Virginia Tomorrow

1. Cantor v. Kaine

Both Tim Kaine and Eric Cantor hail from the Richmond region. Today, they both occupy important roles for their respective national parties. Their political differences are becoming far starker than their shared regional loyalties. It was eminently clear this week in the back and forth between Cantor and Kaine’s office about who is most responsible for contributing to the political rage coursing through the land. I had noticed the frostiness at an event  they both attended locally a few weeks back and was not very surprised at this week’s escalation.

2. The Cuccinelli Question

Virginia’s new Attorney General has not only redefined the office’s role with his high profile suits against presumed federal overreach, but has gained more national prominence in three months than almost any Virginia AG in an entire term. Here’s the question that Cuccinelli has insiders asking. Will his meteoric media ascent be followed by a political crash or burn or are we watching the rise of a new star in the Republican firmament who will have the unwavering support of his party’s base?

3. Notes on The Cuccinelli Question- I

From a long-time friend and a prominent Virgina Republican :

“Here is the deal: Getting press, running the ball down the field and throwing bombs is great for awhile…the reality is the press and even your own fans will tire of it if you are seen as a self-aggrandizing opportunist. I don’t think KC is that — these issues so far all go to the core of who he is philosophically…but there is such a thing as over exposure, and not being deferential to the Governor. Yes, an AG is a constitutionally elected officer. Independent in many ways. But…if the AG isn’t seen as a cerebral lawyer versed in the constitution and the law — for the sake of the constitution and the law, he risks alienating certain stakeholders he may need later. For various reasons. KC can set himself and Virginia up for long term success, if he helps the new Governor succeed first and showcase broader priorities rather than trying to generate headlines first. And if KC has the Gov in lockstep with his legal plans, it will serve both well — after all Bob McDonnell was a superb AG before he was Governor.”

This is a very interesting reflection. Cuccinelli and McDonnell are in lockstep on health care reform and fedeal overrreach. But they were not in synch on the AG’s letter to colleges and universities about their non-discrimination policies. In which direction will this relationship evolve?

4. Notes on the Cuccinelli Question- II

From a friend and former colleague:

“I think the Democrats in VA should be pretty excited about Cuccinelli as the next gubernatorial candidate.  He’s single-handedly writing the Democratic game plan for 2011 and 2013.”

Virginia Democrats are certainly moving in this direction. Cuccinelli has given them a purpose they couldn’t seem to find in 2009. And Donald McEachin doesn’t miss a chance to argue that, in essence, the AG is implementing the Gov’s agenda. Yet I know a number of people who were very unhappy with the letter to colleges and universities about gays and lesbians, but are giving the AG a high five about the health care. The bottom line is that we don’t quite know how Cuccinelli’s visibiity will ultimately play out politically. What we do know is that reaction to his style, ideas, and approach is going to be an important driver of our political debate for the next four years.

5. Jobless Rate Spikes Upward

Virginia’s jobless rate, which still ranks far better the national average, spiked upwards last months. Initial reports note that more jobs were lost in the Commonwealth in January than in any other state in the nation. There is some reason to believe that the numbers could well have been snow-related. But whatever the case, the report wasn’t the kind of good news that state policymakers are dying to see.

6. Liberty U.

Is flexing its political muscle these days. It’s become an economic and political force in Lynchburg and is likely to be a major actor in the upcoming city elections. It filed suit against the health care plan passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. And guess where Ken Cuccinelli is holding a town hall on Tuesday. If you said the Liberty campus, you’d be exactly right.  Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. may not have the same kind of national media presence (yet) that his father did, but may be even more interested in the linking the university to the nuts and bolts of civic engagement. Liberty has become a unique institution. It has a large local presence in Lynchburg; it has a singular brand identification that attracts students statewide, nationally, and internationally. In addition, it is on the cutting edge of web-based distance education nationally and internationally. Expect it to be a force for some time to come.

7. Political Anger

Was the big story this week. Not surprisingly, there was an angry debate about which party is most responsible for the uncivil tone of political discourse, the troubling threats directed at congressional leaders in both parties, and the deplorable actions taken by groups or individuals unknown to follow up on the threats. We could use a joint press conference from leaders of both parties emphasizing that in America we settle our political fights at the ballot box in November, not with violence and threats of it against officials in the political arena.