Archive for August 2010
NBC12 moves “Meet the Press” to 10am
A bit of a change for your Sunday mornings. NBC12 has shuffled the Sunday line-up and that means “Meet the Press” with David Gregory will be on a little bit later.
The highest rated Sunday morning talk show will now come on at 10am.
The new shuffle also means that our local morning newscast with Andy Jenks will come on at a different times.
NBC12’s New Sunday Morning Line-up:
7am – 12News Today Sunday with Andy Jenks
8am – Weekend Today
9am – 12News Today Sunday with Andy Jenks
10am – Meet the Press
The new line-up take effect this Sunday. It only impacts the Richmond, VA television market.
You can see our promo featuring David Gregory on the NBC12 Facebook page.
Of course, Gregory has been a guest a number of times on NBC12’s First at 4. For old time’s sake check out his appearance a few days before he moderated the second debate between Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds.
The interview took place on September 16, 2009:
McDonnell “not pleased” with VITA outage
For the first time, Governor Bob McDonnell has weighed in on the major outage to the state’s computer system. The outage has been plaguing Commonwealth business since Wednesday afternoon. While crews at the Virginia Informational Technology Agency have been working around the clock to fix the problem, three massive state agencies that deal directly with customers are still facing problems. The Department of Motor Vehicles, The Department of Social Services and the State Tax Department are all still recovering from issues directly related to the outage.
Today Governor McDonnell, which just a few months ago re-negotiated the state’s contract with Northrop-Grumman to operate the state’s computer system, released this strongly worded statement on the outage:
“Northrop Grumman and VITA officials have worked 24 hours a day since this hardware failure happened. While the part was replaced promptly, significant data in major state agencies was corrupted. I am not pleased that our employees and citizens have experienced this disruption in service. I have directed an operational and performance review of the situation be conducted so that we can determine the proper course of action to best protect the interests of the Commonwealth. It is crucial we learn what happened and why in order to ensure that such occurrences are prevented in the future.”
-Governor Bob McDonnell
You can learn more about the outage’s impact by clicking on the following NBC12 stories below:
VITA computer glitch fixed; problems still occurring
Social services slowed by computer glitch
Computer glitch affects 24 state agencies
Cuccinelli’s craigslist crusade
It’s not a fight he started, and he’s not the only one involved, but Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is talking tough about the website craigslist and in particular its “adult services” section.
The adult services section is a mostly unregulated online classified portal where almost anything goes. It’s not a problem as long as laws aren’t broken, something Cuccinelli and 16 other Attorneys General across the U.S. believe is happening. At the least, they believe prostitution is a major problem and at the worst they feel that it rises to the level of child and adult sex trafficking.
Back in 2008 this same group of Attorneys General (Bob McDonnell was representing Virginia) came into an agreement with craigslist to monitor this activity and help law enforcement track down people who were using the site to break the law. Two years later, the AG’s claim, nothing has been done.
You can read that agreement, in it’s entirety, by clicking here.
The question is, now that they are in agreement that craigslist has not lived up to their end of the bargain, what can they do? They have sent a letter demanding that the adult services section come down immediately. That however, doesn’t have any legal strings attached. Brian Gottstein a spokesman for Cuccinelli told me today that there are no specific plans beyond the letter at this point. He also said that if it rises to the level of legal action, sharing that strategy is something they don’t plan to do.
To learn more, read or watch my story on this topic at NBC12.com.
Meanwhile, have you ever wondered what you can find on craigslist’s adult services section, but you don’t want to pollute your computer?
I did the “dirty” work for you in my story for NBC12. (pun intended). You can see what the AG’s are talking about, by clicking here.
Cantor warns about relying on stimulus funds
I caught up with Rep. Eric Cantor on Friday. He was touring the brand new Patrick Henry School of Arts and Sciences. The facility is the first charter school in Richmond and Cantor, along with his fellow Republican Governor Bob McDonnell are big supporters of the project.
During our conversation, I asked the Congressman what he thought about the news that Virginia’s budget ended the fiscal year with a surplus of more than $400 million. Governor McDonnell explained on Thursday how the Commonwealth went from billions of dollars in the red to almost half a billion dollars to the good. He attributed the turnaround to a number of factors, including new efficiencies at state agencies, an increase in tax collections and of course, the Federal Stimulus plan. It was a point that national Democrats were happy to pounce on.
