Video: Arlington Democratic County Board Candidates Highly Skeptical of I-66 Tolling Plan; Republican Loves the Concept of Widening I-66

by Lowell

This is a hot topic right now along the I-66 corridor, with Republicans' wildly dishonest attack ads against Democrats Jennifer Boysko and Kathleen Murphy on Gov. McAuliffe's plan for variable congestion pricing on I-66 inside the Beltway during rush hour periods. Last night, at an Arlington County Board forum sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the Mount Vernon Group of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.  The responses by Arlington County Board candidates were highly revealing. Here's a summary.

Christian Dorsey (D):  "The VDOT plan such as it is needs a lot more work before it can be qualified as a plan. The concept in theory needs a lot of supporting data to make me comfortable that it's a fully-based solution as opposed to a precursor to what has long been VDOT's interest, and that is finding an opportunity to widen the road...There's still a lot more that I want to see in terms of whta will be the impact on roads that are vital to our transportation network...In theory, it would be great if we could all of a sudden have no secondary impact, no ancillary impact on those roads, we could also raise money for multimodal and provide people with their consistent trip on 66. It seems that it's going to promise a lot, and I haven't see the data that backs up that it will be able to deliver. So for me, I'm in the information-gathering stage; I need to see a lot more before I evaluate it.  I think we as a community have a right to be skeptical, because - let's be frank, let's be clear - those of us who have lived in Arlington for a long time know that it's long been VDOT's position that it wants to widen I-66. And if this is specifically a precursor to distract us from what would be a catastrophically wrong policy moving forward, that's something that gives me great pause and concern."

Katie Cristol (D): "With respect to the 66 plan, I have questions....chief among them is which multi-modal and in what order? There are a lot of ideas swirling out there...The whole principle of 66 has to be moving people throughout the corridor without adding more cars to the road...The second question, which is the impact on our arterial streets...It is an open question here in Arlington...This is a plan that needs a lot of work...Arlington can play a role in helping it become a better plan...The question, of course, is what's the alternative. What's so problematic for our community is because of induced campaign it leads to more cars...same amount of congestion with more vehicles, which is terrible for our air quality.  As our population grows, we need an alternative to widening...widening is the worst-case scenario for Arlington."

Mike McMenamin (R):  Says there's more pollution from I-66 from "cars sitting on 66 than they do moving" (note: I'd love to see proof of THAT claim!). Says Arlington has bad air because we're "ringed in by highways," but then says widening "is going to happen one day, folks...It would be much better to have traffic moving on I-66 in terms of air quality and flow of traffic than not having the ability to put more cars on it." (again, really?!?) ..."I believe we need to find a way to widen 66 and get the benefits that Arlington needs out of the widening of 66." WRONG WRONG WRONG!

Audrey Clement (I): Calls for using "high tech" to help solve the problem, enforce HOV restrictions. "There are several steps it could take before either widening or tolling; it is not adequately researched as yet."

Summary:  Democrats Christian Dorsey and  Katie Cristol raise important points, including that widening I-66 would be a disaster ("catastrophically wrong" or the "worst-case scenario," take your pick). For now ,they are both undecided on Gov. McAuliffe's plan for variable, congestion-based tolling of I-66 inside the Beltway during rush hour. As for Independent Audrey Clement, I think she raises a good point about getting more data before deciding what to do. Finally, Republican Mike McMenamin's answer is both questionable in terms of the "facts" he cites, not to mention in terms of his wildly wrong conclusion. This answer alone should rule out McMenamin for consideration by anyone who cares about the environment, smart growth, expenditure of taxpayer money, etc.

Individual Democrats' Touting Newspaper Endorsements Adds Up to "Tragedy of the Commons"

by Lowell

The concept of Tragedy of the Commons - in which "individuals acting independently and rationally according to each's self-interest behave contrary to the best interests of the whole group by depleting some common resource" - goes back at least to the early 1800s, but it remains more valid than ever today, including in Virginia politics. How so?  Case in point: last night, I saw the 10th CD Democrats and others on Facebook touting the endorsements by the Washington Post (actually it's just one guy, Lee Hockstader, who let's just say has had an...uh, "interesting" history of endorsements in his career, while rarely if ever stepping foot in Virginia or taking time to learn about the candidates, issues, etc.).

