republic are in disarray… by Obi-Wan Blue Doggie

RINO Hunting. The Virginia GOP has filed a lawsuit to restrict voting in its primaries to registered Republicans. Keeping out Democratic crossovers would cull the number of elected Republicans In Name Only.

by Philip Rodokanakis

The Tax Scam. Only six long-shot challengers are contesting the 16 House Republicans who voted last year for tax increases. It looks like the tax grifters will get away with a $1.5 billion swindle. by James Atticus Bowden

The Truth About Outsourcing. To businessmen, outsourcing is a tool to compete in the global marketplace. To economists, it's a tool to create wealth and higher living standards. To politicians and demagogues, it's a godsend. by Atin Basuchoudhary

The Transportation SOLs. Virginians for Better Transportation will be a success if candidates in 2005 face an electorate that at least knows the facts and asks the good questions. by Steve Haner

Virginia Pundit Watch. Run to Day Light. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Virginia’s Clear Skies. and Stormy Weather

by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- May 9, 2005 -

Sim City. Suffolk is emerging as a leading center of Modeling & Simulation expertise. The Warner administration wants to leverage the military and university assets there into a world-class technology cluster. by James A. Bacon

"Freedom and Learning". Six legislators protesting a student-sponsored sex education fair--an event that included conservative cultural groups--should ponder the meaning of the GMU motto. by Doug Koelemay

Freedom of Association. The freedom of people to associate freely--and exclude others--is fundamental to liberty. State government has no business telling the Virginia GOP who can vote in its primaries. by Patrick McSweeney

National Implications. Virginians aren't the only ones watching the Kaine-Kilgore match-up. The outcome of that race will shape the prospects of 2008 presidential prospects George Allen and Mark Warner. by Patrick McSweeney

Antidotes. Land use myths are propagating like a virus: Find a cure for one, and new mutations multiply. Here, we offer three approaches for quarantining these bad ideas. by EM Risse

Too Many Ex-Governors. What a waste. You give a governor expensive, on-the-job training and he's gone in four years. Then what does he do with himself? by Barnie Day

Ritualized Hunting. Does Virginia's constitutional right to "hunt" cover the right to sling lead at flying clay targets? The shaking of sticks and hurling of epithets has already begun. by Barnie Day

Government Can Innovate. The Thomas Jefferson Institute's "Innovations in Government Conference" showed how. by Geoffrey Segal

Farmer vs. Farmer. The Central Shenandoah Valley is blessed with two exceptionally fine candidates for the House of Delegates this year: Matt Lohr and Lowell Fulk. by Steven Sisson

Getting to Know You. The Blue Dog quizzes Lowell Fulk and Matt Lohr, candidates for the 26th House of Delegates seat. by Steven Sisson

DINO Sighting. Virginia is prime habitat for RINOS--Republicans In Name Only. But David Marsden, running for the 41st House district, may be the first Democrat In Name Only spotted in the Old Dominion. by Philip Rodokanakis

Whining While Black. Now that Confederate history month is over, maybe the racial grievance mongers will let up a while--and let black people turn their attention back to earning a piece of the American pie.

by James Atticus Bowden

A Good Year for Business. The 2005 session of the General Assembly was generally positive for business. However, legislators deferred dealing with Virginia's pressing transportation needs.

by Clayton Roberts

Virginia FREE Senate Ratings

Virginia FREE House of Delegates Ratings

Virginia Pundit Watch. We Get Results! by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Virginia's Many Voices. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- April 25, 2005 -

Tuition Trauma. Are college tuitions escalating out of control? Yes, they are -- but mostly for reasons that we don't want to change. by James A. Bacon

Competing for the Creative Class. With Richard Florida now at GMU, Fairfax County is debating what it takes to recruit and retain the creative geniuses who propel the economy forward. by Doug Koelemay

Out of Control. A new law giving public universities more autonomy is not bad policy, but it fails to address the underlying problem with higher ed in Virginia: the relentless increase in spending. by Patrick McSweeney

Gimme Shelter. Rising housing prices create a false prosperity. Taxes are rising, newcomers are priced out of the housing market and the real estate bubble will bring widespread misery when it busts. by EM Risse

The Hammer. You can tell a lot about a person by the friends he keeps. Makes you wonder why Del. Jeff Frederick, R-Woodbridge, isn't distancing himself from ethically challenged Tom Delay. by Barnie Day

