What I'll Remember Most About the 2011 Elections

by TheGreenMiles

At this morning, Virginia Democrats do not hold a single Virginia executive office, they're a small minority in the House of Delegates, and now they have (barring recount) lost control of the State Senate. Former Arlington County Democratic Committee Chair Peter Rousselot has written a devastating postmortem that I can't recommend enough and encourage you to read in full if you haven't already.As for me, what I'll remember most about the 2011 election cycle is this ad from House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong trashing just about everything Democrats believe in. The leader of House Democrats - as chosen by his fellow House Democrats - distances himself from President Obama, a woman's right to choose, reasonable gun safety regulations, and limits on air pollution - all in one ad. I understand the need to emphasize different issues and rely on different messaging in different parts of the state. But if you try to run away from the leader of your party and everything your party believes in, not only are you hurting your own team, voters don't buy it. A friend pointed me to this quote from Harry Truman: I've seen it happen time after time. When the Democratic candidate allows himself to be put on the defensive and starts apologizing for the New Deal and the fair Deal, and says he really doesn't believe in them, he is sure to lose. The people don't want a phony Democrat. If it's a choice between a genuine Republican, and a Republican in Democratic clothing, the people will choose the genuine article, every time; that is, they will take a Republican before they will a phony Democrat, and I don't want any phony Democratic candidates in this campaign. Just as Harry predicted, Ward Armstrong lost anyway. And just as former Rep. Glenn Nye did last year, Armstrong managed to not just lose, but hurt the party he was supposed to be leading in the process, making Democrats look like a bunch of gutless phonies who'd throw a friend under the bus in a second if a consultant told them it might help their chances of getting re-elected.

If We Wait For the DPVA, We Lose

by Dan Sullivan

Our faith in Virginians and Americans should be renewed by the results of the elections yesterday. The wave of popular fear may be ebbing. Though the Virginia outcome could be better, our progressive ship is not on the shoals. However, we cannot stand idle while the DPVA finds its voice.Elaine and her commenters have outlined many positive aspects of elections across America yesterday. There are other indicators that the Republicans and the Tea Party have overplayed their hands. Anecdotally, phone bank volunteers in campaigns noted that they often heard complaints about the tone of calls from the other side and the over-the-top rhetoric. And there is a trend back toward discussions of local issues away from the divisive and sometimes irrelevant national debate. Until this fall, Sinclair Communications in the Norfolk market featured two all day, all night, wall-to-wall radio talk-fests featuring almost exclusive drum beating for "conservative ideas." But a few weeks ago one station, was completely transformed and the other broadly reformatted. Gone are Glenn Beck, Neal Boortz (both completely from the market), and others. One former talk-radio station is now Funny 850, almost exclusively comedy with some time for sports shows smattered here and there. On the other station, WNIS, local talk programming has been expanded from a low of 3 hours daily to 6. Based upon the volume of callers, it appears a successful venture. The much hailed "free market" seems to have discounted appeals to fear, hate, and loathing. Right now is the time to be pressing our case hard, making our voices heard across Virginia. But there is no DPVA strategy to develop, maintain, and reinforce a message; to call out the Virginia Republicans for their obfuscation and downright fabricated accomplishments (see Bob McDonnell); to remind us and everyone what we stand for. The frustration expressed by Peter Rousselot is commonly held; just look at the comments to his diary. For some time there has been no consistent message or spokesperson at all. So it is important that we speak out here and wherever we can until the DPVA regains a voice and begins to represent Virginia Democrats rather than Virginia Democratic office holders.

