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If one approaches Wakefield, Virginia, on the third Wednesday of each April, turns at its stoplight, and heads out to the Ruritan Club, it's apparent that Shad Planking day is no ordinary Wednesday. Miles away, signs lined the roadside yesterday like the highway to Wall Drug in South Dakota: "Support hunting." "& fishing rights?" "Must be." "George Allen." The blue signs with white stenciled letters denoted not a rally, or even a party convention, but the unique event in Virginia politics known as the 58th Annual Shad Planking... ...Men or women, black or white, yesterday's Shad Planking was a Republican...

We’ve just launched our new campaign website: www.GeorgeAllen.com! I hope you’ll take some time to click in. I am particularly excited about the many features on the site that allow friends in Virginia and across the country to participate in our positive campaign regardless of where they live.

Welcome Back! Following last year's tradition, I will be posting regular threads with updates on Virginia campaign news. Primarily we will focus on the reelection (and future prospects) of Senator George Allen. Let's begin with stories already around FreeRepublic... Sen. Allen Rejects Reid's Apology; Blasts the Dems as Scurrilous, Bereft of Ideas, ShamelessDemocrats Tap Kaine for State of Union Duty

A high-tech millionaire Democrat may take on U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., after all -- but not the one you think. "I'm exploring my options, and I'll decide soon," said Harris N. Miller of Fairfax, who runs a trade group that lobbies the federal government for the information-technology industry.

Please help by FReeping this poll..........

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - October, 31 2005 - Thread XXVII - EIGHT MORE DAYS!This is it folks. Don't stop now! Let's use this thread for campaign updates and to take us through Election Night. Ping folks here as you get the news. Thanks. Now get back to the phones!

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - October, 24 2005 - Thread XXVI - 2 more weeks From the RTD: Kaine's record left praise, questions by Gordon Hickey and Tyler WhitleyTimothy M. Kaine wasn't supposed to be mayor of Richmond.Kilgore: focused on criminal-justice by Frank Green and Tyler WhitleyRepublican gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore's tough-on-crime talk on the campaign trail reflects a career spent dealing largely with public-safety issues.Candidate speaks about his faith He urges congregation in Chesterfield to trust in God, to trust government leaders by...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - October, 17 2005 - Thread XXV - 3 more weeks From the RTD: Education tops list of candidates' concerns Kaine leading on budget; Kilgore on law & order by Jeffy SchapiroReadying to pick a new governor, most Virginians say their choice will be guided by which candidate is strongest on education, the budget and transportation -- not the topic du jour: the death penalty. I think the emphasis on the Death Penalty is only backfiring in Jeffy's imagination. Kilgore's response...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - October, 10 2005 - Thread XXV - 4 more weeks From the RTD: Daily Press backs Kaine for governor Excerpt: The newspaper criticized Republican Jerry W. Kilgore for advocating voter referendums to decide tax increases and transportation funding. "Simple-minded populism, whether trumpeted by Kilgore or anyone else, is a dead end," the editorial said. BUT, check out the Daily Press comments and endorsement of the Warner/Kaine transportation referendum of 2002. (see comment section) Capital Punishment EditorialVirginians are told to trust Kaine...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - October, 3 2005 - Thread XXIV - 36 days and counting... From the RTD: Kaine,Kilgore square off in final planned match by Tyler WhitleyBefore a statewide audience, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore and Democrat Timothy M. Kaine clashed over taxes, the death penalty and abortion last night.Quotes from the Kaine and Kilgore debateA few students put civics first They watch debate, not sports; Northern Va. gets no live telecast by Kiran Krishamurthy and Paul BradleyFREDERICKSBURG -- Timothy M. Kaine and...

Sprechen sie Deutsch The posted ban on firearms in town parks has sparked an odd, multilingual e-mail skirmish between Town Manager Brannon Godfrey and a Richmond-based gun rights group. Both sides are standing by their guns when it comes to the age-old debate of state law superseding local law, but it looks like the town is going to have to fold on its firearms ban in parks. Signs in Yowell Meadow and Mountain Run Lake parks will be modified within two weeks to remove the “no firearms� restriction - it’s state law. In the meantime, both sides are wrangling over words....

