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    <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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        <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-07-09T18:50:01-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Obama&#8217;s popularity slipping, according to poll of Va. voters</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL09_20090708-222404/278902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new poll shows President Barack Obama&#8217;s popularity slipping in Virginia. Obama had an approval rating of 48 percent and disapproval rating of 46 percent in the Public Policy Polling survey of people who are likely to vote in this year&#8217;s general election for statewide offices. Obama carried the state in November with 52.6 percent of the vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:01:15 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Poll shows Obama popularity slippage in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM_20090708-120401/278739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new poll shows President Barack Obama&#8217;s popularity in Virginia has slipped below 50 percent. The Public Policy poll of 617 likely general election voters showed Obama with a 48 percent approval rating, which is within the poll&#8217;s margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The survey showed 46 percent disapproval and 6 percent not sure.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:04:17 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM_20090708-120401/278739/#When:16:04:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Grogan will run against Loupassi</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GROG08_20090707-214202/278594/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
William K. Grogan, a Richmond lawyer, is running as an independent against Republican Del. G. Manoli Loupassi in the 68th House of Delegates district. The district covers the West End of Richmond and a portion of northern Chesterfield County. Grogan, 63, has run twice before for the House, once as a Democrat and then as an independent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:37 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GROG08_20090707-214202/278594/#When:04:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Poll: McDonnell at 49% and Deeds at 43%</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SURV08_20090707-214202/278596/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The latest survey by Public Policy Polling shows Republican Bob McDonnell has the support of 49 percent of those polled, and Democrat R. Creigh Deeds has 43 percent, in the race for governor. The result follows polling right after the June 9 Democratic primary that showed Deeds, a state senator from Bath County, with an edge over McDonnell.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SURV08_20090707-214202/278596/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama&#8217;s grass&#45;roots network builds Va. staff to promote agenda</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/E-OBAM08_20090707-214202/278592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They elected him to the White House, and now they&#8217;re pushing his agenda. Voters who made up President Barack Obama&#8217;s corps of supporters are again huddling in living rooms and community centers, but this time, it&#8217;s to promote the administration&#8217;s political wish list. Organizing for America, which is basically a transformation of the Obama campaign&#8217;s grass-roots network, is building staff in Virginia as it prepares to organize community events across the state.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/E-OBAM08_20090707-214202/278592/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; July 8th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_8th/278623/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Who&#8217;s on second? Political columnist Jeff Schapiro says the race for lieutenant governor may come down to a referendum on Virginia&#8217;s budget mess.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:16:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_8th/278623/#When:02:16:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bolling, Wagner spar on finances</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV071_20090706-233602/278476/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, running for re-election, is blaming Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, a former state finance secretary, for Virginia&#8217;s budget woes. In a newspaper column and a fundraising appeal, Bolling links departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s former finance chief to the continuing cash crunch, faulting her for flawed revenue projections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV071_20090706-233602/278476/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bolling, Wagner spar on finances</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV07_20090706-222604/278443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, running for re-election, is blaming Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, a former state finance secretary, for Virginia&#8217;s budget woes. In a newspaper column and a fundraising appeal, Bolling links departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s former finance chief to the continuing cash crunch, faulting her for flawed revenue projections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV07_20090706-222604/278443/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Stakes high for Kaine&#8217;s DNC duties</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20090704-213002/278097/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
He didn&#8217;t ask for this job. The job of chairman of the Democratic National Committee, that is. Now that he has it, six months later, even an outsider might understand why Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was somewhat reluctant to take it in the first place. He has been dogged by state Republican leaders, eager to find an opening in a pivotal state election year to reverse the tide of political success that has given Virginia Democrats control of the governor&#8217;s office, two U.S. Senate seats, the state&#8217;s House of Representatives delegation and the state Senate.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20090704-213002/278097/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Analyst says Palin could be done with politics</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PALI04S1_20090703-233202/278012/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin&#8217;s decision to step down during her first term could signal that she&#8217;s done with elective office, a Virginia political analyst says. &#8220;You shouldn&#8217;t dismiss that possibility if she&#8217;s fed up, and that came across at the press conference,&#8220; the University of Virginia&#8217;s Larry Sabato said last night. If she does plan future campaigns, Sabato thinks Palin has made a major error. &#8220;This will prove very useful to her opponent&#8212;she&#8217;s up and quit the only statewide office she&#8217;s ever held, in midterm. That&#8217;s not much of a qualification if you&#8217;re running for president,&#8220; Sabato said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:42 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PALI04S1_20090703-233202/278012/#When:04:01:42Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama makes health&#45;care pitch in N.Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM02_20090701-222807/277590/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia took center stage in the national debate over health-care coverage yesterday when Debby Smith rose to tell her story to President Barack Obama. &#8220;Good afternoon, Mr. President,&#8220; the 53-year-old resident of Appalachia, in Southwest Virginia, said at the president&#8217;s health-care forum at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM02_20090701-222807/277590/#When:04:01:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; July 3rd</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_3rd/277518/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cold campaign. Political columnist Jeff Schapiro wonders why Republican Bob McDonnell is pulling his punches in the governor&#8217;s race against Democrat Creigh Deeds.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:04:20 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_3rd/277518/#When:02:04:20Z</guid>
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          <title>State accuses Northrop Grumman of breach</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA01_20090630-222603/277299/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state now is accusing Northrop Grumman of failing to deliver computer services and hinting at unspecified action against the giant company. In a shift yesterday, the state&#8212;which has been defending its disputed 10-year, $2.3 billion deal with Northrop Grumman&#8212;said the Chantilly-based firm is in breach of contract. Further, the state is demanding a plan from Northrop Grumman within 60 days for ending delays&#8212;some that have continued two years&#8212;and for completing an inventory of computer equipment that was supposed to be finished yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:14 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA01_20090630-222603/277299/#When:04:01:14Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. Republicans drop fight over access to Kaine&#8217;s DNC travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN30_20090629-221603/277101/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Republicans will appeal to the court of public opinion instead of a court of law to fight over access to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s out-of-town travel records as Democratic National Committee chairman. &#8220;To continue our pursuit of the documents in question would leave us with the only option of taking the issue to litigation,&#8220; state GOP Chairman Pat Mullins said in a statement released yesterday, responding to a letter sent by Kaine&#8217;s office late last week denying his request for the records.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN30_20090629-221603/277101/#When:04:01:47Z</guid>