Virginia Polls are Closed: Results Thread

Feel free to use this as an open thread to discuss today's elections and the results as they come in. I'll start posting returns as soon as they are available. Also, you can follow the returns at the Virginia State Board of Elections website and at VPAP. If you hear anything interesting, please post it in the comments section. Thanks!UPDATE 6:27 am: In Prince William County, Corey Stewart defeated Dr. Babur Lateef by 31 points (58%-27%). SupervisorFrank Principi also won easily (61%-39%), over Chris Royse in the Woodbridge District. UPDATE 6:20 am: In Fairfax County, in contrast to Loudoun, Democrats did fine, with Sharon Bulova, John Foust, Penny Gross, and Linda Smyth cruising to reelection over Republican opponents. On the School Board, it looks like whatever revolt there was basically fizzled, as it appears that incumbents and Democratic-endorsed candidates overwhelmingly won yesterday. Also, Stan Barry won easily (54%-45%) for Sheriff over Bill Cooper. UPDATE 6:17 am: The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be all Republican (York, Volpe, Buona, Clarke, Williams, Higgins, Letourneau, Reid, Delgaudio). Terrible news for the environment and everything else, including sanity. UPDATE 6:07 am: In the House of Delegates, Ward Armstrong lost 53%-47% after spending a gazillion bucks. "Sideshow" Bob Marshall cruised to reelection (60%-40%) once again, while Mark Dudenhefer easily defeated (56%-44%) Esteban Garces.  Adrianne Bennett didn't come close to Ron Villanueva(57%-43%), and Pam Danner didn't come particularly close (55%-45%) to Republican attack dog Barbara Comstock. David Bulova had not problem (58%-42%) dispatching Brian Schoeneman, and Dave Albo crushed (62%-38%) Jack Dobbyn. Scott Surovell cruised (58%-40%) to reelection, as did Luke Torian (61%-39%). Connie Brennan lost by 12 points to the execrable Matt Farriss, while William Barlow lost by 11 points to Rick Morris. Jim LeMunyondefeated Eric Clingan, touted by some as a potential threat to LeMunyon, by 19 points. Guess not. Robin Abbott lost by 3 points to Mike Watson, while Mike Kondratick came within 50 votes (5,431-5,381) of David Ramadan. Recount? UPDATE 6:00 am: Janet Oleszek appears to have lost, 12,489-12,117, in Braddock District. So close, but yet so far. Also, frothing-at-the-mouth crazy Dick Black will now be frothing-at-the-mouth-crazy Senator Dick Black. It looks like "Sideshow Bob" will have company in Richmond! Chuck Colgan, after all the angst about his seat, ended up winning easily, 55%-45%, as did Dave Marsden (54%-46%) over Jason Flanary, Toddy Puller (55%-45% over Jeff Frederick,Phil Puckett (53%-47%) over Adam Light and George Barker (53%-47%) over Miller Baker.