Can We Talk? Tim, Jerry, a word of advice: Run your gubernatorial campaigns like grown-ups. by Barnie Day

The Price of Government. David Osborne's new book provides practical advice on how to squeeze more efficiency out of state and local government. No elected official should leave home without it. by Michael Thompson

Our Hidden Burden. Wonder why the cost of government is going up so fast? One possibility is the influx of illegal immigrants who require social and healthcare services but do not pay into the system. by Steven Sisson

Subsidizing Illegal Immigration. Virginia Demos want to spend multi-millions to provide illegal immigrants with educational, healthcare and other social services. What is it about "illegal" that they don't understand? by Steven Sisson

On a Rampage. County governments insist upon providing social services to illegal immigrants. These same localities are raising property taxes through the roof. by Philip Rodokanakis

An Old Growth Strategy. Just imagine: Bands of old growth forest criss-crossing Virginia, accessible to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Truly a project for the ages. by James Atticus Bowden

Facepaint. In a statewide political campaign, a good image makeover can work wonders for a candidate. by Joyce Wise Dodd

Virginia Pundit Watch. This Just In: Pundits Pan Politicians. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Virginia’s Wild Blue Yonder. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- April 11, 2005 -

Where's the Tech Lobby?

You'd think that the technology sector would be pushing for creative ways to address Virginia's transportation "crisis". Despite having much to gain, the techies have contributed little to the debate.

by James A. Bacon

Technology's Long Wave

Robert Atkinson's discussion of technology-powered growth highlights the policy choices ahead for Virginia.

by Doug Koelemay

To Tax or Not to Tax

McSweeney defends earlier columns advocating a greater private-sector role in addressing Virginia's transportation woes.

by Patrick McSweeney

Populist or Elitist?

Tim Kaine hasn't figured out what kind of image he wants to project in his gubernatorial race. Recent comments show two contending personalities.

by Patrick McSweeney

Take Me Home, Congested, Non-Urban Road

Dysfunctional human settlement patterns and traffic congestion are spreading to West Virginia's panhandle. Traditional conservation tactics will not work.

by EM Risse

Make the Pain Go Away!

Economic developers are wasting scarce funds in frantic efforts to generate new prospects. 310 Ltd.’s Debbie Kurtz makes the case for a new marketing model adapted to a global economy and the digital era.

Sponsored by 310 Ltd.

A Yearning for Larger Times

A communique from Alan Diamonstein reminds us of the great issues that Virginians once grappled with.

by Barnie Day

Readin’, ’Ritin’ and Recklessness

Jerry Kilgore's educational prescriptions just don't add up.

by Barnie Day

The Politics of Budget Surplus

The good news: Virginia is running a budget surplus. The bad news: Virginia is running a budget surplus... and the General Assembly is showing no spending restraint.

by Geoffrey Segal

Lost in Cyberspace

Dodging viruses and e-mail invective, the Blue Dog chronicles his growing addiction to political blogs.

by Steven Sisson

Mollycoddle Metamorphistics

The Governor did not endear himself to the Blue Dog at a recent Harrisonburg press conference. Raising taxes and subsidizing illegal immigrants is not a winning formula in the Shenandoah Valley.

by Steven Sisson

Canine Chromatography

The Blue Dog dissects the political spectrum.

by Steven Sisson

The Politics of Lies II

Even in rebutting my previous column, the Connaughton campaign can't find its way to telling the truth.

by Philip Rodokanakis

The Shade of Terri Schiavo

Important issues have surfaced in the Kaine-Kilgore race, but as the judicial murder of Terri Schiavo drives home, none are as vital as halting the tyranny of unelected judges.

by James Atticus Bowden

The Tide Turns

After decades of sprawling growth, the Richmond region has embraced mixed-use development. New Urbanism-inspired projects are transforming the city center and aging suburbs.

by James A. Bacon

Bostwick Laboratories performs more prostate biopsies than any other lab -- anywhere. Such disciplined focus could well revolutionize the $35 billion-a-year medical lab business.  