For instance, in 2013, Hockstader/"The Post" endorsed a hodgepodge of Republicans (Dave Albo, Jim LeMunyon, Mark Dudenhefer, Tag Greason, etc.) and Democrats (Reed Heddleston, Jerry Foltz, Mary Costello Daniel, etc.), with no apparently logic - internal, external, or any other kind.  The endorsements also had highly mixed results, with some winning but a lot also losing (e.g., Mark Dudenhefer, Atif Qarni, Jeremy McPike, Mary Daniel, Jerry Foltz, Reed Heddleston, John Bell). So, bottom line: Lee Hockstader's/the "Post"'s endorsements have had a mixed track record both in terms of explictable rationale and also in terms of wins/losses record.

So here's the "tragedy of the commons" part: when Democrats receive the coveted Post/Hockstader endorsement, they normally tout it breathlessly with words like "honored," "humbled," "excited," etc. Yet in doing that, which as "tragedy of the commons" theory would predict could arguably be in their own self interest (although the Post's mediocre-at-best track record of picking winners calls that argument into question, big time), they are simultaneously: a) lending legitimacy to said endorsement -- implying that it really matters, is important in some way, etc; and b) de facto "dissing" - and ultimately harming - all their fellow Democrats who did NOT receive said endorsement, because by lending legitimacy to the Hockstader/Post endorsements of themselves, it also lends legitimacy to the Hockstader/Post endorsements of Republicans like Dave Albo, Mark Dudenhefer, Tag Greason, etc. The point is, playing this game might make sense for individual Democratic candidates (although that's dubious based on the Post's mediocre-at-best track record of choosing winners), but it's harmful in every other way.

Which brings us to 2015, and another round of Hockstader/Post endorsements - yet another incosistent, seemly illogical (both internally and externally) set that really makes zero sense if you look at them - but which I see is being touted by the Democrats so "honored" to receive them. Last night, for example, I saw a Democratic committee pushing out the latest Hockstader/Post endorsement on its Facebook page, even though that SAME ENDORSEMENT also picked Republicans against two of our candidates -- "Tag" Greason over Elizabath Miller; "Danny" Vargas over Jennifer Boysko (!).  Also note that Hockstader/the Post also picked Republican Mark Dudenhefer over Democrat Josh King two days ago.

What's the message being sent out here by the Democratic Party? If it's that' voters should place great weight in the Hockstader/Post endorsements of Democrats, then are they arguing voters should also place great weight in the Hockstader/Post endorsements that don't go our way? If not, why not? Is Lee Hockstader brilliant one minute, then a slobbering idiot the next, then briliant again, then a slobbering idiot again, or what?!? It makes no sense whatsoever logically, and politically I'd argue it's classic "tragedy of the commons" behavior - PERHAPS benefitting individual Democrats (although even that is highly doubtful) while potentially damaging others. I mean, is there anyone in charge here? Anyone in the Democratic Party with an overall strategy of how to do deal with these endorsements? Or is it simply every man/woman for his/herself? If the latter, that's a huge mistake, but sadly that's what I've observed over and over and over again for years now. And where's it gotten us?  Other than getting wiped out in the Virginia General Assmebly, that is? Hmmmm.

By the way, this "tragedy of the commons" behavior by Democrats isn't limited to the Post/Hockstader, as I see it all the time with local, right-wing rags, which are likewise given utterly undesreved legitimacy for their endorsements of individual Democrats. That legitimacy is then turned right around to endorse Republicans. Brilliant move, "Blue Team!" Seriously, though, the question is, when are Democrats going to collectively decide that it just ain't worth it? Or are we going to keep playing this "tragedy of the commons"/"mug's game" forever? Right now, sad to say, it seems like the latter.  #FAIL

Saturday News: Hurricane Patricia - and "JEB"s Presidential Campaign? - Crumbles

by Lowell

Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Saturday, October 24. Also see President Obama's weekly address, this week on protecting the environment "for generations to come."