lowkell :: Virginia Polls are Closed: Results Thread

UPDATE 11:16 pm: I just heard that Edd Houck lost. Apparently, there was some sort of compilation error earlier, because it seemed like Houck had it locked up. Argh; down to 20-20, it seems.UPDATE 11:06 pm: Uh oh, it now looks like Edd Houck has slipped slightly behind Bryce Reeves in the 17th Senate district. Could we now be looking at a potential 20-20 tie in the State Senate, not the 21-19 Democratic majority which seemed likely just a little while ago? It sure looks possible. UPDATE 11:05 pm: It looks like another nailbiter election for Janet Oleszek. This thing could come down to the absentee ballots, maybe even a recount because it's so close. Stay tuned on this one! UPDATE 11:04 pm: Also great to see my friend John Foust winning easily over Dennis Husch for Dranesville district supervisor in Fairfax County. Go John!!! UPDATE 10:53 pm: Sen. Roscoe Reynolds has lost, but it looks like all other incumbent Democratic Senators will hang on, resulting in a 21-19 Democratic majority in the State Senate. My prediction, which I thought was a bit optimistic, had been 20-20. Republicans, in contrast, were practically giddy prior to this election, "measuring the drapes" so to speak. Well, sorry, but it looks like counting chickens before they hatch remains a bad idea. Apparently, Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli, et al. forgot that lesson (or never learned it in the first place?). UPDATE 10:44 pm: For Fairfax County School Board, Meghan McLaughlin looks like an easy winner, as do Pat Hynes and Dan Storck. Kathy Smith holds a decent lead, and Janie Strauss holds a narrow lead. For the at-large School Board seats, the three Democratic-endorsed candidates -- Moon, McElveen, Velkoff-- are all leading right now, but not by large margins. UPDATE 10:38 pm: In Loudoun County, it looks like Mike Chapman is easily defeating Steve Simpson and Ronald Speakman for Sheriff. For the Board of Supervisors, it appears that raving lunatic Eugene Delgaudio will win again. It boggles the mind. Ken Reid and Kelly Burk are in a tight race, as are Andrea McGimsey, Shawn Williams and Cliff Keirce. Stay tuned, but it definitely looks like solid Republican control of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. UPDATE 10:35 pm: More good news. It looks like Stan G. Barry is handily defeating Bill Cooper for Sheriff of Fairfax County/City. Congratulations to Stan Barry! UPDATE 10:33 pm: Good news in Henrico County, where Shannon Taylor defeated Bill Janis and Matt Geary for Commonwealth's Attorney. Congratulations! UPDATE 10:11 pm: With just 2 precincts left to report, and Sen. Roscoe Reynolds trailing by 645 votes, it appears that he will go down to defeat tonight. :( That brings the State Senate to 21-19 Democratic, with several races still outstanding, but Dems leading in all of them as of now. UPDATE 10:07 pm: In Falls Church, the referendum on moving the date of municipal elections from May to November passed by a 2:1 margin. Most importantly, that means The Green Miles is very happy right now! :) Also, in Arlington, County Board members Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada easily won reelection. Congratulations! UPDATE 10:04 pm: With just 3 precincts left to report, it looks very likely that Sen. Edd Houck will hang on in the 17th district, most likely clinching continued Democratic control of the State Senate. I'm definitely not ready to call it yet, though, with several close Senate races still with precincts yet to report... UPDATE 9:49 pm: Sen. Edd Houck now leads by 37 votes with 91.3% of precincts reporting. If Houck holds on, and if Roscoe Reynolds is the only incumbent Democratic Senator to lose tonight, then Dems will keep control of the State Senate, 21-19. Several races, however, are still too early to call (although all are leading), including Phil Puckett, Chuck Colgan, Dave Marsden, George Barker, and Toddy Puller. UPDATE 9:46 pm: Congratulations to newly elected Arlington/Falls Church Commonwealth's Attorney Theo Stamos. Also, mazel tov to Adam Ebbin, the first openly gay (also Jewish) State Senator in Virginia history -- he will do a great job, I'm sure! UPDATE 9:45 pm: Sadly, it looks like bully/xenophobe Corey Stewart is cruising to reelection as Prince William County Board chair over Babur Lateef. I certainly hope that Lateef stays involved in Democratic politics after this election, as he's a great guy with a lot to offer! On a happier note, Sharon Bulova is also cruising to reelection as Fairfax County Board chair over Spike Williams. Congratulations to Sharon Bulova! Oh, and in Alexandria, Ed Semonian crushedChristopher Marsten for Clerk of Court, despite some nervousness among Alexandria Dems about this race. UPDATE 9:40 pm: Not seeing any particularly good news on the House of Delegates side. Still hoping Mike Kondratick pulls it out, but it's not looking great right now. Bummer. UPDATE 9:35 pm: John Cook now leads Janet Oleszek 4,002-3,812 in Braddock District, with 9 precincts counted. As for Ward Armstrong, I'm really not seeing how he can pull this one out, as he trails by 6 percentage points with 88% of precincts reporting. UPDATE 9:31 pm: George Barker is ahead of Miller Baker 58%-41% with 33% of precincts reporting. It's possible Baker could overcome Barker's big lead from the Alexandria part of the district, but I doubt it at this point. We'll see... UPDATE 9:22 pm: Edd Houck is now leading by 4 votes (!) with 87% of precincts reporting in the 17th Senate district. Can't get much closer than that!Dave Marsden and Toddy Puller are also leading, which means that only Roscoe Reynolds is currently trailing out of all the Democratic Senators. Go Roscoe!!! Oh, and Janet Oleszek is now trailing John Cook 3,461-3,342 in Braddock District, with 8 precincts counted (18 more to go). UPDATE 9:13 pm: Ward Armstrong now trails 53%-47% with 83% of precincts reporting. This one's looking done. Adrienne Bennett also is going to lose, as she trails by 14 percentage points with 89% of precincts reported. Roy Coffey is losing by over 30 points to Del. Scott Lingamfelter in the 31st House district.Pam Danner is trailing Republican pit bull Del. Barbara Comstock 56%-44% in the 34th. Del. David Bulova appears to be cruising to victory in the 37th.Connie Brennan trails by 13 points with 84% counted - that one's over, sadly. :( William Barlow is trailing by 7 points with nearly half of precincts reporting in the 64th House district. Mike Kondratick trails by 8 points with 18% of precincts reporting against David Ramadan in the 87th House district. And Robin Abbott is losing by a 51%-49% margin with 88% of precincts reporting. UPDATE 9:10 pm: Right now, three Democratic Senate incumbents are trailing -- Dave Marsden with just 14% of precincts reporting is behind by 0.1 percentage points; Roscoe