Virginia’s Voter Registration Deadline is Monday, October 5th

Planning to vote on Tuesday, November 3rd? … You must be registered by 5:00 pm Monday, October 5th or have a voter registration application form in the mail … click here for the official Virginia Voter Registration Application Form and a list of locations where you can register by mail or in person … don’t know if your registered? … click here

Ad Featuring Senator Mark Warner Pushes His Choice for Governor on Nov. 3rd

Webb Says Afghanistan Policy “U.S. Must Articulate Clear & Attainable Goals, Defined Endpoint”

Note:  If you are concerned about U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and the proper use of our military you should check out Senator Jim Webb on Meet the Press   … the following comes from his communications office:

This Sunday, Senator Jim Webb will appear on Meet the Press to discuss U.S. policy in Afghanistan. In recent weeks, Senator Webb has emphasized that the Obama administration’s review of U.S. policies in Afghanistan must contain clear and attainable objectives with a defined and understandable endpoint and warned that the United States runs the risk of being perceived as an occupying force.

Responding to General McChrystal’s recommendations, Senator Webb stated that, “we have reached a turning point in Afghanistan as to whether we are going to formally adopt nation-building as a policy.”

WHO: Senator Jim Webb WHAT: Interview on U.S. policy in Afghanistan WHEN: Sunday, September 27, 2009, 10:00 AM* WHERE: NBC’s Meet the Press

*To find your local channel and showtime, click here »

To read the AFP piece, “US faces ‘nation-building’ choice on Afghanistan,” click here »

To read the New York Times piece, “Obama Gives Ways to Rate Efforts in Afghan Region,” click here »

To read the full transcript of Senator Webb’s exchange from the Tuesday, September 15 hearing of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, click here »

To read the full transcript of Senator Webb’s exchange from the Thursday, September 17 hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, click here »

Only 39 Days Until Virginia’s 2009 Election

Democratic Governors Association State of Play Update

Creigh Deeds’s momentum continues to build as voters learn more about Bob McDonnell’s out-of-the-mainstream agenda and the thesis that became his blueprint for governing. Three polls this week show the race tightening to within four points, as Deeds gains among critical groups like independent women and Northern Virginia voters. See the Washington Post poll here, aRasmussen poll here and an InsiderAdvantage poll here to see Deeds’s gains.

New ads: Deeds has released several new ads, highlighting his strong agenda to bring Virginia together and his leadership to take Virginia forward. Virginians are also asking questions about McDonnell’s devastating thesis, his blueprint for governing – watch here.

Read Creigh Deeds’s Op-Ed on transportation in the Washington Post. His plan is winning bipartisan praise and enthusiasm from opinion leaders across the state.

Four Minutes on Health Insurance Reform

Note: This email came from the White House about health “insurance” reform and is worthy of your consideration …

Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now:

The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us. 

Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years. 

That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick. 

Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government. 

As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video. 

Thank you, 
David 

David Axelrod 
Senior Adviser to the President

Democratic Governors Have Led Virginia To Fourth “ Best State for Business” Award

Note:  The following press release from the Office of the Governor provides yet another reason to VOTE for Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner, and Steve Shannon on November 3rd … Want results like these achieved under Mark Warner and Tim Kaine leadership? … VOTE DEMOCRATIC!

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia will remain in first place as Forbes.com’s “ Best State for Business.” It is the fourth consecutive year Virginia has been top ranked. The Commonwealth finished in the top 10 in 3 of the 6 categories examined in the review, which was published today.

“With our low corporate tax rate, highly-skilled workforce, and great quality of life, it’s no wonder Virginia consistently attracts some of the world’s most innovative and corporate leaders to our borders,” said Governor Kaine. “In these tough economic times in particular, the recognition by Forbes today is an incredible affirmation that Virginia has what it takes to compete at the national and global arenas.”

Forbes.com looks at rigorous qualifications and the Commonwealth has come out on top again in quality of life, regulatory environment, and labor. Virginia has been named the most business friendly state ever year of Governor Kaine’s administration. The award from the world-recognized financial brand follows Virginia ’s most recent number one rankings from Pollina Corporate Real Estate and CNBC this past summer.

During Governor Kaine’s administration, Virginia has been recognized as the Best State for Business (Forbes.com 2006-2009), the Top State for Business (CNBC 2007, 2009), the Top Pro-Business State (Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc. 2003, 2007, 2009), the top-performing state government in America (Governing Magazine 2008) and the state where “a child is most likely to have a successful life (Education Week 2007).”

Video Details Current Virginia Lt. Governor’s Work History

Note: This is one of the “must see” political videos of the 2009 election season here in Virginia … enjoy!

Lt. Governor Candidate Forum Canceled

On Thursday, September 24 the forum for candidates for Lt. Governor has been canceled.

Bill Bolling has been a no-show for more than 90% of the meetings of the boards and commissions he’s on or invited to. You’d think it would be tough for things to get much worse.

Now he’s announced that he’ll be a no-show for Thursday’s debate. Why? He says he doesn’t want us to be able to show you the debate on our website. That’s right: He’ll only debate if you can’t watch it.

Help us make sure Bill Bolling can’t hide his record by hiding from Jody.

Debates are risky. Candidates have to answer real questions, and that means they can’t always stick to their scripts. The truth is that Bill Bolling can’t explain his no-show record. He’s said attending some meetings would have been “illogical”. He’s said he had better things to do. He’s even tried to muddy the water by attacking Jody for leaving her job as Secretary of Finance before running for statewide office – something Bill’s own ticket mate did.