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          <title>Virginia considering regulating car title loans</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TITL30_20090629-222804/277121/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia is considering putting the brakes on the repo man, but there&#8217;s disagreement on how to do it. A General Assembly panel yesterday opened hearings on a possible clampdown on car-title loans, under which borrowers&#8212;often with poor credit histories&#8212;use their cars as collateral and lose them if they fail to repay. The industry, which typically charges 300 percent to 350 percent in annual interest, operates in Virginia with few restrictions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TITL30_20090629-222804/277121/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>VITA contract is six months late, says official</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA30_20090629-221603/277106/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s computer agency is six months behind schedule in putting in place a $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman for info-tech services. Leonard M. &#8220;Len&#8221; Pomata, acting head of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, disclosed the delay yesterday in the opening of House of Delegates and state Senate inquiries into the controversy engulfing the sprawling department.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA30_20090629-221603/277106/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Republicans drop fight over access to Kaine&#8217;s DNC travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAINGAT29_20090629-165001/277051/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Republicans will appeal to the court of public opinion instead of a court of law to fight over access to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s out-of-town travel records as Democratic National Committee chairman. &#8220;To continue our pursuit of the documents in question would leave us with the only option of taking the issue to litigation,&#8220; state GOP chairman Pat Mullins said in a statement released today, responding to a letter sent by Kaine&#8217;s office late last week denying his request for the records.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:50:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAINGAT29_20090629-165001/277051/#When:20:50:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Legislative hearings begin on state IT problems</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/legislative_hearings_begin_on_state_it_problems/277036/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state&#8217;s computer super-agency is running about six months behind schedule putting in place a $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman for information technology servvices.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:52:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/legislative_hearings_begin_on_state_it_problems/277036/#When:14:52:58Z</guid>
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          <title>New state laws take effect Wednesday</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LAWS28_20090627-221404/276837/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
New state laws that ban text messaging while driving and get tougher on drunken drivers take effect this week. In a 46-day session, the General Assembly approved 879 bills, most of which take effect Wednesday. The session will probably be best known for a measure prohibiting smoking in most restaurants and bars in Virginia. This measure will not take effect until Dec. 1 to give restaurant owners more time to prepare for the ban.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:39 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LAWS28_20090627-221404/276837/#When:04:01:39Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine refuses to give GOP travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DNCC271_20090626-234202/276747/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is refusing to turn over to the Republican Party of Virginia records of his out-of-state travel as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In a letter late yesterday afternoon to state GOP Chairman Pat Mullins, Kaine communications director Lynda Tran said Kaine has no legal obligation to make public such documents.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DNCC271_20090626-234202/276747/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Deeds, McDonnell discuss energy, roads</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20090626-221605/276662/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, in their first back-to-back appearances on the same stage, told Boys State attendees in Lynchburg yesterday that they could improve transportation in Virginia without raising taxes. Deeds, a Democrat, said he would seek to pay for better roads by promoting business growth that would increase state revenues, but ultimately that growth depends on better roads.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20090626-221605/276662/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine: Security cost will be reimbursed</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN26_20090625-221804/276454/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who recently has been criticized by state Republican leaders for his out-of-town trips as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, says his security detail on those trips cost less than $10,000 in his first six months in the post. Kaine said he has kept records of the security expenditures and has instructed the DNC to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:17 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN26_20090625-221804/276454/#When:04:01:17Z</guid>
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          <title>VITA chief praises employees</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA26_20090625-221804/276457/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The acting head of Virginia&#8217;s embattled computer agency is praising employees for &#8220;doing heavy lifting&#8221; and urging them to ignore critics. Leonard M. &#8220;Len&#8221; Pomata yesterday met with about 100 employees of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency at its Chesterfield County headquarters. Other workers listened by phone conference call, as did a reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who was supplied the numerical pass code. Some employees submitted questions to Pomata by e-mail.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA26_20090625-221804/276457/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>State gets failing grade on disclosure laws</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FAIL26_20090625-214005/276434/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s disclosure laws for the members of its General Assembly have received a failing grade from the Center for Public Integrity. Virginia is among 20 of the 50 states that were given a failing grade after a 43-question survey that measures public access to information about legislators&#8217; employment, investments, personal finances and property holdings. The center defined a failing grade as a score of less than 60 points on the survey.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FAIL26_20090625-214005/276434/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>GOP candidates to be first on ballot</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX26_20090625-214005/276433/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Republican candidates for statewide office will be listed first on the ballot for the Nov. 3 statewide elections. The GOP name was drawn from a bowl at a State Board of Elections meeting yesterday. The Republican candidates&#8217; names will be first in House of Delegates races as well. So it will be Bob McDonnell, then R. Creigh Deeds for governor; Bill Bolling, then Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor; and Ken Cuccinelli, then Steve Shannon for attorney general.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEX26_20090625-214005/276433/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine &#8216;really felt sad&#8217; for Sanford, his family</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SANF26S_20090625-205202/276405/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, yesterday declined to criticize South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford after revelations that an extramarital affair was behind the Republican&#8217;s recent unaccounted-for absence. &#8220;My main reaction once I realized . . . it&#8217;s a family issue,&#8220; Kaine told listeners during his monthly radio call-in program on WRVA in Richmond. Kaine said he knew Sanford and his family from Sanford&#8217;s membership in the Southern Governors&#8217; Association.