Reynolds is behind by 1.3 points with 92.6% reporting; and Edd Houck is behind by 0.1 percentage points with 76.8% reporting. Assuming Phil Puckett hangs on, Houck and Reynolds will almost certainly decide control of the Senate. UPDATE 9:05 pm: Babur Lateef trailing Corey Stewart 57%-28% with 18% of precincts reporting. Wonnnnderful. On a happier note, Janet Oleszek leadsJohn Cook in Braddock District by 61 votes with 6 precincts reporting. Go Janet! UPDATE 9:00 pm: Sadly, I think Roscoe Reynolds is going down to defeat tonight. He trails Bill Stanley 47.1%-45.2% with 91.7% reporting. Sigh... On a happier note, Toddy Puller has now pulled ahead of the heinous - albeit always entertaining - Jeff Frederick, 52%-48%, with 27% of precincts reporting (Fairfax County finally starting to come in - yay!). UPDATE 8:55 pm: Right now, it doesn't look like either Bert Dodson or Shawn Mitchell are going to pick up Senate seats currently held by Republicans, as many Democrats had hoped at some point in this campaign season. Dodson trails by 16 points with 62% counted. Mitchell trails by 10 points with 6% of precincts counted. UPDATE 8:50 pm: Chuck Colgan leading 54%-46% with 26% of precincts counted. Barbara Favola looks like a sure winner, as she's crushing the not-even-close-to-ready-for-prime-time Caren Merrick 71%-29% in Arlington County. Back to being an entrepreneur for Merrick, I guess. Bye bye :) UPDATE 8:47 pm: Not looking strong for Ward Armstrong right now, as he trails 51%-49% with 76% counted. Don Langrehr trailing by 24 points with 41% reporting in the 12th House of Delegates district. Not looking good there, obviously. Same thing with Esteban Garces, who is getting beaten soundly by Mark Dudenhefer in the 2nd House district. I hope that Garces will stay involved, possibly run again, assuming he doesn't stage a miraculous comeback tonight of course. :) UPDATE 8:43 pm: Edd Houck now trailing, 50.2%-49.6%, with 62% of precincts reporting in the 20th Senate district. Lots more to come from Albemarle, which is good for Houck, but also from Spotsylvania, which is not. Hmmm. UPDATE 8:40 pm: John Miller leading 50.9%-48.9% with 87% of precincts reporting. This would be an important victory, as many thought Miller could lose. Also, Ralph Northam is winning easily over Ben Loyola in the 6th Senate district. Nice. UPDATE 8:35 pm: Right now, the Democratic Senate incumbents trailing are Roscoe Reynolds (by 1.5 points with 69% counted), Toddy Puller (53%-47% with 15% counted) and Dave Marsden (52%-48% with 7% counted). Phil Puckett appears to be hanging on, now ahead 51.2%-48.7% with 70% counted.John Edwards also ahead, by over 14 points (with 63% counted), and Chuck Colgan ahead 53%-47% with 21% counted. Right now, it's actually not looking so bad, assuming that Puller and Marsden pull ahead when Fairfax County returns come in. We'll see... UPDATE 8:33 pm: Question -- Why does Fairfax County always take so freakin' long to report its results?!? UPDATE 8:32 pm: John Edwards leading 54%-46% with 44% of precincts reporting in the 21st Senate district. Roscoe Reynolds trailing 47.2%-45.7% with 68.6% reporting in the 20th. Del. David Bulova ahead 63%-37% with 22% (all Fairfax City) counted. Connie Brennan trailing by 12 points with 51% counted in the 59th House district. Not good. UPDATE 8:23 pm: Ron Villanueva is leading Adrianne Bennett by 15 points with 39% of precincts reporting in the 21st House district. Not looking good there at all. UPDATE 8:19 pm: Not looking good right now for Esteban Garces in the 2nd House district, trailing by 35 points with 40% of precincts reporting. Ward Armstrong now trailing, 51%-49%, with 55% of precincts reporting. UPDATE 8:16 pm: George Barker up 69%-31%, but it's all in Democratic-friendly Alexandria's west end; let's see what Fairfax and Prince William look like when their results start coming in. UPDATE 8:12 pm: Roscoe Reynolds now trailing by 2.8 percentage points with 51% of precincts reporting in the 20th Senate district. Phil Puckett is looking pretty good, leading by nearly 6 points with 43% reporting. Edd Houck trailing by 4+ points with 22% reporting. The Senate's looking VERY shaky right now! UPDATE 8:10 pm: It looks increasingly like Bert Dodson won't be able to beat Tom Garrett in the 22nd Senate district, as he trails by 9 points with 34% of precincts reporting. That's one Democrats were hoping to pick up. UPDATE 8:08 pm: Ralph Smith leading Brandon Bell by 15 points with 25% of precincts reporting in the 19th Senate district. Looks like that gamble will NOT pay off for Dick Saslaw and Company. UPDATE 8:05 pm: Ward Armstrong up by 61 votes with 43% of precincts reporting. I'm not sure what to make of the results showing David Bernard leadingJohn Watkins 67%-32% with 52% of precincts counted in the 10th Senate district. Also, SBE and VPAP definitely have a big mistake with Adam Ebbinsupposedly trailing Tim McGhee 67%-33% with 35% of precincts reporting in the 30th Senate district. Uh, don't think so! UPDATE 7:56 pm: The big problems for the Democrats in the Senate right now are Edd Houck (trailing 52%-48% with 20% reporting), Roscoe Reynolds(trailing 49%-44% with 39% reporting) and John Edwards (trailing 59%-41% with 9% reporting). Still very early though. Also, Bert Dodson is trailing 56%-44% with 24% of precincts reporting. UPDATE 7:50 pm: Ward Armstrong leading 51%-49% with 21% of precincts reporting in the 9th House district. Connie Brennan trailing Matt Fariss59%-35% with 20% of precincts reporting in the 59th House district. Blech. UPDATE 7:43 pm: Roscoe Reynolds trailing 48%-46% with 26% of precincts reporting in the 20th Senate district. Barbara Favola leading by a huge margin, 74%-26%, with 11% reporting in the 31st Senate district (it's only Arlington reporting so far, though, not Loudoun or Fairfax).John Miller leading by a 55%-45% margin with 13% of precincts reporting in the 1st Senate district. UPDATE 7:40 pm: Barbara Favola leading Caren Merrick 74%-26% with 3.7% of precincts reporting in the 31st Senate district. Phil Puckett leading 56.5%-43.5% with 10.7% of precincts reporting. Bert Dodson trailing Tom Garrett 56%-44% with 8.1% of precincts reporting in the 22nd Senate district. UPDATE 7:35 pm: John Miller off to a narrow, 51%-49% lead with 5.8% reporting in the 1st Senate district. This one will almost certainly be a nail biter. UPDATE 7:30 pm: Phil Puckett is off to a 54%-46% lead with 5.4% of precincts reporting in the 38th Senate district. Roscoe Reynolds trailing 64%-30% with 2.5% reporting in the 20th Senate district. UPDATE 7:25 pm: Results starting to trickle in, will soon become a torrent. UPDATE 7:02 pm: VPAP says, "Not a scientific exit poll, but 49% of 300+ who played 'VPAP Final Forecast' said GOP will control Senate." Also, "VPAP has called all uncontested races. Awaiting first returns from SBE."

