Free Republic

RICHMOND -- After weeks of indecision, state Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, is lining up support for a likely campaign against Democratic U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher of Abingdon.

A high-ranking Republican in the Virginia legislature is weighing a campaign against Rep. Rick Boucher (D), who is still without a GOP challenger in the state's southwestern 9th district. Morgan Griffith, the majority leader in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates, told The Roanoke Times Monday night that he is considering a campaign against Boucher. "I think I wouldn't even be thinking about this if Boucher had been doing his job," Griffith told the paper. Republican campaign officials have had success in the candidate recruitment process this election cycle but have struggled to land a candidate against Boucher, who has dominated...

Despite a torrent of criticism from the media, Democrats and even some in her own party, Sarah Palin remains the hottest brand name in politics. Her recent resignation was perplexing. It’s raised doubts about her viability as a potential presidential candidate. Still, she remains extremely popular with the GOP grass roots, and most Republican Party leaders would jump at the chance to have her headline one of their events. That’s the picture that emerges from interviews with dozens of GOP state and local leaders from across the country. As part of an effort to gauge Palin’s popularity with the rank...

Groups question validity of Va. law Sodomy law ruling sparks Va. debate The Texas court decision that overturned laws banning sodomy in private coincides with indictments in Virginia alleging public sodomy. By MATT CHITTUM THE ROANOKE TIMES When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Texas anti-sodomy law in June, its ruling came in the middle of a three-month investigation by Harrisonburg police of alleged public sodomy at a city adult bookstore. Laws banning private sodomy are unconstitutional, legal minds quickly agreed, but the government can still prosecute for sodomy in public. So, three weeks after the ruling, Harrisonburg Commonwealth's Attorney...