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, September 26 - Thread XXV From the RTD: Kilgore Is Clueless To Necessity of Abortion Letter to the Editor (last one down)Editor, Times-Dispatch: I got a real chuckle reading Federico Morales' letter in which he said Jerry Kilgore was "forward-thinking." A forward-thinking conservative? There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one. Accountability EditiorialAccording to public-opinion polling, the people of Virginia believe Governor Mark Warner has done an excellent or good job during his tenure. And it's not hard to understand...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, September 19 - Thread XXIV - Avast Ye Scurvy Scum From the RTD: Jeffy's Blog From Sunday: Analyst: low marks to rivals' campaigns On main candidates, he cites a lack of 'a sharply focused issue' by Jim MasonSo far, this fall's campaign by Virginia's two major-party candidates for governor has been more about posturing than inspiring voters' interest.Narrow money gap suggests tight House races Closest fundraising contest in Shenandoah Valley; only $1,455 separates candidates by Pamela StallsmithSome of the most...

It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!!! Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last Week's Thread:Virginia Campaign News - Monday, September 12 - Thread XXIII - Ophelia - You're Breakin' My Heart From the RTD: Close races Poll indicates close races for lieutenant governor and attorney general by Jeffy SchapiroThe latest Times-Dispatch poll for lieutenant governor and attorney general is essentially a rerun of the last one.From SundayIn light of debate loss, Kilgore adopts front-runner strategy by Jeffy SchapiroRepublican Jerry Kilgore's much-maligned performance this past Tuesday in the gubernatorial debate with Democrat Tim Kaine is...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, September 5 - Thread XXIII - Labor Day Weekend From the RTD this weekend: Potts: $2.5 billion needed for Va. roads Candidate for governor calls for new taxes, tolls for transportation by Jeffy SchapiroState Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr., independent candidate for governor, is proposing at least $2.5 billion in new taxes and tolls to fix Virginia's crumbling and congested highways.Cost of running for office escalates Former candidates shocked at money needed to fund statewide political races by Pamela StallsmithDuring...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, August 29 - Thread XXII - Stormy Weather From the RTD this weekend: Va. Tech defeats N.C. State 20-16 Now if we can just keep Marcus out of jail... Politicians start last sprint Buena Vista parade marks final push for statewide campaignsby Tyler WhitleyBUENA VISTA With a brand new park 35 years ago, the city fathers of Buena Vista wanted an attraction to show it off.Blogs' profile in races grows Web logs receiving more attention in Va. campaign season by...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Keep our neighbor's to the south in your prayers. Remember, for most of us, Isabel was just a tropical storm when she hit. Last week's thread:Virginia Campaign News - Monday, August 22 From today's RTD: Warner appears in Kaine ads Richmond not among the 3 markets where spots start airing today by Jeffy SchapiroLt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine returns to the airwaves today with a pre-Labor Day television advertising blitz directly linking his candidacy with the popular fellow Democrat he hopes to succeed as governor: Mark R. Warner....

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread:Virginia Campaign News - Monday, August 15 - Well, I'm back From today's RTD: The education of Russ Potts His past prompts change of heartNow running as a straight-talking independent for governor, state Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. of Winchester said he has made mistakes and learned from them...Besides, he said in a recent interview, he is now free of the shackles "of the extreme right wing of my party." He considers himself a Republican in the mold of U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona. I'm...

For the best election 2005 coverege for Virginia Gubernatorial Election Visit Real Clear Politics!for New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Visit Real Clear Politics!

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Thanks to Gabz for postin' last week's thread.Virginia Campaign News - Monday, August 8 Nicely done. From today's RTD... Kilgore, Potts agree on mandates But 2 candidates differ on most other issues in remarks before officials by Tyler WhitleyCHARLOTTESVILLE -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore and state Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. agreed yesterday that the state should not impose any more unfunded mandates on local governments. But they differed on just about everything else.Helloooo! EditorialAre Virginia Republicans boneheads? I gotta say, I agree. Goodnight Irene...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, August 1 – thread XVIII Pickings appear to be a bit slim this morning, so I’ll start with what little I’ve found at the RTD: Three QuestionsThree questions -- one dealing with school funding (Kilgore), another with abortion (Potts), and the other with crime and punishment (Kaine). Answers? Letters to the Editor Marky Mark’s record getting a “beating” in the last letter on the page. Your 2 cents It seems at least one peron is not happy with the recent...