NLS: 90% Chance Republicans Take Senate Outright or Tie (20-20)

Unfortunately, I have no particular basis to disagree with this NLS analysis. I'd say there is about a 75% chance the GOP takes the Senate outright, a 15% chance of a 20-20 split, and Democrats have a 10% chance to hold the Senate if every close race breaks their way on election day. How about you? Discuss! :)P.S. If this forecast turns out to be true, which I am hoping it doesn't, any thoughts for my post-election "winners and losers" list?

Video, Photos: 12,000+ People Surround White House Demanding a Stop to Dirty Tar Sands Pipeline

We now bring you this short break from the Virginia elections for a matter of extreme urgency for our planet: I was at Lafayette Park and around the White House today, participating in and covering the massive protest against the proposed Keystone XL dirty tar sands oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. For now, I'm mainly going to focus on getting video and photos (click here for my Flickr set) up (see the "flip"). Let me just say GREAT job by the amazing, indefatigable environmental activist Bill McKibben for organizing this. Also, in general, there was tremendous energy there today, tons of young people, totally peaceful (yet determined), demanding forcefully that President Obama keep his promise to stop the destruction of this planet's climate and to get us off of our oil addiction. I couldn't agree more. P.S. Good seeing The Green Miles there, although we got separated early on and never ran into each other again in the enormous crowd.