While McDonnell presented the good fiscal news as a positive development, he warned that the worst is not over. He said there is still a possibility of a double-dip recession and he and his budget team are forecasting conservatively as a result.
One of the Governor’s chief allies in the House of Delegates went even further. Del. Kirk Cox, the Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee told me during a live interview on First at 4 that we was “worried” about what the budget situation could be like next spring. Cox said he doesn’t expect any more money to come from Washington and Virginia should hold on to what they’ve got.
“Before we go spending the surplus, we need to know what the growth rates are going to be,” said Cox. “Currently we projecting about a 3.8% growth rate and that’s pretty slow coming out of recession. If it’s less than that, we probably have to bank some of that money for basically a reserve.”
During our conversation Congressman Cantor said that stimulus money isn’t something Virginia should be using at all. “The stimulus was meant to create jobs,” he said. “From that perspective it has been a complete failure.”
Cantor said that even though Virginia was able to get through this budget storm, the worst may still be to come, in part because the stimulus hasn’t lived up to its promise. The Republican is concerned that next year Virginia could get hit with a double whammy. An economy still struggling to recover, coupled with no guaranteed money from Washington.
“That cash is no longer there, the jobs aren’t there and the people of this Commonwealth and the country in a much larger sense, are stuck with the bill.”
It seems like everyone is worried about what is to come.
You can see my entire interview with Del. Kirk Cox by clicking here.
An extended clip from my interview with Congressman Cantor is below:
McDonnell vows to “answer every concern” legislators have on ABC privatization
Democrats in the Virginia Senate are ruling out Governor Bob McDonnell‘s plan to privatize to ABC stores before he even unveils his formal proposal.
Following the Governor’s address on the state surplus, Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw said that he believes the concept will have no success in his house.
“I would say right now it would not pass the Senate, nor is it even close,” he said.
Thursday night Governor McDonnell held his third town hall on government reform where he built his case on getting the state out of the liquor business. The Governor said that Senator Saslaw is getting ahead of himself. “I don’t have a plan announced yet, so it seems to be a little premature,” he said. Adding, “All Senator Saslaw wants to do is raise taxes.” McDonnell said that he will answer every concern the legislature may have on topic.
You can see my complete report on the ABC debate on NBC12.com.
Also earlier that day on NBC12 First at 4 we welcomed two people with expertise on the topic of ABC privatization. Paul Goldman and Norman Leahy outlined arguments against and for the idea respectively. You can see their very interesting discussion below.
You can see a complete transcript from the Goldman-Leahy debate on NBC12.com
McDonnell outlines plan for surplus
Governor Bob McDonnell announced his plans for a $400 million + budget surplus. Below are his prepared remarks provided by his office.
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*Update*- You can hear the Governor’s remarks by clicking on this audio link on his web site.
Remarks of Governor Bob McDonnell to the Joint Meeting of the Senate Finance, House Appropriations and House Finance Committees
RICHMOND – This morning at 9:30, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will address the joint Senate Finance, House Appropriations and House Finance Committees in Richmond. Below are the Governor’s remarks as prepared for delivery.
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Thank you.
Chairman Colgan, Chairman Putney, Chairman Purkey, members of the General Assembly money committees, ladies and gentlemen: good morning.
As is the custom each summer, I come to provide a summary of the recentlyconcluded fiscal year, and some thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
((read the rest of the Governor’s remarks after the jump))
Thursday on NBC12 First at 4: ABC privitization discussion
Governor Bob McDonnell is set to make his pitch to Central Virginians that privatizing the state’s liquor stores is the way to go. The Governor will hold his “Virginia Speaks” Town Hall at the Cultural Center of India in Chester Thursday night. It will be the third such meeting he has held across the state.
Earlier that day, we will welcome two experts with strong opinions on the ABC privatization plan to NBC12 First at 4.
Paul Goldman is a former aide to Virginia Governor Doug Wilder. Goldman extensively studied the issue while working for Wilder during his time as Governor. At one point Wilder opposed the idea, but has now come out in support of the plan. Goldman remains in the negative camp and will argue that point Thursday on First at 4.
