Seems like it is dangerous to be in VA Politics

Eric Cantor has bullets shot through windows, a man is arrested for death threats and they are breaking windows in Charlottesville area.
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Cuccinelli Begins Suit Against DemCare

Virginia AG Brings Suit in US District Court

Mandates are Unconstitutional [click to read] The Richmond Times-Dispatch has more on this story as it unfolds.

Of course, We the People are watching...

One year ago ... murder at The Homestead

The Homestead Resort

It was March 23, 2009 -- one year ago today -- when shots rang out in The Homestead's kitchen as employee Beacher Hackney allegedly shot and killed two co-workers.

It was a busy Saturday night at the upscale resort ... the kitchen was bustling ... and the shooting took place just feet from guests eating in the formal dining room who were unaware of what was going on nearby.

The western mountains of Virginia suddenly became the scene of a massive manhunt as authorities searched for Beacher Hackney. He has not been seen since.

Where is the Homestead Murderer?

Did he escape into the rugged mountains and make his way into West Virginia? Did he end up 20 miles away at I-64 and escape to points unknown? He was a known loner but could an accomplice have helped him escape?

There are more questions than answers. Bath County Sheriff’s Department’s lead investigator Noel Dunnagan said recently that he felt the murderer was still alive, according to the Lynchburg News & Advance:

“At this time we’re still collecting leads from America’s Most Wanted,” said Bath County Sheriff, Larry Norfleet.

The story has aired several times and has brought in dozens of leads, but none of which have lead to the suspect, so after a while you have to wonder is he still alive.

“I still think he’s alive,” said Norfleet. “Due to the fact that he had a hermit nature, you know, he could certainly exist inside for sometime as long has he had supplies.”

So where did Beacher Hackney go?

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl, Virginia Virtucon, SixtyFour81.com

Dems going after "Cooch"

Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico

The Times Dispatch is reporting that the Dems and Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, are setting up roadblocks against Cuccinnelli.
They are trying to thwart Virginia's attempt to save the state and block Obamacare.
See more here
H/T to VARight

Delagate Marshall says No on FOX

Richmond Times: Virginia's General Assembly is the first in the nation to approve legislation that bucks federal health care reforms by banning mandatory health insurance coverage. Without debate, the House of Delegates voted 80-17 Wednesday to accept Senate amendments to a bill that supporters say preserves Virginia's prerogatives as a state. Thirty-four other legislatures have filed or proposed similar measures rejecting health insurance mandates.
See the video over at YankeePhil

Boucher on health care reform

From the Kingsport (Tenn.) Times-News, Rep. Rick Boucher talks about the health care bill.
Boucher said he needs to see whatever deal is being cobbled together.
“I am very concerned about a number of things. First, we do not have a text of the legislation before us. That is still being discussed and negotiated. Obviously, I will withhold any judgment until I review it very carefully. I do have concerns about a number of matters I anticipate being in the draft, however,” he said.
h/t Weekly Standard

Augusta County: Jean Shrewsbury testifies against law to help taxpayers

Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue, Augusta County,
testifying against a law to help taxpayers.
Photo courtesy of Family Foundation.

After 10,500 taxpayers battled with Augusta County the past year over unfair increases in real estate assessments at a time of financial downturn, it was incredulous to learn that Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue for Augusta County, testified in Richmond against a proposed law that would help lessen the burden on taxpayers.

Thanks to the Family Foundation who provided the following:

... several days ago, HB 570 was before the Senate Finance Committee.

It preceded this infamous bill hearing (you must see this if you haven’t; click here).

This bill, patroned by Delegate Sal Iaquinto (R-84, Virginia Beach) would level the playing field when property owners appeal their often over assessed homes in order to reduce their already overwhelming tax burdens. Besides, if the government has a good case, it will still win. A no-brainer, right? Not!

Currently, and the way it will now remain for at least another year, the homeowner is the equivalent to guilty until proven innocent, and low-income people can’t even afford to hire an appraiser and other expenses required to overcome the burden of proof. (That’s why advocates for low-income families joined us in supporting the bill.)

Tellingly, the bill’s defeat was heavily targeted by a plethora of local governments and associated organizations whose goal is to further government’s prosperity and not that of the family or individual.

One witness favoring the bill exposed their intentions by asking if they would be against this bill would help them overcome an unfair burden against the homeowner.

Be sure to watch the video.

Citizens become frustrated when government does not listen to them as we saw in Washington when 1.2 million marched on 9/12/09 against government-mandated health care, and in Augusta County in March 2009 when 1,000 taxpayers turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting to protest high real estate assessments.

A lone pro bono attorney, Francis Chester, defended taxpayers who could not believe their outrageously high real estate assessments ... and he has been punished by Augusta County who asked for and received sanctions from Judge Victor Ludwig who called Mr. Chester a modern day Robin Hood.

Is there no representation for the little guy against BIG GOVERNMENT?

Even the Rocket Boys had difficulty finding local representation against Augusta County, noting that 30 lawyers were contacted but were afraid of retaliation from Augusta County, so Francis Chester took on their case.

As one commenter asked, "Why is it that we see the Augusta County government consistently working against the interest of the citizens of Augusta County?"

Why, indeed?

Please contact our reps and let them know how you feel:

Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue
(540) 245-5640
Larry Howdyshell (North River)
(540) 350-2591
Gerald Garber (Middle River)
(540) 234-8388
David Beyeler (South River)
(540) 943-3202
Wendell Coleman (Wayne)
(540) 430-1350
Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor)
(540) 294-2289
Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads)
(540) 377-6390
Tracy Pyles (Pastures) - Supv who supported taxpayers
Please tell him "thank you" - (540) 337-7010

Sen. Emmett Hanger
(540) 885-6898 / district24@senate.virginia.gov
Del. Steve Landes
(540) 245-5540 / steve@stevelandes.com
Del. Dickie Bell
(540) 448-4763 / DelDBell@house.virginia.gov
Del. Ben Cline
(434) 946-9908 / DelBCline@house.virginia.gov

Looking to the 9th District

National Review Online's Campaign Spot highlights the Roanoke Times article about Morgan Griffith's run for the Ninth District seat against Democratic Rep. Rick Boucher.
Griffith lives right on the line between the 6th and 9th district. Methinks in 2012, Rep. Bob Goodlatte will be living pretty close to the line between the 6th and 9th, with Griffith securely in the district.