Virginia Podcasting Network

In this week’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, Speaker of the House William Howell (R-Stafford) joins us to talk about the upcoming General Assembly session, set to begin Wednesday.

Howell spoke about the budget, transportation, the governor’s legislative agenda, his relationship with the Senate, and much more.

Additionally, Shaun Kenney joined me to talk about the news of the week, including Joe Murray’s chances tomorrow, Rudy Giuliani’s endorsement of Bob McDonnell, Terry McAuliffe’s enthusiasm, Creigh Deeds potential, and…

Our petition about Lee-Jackson Day.

Yes, we kinda spontaneously spoke about this subject. And, did we ever speak.

You can tell that there was a lot on our mind.

Sign the petition! And, vote in the poll.

This is a podcast packed with information that you won’t want to miss…even if it takes you a couple days to listen to it!

 VPOD: Speaker William Howell - Jan. 12, 2009: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (734)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.
Opening music “Highway Run” by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.

Del. Jeff Frederick reacts to the announcement that Gov. Tim Kaine will be the next head of the DNC, Terry McAuliffe’s entry into the governor’s race, the state of the GOP, and makes an announcement regarding his own re-election to the House of Delegates.

Also in today’s podcast, Shaun Kenney and I discuss the political news. We’re looking for your feedback on what to call this segment. The winner will receive a Bearing Drift t-shirt.

 Virginia Politics On-Demand: Jan. 5, 2009: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (610)

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 (804)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.
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 (852)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.

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 (824)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.

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 (983)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.

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 (680)

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 (894)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.

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 (1080)

To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
To automatically download and sync VPOD with your MP3 player, use this feed.

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 (1146)