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SANF26S_20090625-205202/276405/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Kaine says he sees S.C. governor&#8217;s problems as a sad family issue</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_he_sees_s.c._governors_problems_as_a_sad_family_issue/276329/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On monthly radio show, Kaine, chairman of Democratic National Committee, declines to criticize Republican Gov. Mark Sanford, who yesterday admitted sneaking to Argentina to meet woman with whom he was having an affair.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:34:10 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_he_sees_s.c._governors_problems_as_a_sad_family_issue/276329/#When:16:34:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. &#8216;partial&#45;birth&#8217; abortion ban upheld</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ABOR25_20090624-222804/276246/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A federal appeals court in Richmond voted yesterday to uphold Virginia&#8217;s 2003 law that bans a type of late-term abortion, which means the case might be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court. The 6-5 ruling reversed two 2-1 rulings by a panel of the appeals court. The panel had struck down the Virginia law, which prohibits what opponents of the procedure call &#8220;partial-birth abortion.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ABOR25_20090624-222804/276246/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell&#8217;s TV ad to run 10 days</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO25_20090624-222405/276239/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell yesterday became the first candidate for governor to go on television in the general election campaign. McDonnell&#8217;s 30-second ad, which pushes job creation and entrepreneurship, will run for 10 days on broadcast and cable TV markets, excluding the expensive Washington market. McDonnell is spending about $300,000 on the ad run, according to The Associated Press.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO25_20090624-222405/276239/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. candidates reserved in discussing Sanford</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SANF25S_20090624-222002/276223/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When it comes to the adultery scandals involving two prominent Republicans, mum&#8217;s the word for Virginia&#8217;s usually voluble gubernatorial candidates. Neither Democrat R. Creigh Deeds nor Republican Bob McDonnell had much to say about South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford&#8217;s tearful, televised admission yesterday of infidelity, which came only days after Sen. John Ensign of Nevada said he&#8217;d had an affair with a former staff member.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SANF25S_20090624-222002/276223/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; June 25th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_25th/276260/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Political columnist Jeff Schapiro says Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell may be reluctant to make an issue of Virginia&#8217;s controversial computer contract because he went along with it as a state legislator.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:02:54 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_25th/276260/#When:03:02:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fairfax Democrat not seeking House re&#45;election</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/fairfax_democrat_not_seeking_house_re-election/276064/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democrat Kristen Amundsen is retiring from the House of Delegates.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:15:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/fairfax_democrat_not_seeking_house_re-election/276064/#When:17:15:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Michael Morva goes on trial for helping his brother escape</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/michael_morva_goes_on_trial_for_helping_his_brother_escape/276026/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A man is going on trial on a charge of helping his brother plan a jail escape that led to two slayings and a manhunt that shut down the Virginia Tech campus.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:31:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/michael_morva_goes_on_trial_for_helping_his_brother_escape/276026/#When:15:31:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine, GOP at odds over IT agency</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20090623-222806/275930/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and General Assembly Republicans are wrestling over who should run Virginia&#8217;s computer super-agency as a state report urges financial penalties for delays by the giant firm hired to provide information technology services. During an online chat yesterday at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Kaine said the Virginia Information Technologies Agency would be more accountable if its director reported directly to the governor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:49 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA24_20090623-222806/275930/#When:04:01:49Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine says DNC will repay state for security expenses</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN24_20090623-220804/275877/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you want to know where Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is, just ask him. That&#8217;s the message Kaine delivered yesterday to state Republican critics who say he has been sneaking off to tend to his high-profile, part-time job as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:38 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN24_20090623-220804/275877/#When:04:01:38Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>FOI Act used to lay groundwork for personal care workers advocacy group</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CARE24_20090623-222204/275901/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
An offshoot of a large national government employees union has used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the names of more than 6,600 Virginia personal-care workers to organize them into an advocacy group for higher wages and better health care. While state and local government employees are not allowed under state law to bargain collectively, Krissi Jimroglou, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants, said, &#8220;We are organizing with the hope that there will be a collective bargaining agreement somewhere down the road.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CARE24_20090623-222204/275901/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kaine says state IT agency should report to governor</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_state_it_agency_should_report_to_governor/275794/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The troubled Virginia Information Technologies Agency would be better off if the head of the agency reported directly to the governor, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in an online chat on TimesDispatch.com.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:53:31 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/kaine_says_state_it_agency_should_report_to_governor/275794/#When:18:53:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Liberty U. reaches deal with student Democrats</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMOGAT23_20090623-101201/275750/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Liberty University&#8217;s student Democratic club has reached an agreement with the school on its status. Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said today that a change in university policy will allow the Liberty University College Democrats to exist as an unofficial club. The policy change, which took effect yesterday, also changed the College Republicans from an officially recognized campus group to the new unofficial status.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:12:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMOGAT23_20090623-101201/275750/#When:14:12:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell ducks on mining question while stumping with Mississippi governor</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BOBM23_20090622-211203/275468/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell talked jobs and energy yesterday at a news conference with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. McDonnell also ducked on two issues that have been in the limelight recently. McDonnell said he would defer judgment on whether to allow uranium mining in the state and what to do about Virginia&#8217;s troubled information technology agency, VITA, until studies have been completed.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BOBM23_20090622-211203/275468/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>LIVE TODAY: Ask the Governor</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ask_the_governor/275346/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will answer your questions in a live video chat  today at 1 p.m.