Sponsored by the Greater Richmond Partnership

Virginia Pundit Watch

Pundits for Bloggers: Bad Trade

by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions

Virginia’s Epidemics: Real and Imagined

by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- March 28, 2005 -

Currency Quake

The declining value of the dollar will directly impact interest rates, property values and corporate competitiveness in Virginia. That means bad news for some, potentially good for others.

by James A. Bacon

The Platinum Party Card

Money can't buy love -- but it can buy a leadership position with a political party.

by Doug Koelemay

Liberate Transportation!

The last thing Virginia needs is to crank up spending on a failed transportation system. It's time to turn entrepreneurs loose to devise innovative solutions.

by Patrick McSweeney

Time for a Serious Debate

Enough with the sound bites and talking points! Virginia candidates for higher office must outline their vision of what it takes to make the Commonwealth competitive in a global economy.

by Patrick McSweeney

Land Conservation Quandary

Traditional conservation techniques aren't working. Because of Geographic Illiteracy, they're accelerating the spread of dysfunctional land use patterns.

by EM Risse

The Cow at the Stoplight

Where have I seen that look of cud-chewing vapidity before? There's something vaguely...  Republican... about it.

by Barnie Day

A Primer for the Feeble Minded

It's spring, the campaign season. You'll hear a lot of nonsense about local government spending and taxes. Tape this column to your refrigerator.

by Barnie Day

Charter Schools in Name Only

Virginia has among the fewest charter schools of any state in the nation. Perhaps that's because they're designed as conduits for federal funds -- not as laboratories for innovation.

by Chris Braunlich

Looking for a Few Good Blogs

Blogs are transforming Virginia politics. On the one hand, they allow anyone to comment on the political process. On the other, they invite dirty tricks. Election regulators are still catching up.

by Steven Sisson

The Politics of Lies

Politicians continue to cross the line with half- truths, falsehoods and outright lies. The latest example is a hit piece released by the Sean Connaughton for Lt. Governor Campaign.

by Philip Rodokanakis

In the MTICI Hut

In the primitive annual ritual of the General Assembly gathering, the big men of Virginia redistribute wealth and chant numbers conferred with mystical authority.

by Joseph Freeman

Ready for Prime Time?

It was amateur hour this session when the General Assembly passed a bill that would encourage oil and gas drilling off the Virginia coast. Gov. Warner should veto this bad joke.

by Skip Stiles

The GOP's Green Candidate

The most committed environmentalist running for governor this year is George Fitch, the fiscally conservative mayor of Warrenton.

by Todd Benson

The Innovation Imperative

To satisfy demanding customers like Procter & Gamble, Tredegar Film Products is relocating its R&D operations to Richmond. The anticipated result: greater creativity in product development.

Sponsored Content

Virginia Pundit Watch

Pundits Pummel Property Rights Proposals

by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions

Virginia's Stargazers  

by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

Readers Respond. Connaughton campaign responds to "The Politics of Lies".

- March 14, 2005 -

Pavlov's Pols. Politicians act as if the only solution to traffic congestion were building more roads and rail lines. Perhaps they should stop salivating over higher taxes long enough to read the VTrans2025 report. by James A. Bacon

Look at their Shoes. A self-absorbed Virginia cannot win in the global, innovative economy. Take a look at what other states--and countries--are doing. by Doug Koelemay

A House Divided. Virginia is a Republican-leaning state, but that may not count for much with GOP legislators as deeply divided as they are. by Patrick McSweeney

Driving Blindfolded. The Commonwealth's auto-centric transportation policies have made Virginians increasingly vulnerable to swings in the price of oil and events in the Middle East. by Patrick McSweeney

Land Speculators 2, Citizens 0. Property rights zealots are cackling over the overturn of Growth Management initiatives in Portland, Ore., and Loudoun County, Va. Land  speculators profit, and the public loses again. by EM Risse

In a Game He Understands. By declaring his independent candidacy for governor, Russ Potts has infuriated the flat-earth wing of the GOP. Nothing could help him more. by Barnie Day

Keep 'em in the Dark. Virginia's budget is incomprehensible to citizens. Legislators refuse to revamp the document so the public can understand it, and Gov. Warner has yet to produce the overhaul he promised. by Michael Thompson

Hot Potts. Russ Potts may be a long-shot candidate for governor, but he has set the pundits' tongues to wagging. The Blue Dog rounds up the reactions. by Steven Sisson