Help Jody Wagner’s campaign by clicking here

45 Days Until the 2009 Election – DGA Updates Virginia Governor’s Race

Note:  The following update is brought to you by the Democratic Governors Association
DemocraticGovernors.org

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In the first gubernational debate since Labor Day, Sen. Creigh Deeds highlighted the contrast between his plan to move Virginia forward and GOP candidate Bob McDonnell’s plan to take the state backward. As McDonnell stumbled to explain his out-of-the-mainstream record and priorities, Deeds demonstrated his lifelong commitment to creating good jobs, expanding educational opportunities and building consensus on transportation improvements. The Falls Church News-Press called Deeds the “clear winner.”

Meanwhile, a new Rasmussen poll in Virginia finds that Deeds is closing the gap against Bob McDonnell — and that McDonnell’s hard-right grad school thesis could be sinking in further with the public. The numbers: McDonnell 48 percent, Deeds 46 percent, with a 4.5 percent margin of error. Deeds’ momentum is also having an effect on fundraising. He raised $3.5M in  in July and August, outraising McDonnell for the second straight period and setting a new record. Deeds raised more in the third quarter than any gubernatorial candidate in 2005 or 2001.

Creigh Deeds released an ad showing the truth about McDonnell’s record on raising taxes.

The Democratic Party of Virginia released a new video: Why won’t Bob McDonnell answer the tough questions about his record?

Creigh Deeds received an endorsement from the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, a group of 6,500 who support his public safety record.

Financial Crisis Continues To Have Major Impact on Virginia

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor                                                          September 15, 2009

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES MEASURES TO MEET OBLIGATIONS OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM

~ Commonwealth will request federal loan for October-December 2009; mandatory fund builder tax to take effect January 2010 ~

RICHMOND —Governor Timothy M. Kaine today filed a request with the U.S. Department of Labor for a repayable advance of $252 million from the Federal Unemployment Account to meet the obligations of the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Program through December 2009. With increased demand for benefits and reduced employer contributions to the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, a federal loan is now required to help meet the needs of the nearly 69,000 Virginians currently receiving unemployment benefits. The economic downturn and resulting increase in demand has also driven Virginia ’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund to levels that activate triggers for a Fund Builder Tax to replenish the account.

“The stresses placed on our unemployment compensation program reflect the stresses placed on many Virginians who have been swept up in the worst economic crisis in generations,” said Governor Kaine. “ Virginia will take advantage of every available resource to help citizens who lost their jobs through no fault of their own get through these difficult times.”

Based on the most recent data, Virginia assesses the lowest unemployment tax rates in the region and the third lowest unemployment tax rates in the nation. Current projections indicate Virginia ’s Trust Fund will be depleted in mid-October, requiring advances at that time.

Virginia will repay the federal advances with interest. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) waives interest accrued through December 31, 2010, but interest will resume on outstanding balances on January 1, 2011. If Virginia maintains an outstanding federal loan on the first day of two consecutive calendar years, as is expected in 2010 and 2011, Virginia employers will be assessed an additional federal tax of $21 per employee beginning in 2011. If Virginia had been eligible for the second tranche of assistance from the ARRA, approximately $125 million, the state’s compensation fund might have been able to delay requesting loans until after January 1, 2010, which would have delayed the additional federal tax until 2012.

Federal loans for each month will be authorized individually, with the possibility of requesting supplemental advances. Actual disbursement of the loans occurs daily, ensuring that no excessive loans are made. With national economic forces straining unemployment compensation funds across the country, 19 states have already requested loans from the Department of Labor, and more are expected to seek federal assistance.

The unprecedented demand placed on Virginia ’s unemployment insurance trust fund by current economic conditions has pushed the fund below legally mandated solvency levels. When the fund falls below 50% of the level deemed “sufficient” by the state code, as is expected to occur, a mandatory fund builder tax is automatically added to all employers’ contribution rates. This additional levy will begin January 2010 and remain in place until the fund is rebuilt to at least 50% solvency. The projected employer contribution for 2010 is approximately $171 per employee. Virginia currently has the least expensive unemployment tax rates in the region, and this increase would still leave its rates lower than all but two regional neighbors.

The activation of the mandatory Fund Builder tax also adjusts unemployment benefits for some recipients. Those who receive unemployment benefits and Social Security will have their weekly unemployment benefit reduced by 50% of their Social Security Act payment. If, for example, someone received $250 from Social Security and $200 from unemployment, they will still receive $250 from Social Security, but will receive $75 from unemployment.

The measures announced today will be another effort to assist unemployed Virginians as they weather the current economic downturn.  The Governor convened an Economic Crisis Strike Force in February to coordinate the state’s efforts to meet the needs of the unemployed. The Strike Force is about to launch a series of resource fairs throughout the state to provide job seekers with advice and techniques they need to stand out to potential employers. Virginia has also opened six new unemployment express offices and two new re-employment services offices to get displaced workers the assistance they need as quickly as possible. Additionally, Virginia has extended unemployment benefits up to 72 weeks, and extended health insurance benefits through COBRA from 3 to 9 months for small business employees who are laid off.

Attorney General Candidate Steve Shannon Provides Clear Contrast With Opponent

Attorney General Candidate Steve Shannon had everyone standing at Saturday’s Democratic Party of Virginia meeting …When you talk to your fellow citizens tell them … “Steve Shannon is a former prosecutor running to keep families safe. Ken Cuccinelli is a politician… running to promote a personal political agenda,”