Loudoun Republican Urges People to Thank Communist Soviet Veteran?!? FAIL!

The continuing laughingstock/horror show that the Loudoun County Republicans have devolved into just got even worse. In yet another great scoop for Too Conservative, it turns out that right-wing Republican State Senate candidate Patricia Phillips has gone even MORE off the deep end than she usually is. Check this out, and choose whether to laugh, cry, or simply feel pity, as yet another Loudoun County Republican (joining Dick Black, Eugene Delgaudio, Mark Sell, etc.) demonstrates gross incompetence and craziness. Where on earth do the FIND these people?!? In one robocall apparently intended for Democratic voters, a "concerned citizen" calls Herring a "traitor" and more for voting WITH Governor McDonnell on transportation issues, then signs off with "Paid for and authorized by Patricia Phillips for Senate." Huh?  Vote for the Republican because the Democrat is too Republican?Then, in  a recent mailer, she calls out Herring for not thanking veterans -using a picture of a SOVIET officer.  Look closely and you'll even see the "CCCP" in one of the medals on his chest. P.S. By the way, the "Too Conservative" blog, and particularly "Loudoun Insider," is wildly outpacing all other Virginia Republican blogs/bloggers in original reporting, quality (and quantity) of writing, and also courageous willingness to call out their own "side" for outrageous behavior. Kudos; that's blogging at its best right there!

Loudoun GOP Official Quits Over Obama Zombie Image: What Happened to "Light-Hearted"?

by TheGreenMiles

One day after the chair of the Loudoun County Republican committee defended the use of an image portraying President Obama as a zombie with a gunshot wound in his forehead, the official who designed the email has resigned: The Loudoun County Republican Committee's communications director, Robert Jesionowski, took full responsibility for the email, which was used to promote Republican activities at a Halloween parade."I will not excuse my missing the connotation of the zombie pic of the president," Jesionowski wrote to LCRC Chairman Mark Sell. "(Found it online, very late, while I was hastily putting the Halloween email together.) This was in bad taste, does not reflect my own principles nor those of any political activist or candidate I know in either party, and if I had reflected a little longer I would have caught it. A different pic ought to have gone out." As abhorrent as this image & its use was, I respect the genuine regret evident in Jesionowski's resignation. But I wish the head of the County Republican Committee shared his shame. Mark Sell has said he had no problem with the email, calling it "a light-hearted attempt to inject satire humor into the Halloween holiday," which I take to mean even if it was fully vetted, it would've gone out as-is. If that's the case, why did Sell accept Jesionowski's resignation? Does Sell now realize the email was wrong, and if so will he finally say so publicly? Or is Mark Sell hoping that by letting a lower-level official throw himself on his sword, Sell himself will escape any consequences whatsoever?

Solar Energy Industry Slams Dominion Power for "Punitive," "Ludicrous," "Unlawful" Actions

It appears that the good folks at Dominion "Global Warming Starts Here" Power have really stepped in it this time. Earlier today, I was on a conference call  with the Maryland-DC-Virginia Solar Energy Industry Association (MDV-SEIA), at which several speakers from the solar and renewable energy industries slammed Dominion for its "punitive," "unlawful," "ludicrous" actions. The full press release put out by MDV-SEIA is below the "fold," but here are a few key points made in the release and/or the conference call.*According to MDV-SEIA Director Frances Hodsoll, "Dominion's proposed charges [on solar arrays installed at a home or business] are excessive and potentially unlawful on its customers who install solar systems." *Hodsoll adds that the charges also are "punitive to those customers who own clean renewable solar systems, actually harm all Virginians, and are the result of a misguided policy." *Hodsoll points out that "Dominion's calculations fail to give due and equal consideration to the fact that solar power reduces operating costs and future infrastructure needs." *According to Hodsoll, "Dominion's charges will severely dampen solar energy growth in Virginia -discouraging these clean sources of electricity and unnecessarily impeding the local job creation." *Bottom line, according to Hodsoll: these charges are "not justified," "punitive," "discriminat[ory] against people who put solar on their rooftops," set a terrible precedent for Virginia as well as for other states, and are possibly "unlawful." Other than that, they're just peachy! :) P.S. I'd be very curious to hear what Dominion's substantive (aka, not-Herman-Cain-like) response to all this might be.