The Weicker Connection. Did Mark Warner and the GOP's pro-tax cabal cook up the Russ Potts candidacy to divide the Republicans and get Tim Kaine elected? by Steven Sisson

The Self-Anointed Candidate. Only God, says Russ Potts, can declare him not to be a Republican. Why, then, is Potts running for governor as an independent rather than vying with Jerry Kilgore for the party nomination?

by Philip Rodokanakis

Fantasyland. Campaign brochures will claim that the 2005 General Assembly raised $850 million for transportation. That's pure spin. Look closely, and you'll find that as little as $23 million is new, ongoing spending. by Steve Haner

Drunk on Power. Between tax increases and economic growth, state government revenues are growing 13 percent this year. But to some in the General Assembly, that's still not enough. by James Atticus Bowden

Virginia Pundit Watch. Setting Sights on Schapiro. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Virginia's Mayors: Beyond Street Lights and Parking Meters. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- February 28, 2005 -

Pitching a Fitch. Warrenton Mayor George Fitch wants to be your next governor. Outraged by waste in government, he's the one candidate totally committed to cutting taxes and reining in state spending. by James A. Bacon

A Curious Lapse of Memory. Bob Sharak takes issue with Jim Bacon's recent column on Virginia transportation funding. by Robert F. Sharak

Three Levels of Autonomy. Commonwealth universities didn’t get to Charterland, but they did pin some serious new commitments on the General Assembly. by Doug Koelemay

Think We Could Arrange a Trade? Virginia's John Chichester wants to raise taxes. North Carolina's Marc Basnight prefers to cut spending. Who would you want on your team? by Patrick McSweeney

How the Senate Really Operates. Richard Saslaw and Russell Potts revealed the true temperament of the state Senate by uttering in public opinions normally expressed behind closed doors. by Patrick McSweeney

Interstate Crime. Business As Usual interests are calling for bigger, wider Interstates to improve inter-regional mobility. The schemes won't work because they don't create Balanced Communities. by EM Risse

Amendamania. Legislators have filed an unprecedented 76 amendments to the state constitution this session. Someone needs to rein them in. by Barnie Day

In the End...  Virginia has survived another session of the General Assembly. All things considered, it wasn't a bad year. by Barnie Day

Why Shield the State? Ben Cline has a sound idea: Government should avoid doing things that the private sector could do just as well. It's baffling that he can't he get HB 2556 enacted into law. by Geoffrey Segal

Four Mo' LG Candidates. The Blue Dog continues his environmental scan of the candidates for Lieutenant Governor. by Steven Sisson

Contributions, Sexual Politics and Sprawl. The Blue Dog completes his survey of the men and women vying for the Lieutenant Governorship. by Steven Sisson

Railroaded Again. An unelected group, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, is raising rates on the Dulles Toll Road to pay for METRO improvements. I call that taxation without representation. by Philip Rodokanakis

Republicans Asunder. If the Virginia GOP stands for everything from higher taxes to tax cuts, does it really stand for anything?  Does anything unite the party beyond a hunger for power? by James Atticus Bowden

Reforming Higher Ed. The "chartered university" proposal has morphed into a comprehensive overhaul of higher education in Virginia. Many of the changes are good ideas -- but they're no substitute for more state support. by Jesse F. Ferguson

Virginia Pundit Watch: Special General Assembly-Bashing Edition. by Will Vehrs

Best of Blog. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions: Virginia Prize Winners. by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- February 14, 2005 -

One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State. As Americans sort themselves out geographically by lifestyle affinity, the culture wars can only get worse. by James A. Bacon

Disfiguring the Public Interest. Now more than ever, Virginia’s General Assembly needs to tread lightly on matters of liberty, opportunity and the Constitution. by Doug Koelemay

Learning from Maryland. If you're used to thinking of our northern neighbor as a land of liberalism, you might want to reconsider. While Virginians talk of raising taxes-- again--guess who's been cutting them? by Patrick McSweeney

The Public-Private Trap. Virginia tried funding transportation projects through "public-private partnerships" in the 19th century. Advocates of that approach today might think twice if they knew their history. by Patrick McSweeney

The Mother of All Dysfunction. A failing education system puts Americans at risk in a globally competitive economy and undermines our democracy. by EM Risse

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? With a budget surplus looming, Virginia legislators are abandoning all fiscal restraint. Big winners could include beekeepers and Japanese snails. by Barnie Day