 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:54:55 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ask_the_governor/275346/#When:18:54:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>President Obama&#8217;s new Chief Technology Officer is a Virginian</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/president_obamas_new_chief_technology_officer_is_a_virginian/275062/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tapped by President Barack Obama this spring to be the nation&#8217;s first chief technology officer, Aneesh Chopra is plugged in to a brave new world. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:01:45 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/president_obamas_new_chief_technology_officer_is_a_virginian/275062/#When:04:01:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. GOP wants records on Kaine&#8217;s DNC duties</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/RPVS20_20090619-222605/274955/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Republican Party of Virginia yesterday requested under the Freedom of Information Act records of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s out-of-state travels and state expenditures related to his work as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Lynda Tran, a spokeswoman for Kaine, said the office will respond to the FOIA request the same way it treats all FOIA requests.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:01:12 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/RPVS20_20090619-222605/274955/#When:04:01:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Republicans file FOI request for Kaine&#8217;s DNC travel</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS20_20090619-120001/274801/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Republican Party of Virginia has filed a Freedom of Information request with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to disclose the extent and costs of his political travels as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The request was filed today. Kaine is in Kansas City now raising money on behalf of President Barack Obama. The trip to Kansas City was not on Kaine&#8217;s public schedule.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS20_20090619-120001/274801/#When:16:00:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Communications system for troopers, others is criticized</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/STAR19_20090618-222804/274738/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The head of a Virginia State Police advocacy group says the new statewide communications system being developed for the state police and 20 other state agencies is so unreliable that many troopers use their personal cell phones to communicate.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/STAR19_20090618-222804/274738/#When:04:01:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Furor over IT agency deal dismays Va. lawmakers</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FINA19_20090618-221002/274728/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lawmakers readying to investigate Virginia&#8217;s hiring of Northrop Grumman to run its computer systems say controversy surrounding the deal is an embarrassment. &#8220;The integrity of our governmental processes has been questioned . . . as a result of last week&#8217;s events,&#8220; said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles J. Colgan, D-Prince William, referring to the abrupt dismissal of the state&#8217;s information-technology chief, Lemuel C. Stewart Jr.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FINA19_20090618-221002/274728/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Contested races for House of Delegates seats increase</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS19_20090618-220603/274719/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The major political parties are competing for 58 House of Delegates seats this fall&#8212;an increase from recent election cycles. An unofficial tally by the Virginia Public Access Project shows 68 of the 100 seats will be contested, up from 41 in 2007 and 49 in 2005. But 10 of this year&#8217;s contests involve a major-party candidate running against an independent. Independents generally have little chance of beating a major-party incumbent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS19_20090618-220603/274719/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State panel outlines start of IT agency investigation</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITAGAT_20090618-115201/274592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia legislators today roughed out their forthcoming investigation of the state&#8217;s troubled information technology agency and its $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman. The Senate Finance Committee is turning over the inquiry to a subcommittee responsible for overseeing the nuts and bolts of government. That subcommittee is headed by Sen. Yvonne Miller, D-Norfolk. It holds its first meeting on June 29.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:52:51 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITAGAT_20090618-115201/274592/#When:15:52:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds campaign changes aides</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEEDGAT18_20090618-055001/274558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Creigh Deeds is changing press secretaries for the fall stretch run. Jared Leopold, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Virginia, is taking over as the chief spokesman for the Deeds campaign. Deeds faces Republican Bob McDonnell in the November election. Leopold replaces Brooke Borkenhagen, Deeds&#8217; press secretary during his primary campaign, which ended in last week&#8217;s surprisingly easy victory.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:50:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEEDGAT18_20090618-055001/274558/#When:09:50:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; June 18th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_18th/274493/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Political transformation. Columnist Jeff Schaprio explains Republican Bob McDonnell&#8217;s strategy to convince Virginians that the politician is more important than the party.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:01:21 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_18th/274493/#When:04:01:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine signs bills to assist Va. military families, veterans</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VETS17_20090616-213802/274243/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday ceremonially signed more than a dozen bills designed to assist Virginia&#8217;s military families and veterans. Legislation passed during the 2009 General Assembly session provides uniform treatment and expedited record-sharing in education for military children who transfer between school districts and states. Virginia has the most school-age children&#8212;76,352&#8212;of active military personnel in the nation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VETS17_20090616-213802/274243/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Senate panel to investigate VITA</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA16_20090615-222402/274087/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lawmakers will investigate the state&#8217;s troubled information technology agency, spurred by the removal of its boss and questions about the $2.3 billion Virginia is paying Northrop Grumman for computer services. A state Senate panel that oversees government operations will conduct the inquiry and report to the Senate Finance Committee, whose chairman, Sen. Charles J. Colgan, D-Prince William, ordered the review.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:01:14 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA16_20090615-222402/274087/#When:04:01:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. budget gap stands at $300 million</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG16_20090615-222002/274077/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state&#8217;s revenue numbers from May are in, and things are worse than officials thought they would be. Based on the month&#8217;s revenues&#8212;which fell 15.6 percent compared with the same month last year&#8212;Virginia&#8217;s forecast budget gap widened another $75 million, for a total of $300 million for fiscal year 2009, which ends June 30. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine tempered the tepid financials by saying that the state will bridge the gap with the cost-cutting measures already in place&#8212;and the use of about $109 million in federal stimulus funding and $49 million in unallocated budget surplus from the two-year, $77 billion spending plan for fiscal 2009-2010.