You guys should check this group out. I met one of their members out in Ohio working with a congressional candidate. They knew what they were doing and I was impressed but i didn't realize that Alex had his own team until yesterday. I looked at their website its got some really solid ideas in terms of strategy. Check it out: http://www.vandenberg-strategies.com

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, July 25 - Thread XVII - Hot Hot Hot! Check my profile page for the list of all threads. Articles from the RTD unless otherwise noted. FROM TODAY Tax rise key issue in campaign Kaine, Kilgore express opposing views on wisdom of Warner's 2004 reforms by Michael HardyThe state's two major gubernatorial candidates are hoping to get ahead by looking back. FROM THE WEEKEND Va. Hopeful Hopes to Ride Governor's Wave by Bob LewisRICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- He's a Democrat...

Conservative Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia Jerry Kilgore needs YOUR help in this poll. The liberal, mindless minnions of the Virginia Education Association PAC is spamming this poll with members casting 25 votes per hour. Let's fight back NOW!! To vote in this poll, just click on the link below. You may vote once per hour, so let's do it!!   http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FPage%2FRTD_SectionFront&c=Page&cid=1058750344173

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread: Virginia Campaign News - Monday, July 18 - Thread XVI Check my profile page for the list of all threads. Articles from the RTD unless otherwise noted. FROM TODAY Races tight for No. 2, No. 3 jobs The candidates for the lesser offices are not well-known, poll finds by Jeffy SchapiroThe campaigns for lieutenant governor and attorney general are barely a blip for Virginia voters. Means little. Way to early to even get anyone's attention. Some races may set spending records The costliest House contest...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread:Virginia Campaign News - Monday, July 11 - Thread XV - 187 days and counting... Check my profile page for the list of all threads. Articles from the RTD unless otherwise noted. FROM THE WEEKENDHouse races few and far between Many districts will not see Democrats and Republicans competing against each other by Tyler WhitleyDemocracy will take a holiday in many House of Delegates districts this fall.Rivals clash on Warner legacy Kaine, Kilgore split on taxes, abortion, capital punishment by Jeffy SchapirioWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. --...

Weekly wrapup of Virginia Campaign News. Post 'em if you've got 'em... Last week's thread:Virginia Campaign News - Monday, July 4 - Thread XIV - God Bless America! Check my profile page for the list of all threads. Articles from the RTD unless otherwise noted. FROM FRIDAY Potts supports letting same-sex couples adopt Stance differs from his rival candidates in the governor's race by Bob LewisIndependent gubernatorial candidate H. Russell Potts Jr. voiced unequivocal support yesterday for allowing cohabiting same-sex couples to adopt children, a stance that sharply distinguishes him from his two party rivals in this year's race. From...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMay 23, 2005 Thread VIIIMay 31, 2005 Thread IX - Memorial DayJune 6, 2005 ThreadJune 13, 2005 Thread XI - Primary EveJune 20, 2005 - LATE EDITION - Thread XIIJune 27, 2005 - Thread XIII Articles below are from the Richmond Times Dispatch unless noted.

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMay 23, 2005 Thread VIIIMay 31, 2005 Thread IX - Memorial DayJune 6, 2005 Thread June 13, 2005 Thread XI - Primary Eve June 20, 2005 - LATE EDITION - Thread XII Articles below are from the Richmond Times Dispatch unless noted. FROM THE WEEKEND Kilgore, Kaine highlight transportation plans Candidates agree there are problems, disagree on how to raise the money for fixes...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Sorry I'm late. Was out of town until late last night and way from the computer all day. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread I April 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMay 23, 2005 Thread VIIIMay 31, 2005 Thread IX - Memorial DayJune 6, 2005 Thread June 13, 2005 Thread XI - Primary Eve Articles below are from the Richmond Times Dispatch unless noted. Ex-delegate assumes party post As new leader of the state's Democratic Party, Cranwell comes out firing...