• The Myth­ of Putin’s Strategic Genius ("The West should see Russia’s intervention in Syria as a desperate gamble, not a brilliant gambit.")
• Hurricane Patricia roars into Mexico -- then quickly crumbles
• The Benghazi committee stumbles into irrelevance ("The Blumenthal focus shows that, after 17 months of probing Clinton, the Benghazi committee hasn’t come up with much." Another right-wing media echo chamber faux-"scandal" bites the dust, but not before taking up huge amounts of money and the nation's time.)
• This is exactly why Donald Trump is right about George W. Bush and 9/11
• Hillary Clinton Calls Republican's Impeachment Pledge 'Pathetic'
• Holocaust experts shame Netanyahu: “He is as bad a historian as he is a politician” (He also helped instigate the anger and violence that ultimately led to Yitzhak Rabin's murder. I can't tell you how much I despise this guy.)
• At Regent University, Jeb Bush discussed cuts to his campaign (It should be an automatic disqualifier for a presidential candidate to sit down with hatemonger, conspiracy theorist, and all-around extremist Pat Robertson. As for Bush's pathetic spin on his bumbling, stumbling campaign, it's just pathetic.)
• Jeb Bush hunkers down with family to assess his candidacy
• Iowa Poll: Carson surges to 9-point lead; Trump slides (Carson's even crazier than Trump, and that's terrifying.)
• Clinton Goes to Iowa Democrats' Dinner With Newfound Energy
• A day with Dave Brat ("So what does Brat stand for other than the politics of resentment and bromides about limiting government power and spending? It’s hard to tell from the sometimes bizarre statements he makes.")
• Big Money Rolls into Va. Senate Race With Big Consequences
• At Alexandria rally, Clinton urges backers to vote in Va. legislative elections
• For Virginia’s House of Delegates, continued (And now the really dumb endorsements by Lee Hockstader begin. Tag Greason and Danny Vargas? Seriously? And the Post is supposed to be a "liberal" newspaper? Hahahahahahaha.)
• Virginia transportation chief makes pitch for I-66 HOT lanes ("Aubrey Layne answers readers’s questions about tolls and the plan’s potential side effects.")
• Many Virginia voters won't have choice on Election Day (True to an extent with the House of Delegates and State Senate, but many others DO have a choice and should exercise their right to vote. Also, there are very important local offices, for County Board, School Board, etc.)
• Mountain Valley Pipeline submits formal application to FERC (Bottom line: building new fossil fuel infrastructuer is the exact wrong way to go.)
• Pamunkey Indians wanted to open Virginia’s first casino, letter shows
• Judge postpones ruling on speeding Va. timeline for disability reforms
• Analyzing an attack mailer in the 93rd
• Attack on Edwards is wrong on Clean Power Plan's impact ("Virginians should ignore scare tactics from front groups like AFP and focus on what can be gained by the energy transformation already under way and make the most of it.")
• Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond top list for most gay marriages in Virginia
• Sturtevant launches gun-focused TV ad to counter Bloomberg group
• Arlington tosses tickets for violations caught by school bus cameras
• D.C. area forecast: Increasing clouds today, a few showers tonight into early Sunday

Video: Day After Demolishing Benghazi Committee Republicans, Hillary Clinton Speaks to Thousands at Rally in Alexandria, Virginia

by Lowell

Earlier this afternoon, Hillary Clinton spoke to thousands of supporters in Alexandria. Speaking just before her was Gov. Terry McAuliffe (see video on the "flip"). Here are a few key points from Clinton's speech.