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BUDG16_20090615-222002/274077/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>McDonnell goes for bipartisan support; Obama praises deeds</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BOBM16_20090615-220803/274073/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has formed a group called Virginians for McDonnell to entice Democrats and independents to support him. In an e-mail yesterday, President Barack Obama also made a pitch for bipartisan support, for Democratic gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds. The McDonnell group is led by Judy Peachee Ford Wason, a former Republican political operative who led a similar group that brought bipartisan support to Democrat Mark R. Warner in 2001, and by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Wyatt Durrette, who supported Democrat Timothy M. Kaine in 2005.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BOBM16_20090615-220803/274073/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. partnering with Microsoft to provide free technology training</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/va._partnering_with_microsoft_to_provide_free_technology_training/274018/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state of Virginia is partnering with computer giant Microsoft to offer free technology training and skills certification to thousands of displaced workers in the commonwealth. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:41:41 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/va._partnering_with_microsoft_to_provide_free_technology_training/274018/#When:19:41:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. &#8216;very happy with Northrop Grumman,&#8216; Kaine says</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA14_20090613-205002/273755/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday gave a vote of confidence to Northrop Grumman, the giant firm that Virginia is paying $2.3 billion for information-technology services. &#8220;We&#8217;ve been very happy with Northrop Grumman as a partner. That doesn&#8217;t mean that there aren&#8217;t some things to work out,&#8220; Kaine said after a rain-hastened rally with the new Democratic ticket at the College of William and Mary.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:01:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA14_20090613-205002/273755/#When:04:01:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds and McDonnell meet again in changed landscape</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS14_20090613-221605/273804/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They battled for attorney general in 2005. Now they&#8217;re facing off for governor. But Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell meet on a decidedly different political landscape than they did four years ago. Deeds, a state senator from rural Bath County who was defeated by McDonnell for attorney general by 360 votes, heads into this year&#8217;s rematch buoyed by a surprisingly strong primary victory. An early public poll by Rasmussen Reports suggests that victory has bumped Deeds slightly ahead of his old foe, 47 percent to 41 percent. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:01:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS14_20090613-221605/273804/#When:04:01:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Dual role of new Va. IT chief questioned</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA13_20090612-223104/273665/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state&#8217;s computer czar was replaced by the secretary of technology to put &#8220;fresh eyes&#8221; on changes to a $2.3 billion contract between the state&#8217;s information technology department and its contractor. James F. McGuirk II, chairman of the department&#8217;s oversight panel, said Lemuel C. Stewart Jr. was removed as chief information officer for the Virginia Information Technologies Agency and replaced temporarily with Leonard Pomata because he has the experience to navigate a transition in how the state pays for technology.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:01:39 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA13_20090612-223104/273665/#When:04:01:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Panel ousts Virginia&#8217;s technology chief</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA12_20090611-221806/273416/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s computer czar was fired hours after he questioned a multimillion-dollar monthly bill from the giant company that the state is paying $2.3 billion for informationtechnology services.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:01:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA12_20090611-221806/273416/#When:04:01:36Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cantor was alerted on museum attack</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VHOL12_20090611-213102/273342/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, says he was alerted Wednesday after a man opened fire in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Cantor, the only Jewish Republican in the House of Representatives, said he does not know whether other members of Congress also were alerted. &#8220;It is a horrible thing,&#8220; he said. &#8220;It is a reminder that there is hatred out there. It requires vigilance on the part of all of us.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:01:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VHOL12_20090611-213102/273342/#When:04:01:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cantor stands by remarks on Obama, Putin</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT12_20090612-003001/273469/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, is standing by remarks he made to The Associated Press yesterday comparing some of President Barack Obama&#8217;s economic policies to those of Russia&#8217;s prime minister and former president, Vladimir Putin. In a brief telephone interview, Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the House, said Obama&#8217;s policies are increasing uncertainty and raising the price of risk.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CANT12_20090612-003001/273469/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Wagner challenges Bolling to debates</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV12_20090611-221201/273401/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Jody M. Wagner yesterday challenged Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, the Republican incumbent, to five debates to be held in different regions of the state. A spokesman for Bolling noted that &#8220;we look forward to a rigorous discussion of the candidates&#8217; qualifications, their records and their vision for the future of Virginia.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV12_20090611-221201/273401/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democratic candidates show solidarity with Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED11_20090610-222205/273152/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Democratic candidates for governor talked unity yesterday, while Republicans went on the attack against new nominee R. Creigh Deeds. Flanked by the current governor and wearing the campaign stickers of the man who routed them in yesterday&#8217;s primary, Democrats Brian J. Moran and Terry McAuliffe pledged to unify behind Deeds and work to help him defeat Republican Bob McDonnell this November.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:01:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEED11_20090610-222205/273152/#When:04:01:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kaine orders new green initiatives</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN11_20090610-223204/273194/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday issued an executive order implementing a broad range of eco-friendly, energy-efficiency measures in Virginia government designed to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of state operations. Executive Order 82 requires that state-owned or leased buildings meet &#8220;green&#8221; certification standards and mandates increases in the use of recycled office supplies and renewable fuels. It also calls for cutbacks in the costs to heat, cool, light and irrigate state-owned facilities.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:01:17 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN11_20090610-223204/273194/#When:04:01:17Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Primaries for House of Delegates seats</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS11G_20090610-222804/273172/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