Fellow Freepers!! Please see the e mail message below from the Virginia Education Association (Teachers Union) They are "FLAMING" this poll, and they have turned an 8 point deficit for Liberal Tim Kaine into a "lead". And they have done this in less than 24 hours. They have 25 people voting once an hour. LET'S FIGHT BACK AND SUPPORT OUR CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE FOE GOVERNOR "JERRY KILGORE" !! Please vote once an hour and give the lead back to JERRY KILGORE!! E-mail message Date: Thu, Jun 16, 2005 Subject: VEA teacher's union email asks members to vote in online Governor poll...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMMay 23, 2005 Thread VIIIMay 31, 2005 Thread IX - Memorial DayJune 6, 2005 Thread XDon't Forget to Vote Tomorrow!Light turnout expected in primary Candidates for statewide office, House are among those seeking nomination by Tyler Whitley, Richmond Times DispatchVoters will go to the polls tomorrow to nominate candidates for statewide office, the House of Delegates and municipal offices in a smattering of localities.

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMay 23, 2005 Thread VIIIMay 31, 2005 Thread IX - Memorial DayFROM SUNDAYVirginia voting's primary rule: Write-ins are to be written off Lawmakers intended to preserve party system's integrity, expert says by Tyler WhitleyYou don't like any of the candidates in the June 14 primaries, and want to write in the name of a friend as a protest? You can't. State law forbids write-in...

Memorial Day 2005 Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VIIMay 23, 2005 Thread VIII FROM TODAYA campaign conversion for Allen? A switch on ethanol implies an attempt to court voters in Iowa, Democrats allege by Peter HardinWASHINGTON -- From the state capital newspaper, farmers learned that Sen. George Allen, R-Va., was rethinking his stand on expanding the ethanol industry.Candidates drum up support They crisscross the state to meet voters...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VIMay 16, 2005 Thread VII FROM TODAYAnti-tax PAC targets GOP delegates Group mounting primary challenges to lawmakers who backed higher taxes by Pamela StallsmithAfter the Republican-controlled General Assembly voted to raise taxes last year, R. Jerry Parker Jr. was so mad that his first reaction was to run for office. FROM THE WEEKENDIn the governor's race, watch for outside influence by Jeff Schapiro (Sunday) After losing the governorship...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IVMay 9, 2005 Thread VI FROM TODAYCampaigns exchange a torrent of releases Kaine, Kilgore say the other has flip-flopped on voter referendums by Tyler WhitleyHow many press releases can dance on the head of a pin?Press releases were flying so fast and furiously between the Kaine and Kilgore campaigns last week that the campaign of Timothy M. Kaine saw fit to issue a warning to the recipients.FROM SUNDAYKaine, Kilgore court Hispanic votes...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread IIIMay 2, 2005 Thread IV FROM TODAY Candidate tours state to win votes Rivals for down-ticket spots try to stand out in a crowded field by Pamela StallsmithIt's hard to miss the 32-foot-long Roadmaster with the blue-and-orange Chap Petersen signs in the windows. Corin's comment: Who? FROM SUNDAYTelling regional accents? Commotion about Kilgore's tone of voice is a 'political sideshow,' an analyst says by Tyler WhitleySpeaking to students at the University of Virginia recently, Republican gubernatorial...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread IApril 18, 2005 Thread IIApril 25, 2005 Thread III Thanks to FReeper Flora McDonald for our thread graphics: (required posting for any Schapiro link) From Sunday Kaine gets a head start on mind games by Jeff SchapiroThe path to the Virginia governorship runs through a candidate's psyche. Just ask Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the presumed Democratic nominee. Road Shows EditorialJerry Kilgore and Tim Kaine are running for Governor, not Transportation Commissioner -- thank goodness. Both candidates have rolled out their transportation packages, such...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 ThreadApril 18, 2005 Thread SundayMoney flows for Kaine, Kilgore Quest to become next governor is costing a chunk of change by Pamela StallsmithDemocrat Timothy M. Kaine and Republican Jerry W. Kilgore are raising record amounts of money in their gubernatorial quests, but they're also spending huge chunks of it. Corin's comment: Remember that a HUGE chunk of Timmy's change came from the Scream Machine (DNC). To help Jerry out go to Jerry Kilgore for Governor. Also from SundayGOP candidates for No. 2 office debate by...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... April 11, 2005 Thread Related threads: VA Gubernatorial Race: Kilgore(R) 44% Kaine(D) 36% Corin's Comment: Great news, just remember tho, it's Rasmussen. Senate 2006: From Venerable to Vulnerable The 14 seats most likely to change hands in 2006 Corin's Comment: Just remember it's Sabato. J. Warner mum on rule vote by Peter HardinWASHINGTON -- It's not clear if he got it from former wife Elizabeth Taylor or if it is innate, but U.S. Sen. John W. Warner has a flair for the dramatic. The fifth-term Virginia senator was...