Solar Advocates Challenge Dominion Standby Rate on Residential Solar SystemsHearing before the State Corporation Commission to be held November 3rd The Virginia State Corporation Commission has granted MDV-SEIA a hearing to oppose new electricity charges being proposed by Dominion's Virginia Electric and Power Company (Dominion).  The hearing at the Commission's offices will be held November 3.  Dominion has proposed these rates on net metered distributed generation - i.e., solar arrays installed at a home or business. According to MDV-SEIA, Dominion's proposed charges are excessive and potentially unlawful on its customers who install solar systems.  Further, MDV-SEIA argues that Dominion's actions are punitive to those customers who own clean renewable solar systems, actually harm all Virginians, and are the result of a misguided policy. Dominion claims it proposed these charges in order to recover the costs associated with serving these customers. The company states "[it] is required to be available to provide supplemental and backup service at all times including when the on-site generation fails or is being serviced, or is otherwise non-functioning, such as, when the sun sets daily in the case of a solar generator." "Dominion's calculations fail to give due and equal consideration to the fact that solar power reduces operating costs and future infrastructure needs," says Francis Hodsoll, Executive Director of MDV-SEIA.  Hodsoll states that "solar systems produce near their maximum output during the peak usage on the system, and distributed solar produces that energy where it is consumed.  This means solar power displaces the need to transmit electricity over long distances when electricity generation is most expensive and the capacity to transmit and distribute the electricity is most dear." MDV-SEIA asked Dominion what analysis had been done to determine the company's avoided costs from customer-owned solar arrays.  Dominion responded that avoided costs were not relevant. In addition, Dominion admitted that no such analysis had been conducted.  The company claimed that the lack of such data didn't matter because the law authorizing the utility to collect the new standby charges does not require the utility to consider such avoided costs. "Dominion's proposal defies common sense," says Hodsoll.  "It's equivalent to a car dealer refusing to accept the factory rebate on a new car because the dealer would rather charge its customers full price.  Such a business practice makes sense only if you're a monopoly like Dominion whose customers can't shop elsewhere." Further, MDV-SEIA points out that PJM, the grid operator that manages the high voltage transmission system in all or parts of 13 states and Washington, D.C., reported that for 2010, congestion on the system - lack of sufficient transmission capacity resulting in a sub-optimal and more costly operation of the system - cost customers $1.4 billion.  In 2010, the Dominion territory was the most congested zone in PJM.  Distributed generation such as solar alleviates congestion. "Dominion's charges will severely dampen solar energy growth in Virginia -discouraging these clean sources of electricity and unnecessarily impeding the local job creation," says Hodsoll.  "The federal government uses tax policy to incentivize solar system installation, and Virginians' tax dollars support this federal policy.  By needlessly discouraging the installation of large residential solar systems in Virginia, Dominion's proposal ensures that Virginians will not receive their fair share of these federal incentives for solar systems". "Virginia can have a thriving solar market that creates jobs and opportunities across the Commonwealth, but it will require leadership at the state level to make this a reality," said Tom Kimbis, Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs for the national Solar Energy Industry Association. "Virginia needs pro-renewable policies that foster a competitive, innovative business environment - not what amounts to a tax increase on homeowners who choose to go solar." MDV-SEIA represents the interests of photovoltaic and solar thermal equipment manufacturers, installers, distributors and component suppliers, including more than 45 companies in Virginia employing hundreds of Virginians in the fastest growing industry in the United States.

What Is It With Loudoun Republicans?!? Dick Black on Spousal Rape, "Nighties," etc.

As this video illustrates, Dick Black is truly appalling, even by the low, low standards of Loudoun County Republicans (last seen sending out a "light-hearted" email depicting Barack Obama with a bullet hole in his head). As for Dick Black, you can learn more about him here. Also, you can read Dick "Plastic Fetus" Black's bizarre rantings about gays in the military here ("there was a young fellow who went to the showers at night, there were two homosexuals lurking -- they were also basic trainees - and they strangled him with a towel and forced him to submit to, you know, things that we won't talk about"). The thought of this individual in the Virginia State Senate is truly frightening. Fortunately, there's an excellent alternative: moderate Democratic businessman Shawn Mitchell, who I strongly urge the voters of the 13th Senate district to elect next Tuesday. If not, then Black will be Back, and it won't be pretty.