District 17 30 of 30 precincts 22 of 22 precincts 28 of 28 precincts District 11 25 of 25 precincts 26 of 26 precincts 19 of 19 precincts 21 of 21 precincts 22 of 22 precincts 19 of 19 precincts 23 of 23 precincts 26 of 26 precincts 21 of 21 precincts SOURCE: AP            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS11G_20090610-222804/273172/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>House hopefuls face uphill battle against Carr, Cox</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS11_20090610-222804/273171/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The candidates for two local House of Delegates seats hope that talking about jobs will land them one. Betsy Carr, who secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday for the 69th District seat, and John A. Cox, who won the GOP nod in the 55th, each have opponents in November&#8217;s general election. Though both primary winners are considered strong favorites in the fall because Hanover&#8217;s 55th is heavily Republican and the 69th, including South Richmond and part of Chesterfield County, leans Democratic, their challengers are hitting the streets.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS11_20090610-222804/273171/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; June 11th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_11th/273188/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Election rematch. Bob McDonnell beat Creigh Deeds by the narrowest of margins in 2005. This year they&#8217;ll compete again, and the stakes are much higher. Political columnist Jeff Schapiro analyzes the upcoming race for governor.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:18:06 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_11th/273188/#When:02:18:06Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Moran, McAuliffe, Deeds, Kaine pledge united front</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CREE_20090610-122601/273000/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Flanked by the current governor and wearing the campaign stickers of the man who routed them in yesterday&#8217;s primary, Democrats Brian J. Moran and Terry McAuliffe pledged to unify behind state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds and work to help him defeat Republican Bob McDonnell this November. &#8220;I will personally do anything Creigh Deeds asks me to do to [help him] become the next governor of Virginia,&#8220; pledged McAuliffe, the former Democratic National Committee chairman, during a news conference with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Deeds this morning at the state party headquarters in Richmond.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:26:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CREE_20090610-122601/273000/#When:16:26:36Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>PDF CHART: Election results</title>
          <link>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/pdfs/20090610_results.pdf</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Election results           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:11:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://static.mgnetwork.com/rtd/pdfs/20090610_results.pdf#When:05:11:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cox and Carr get nods in primary races</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS101_20090610-003002/272973/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
John A. Cox, a Hanover County trucking company owner, scored a narrow victory yesterday over prosecutor Rusty McGuire in the Republican primary for the House of Delegates&#8217; 55th District. Jerry Burch of Mechanicsville finished third. In the battle for the Democratic nomination in Richmond&#8217;s 69th House District, School Board member Betsy Carr defeated businessman Carlos Brown and Antione Green.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS101_20090610-003002/272973/#When:04:01:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Deeds wins in a rout, will again face McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS101_20090610-001401/272972/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds scored a come-from-behind victory in the Democratic gubernatorial primary yesterday, setting up a rematch with Republican nominee Bob McDonnell. Deeds and McDonnell clashed in the race for attorney general in 2005. McDonnell won by 360 votes in the closest general election in Virginia history. Terry McAuliffe finished second, far behind Deeds and narrowly ahead of Brian J. Moran.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:38 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS101_20090610-001401/272972/#When:04:01:38Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Turnout is small for Democratic primary</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL10_20090609-223204/272949/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Brief power outages in Northern Virginia and a report of a gunman in Virginia Beach added drama to yesterday&#8217;s statewide Democratic primary. Otherwise, the day was marked by low turnout and little suspense once the polls closed. Returns soon showed that state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds and Jody M. Wagner won runaway victories to become the Democratic nominees for governor and lieutenant governor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL10_20090609-223204/272949/#When:04:01:01Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cox gets GOP nod in 55th in Hanover; Carr is Democrats&#8217; choice in 69th in Richmond&#45;Chesterfield</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS10_20090609-223006/272930/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
John A. Cox, a Hanover County trucking company owner, scored a narrow victory yesterday over prosecutor Rusty McGuire in the Republican primary for the House of Delegates&#8217; 55th District. Jerry Burch of Mechanicsville finished third. In the battle for the Democratic nomination in Richmond&#8217;s 69th House District, School Board member Betsy Carr defeated businessman Carlos Brown and Antione Green.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DELS10_20090609-223006/272930/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>VIDEO:&amp;nbsp; McAuliffe concedes</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/video_mcauliffe_concedes/272958/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Terry McAuliffe called Creigh Deeds to concede at 8:06 p.m., little more than an hour after the polls closed. About 150 people gathered at an Arlington County hotel for the McAuliffe event.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:35:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/video_mcauliffe_concedes/272958/#When:03:35:13Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Deeds, Wagner win Democratic nominations</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/virginia_primaries/272794/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County is the Democratic nominee for governor, winning a runaway victory over former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria and Terry McAuliffe of McLean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:38:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/virginia_primaries/272794/#When:20:38:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>McAuliffe helps Tech shooting relatives attack Deeds over pro&#45;gun stance</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCAULGAT09_20090609-085201/272773/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A statement from Virginia Tech mass-shooting relatives and survivors attacking gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds for his pro-gun stance was distributed to reporters with help from one of Deeds&#8217; opponents in today&#8217;s Democratic primary. Lis Smith, press secretary for former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, said this morning that Omar Samaha and Colin Goddard contacted the McAuliffe organization seeking a list of reporters, and that the campaign provided one.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:52:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCAULGAT09_20090609-085201/272773/#When:12:52:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Key race draws low turnout in Virginia primary voting</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS09_20090608-222402/272695/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Polls close at 7 p.m. as voters make their choice in a hotly contested Democratic gubernatorial nomination contest.