• She said there's a "real lesson" from Terry McAuliffe running on a "progressive agenda," laying out "very clearly what he wanted to do," and "then he got to work doing it." That includes trying "to lift up the people of the Comomnwealth," not "trying to divide people and set them against each other" (hint hint, Republicans).
• She urged everyone in Virginia to vote on November 3, "because it will determine how much more Terry can get done in the years remaining in his term...think of what he could do for you if he had partners in the State Senate and the State House."
• She said the 2016 election will have a "big impact on the future," and "we're facing a VERY stark choice; either we're going to build on the progress we've made under President Obama, or we're going to give Republicans another chance to tear down everything we've worked so hard to do."
• She recounted the disastrous situation President Obama inherited from the Republicans when he came into office in January 2009, including the economy being on the brink of the second Great Depression. Fortunately, President Obama and the Democrats "got to work, and we've come a long way...I don't think President Obama gets the credit he deserves" for all he did. "Democrats should be proud of that record of achievement and we should defend it."
• She got a huge round of applause for this line: "I'm not running for President Obama's third term; I'm not running for Bill Clinton's third term; I'm running for my FIRST term!"
• She said that for most people, "paychecks haven't budged in years." She added that the minimum wage should be called a "poverty wage," while many women are still paid less than men for doing the same exact jobs. "Inequality is a huge problem in America, and we cannot go back to the policies that actually made it worse." 
• She talked about the crushing burden of student debt and noted that she has a plan to refinance it and get on with your lives. She also noted the burden of quality child care, and how that makes it extremely difficult for people to "do their jobs and take care of their kids." She said she's made a "high priority of us achieving paid family leave."
• She said we need comprehensive immigration reform, and noted that this issue has "brought out some of the worst in our Republican candidates running for president."
• "You know a lot of things have been said about me, but quitter isn't one of them."
• She argued, correctly, that Virginia Republican opposition to Medicaid expansion is a classic example where "ideology trumps evidence." 
• She talked about the crucial importance of voting rights, and vowed to "fight any effort to disenfranchise any American anywhere."
• "I'm running for president to protect our families and communities from the plague of gun violence; It is both heartbreaking and infuriating that we lose an average of 90 Americans a day because of guns."
• She took a not-particularly-veiled shot at Benrie Sanders, who keeps saying we all need to stop "shouting" about guns. She said: "I've been told to stop shouting about guns. Actually, I haven't been shouting, but sometimes when a woman talks, people think...I will keep speaking out and I will keep taking on the NRA."
• She took another not-so-veiled shot at Sanders when she talked about "one of the most outrageous votes that I ever had to take" - the NRA bill to give gun manufacturers and sellers immunity.  Of course, left unsaid was that Bernie Sanders voted for that bill.
• She repeated that she's a "progressive who likes to get things done." She said she will seek common ground with anyone, but "I also know how to stand my ground."
• "I still believe there is nothing wrong with American that can't be fixed by building on what's right with America."
• She urged everyone to get involved in her campaign.
• She concluded by vowing to fight "for a country that opens doors again for everyone, and where every father can say to his daughter, you can be anything you want, including President of the United States!"

And With That, I Strongly Endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States

by Lowell

I've respected Hillary Clinton for a long time, but I was not ready to endorse her for President of the United States until after watching her cool-under-fire, super-smart, in-command, even heroic performance in front of a bunch of crazed, frothing-at-the-mouths, out-for-blood Teapublicans. Add in Hillary Clinton's dominating performance in the first Democratic 2016 presidential debate, and I'm sold -- this woman has got "it," big time.

As for Bernie Sanders, as much as I like and respect him, he's simply not going to be the Democratic nominee. So of course I'm happy to listen to what he has to say on the issues - I agree with him on a lot, but certainly not everything, including guns, where he's wildly wrong in both substance and tone - and to enjoy the impressions by Larry David and other comedians. But...c'mon, seriously? Does anyone really think Bernie's gonna beat Hillary for the nomination, and that America's really going to elect a self-professed "Democratic Socialist" as President? Sorry, not seeing it. At all. As for Joe Biden...well, he's not running, which makes my decision to endorse Hillary Clinton that much easier.

We'll have plenty of time to discuss substance, but for the moment, I'll just say that I agree with Hillary Clinton on the issues probably 90%-95% of the time. The main thing I want to see from her is an even stronger commitment - and she's got a strong one now - to phasing off of fossil fuels and onto clean energy ASAP. Of course I want to see her fighting for a more progressive tax code and a more equitable America generally - and I believe she will do that. We all know she'll fight for equality for all Americans, that's not even a question. We also know that she'll be one of the most qualified President-elects when it comes to foreign policy in U.S. history. Same thing on domestic policy, come to think of it.

Last but most certainly not least, I believe Hillary Clinton gives Democrats the best chance of winning the White House in 2016, taking back the U.S. Senate, and making some serious gains in the U.S.House of Representatives and state legislatures across America. But yeah, I'll admit it, watching those sneering, hate-filled Republicans yesterday try and try, but utterly fail, to even lay a GLOVE on this amazing woman pushed me from respecting Hillary Clinton to "I'd crawl over broken glass on a bed of hot coals for her!" LOL Anyway, with that, I strongly endorse Hillary Clinton, and look forward to her demolishing whatever right-wing, climate-science-denying, Koch-sucking freak the Republicans nominate.

