1. The Virginia Big Number Is 8
The Elite Eight, to be specific.
That’s where VCU finds itself today after a remarkable run that’s captured the heart of America.
Who doesn’t love the “Eat Crow, Baby” banners about Dick Vitale all over the city?
Hey, who hasn’t wanted to say something like that to him for the past 10 years.
More seriously, I recently saw a study completed by Anne Macheras at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for Richmond’s Future comparing the region to nine other similarly sized regions acrss the country.
Although the study didn’t examine this, I was struck by the fact that, besides Richmond, only a couple of other places didn’t have at least one major league team.
Jacksonville, Salt Lake, Hartford, Buffalo, Raleigh, etc., all did.
There’s often a lot of inflated talk about what a professional sports venue can do economically for a region.
That discussion is far too narrow.
The real issue is how a professional sports team can bring a community together, build regional identity and make it an attractive place to live.
For a few weeks, college basketball in Richmond is doing just that.
Go Rams!
2. The Next Virginia Big Number is 150
That’s the number of minutes of phys. ed. per week a General Assembly bill would have required schools to offer to elementary and middle school students.
Designed to address the growing health related problems that accompany childhood obesity, Governor Bob McDonnell’s veto was the first of his term.
McDonnell’s veto was supported by a host of education groups who argued that it was an expensive, unfunded mandate.
In many ways, the PE bill was the surprise issues odf the 2011 Assembly, generating an enormous amount of interest and pitting health-oreinted associations against the education establishment.
Watch for both of these groups to put candidates on record this fall about where they stand.
3. The Player of the Week Is
Congressman Bobby Scott.
Scott gave further credence to the prospect of a run for the Democratic senatorial nomination by telling reporters that he’s giving it serious consideration, though he won’t make a decision until June.
Scott’s insistence that the Dems “Wait a Second” before they anoint a senatorial nominee is getting increased attention.
I imagine that his phone is ringing off the hook.
4. Tea Party Headlines
Tea Party Calls Out Hurt on Budget Resolutions
SWVA Tea Party Unhappy with Griffith
Another week.
More expressions of Tea Party discontent with Republicans they helped to elect.
Get set for the GOP primaries late this summer. There is certain to be some tough challenges to Republican incumbents in the Assembly.
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