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:01:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS09_20090608-222402/272695/#When:04:01:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Va. falls short with autism services, report says</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/AUTI09_20090608-223202/272739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia does a poor job of providing services to people with autism, the legislature&#8217;s watchdog group said yesterday. State services suffer from a lack of coordination, too-late diagnosis of children with autism, poor early-intervention programs and public schools that cannot consistently meet the needs of children, according to the report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/AUTI09_20090608-223202/272739/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Richmond getting $2 million to buy foreclosed homes</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS09_20090608-223005/272731/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The city of Richmond will receive $2 million to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes for resale to lower-income families. The funding is part of a $17.5 allocation from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program announced yesterday by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to address the mortgage-foreclosure problem throughout the state. Kaine allocated $7 million from the fund in April.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/HOUS09_20090608-223005/272731/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democratic candidates begin final push across state</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/democratic_candidates_begin_final_push_across_state/272606/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Balloting is tomorrow in the state Democratic primary. Three are vying for the nomination to face Republican nominee Bob McDonnell.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:53:12 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/democratic_candidates_begin_final_push_across_state/272606/#When:15:53:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democrats debate electability issue</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PRIM08_20090607-221603/272511/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Terry McAuliffe is training his guns on R. Creigh Deeds in the finale to tomorrow&#8217;s Democratic gubernatorial primary, saying Deeds&#8217; pro-firearms stance makes him unelectable against Republican Bob McDonnell. Deeds, responding last night at a Richmond rally, said: &#8220;Terry McAuliffe&#8217;s just desperate. And it&#8217;s just sad.&#8220; McAuliffe, in a phone interview yesterday after an appearance at a black church in Hampton Roads, also said Deeds is weak for the fall campaign because he has backed higher fuel taxes for transportation improvements.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:01:17 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PRIM08_20090607-221603/272511/#When:04:01:17Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Biden, at Kingsmill, cites progress in race relations</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BIDE07_20090606-233402/272429/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
America is at &#8220;one of those inflection points in history&#8221; at which the decisions being made will influence generations to come, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. told members of the black caucus and their spouses yesterday. Biden said the problems facing America are immediate, and that the administration can&#8217;t pick and choose which issues to tackle.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:01:56 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BIDE07_20090606-233402/272429/#When:04:01:56Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democrats hustling to get out the vote</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEC07_20090606-222004/272373/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Democratic candidates for governor sprinted toward the tape yesterday, moving from radio appearances to get-out-the vote rallies and using automated phone calls and television ads to gain the attention of potential voters. Brian J. Moran, a former delegate from Alexandria, shook hands at a church picnic in Henrico County before visiting his Richmond campaign office to call undecided voters and thank volunteers buzzing in and out with yard signs and encouraging words.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:01:37 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ELEC07_20090606-222004/272373/#When:04:01:37Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democratic candidates do differ on a few issues</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS07_20090606-220004/272339/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On Tuesday, Democrats will pick their nominee for governor, ending a primary campaign distinctive, in part, for the candidates&#8217; few clear distinctions on issues. State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe of McLean and former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria offer variations on a theme in their plans to boost the economy and education.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS07_20090606-220004/272339/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Where the Democrats stand on the issues</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS07G_20090606-220004/272340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On Tuesday, Democrats will pick their nominee for governor, ending a primary campaign distinctive, in part, for the candidates&#8217; few clear distinctions on issues.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:01:10 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEMS07G_20090606-220004/272340/#When:04:01:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Primaries crucial in 55th, 69th district races</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/XGRS06_20090605-222806/272215/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cox McGuire Burch Brown Carr Green Candidates in two primaries in the Richmond area are relying on tired feet and sore knuckles, rather than big media campaigns, to get the attention of voters in primary elections Tuesday. Because the 55th House of Delegates district is heavily Republican and the 69th is heavily Democratic, primary wins are considered tantamount to victory in the fall.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:01:23 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/XGRS06_20090605-222806/272215/#When:04:01:23Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Groups drop suits against Va. Board of Elections</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FREEO6_20090605-220205/272152/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Because the General Assembly approved legislation allowing people to wear political clothing to the polls, three free-speech organizations have dropped a lawsuit against the state Board of Elections. Before the presidential election last year, the State Board&#8212;interpreting a state law that forbids electioneering within 40 feet of the polls&#8212;said voters should not wear hats, stickers or shirts with a candidate&#8217;s name when they enter the voting booth.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:01:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/FREEO6_20090605-220205/272152/#When:04:01:13Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls seek to energize supporters</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS06_20090605-220205/272153/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The time for pitching&#8212;platforms, position papers, jobs and education plans&#8212;is over. Now, it&#8217;s all about hitting the bases of support each candidate has to get out the vote. The three men seeking the Democratic nomination for governor will spend the next 72 hours swinging across the commonwealth to energize loyal supporters to go to the polls on Tuesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:01:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS06_20090605-220205/272153/#When:04:01:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Democratic primary voter guide</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/2009_democratic_primary/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Find out where the three candidates for governor stand on the issues that matter to you.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:26:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/local_govtpolitics/2009_democratic_primary/#When:01:26:36Z</guid>