Friday News: "This is why you don't mess with Hillary Clinton;" Eric Can'tor Rips Tea Party as "Radical Populists"

by Lowell

Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Friday, October 23. Also check out Trevor Noah mocking the Benghazeeeeeeeeee hearings. Finally, see the "flip" for yesterday's disappointing court decision on Virginia House of Delegates districts.

• Paul Ryan is doomed, too ("If Ryan gets the job, he will likely enjoy a honeymoon period. But the fundamental problem — no functional GOP majority — will remain. Ryan believes government should be small. Much of his caucus believes it should be thwarted.")
• Clinton didn't just survive the Benghazi hearing -- She DOMINATED It (Big time!)
• Clinton withstands panel’s grilling (Utterly disgraceful display by Republicans; Hillary Clinton kicked their pathetic asses.)
• The former secretary of state triumphed by not losing her cool (And by having all the facts, reason, logic, etc. on her side, while House Republicans demonstrated that they are a bunch of petty, vindictive, nasty, crazy thugs.)
• Conservative Reviews Are In: Benghazi Hearing A Bust ("Some of Hillary Clinton's top critics think she won the day." She didn't just "win," she utterly demolished the clueless, incompetent right wingnuts. Go Hillary!)
• The fragile marriage of Ryan and the Freedom Caucus (Doubtful this will end well.)
• The Benghazi bust: Trey Gowdy and his GOP colleagues embarrassed themselves ("If anyone doubted the Benghazi committee was a partisan joke, yesterday's Clinton hearing confirmed hit")
• This is why you don’t mess with Hillary Clinton: How the GOP’s Benghazi crusade just crashed and burned ("If you're trying to score a political win against an opponent as formidable as Hillary, here's what *not* to do")
• How Offshore Wind Can Beat Natural Gas In The U.S. ("Winds along the coasts of the United States could provide four times the energy needed to power the whole country.")
• Eric Cantor Slams The Tea Party And Trump At Length In Overseas Interview ("Cantor says Donald Trump and members of the Tea Party are not conservatives, but 'radical populists.'" Actually, the Tea Party is a bunch of Koch brother tools, unwittingly serving their corporate masters.)
• Eric Cantor: Tea Party Expectations Are ‘Unreasonable’ (Dude, NOW you figure that out?!?)
• Trump touts Oct. 31 rally in Norfolk (Definitely a "trick," NOT a "treat!")
• Bloomberg-backed group makes $1.5M ad buy in race for Colgan's Senate seat (If Dems win both those seats, there's definitely a path to getting to 20-20 in the State Senate.)
• Andy Parker highlights gun-control group's $2.3 million ad buys in 2 Senate races
• A crystal ball look at the General Assembly races ("For the state Senate 'it’s entirely possible that we’ll end up right back where we started -- a 21-19 Republican edge -- after playing electoral musical chairs,' while the House will either see no net change at all or possibly an addition to the 67-33 GOP majority.")
• Va. House map constitutional, federal judges rule ("The decision is contrary to the finding in a similar case related to the state’s congressional map.")
• Va. attorney general’s opinion spurs end of school-bus cameras
• For Virginia’s House of Delegates (I strongly agree with Lee Hockstader on how horrible "Sideshow Bob" Marshall is and his endorsement of Don Shaw for Delegate. I strongly DISagree with Lee Hockstader on they abysmal Mark Dudenhefer - instead, vote Democrat Josh King on November 3!)
• Say no to casinos in Virginia
• Rolling Stone letter seeks dismissal of suit by fraternity members
• W&M launches $1 billion campaign
• Care of disabled citizens in Virginia will be scrutinized in court on Friday
• D.C. area forecast: Autumn perfection today, cooler Saturday, and showery into Sunday

Resources to Help You Rebut Your GOP Friends about the Gowdy Kangaroo Court Hearings

by KathyinBlacksburg

It's Kangaroo Court Day in Washington. Seven investigations have revealed that Hillary Clinton did nothing wrong. But the GOP and the corporate media will have their day (again). I am a Bernie Sanders supporter. But I have had it with the continued false charges against Hillary Clinton. And I am "sick and tired" of the GOP's lies, manipulations, and fabricated evidence.