Weekly wrap-up of Virginia Campaign New. Post 'em if you got em... Allen bringing faith into view - Monday, April 11, 2005 Is public openness about religion a signal of higher aspirations? By Peter HardinWASHINGTON -- "I have been blessed by the Lord," Sen. George Allen told religious broadcaster Pat Robertson on a Christian Broadcasting Network show last week."Faith matters first and fore- most to me," the Virginia Republican told the Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, N.Y., in February. He told the club members that as Virginia governor, he had prayed in the Capitol over how to handle a parental-notification bill....

Conservative Republicans in the Virginia Senate yesterday failed to strip breakaway Republican H. Russell Potts Jr. of his committee assignments as punishment for his independent bid for governor. Potts, a curmudgeonly Winchester sports promoter elected in 1991, survived on a procedural ruling by the GOP-controlled Senate's president, Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the likely Democratic nominee for governor.

Rather than post a series of articles (because they'll just be multiplying), I'm going to post frequent threads with links to current campaign articles. I'll mainly focus on the Governor's race and next years' Senate race (and implications beyond)Feel free to post your own links...Kaine and Kilgore are already brawling in the living room by Ray McAllister (excerpt)...Meanwhile, a Kaine e-mail challenged Kilgore to meet Kaine in a series of monthly "Trust the People" debates around the state... Corin's comment: For Kaine to issue a debate challenge this early in the race, he must know he's in big time trouble....

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Kilgore Begins his Campaign Run He pushes tax relief as not an option but 'a guarantee from me' GATE CITY -- Republican Jerry W. Kilgore formally opened his campaign for governor last night in his Southwest Virginia mountain birthplace. He hopes to harness public hostility to taxes by promising a voter veto of any increase in the sales, income or gasoline tax. In addition to pledging to put any tax boosts to referendum -- except in an unspecified emergency -- Kilgore proposed a constitutional amendment restricting increases in local tax assessments on homes to 5 percent annually, unless the property...

Please mark your calendar today for Tuesday, March 22 at 5:30pm. Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore will formally kick off his campaign for Governor at Tredegar Iron Works. Following the formal announcement, there will be a free BBQ Dinner.

Allen's staff comes and goesA high turnover rate is found in his office; no problem, aide saysM WASHINGTON -- Sen. George Allen, a gung-ho sports fan, likes to promote his Senate staffers as the "A-Team." Despite the sunny talk, the Virginia Republican experienced high staff turnover in his first years as a freshman senator and lost dozens of staff members, according to public records. Allen, a rising political star, employed 125 aides in his Washington and Virginia offices between January 2001 and Sept. 30 of last year, according to Senate payroll records. Eighty-one came and went during that time from...

EXCERPT: Pr. William Property Tax Cut Proposed Rate Would Fall 15 Cents, Mitigating Rise in Values Prince William County homeowners would see a cut of nearly 15 cents in the property tax rate under a spending plan proposed yesterday to the county supervisors. The reduction is the largest proposed so far in Northern Virginia as localities launch the spring budget season. Real estate values have skyrocketed throughout the area, and taxpayers have clamored for cuts in the rate at which their property is taxed. ... The Prince William Taxpayers Alliance, an anti-tax group, would like the average increase to "be...

A contrarian Republican legislator angry over the rightward shift of his party appears poised to bolt the GOP to run for governor as an independent. Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr. of Winchester, a sports promoter known for prickly populism, is expected to disclose his intentions at a news conference tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber of the state Capitol.

Additional car-tax relief hit a dead end yesterday. House-passed legislation jump-starting the rollback of the local tax on personal motor vehicles was, in effect, defeated for the year in the Senate Finance Committee. The committee, dominated by moderate Republicans who consider the car-tax phaseout a budget-buster, refused to even vote on the bill, sponsored by Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-