Jim LeMunyon Mad at Being Called Out for Extremist Tea Party Ties

Apparently, Del. Jim LeMunyon (Tea Party) really didn't like being called out for his extremism and Tea Party ties by Democratic challenger Eric Clingan. Check out LeMunyon's highly defensive email, below the "fold," which tries valiantly - but  completely fails - to claim that his proposed legislation to "tea up the Constitution" is actually no such thing, that he's really not supported by the Tea Party, etc. It's rather amusing...in a Mad Hatter-ish sorta way, that is (note: click on the image to "embiggen"). :)P.S. Here's an excerpt: - There are two political action committees (PACs) in Virginia affiliated with the Tea Party. Public records show that I have not received any donations from them;- An organization called Middle Resolution contributed to my 2009 campaign. Their donations (considerably less than the figure claimed by Mr. Clingan) have been a matter of public record for more than two years. Mr. Clingan calls them the "Tea Party" PAC. This is false. Middle Resolution is a group of private citizens in Virginia who are active in politics, but not affiliated with any organization. They did not "put me up" to introducing any legislation, but I was happy to have their support for H.J. 542 after it was introduced. I authored H.J. 542 at the request of House Speaker Bill Howell;

lowkell :: Jim LeMunyon Mad at Being Called Out for Extremist Tea Party Ties

Dear Friend,You may have noticed a series of flyers in the mail recently from my opponent, accusing me of being someone I'm not. I've resisted dignifying these attacks with a response, but several people have asked me to set the record straight. So here it is. I'm being brief in the interest of your time, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call (703-264-1432) or send me an email. Rather than offer even one original idea about how to make your life better, Eric Clingan has based his entire campaign on trying to scare people into voting against me. His claim is essentially this: He says I took large campaign contributions from the Tea Party and then introduced "extreme" legislation they wanted (H.J. 542) that would "tear up the Constitution," end social security, trash environmental laws, and so forth. He also claims I was "all alone" in this effort. The Washington Post considered this claim in their endorsement interview with me and didn't buy it, because it's not true. The Post endorsed me. Here are some facts to consider: - The purpose of H.J. 542 is to protect state budgets from unfunded federal mandates and costly federal regulations. Such federal regulations and mandates siphon money away from transportation, education, public safety, and other state programs. H.J. 542 aims to help keep Virginia's budget balanced in the long term-a matter I discussed at town hall meetings many months ago; - Rather than me standing "all alone," the legislation passed the House of Delegates on a 59-34 vote. It failed in a Virginia Senate subcommittee by just one vote. Governor McDonnell supported it; - There are two political action committees (PACs) in Virginia affiliated with the Tea Party. Public records show that I have not received any donations from them; - An organization called Middle Resolution contributed to my 2009 campaign. Their donations (considerably less than the figure claimed by Mr. Clingan) have been a matter of public record for more than two years. Mr. Clingan calls them the "Tea Party" PAC. This is false. Middle Resolution is a group of private citizens in Virginia who are active in politics, but not affiliated with any organization. They did not "put me up" to introducing any legislation, but I was happy to have their support for H.J. 542 after it was introduced. I authored H.J. 542 at the request of House Speaker Bill Howell; - More than 600 people have contributed to my 2009 and 2011 campaigns, many Republicans, and more than a few Democrats and Independents. The Republican Party is the largest single donor and accounts for about 15 percent of the total. Lastly, I want you to know that when I introduce legislation or vote on a bill, I am happy to have the support of virtually any organization that would like to work with me. I believe in the politics of addition, not division. On a range of bills, and from time-to-time, I have had support from teachers, the business community, the Tea Party, veterans, church organizations, real estate agents, environmental groups, and many more. But I don't get the support of every group every time. That's because I work hard to represent the people of the 67th district, not special interests. So in contrast to my opponent, and to borrow a line from Ronald Reagan, my aim is to appeal to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence, rather than your doubts. If that's the kind of representation you want, I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th. Sincerely, Jim LeMunyon