What Political Columnists Do. We talk, we write, we revel in the power of words. by Barnie Day

Give Choice a Chance. The House of Delegates has passed a bill that could provide school choice for up to 5,000 poor kids. Foes are desperate to stop it in the state Senate. by Chris Braunlich

Kaine on Death and Taxes. Choir boy Tim Kaine is a political moderate informed by his Catholic beliefs. But look for the Kilgore team to paint him as a liberal for his record on tax hikes and the death penalty. by Steven Sisson

A Backroom Deal? Jerry Kilgore hasn't come out in favor of higher taxes, but he refuses to sign an anti-tax pledge. A circumstantial case can be made that he's cut a deal with the pro-tax wing of the GOP. by Philip Rodokanakis

Adult Supervision Advised. The Higher Ed lobby defines the "charter" university issue as all about money.  But Virginia citizens must guard against educrats imposing an unwelcome brand of political correctness. by James Atticus Bowden

- January 31, 2005 -

The Rebellion Will Be Blogged. Bacon's Rebellion is extending its digital reach to the blogosphere. May heresies prosper and dangerous ideas proliferate. by James A. Bacon

Taking Care of Business (2). Virginians like spending the tax revenues generated by Northern Virginia's booming economy. But if they don't invest in the region's prosperity, the cash cow may run dry. by Douglas Koelemay

An Ill Considered Plan. Steve Baril's proposal to crank up borrowing and spending to build more roads would saddle Virginians with untold debt and do nothing to improve traffic congestion. by Patrick McSweeney

Capitol Schlock. The architectural standards of Virginia's capital area have gone downhill ever since Thomas Jefferson designed the state capitol. It's time to give the public more involved in planning. by Patrick McSweeney

Education and Human Settlement Patterns. Want better education for Virginia's children? Then help change the size, location and funding of our schools. by E M Risse

This One Will Save Lives. HB 2742 will save thousands of lives by requiring 15 aging coal-fired power plants to install modern pollution controls. by Barnie Day

Gilmore's Ghost. Bill Howell can't get traction on any of his other issues, so he's trotted out a frightful oldie--completing the phase-out of the car tax. by Barnie Day

Cool Head Luke. by Barnie Day

Rays of Hope. The General Assembly is considering several bills that would improve the efficiency of state government. We'll find out soon how serious  legislators are about getting them passed. by Michael Thompson

Memo to Republicans. Stop whining. If Tim Kaine is raising big bucks from out-of-state contributors, go out and find your own money. Or fix the campaign finance law. by Steven Sisson

Inside the Democrats' LG Race. The Blue Dog walks Chap Petersen and Leslie Byrne through the burning issues of the day, from transportation funding to state budge surpluses. by Steven Sisson

And the Winner Is... State senator Russ Potts... for his memorable portrayal as a tax-and-spend liberal in the 2004 legislature, when he proposed $2 billion in new state spending. by Phillip Rodokanakis

A Tuition Tutorial. Chartered status at Virginia's elite universities will broaden access to higher education. Although general tuitions will rise, schools will set aside more money for financial aid for the needy.

by Robert B. Archibald and David H. Feldman

Spontaneous Combustion. Richmond's creative class is hot, hot, hot. Pioneering new ways to collaborate and inspire one another, commercial artists are becoming a driving economic force in the region. by James A. Bacon

Virginia Pundit Watch. by Will Vehrs

Best of Blog. by Will Vehrs

Nice & Curious Questions. Was Elvis a Melugneon? by Edwin S. Clay III and Patricia Bangs

- January 17, 2005 -

A Curious Lapse of Memory. Lawmakers never mention it when talking about traffic congestion, but real VDOT spending has more than doubled the rate of population growth over the past 10 years. by James A. Bacon

Taking Care of Business. Booming Northern Virginia is generating record tax revenues. To keep up with this world-class tech center, state government must learn to become a better partner. by Douglas Koelemay

- January 4, 2005 -

The Road to Righteousness. Here's a package of four fundamental reforms based on fiscally conservative, free-market principles that would ameliorate Virginia's transportation crisis. by James A. Bacon

Paved with Good Intentions. Without new resources for transportation, Virginia in 2005 will be stuck on a familiar road. by Douglas Koelemay