Levine's Delegate seat is in trouble after his late entrance into the crowded LG race
Here are the top news stories from Virginia politics.
Welcome to Tuesday! Here at the top news stories from Virginia politics.
Virginia's House Democrats push hard for Trump's impeachment - Virginia Scope
Virginia’s entire Democratic delegation in the House has indicated that they support impeaching the President for his involvement in the insurrection that took place in Washington D.C. on January 6.
Central Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) issued a statement on Monday stating that she cosponsored the impeachment article for the protection of the United States. “This man – the President of the United States – incited the insurrection, and he must be held accountable for the gross violation of his oath and the betrayal of his office," Spanberger said on Monday. "If Vice President Pence, a target of this insurrection, will not do his duty and invoke the 25th Amendment, then all who hold our oaths to protect this nation dear will be forced to impeach President Donald Trump for inciting this insurrection.”
Political newcomer with ability to self-fund to enter race for Virginia governor - Washington Post
by Laura Vozzella
Glenn Youngkin, who made a fortune in the world of private equity, plans to run for Virginia governor, his campaign manager confirmed Monday, after the former Carlyle Group executive filed paperwork laying the groundwork for his Republican campaign.
Youngkin, 54 has never held elective office — and plans to use that as a selling point to voters sick of the current political climate, said campaign manager Garrison Coward.
Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker Announces Candidacy for House of Delegates District 45 - Blue Virginia
Bennett-Parker announced her candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates. She is running in the 45th District, currently represented by Delegate Levine, who is running for Lieutenant Governor. “I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates today. I am running because I understand the challenges families in Northern Virginia face, especially in this pandemic,” Bennett-Parker said. “I want to be a part of the solution by ensuring all Northern Virginians have access to good jobs with worker protections, helping small businesses thrive, making sure families have access to quality care and education for their children from early childhood onwards, and taking urgent action to protect our environment and build an infrastructure to respond to climate change.”
As session begins Wednesday, view the schedule for the House of Delegates - Virginia Scope
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has led us to hold the 2021 House legislative session virtually, I am committed to making it accessible and transparent,” said Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn. “Virginians will be able to view committee meetings and provide written testimony and also testify virtually, from every corner of the Commonwealth.”
Northam, D.C. Mayor, and Maryland’s governor urge everyone to stay home for Joe Biden’s inauguration. - Virginia Scope
The chief executives of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia held a joint call on Monday to discuss planning for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. The call covered recent requests by D.C. to the federal government, and the leaders discussed the need for enhanced planning and preparation compared to previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection on January 6, 2021. The Mayor and the Governors agreed to urge Americans not to come into Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration and to instead participate virtually.
They issued the following statement:
“January 6, 2021, is now a seminal moment in American history. We are grateful for the courageous efforts of every law enforcement officer, Guard member, and first responder who heroically worked to secure the Capitol and ensure our nation’s democracy prevailed. On January 20, there will be a transition of power, and we will work together, and with our partners in the federal government, to ensure the safety of the National Capital Region. Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, D.C. and to instead participate virtually. In this very trying time, January 6 was a dark moment for our nation. But we know that we will get through this period because American ideals are stronger than one extreme ideology. Together, we will overcome extremism and get back to the work of our residents.”
Virginia hospitals ask Northam to speed up vaccinations, consider more restrictions = Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Michael Martz
Virginia hospitals urged Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday to accelerate the vaccination of a broad swath of the state’s population against COVID-19 and consider further restrictions on public and professional gatherings. Their concern: to relieve pressure on health care providers as a spike in cases threatens to overwhelm them and force limitations on medical care.
Virginia prepares for potential armed protests at state Capitol - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Michael Martz
The guardians of Virginia’s seat of government are bracing for potential armed protests at the state Capitol in Richmond beginning on Sunday, as President-elect Joe Biden prepares for inauguration. Biden’s swearing-in will come under the shadow of an insurrection by supporters of President Donald Trump that left five dead and the U.S. Capitol ransacked on Wednesday as Congress prepared to certify his electoral victory.
Long list of endorsements in Virginia's statewide races and more news - Virginia Scope
A lot of Democratic endorsements were announced on Monday as the nomination races heat up.
Culpeper councilmember defends calling Capitol rioters 'Patriots' - WUSA9
by Scott Broom
Councilmember Jon Russell says his description was a "term of endearment," but said the attackers became lawbreakers once inside the Capitol.
ICYMI: There is a new GOP candidate running for Governor - Virginia Scope
Sergio de la Peña, an Army Colonel who says he worked and campaign for President Trump is running for Governor of Virginia as a Republican.
De la Peña was born in Mexico and says he came to the United States legally. His website says that the Trump Administration appointed him to help oversee the Western Hemisphere at the Pentagon.
More news:
Senator John Bell, Delegate David Reid, and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk endorse Terry McAuliffe for Governor
“I’m all in for Terry McAuliffe. Terry was an outstanding governor and Virginia needs him as we rebuild our economy after COVID to ensure we lift every person up. His bold economic recovery plan will create new jobs while protecting workers, including veterans like myself. If anyone can turn the Commonwealth’s economy around, it’s Terry - he is a proven job creator with the vision and record to get it done,” said Senator John Bell (Loudoun and Prince William Counties).
“Terry McAuliffe has been a tireless leader for Virginia families. As a Navy veteran and the Chair of the Virginia Military and Veterans Caucus, I commend Terry for the great work he has done and will do to recruit, hire, and support Virginia’s veterans in our workforce. I also commend Terry for making Virginia the first state in the nation to functionally end veteran homelessness. Terry has been and will be a champion for our veterans - and for all Virginians. Terry McAuliffe has been an unstoppable leader for all of Virginia families. As governor, Terry took unprecedented steps to build up the Virginia economy, bringing in over $20 billion in new capital investments and creating 200,000 new jobs. He has the big and bold vision needed to lead our Commonwealth forward,” said Delegate David Reid (Loudoun County).
Jason Miyares Announces Additional Endorsements In Campaign for Attorney General
"Jason Miyares has been a tremendous conservative voice in the General Assembly and will make a fantastic Attorney General. He stands with Law Enforcement and will put a check on the liberal takeover in Richmond. Putting a conservative champion like Jason Miyares in the Attorney General's office is a good first step." -Delegate Poindexter