Virginia Podcasting Network

Former U.S. Attorney in Virginia, John Brownlee, recently announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Virginia Attorney General. Brownlee was wrapping-up a visit to Hampton Roads, which included a speech to the Norfolk Republican Party, when J.R. Hoeft of Bearing Drift caught up with him to discuss his background and campaign. They alsoy discussed his “justice for all” program, the impact of Lt. Gov. Bolling running for a second term, his working relationship with current Attorney General McDonnell, his thoughts on facing State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, whether he prefers a primary or convention, and much more.

 VPOD: John Brownlee - July 7, 2008 [19:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (151)

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Opening music “Highway Run” by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is calling for extensive VDOT reforms before raising any taxes commonwealth-wide. J.R. Hoeft had the opportunity to catch-up with him at his Richmond office to discuss his ideas on this special session and possible outcomes.

 VPOD: Attorney General McDonnell on transportation [13:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (177)

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State Sen. John Miller (D-1) has been a strong proponent of several transportation projects in Hampton Roads since winning election last November. He joins J.R. today to discuss transportation, energy, and possible outcomes from next week’s special session.

One noteworthy point made during the discussion was Miller’s willingness to consider off-shore drilling.

After listening to this podcast, be sure to also listen to the interview from earlier this week with Sen. Frank Wagner.

 VPOD: State Sen. John Miller (D-1): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (189)

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In this week’s show, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:

• J.R. dives right into the discussion by wondering when we’re going to “Drill here! Drill now! And Pay Less!”;
• Brian illustrates how little Democrats have to offer when it comes to transportation (including evidence of Kaine’s promise not to raise taxes for transportation); and,
• Shaun brings up the AP-Blogger kerfuffle, including a look at how Michelle Malkin plans on handling the situation
• And, as always, there’s a trip to the “Spin Room”

If you are so inclined, please send your comments for the show to vpod@bearingdrift.com.

Here’s the beginning of the Washington Post article cited in the podcast regarding Kaine’s position on transportation in 2005:

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Timothy M. Kaine promised yesterday to veto any new tax or fee for transportation or any increase in existing levies until at least 2009, when a constitutional amendment to lock up the state’s road fund could become law.

Kaine said the only new money for roads, bridges and trains on his watch would come from budget surpluses, if they materialize, and from a transfer of existing general fund taxes that would provide about $40 million a year for Northern Virginia.

“Any tax increase or any kind of fee increase — or if we can think of a word that’s a synonym for fees — any revenue increase that’s proposed into a transportation system, a trust fund, that’s not locked up and protected will be vetoed,” Kaine told reporters after a speech to business leaders in Herndon.

That’s far different from what he is saying today.

 VPOD: Energy, Transportation, and the AP: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (201)

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While Democrats continue to offer very little in the way of solutions to our energy concerns, unless you count RAISING the price of oil (such as removing subsidies for energy companies, increasing the gas tax, etc.), some responsible legislators, including Virginia’s own State Sen. Frank Wagner, are trying to move the debate in a direction that helps America preserve its energy security. (more…)

 VPOD: State Sen. Frank Wagner: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (220)

Virginia Politics On-Demand Interview: Corey Stewart.

Corey Stewart is chairman at-large of the Board of County Supervisors in Prince William County. His, and the county’s, position on the issue of illegal immigration has placed him as a leader of national efforts by local communities to take action when the federal government has failed.

The action, enabling police to question the immigration status of an individual at routine traffic stops, has had a significant impact on the county already. And, depending on one’s perspective, that impact can be good or bad.

The efforts also have not been without controversy internationally as well. Most recently, a UN official canceled a speech in Prince William, which Stewart said was done on purpose to embarrass Prince William County and the United States.

 VPOD: Corey Stewart, Chairman, Prince William County [18:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (211)

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In this week’s VPOD, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin join J.R. to talk the latest in politics in Virginia. This week’s show includes:

• Republicans: a house divided?
• Obama’s Virginia visit
• Warner’s campaign video
• Your emails! That’s right — you’re part of the show too, so drop your email to J.R. with the subject line “VPOD”
• The upcoming primaries in the 8th and 11th, including our thoughts on the “nut-roots”
• And a trip to the “Spin Room”

Shaun also has some special sentiments for the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

 Virginia Politics On-Demand w/Jim Hoeft, Shaun Kenney and Brian Kirwin - June 5, 20008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (241)

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Mark Elllmore proves the old axiom “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” This is his second attempt at the Republican nomination for the right to face incumbent Democrat Rep. Jim Moran this November. He faces political newcomer Amit Singh in a primary battle that will be resolved on June 10.

In this podcast, Bearing Drift discusses his background, what it will take to defeat Moran, the biggest issues facing 8th District voters and so much more. Tune in now!

 VPOD: Mark Ellmore, GOP Congressional Candidate, 8th CD [17:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (340)

Del. Jeff Frederick is criss-crossing the commonwealth running a very aggressive campaign amongst Republicans to be the next chairman of the party. Jim Hoeft of Bearing Drift recently heard him speak in Virginia Beach, and, today, catches up with him while he travels in the Shenandoah Valley. In this podcast, Frederick addresses concerns over endorsements he said he received and the analogy of a “rat in a coke bottle” that he has been using in his speeches. He also discusses his vision for the RPV, why an elected official makes sense as party chairman, and much more.

Quotes of the podcast:

“I have no problems being a team player, but when I think we’re being marched into a burning fire, I’m gonna say something.”

-and-

“We can’t continue to do the same thing over and over and over again and expect we’re going to get a different result.”

Listen to the entire interview either by visiting our site on Podshow, downloading our feed to iTunes or your podcatcher, or streaming below:

 VPOD: Del. Jeff Frederick -- Apr. 14, 2008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (340)

Del. Bob Marshall joins Jim Hoeft of Bearing Drift on this evening’s Virginia Politics On-Demand. Del. Marshall is criss-crossing the state trying to convince Republicans before the convention on May 31 why he would be a better choice to run against Mark Warner this November over Jim Gilmore. (more…)

 VPOD: Del. Bob Marshall - Apr. 9, 2008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (290)