Norman Leahy is a free market lobbyist, blogger and radio talk show host. Leahy often argues against government intervention in private business practices. He has written a great deal about the ABC privatization issue on his blog Tertium Quids. Leahy also served as analyst for NBC12 on election night 2009.
Leahy and Goldman will offer a plain-spoken, common sense arguments “for” and “against” the ABC plan. If you don’t understand the issue, are looking for more insight or would like some background before you head to the town hall meeting, you don’t want to miss this discussion.
NBC12 First at 4 airs live on NBC12-TV and 4pm. It is also streamed live on NBC12.com.
McDonnell prepares to tout hefty surplus
The Associated Press’ Bob Lewis broke the news that Governor Bob McDonnell will announce on Thursday that the state has a surplus of more than $400 million. A surplus of almost a half a billion dollars after a difficult budget process that resulted in cuts of around $4 billion.
At this point McDonnell is staying mum on the issue, allowing the leak to do the talking and vested stakeholders to fill the void. NBC12’s Andy Jenks reported today about how some already making plans to spend the cash. You can see and read Andy’s report on NBC12.com.
It is shaping up to be a busy week for McDonnell. In addition to his address to the General Assembly money committees where he is expected to outline the surplus, the Governor will hold his third town hall to pitch his ABC privatization plan. Both events happen on Thursday. The town hall will be held in Chester and will be the first in Richmond area.
Today (Tuesday), McDonnell made his opposition to the Pentagon plan to close Joint Forces Command Norfolk official, by sending letters to President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. McDonnell emphasized his belief that going outside the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process was inappropriate. You can see my report on that issue on NBC12.com.
Finally, McDonnell reached out to the minority community by gathering together his Supplier Diversity Advisory Board. It is a commission designed to provide better access to government contracts for women and minority owned companies. (The above photo is from that meeting provided by the Governor’s office) You can learn more about the board on the Governor’s web site.
We have a number of interesting things planned to cover some of these issues this week on NBC12. Here is what you can expect:
Thursday-
*Complete coverage of the Governor’s address to the money committees, including what his administration’s plans are for the extra cash. We’ll have reports at 5 &6.
*On First at 4- We’ll have our second “hot-topic” round table discussion. The topic will be ABC privatization. We’ll have two experts discuss the issue with perspectives for and against. (A full preview of that segment tomorrow)
*Complete coverage of the “Virginia Speaks” Town Hall from Chester, where McDonnell meets with constituents to pitch his plan. We’ll have a report on 12 News at 11.
Friday-
*On First at 4- Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), the Chairman of the House Appropriations committee and a key player in the State’s finances will be my live guest to discuss how the legislature will react to the Commonwealth’s new-found surplus.
Is it too early to talk 2013?
Not for some people. Including a grassroots movement hoping to convince Northern Virginia Senator Chap Petersen to consider a race for Governor in 2013. Today, they released this web video on the left leaning blog Not Larry Sabato (run by former Petersen staffer Ben Tribbett), offering Petersen as a viable alternative to a presumed Ken Cuccinelli candidacy:
The ad is more anti-Cuccinelli than it is pro-Petersen. But it is an early indication of how sides are already being drawn in what will be a competitive race for the governorship in 2013.
Perhaps the reason that the ad is more about Cuccinelli and less about Petersen is because the Democratic field, 3 and half years out, is already starting to get crowded. Supporters of Petersen are hoping to strike a chord of unification among Democrats and at this point of 2010, nothing unifies Democrats more than Ken Cuccinelli.
Democrats appear to be trying to get a head start, in an effort to prevent what happened in 2009. A bitter primary amongst three candidates, that didn’t really get their campaigns moving until late 2008, or in some cases early 2009. Instead of the field stocking up in late 2012, several Democrats are looking to make their name now, perhaps in an effort to “clear the field.” It is a prospect that is much easier given that there is no clear alternative voice to what is a Commonwealth with three statewide elected Republicans running the show.
So who is attempting to make a name for themselves?
First the Democrats:
*Terry McAuliffe- At this point any conversation about the Democratic candidates for Governor must begin with the former DNC chair. McAuliffe has the most money and the most friends in high places. (You saw him with Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton at the World Cup right?) McAuliffe was dismissive with me on First at 4 when we asked directly about his interest in running for Governor, but finding people who don’t think he is running is a difficult proposition. He and his formidable wealth will be difficult for any prospective candidate to contend with, but it has obviously been done before. This time around though, McAuliffe is spending 4 years building an infrastructure, instead of 4 months.