So, I include below some convenient documents for you to defend Hillary. Use them to refresh your memory. Use them to refute your Tea Party uncle, or other misguided, FAUX-informed family members and friends. Of course they may never learn, but there are others who will hear and remember the facts presented to them. Some independents will be open to the facts as well. We want every single voter who is with us and every voter who might vote with us to know exactly how devious and untrustworthy Trey Gowdy and his cast of inquisitors are.

The main 124-page document is here. And an excellent and shorter reference from Media Matters is here.

For all the posturing, fabrications of the GOP and doctoring of documents (yes, the CIA indicates that inquisitor Trey Gowdy actually did that), you would think there is any reason at all besides politics to keep up the charade. Read about that here. Trey even accidentally released classified information himself.

Virginia House Republicans Launch Wildly Misleading, Demagogic TV Ads Against Democrats Kathleen Murphy, Jennifer Boysko

by Lowell

Lying and demagoguery by Republicans in Congress is nothing new, of course. Just see today's Benghazi show trial/witch hunt as a prime example.

Sadly, here in Virginia, it's not really any different, at least not based on the new TV ad campaign being run by Virginia House Republicans (aka, Speaker Bill Howell and company). For instance, see the ad being run by Republican House of Delegates candidate Danny Vargas against Democrat Jennifer Boysko (and note: a cut-and-paste, basically identical ad is being run by Republican Craig Parisot against Democrat Kathleen Murphy). Yep, the lies here come fast and furious, but let's try to untangle them one by one.

First off, who knows what Speaker Howell et al are even talking about when they accuse Boysko and Murphy of support for (horror of horrors!) "raising taxes." Presumably, they mean that Boysko and Murphy both supported the bipartisan, 2013 transportation bill. You know, the bill that was backed by - yes, you guessed, it, Speaker Bill Howell, the guy who's paying for these ads, himself! - and signed into law by Gov. Bob McDonnell (R).  So, basically, these new TV ads are by Republican Party leadership, essentially attacking their own party's leadership. It would be funny if it weren't so cynical and dishonest.

Second, what about Gov. McAuliffe's  supposed  "plan for $17 tolls on I-66?" At best, this is WILDLY misleading and dishonest.  For some actualy facts (what a concept) on this subject, see the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) page on transforming I-66 inside the Beltway. Let's start with this video, produced by the Virginia DOT, that explains the problem - terrible traffic congestion, as anyone who lives in northern Virginia knows - and the plans to fix it.

Video: Hillary Clinton, Elijah Cummings Opening Statements at Benghazi Show Trial

by Lowell

Great jobs by Rep. Elijah Cummings and Hillary Clinton, both of whom have the facts 100% on their side, while the goon squad...er, Republicans have absolutely nothing. The good news is that, as usual, the Republicans have wildly overreached and damaged themselves in the process. The bad news is that they've damaged the United States of America as well. And for that, the Republicans are owed nothing but our contempt and outrage.

David Toscano: Our "Thoughts and Prayers" Are No Longer Enough - Escaping the Frame of the NRA

by Del. David Toscano

In late August, following the fatal shootings of reporter Allison Parker and her colleague Adam Ward, I posted the following on my Facebook page: “Yet another tragedy…My heart and sympathy goes out to the families of the victims…In Virginia, we have been going backward (on gun safety measures).”

The post drew some criticism, and I considered responding. I did not, primarily out of concern that it might be taken as using a tragedy for political purposes. The newest shootings in Oregon and at Northern Arizona University, have again prompted calls for “thoughts and prayers” in light of another “tragedy.” Maybe it’s time, however, to change our language in describing these events; we could just as easily refer to these as “outrages” which require action rather than “tragedies” which simply need our “thoughts and prayers.”

Governor McAuliffe has chosen to act. He issued Executive Order 50 designed to do what he can within his Executive Authority. This includes a directive to law enforcement to redouble efforts to enforce laws on the books, and sets up a hotline (1-877-482-8477) which citizens can call 24 hours a day to report illegal gun activity. This will help, but change will also need to occur through legislative action.