My fellow Democrats:
The 2001 Virginia General Assembly recently wrapped up its winter session. After dealing with more than 2,600 pieces of legislation, our elected officials could not reach agreement on a new budget. Governor Jim "Hannibal" Gilmore has put his vanity first before healthcare, environmental initiatives and pay raises for teachers, police and state employees. Any State Senator that had the backbone to stand against his outrageous attempt to juggle the books with tobacco settlement money was eaten alive as projects and Universities in their respective districts had their budgets slashed. How sweet it was of him to sacrifice our children’s education and our community’s quality of life because his ego driven car tax cut comes first. If the money is not there for full repeal of the cut then the prudent thing to do is to scale it back

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Meanwhile, John Hagar and Mark Early were busy playing "Silence of the Lambs." Early was pleased that a bill he sponsored prohibiting telephone solicitations before 8 am and after 9 pm was passed. The 12 phone jockeys that effects are livid. The AG should have endorsed Delegate Grayson's serious bill on telephone solicitations. Early does not know the meaning of bipartisanship. He failed to pass his bills to eliminate the marriage penalty and to create a civil liability for drug dealers; however, he did manage to win authority for his office to take environmental cases to federal courts. I can't remember when the GOP ever sought prosecution for environmental lawbreakers. At least that will be on the books when our Democratic candidate wins the AG race.
John Hagar supported the SOLs as the sole criterion for graduation. Hagar failed that test. He also failed in promoting a bill to make prescription drugs more affordable for our seniors. When Hagar and Early were not busy being Gilmore's bootlickers they were trying to round up delegates to the Republican Convention. They hurt themselves by not weighing in for fiscal prudence.

Silence from them is support for Gilmore's budget lunacy. Virginia needs economic vision and sound business sense. Mark Warner offers both.
Lifestyle bills and moral legislating is becoming popular. It was also popular during the Spanish Inquisition.. As you can tell, I think freedom of speech is this country's backbone. For this reason, I can not support a bill mandating the “Pledge of Allegiance” in public schools. I stand and remove my hat when the flag is unfurled and to our National Anthem. I recited the Pledge in school when my brother was fighting in Vietnam but we were not forced under penalty of law. Senator Warren Barry (R-Fairfax) has gone completely over the edge. He seeks to suspend students who refuse to recite the Pledge. He seeks to legislate patriotism and respect. HIS respect for democracy was demonstrated when he stomped out of a committee hearing calling the bill's opponents “liberals” and “pinkos.” He threw a hissy fit in the hallowed hallway of the State Capitol. Now that is teaching by example; a true role model. I am sure our school children can use that as a lesson. If the Republicans continue to support moral legislation then the future is brighter for Democrats.
Also in the General Assembly, NOT one bill for managed growth was passed this session. Our Senator Norment ("Prince of the Perks") once again failed to jettison his passion for developer’s money. Although he stood firm against Gilmore's budget, he failed to support “smart growth.” Bring back Lynwood Lewis and his "adequate public utilities" platform.
Finally, The “Dine with the Candidates Dinner” was a smashing success. The room was packed with attentive Democrats. Our seven guests were quite persuasive and our Primary Election choices will be difficult. If you missed our charming evening meeting the candidates; then do NOT miss our annual Flag Day Event on June 14. Mark your calendars NOW; it won’t cost an arm and a leg…well, maybe an arm…

In service,
Mike Halpin
JCC Democratic Chairman

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In the past few weeks I   have been reading letters sent in to local newspapers describing Democrats as "godless" or "socialist". If we were to be having that discussion 300 years ago while quaffing a couple of lagers at the Raleigh Tavern, I'm sure the debate would end up on the Wren Chapel lawn in a misty morning duel. However, a horse race down a muddy and bustling DOG Street would be more fun.

I believe that life is full of choices and consequences. You can't make

one without accepting the other.

I think women should have the right to choose rather then be bullied by religious right legislation.

I feel that choosing my health care plan and holding insurance companies accountable for malfeasance is appropriate.

Collective bargaining and protection from greedy CEOs and their medusa-like pawns is a must for American working men and women.
Text Box: Committee Contacts: Chairman Halpin: 253-6463 V Chair Ford Anderson: 564-9459 HTDWG: Lynne Helmick: 258-5703 Editor: whyte17@home.com
I support more controls for local government rather than lunacy from a boot-stomping dictator and his minions.

Freedom of thought, speech and religion have been granted to me by my forefathers and preserved by those that fought and died for our country.I am neither "godless" nor "socialist". I have chosen to be a Democrat and I am proud of it. My choice of weapons is my vote and "the pen" not pistols or sabers.