*Del. Ward Armstrong- The ranking Democrat in the House of Delegates is slowing building a reputation as an outspoken alternative to the McDonnell agenda. Armstrong is liked by many, is an eloquent speaker and has strong support in the south and west where Democrats typically aren’t very strong. However, Democrats are still smarting over their experiment with a similar candidate in Creigh Deeds and some are already sounding alarm bells about his stance on issues like gun control. Armstrong seem poised to take the leap and he will be difficult to ignore.
*Sen. Chap Petersen- who has attempted statewide runs before unsuccessfully is in many ways the anti-Deeds. A sharp, articulate Northern Virginian, Petersen is rock-solid on the key issues that Democrats care about. His problem is one of anonymity. Petersen’s name identification is low and he would be forced to raise a lot of money to change that scenario. It’s a scenario that becomes even more difficult when you consider Terry McAuliffe will be dumping millions to make sure he does not go 0-2 in Democratic primaries.
Other names are bound to emerge, such as former House Democratic leader Brian Moran, Sen. Donald McEachin a one time candidate for Attorney General and even Rep. Tom Perriello who if he is successful this year (which is not a given) has the potential to be a rock star in the Virginia Democratic party.
What about the Republicans?
While names may pop up between now and then make no mistake, this is a two-man race. The two men who have already been elected statewide and will have to meet face to face to determine who gets to be the party standard-bearer.
*Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling- Bolling has already stepped aside for the good of the party, when he did not challenge Bob McDonnell for the party’s nomination. Now he stands poised to be anointed the party nominee. McDonnell has already hinted at Bolling being his heir apparent and the LG is already raising cash in preparation for a tough race. Bolling is a rock solid, experienced politician who rarely makes a mistake. However, he is also not that kind that elicits excitement from the party base. He is hoping Republicans remember what he did to leave the field open for McDonnell to win by a landslide. He is hoping the same courtesy is extended to him.
*Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli- For the record, Cuccinelli has never expressed an interest in running for Governor. Privately, his close associates say that he is not interested in becoming the Chief Executive. He is a lawyer by trade and serving as Attorney General is for him the pinnacle. That was of course before Cuccinelli became a media super star. Love him or hate him, the AG has received perhaps the most exposure of any official in Virginia. He has turned that into a fund-raising network around the country. His support from the base is electric. His opposition on the left is dangerous. Cuccinelli will be in position to make a run. The question is, will he want to do it?
My guess is that it won’t be long until this post becomes old news. Many of the candidates will step aside and new ones will probably emerge. I think I answered my own question. It is never too early to talk about the next election.
Any guesses for candidates in 2017?
Virginia leaders create united front against the Pentagon
In this political climate it is rare to see politicians from both sides of the isle, teaming up to do anything. However the threat of losing 5,000 good paying government jobs is enough to bring even the biggest enemies together.
Governor Bob McDonnell led a chorus of Virginia leaders in protesting the Defense Department’s proposal to shut down Joint Forces Command Norfolk. (JFCOM) JFCOM employs 4,000 civilians and 1,000 service officers. The closure could have a major impact on the Hampton Roads Economy. It is a political football that ever Virginia leader has willingly caught and is hoping to advance.
It’s easy for Republicans like McDonnell, Rep. Randy Whittman and Rep. Randy Forbes. They have been unafraid to challenge the Obama administration and blame DOD for playing fast and loose with American security in a time of war. In a press conference on Monday Forbes said “What we’re witnessing is the piecemeal auctioning off of the greatest military the world has ever known.”
Democrats have been a little more delicate with their criticism, although Rep. Glenn Nye, who is in a tough re-election battle and Rep. Bobby Scott were not afraid to stand shoulder to shoulder with McDonnell as he voiced his disappointment in the proposal. It probably wasn’t easy for Nye and Scott to listen to Forbes claim that the Pentagon is slashing it’s budget in an effort to fund President Obama’s socialist agenda.
You can see my report on the proposed closing on NBC12.com.
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