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          <title>Moran goes after Democratic rivals; McDonnell backs charter schools</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS05_20090604-221603/271932/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican Bob McDonnell talked schools. Democrats who want to take him on for governor talked about each other. While McDonnell backed charter schools, the Democratic primary fight took another nasty turn yesterday, with Brian J. Moran sharply attacking Terry McAuliffe and R. Creigh Deeds. In a fresh television commercial just days ahead of Tuesday&#8217;s primary, Moran presses questions about the origins of McAuliffe&#8217;s personal fortune and demeans Deeds for favoring higher fuel taxes for roads.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:01:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS05_20090604-221603/271932/#When:04:01:09Z</guid>
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          <title>Absentee ballot applications indicate low turnout for Tuesday&#8217;s primary</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/absentee_ballot_applications_indicate_low_turnout_for_tuesdays_primary/271814/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Absentee voting applications indicate a low turnout for primary elections Tuesday, the secretary of the state Board of Election said today.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:36:37 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/absentee_ballot_applications_indicate_low_turnout_for_tuesdays_primary/271814/#When:15:36:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Clinton returning to Va. for McAuliffe</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CLINGAT04_20090604-084801/271808/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Bill Clinton is returning to Virginia this weekend for best buddy Terry McAuliffe, a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination that will be decided in a primary Tuesday. According to the McAuliffe campaign, Clinton will attend a fundraising reception at McAuliffe&#8217;s home in McLean on Saturday. It&#8217;s at least Clinton&#8217;s third visit to the state on behalf of McAuliffe. Clinton previously was the headliner at rallies in Richmond, Roanoke, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:48:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CLINGAT04_20090604-084801/271808/#When:12:48:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Warner blasts GOP ticket as the &#8216;No&#8217; camp</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS04_20090603-223005/271748/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While three fellow Democrats slug it out for the gubernatorial nomination, Sen. Mark R. Warner is taking a swing at the newly minted Republican ticket, describing it as the &#8220;&#8216;No&#8217; camp that didn&#8217;t move Virginia forward.&#8220; Warner, usually circumspect in picking partisan fights, blasted GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and attorney general hopeful Ken Cuccinelli for opposing a $1.4 billion tax increase that Warner, as governor, won in 2004 for schools, police and welfare.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:01:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS04_20090603-223005/271748/#When:04:01:04Z</guid>
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          <title>George Allen launches group to sway energy policy</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ALEN04_20090603-223005/271742/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen has launched an organization, the American Energy Freedom Center, to try to influence the public debate about energy. In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Allen said coal, oil and natural gas are the solution to the nation&#8217;s energy problem. &#8220;The sun doesn&#8217;t shine all the time; the wind doesn&#8217;t blow all the time,&#8220; he said, referring to alternative energy sources of wind and solar power.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/ALEN04_20090603-223005/271742/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; June 4th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_4th/271654/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Every candidate for himself. Political columnist Jeff Schapiro says the GOP candidates for the state&#8217;s top offices may need to divide to conquer.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:06:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_june_4th/271654/#When:01:06:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds captures narrow lead over rivals in new poll</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20090602-222003/271453/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lifted by a new poll showing him creeping ahead after trailing for months, R. Creigh Deeds is flooding Northern Virginia with mail and phone calls, challenging his rivals for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination on their home turf. Terry McAuliffe of McLean and Brian J. Moran of Alexandria yesterday aimed new television commercials downstate and dashed through Richmond, seeking votes ahead of next Tuesday&#8217;s primary.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:01:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS03_20090602-222003/271453/#When:04:01:29Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. senators back Keenan for seat on 4th Circuit</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KEEN03_20090602-222003/271454/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s U.S. senators have recommended that President Barack Obama nominate Justice Barbara M. Keenan of the Virginia Supreme Court to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If nominated by Obama and confirmed by the Senate, Keenan would be the first woman from Virginia to serve on the federal appeals court, which serves Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North and South Carolina.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:01:03 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KEEN03_20090602-222003/271454/#When:04:01:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>In cash race, McAuliffe leads among Democrats</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH02_20090601-222429/271306/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If money talks in politics, voters will be hearing a lot from the three Democratic candidates for governor during the next week. Perhaps Terry McAuliffe will be the loudest, with $1.2 million to spend in the countdown to next Tuesday&#8217;s primary. That trumps Brian J. Moran&#8217;s $707,000 cash balance and is about twice the nearly $522,000 held by R. Creigh Deeds.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/CASH02_20090601-222429/271306/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Burgess named to circuit judgeship</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/JUDG02_20090601-221432/271290/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has appointed Judge Harold W. Burgess Jr. to Virginia&#8217;s 12th Judicial Circuit, which serves Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights. Burgess, a judge of Chesterfield&#8217;s Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, will fill the seat vacated by Judge Cleo E. Powell, whom Kaine appointed in August to the Virginia Court of Appeals.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/JUDG02_20090601-221432/271290/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>GOP ticket makes its case in six&#45;stop dash across Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS02_20090601-221432/271288/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Republican statewide ticket emphasized the positive as the three running mates introduced themselves to voters at six stops yesterday. Standing on the hot tarmac at the new Stafford Regional Airport, gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell said &#8220;there will be a clear choice in November. This ticket will offer positive, innovative solutions to create new jobs and provide greater freedom and opportunity for all Virginians.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS02_20090601-221432/271288/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cuccinelli, Bolling join McDonnell</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS31_20090530-221016/270958/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli scored a firstballot victory yesterday for the Republican attorney general nomination, completing a conservative ticket anchored by Bob McDonnell for governor and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling. Cuccinelli, 40, and Bolling, 51, won by such wide margins at the state Republican convention in Richmond that they were declared victors by acclamation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 00:01:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOPS31_20090530-221016/270958/#When:04:01:47Z</guid>
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