Results tagged “Elections”

January 3, 2012

The Washington Times reports, "Virginia legislators are preparing to take on the thorny subject of voter identification laws during the upcoming General Assembly session amid national controversy that includes the Justice Department's rejection of a state law on the matter for the first time in almost 20 years... One bill from Sen. Stephen H. Martin would eliminate the state's voter registration card from the list of identification forms that voters can use at the polls. The bill also contains a measure mandating that voters who do not have proper identification cast provisional ballots."

Progressive Point: The new voting restrictions conservatives want to pass do one thing only--make it harder for regular Virginians to vote. The ability to choose our leaders is at the core of democracy. Conservatives and their corporate backers, like ALEC, are targeting Virginia's students, seniors, and minorities with these regulations to try to take away the constitutional right to vote.

Conservatives want to make voting harder for average Virginians because they are scared of facing voters honestly in the next election. Simply, right-wing lawmakers would rather take away people's right to vote than risk being voted against. But in Virginia, and across the country, less democracy is never the right answer, and its not the right answer now.

Get the Facts:

• A similiar voter ID law in South Carolina was recently rejected by the Department of Justice because they found that it would have made it harder for minorities to vote. (Washington Times, January 3, 2012)


• Conservatives in the Commonwealth have a history of trying to pass voter suppression legislation with the help of ALEC in Virginia but have previously been defeated in their attempts. (ProgressVA)


• "There is a concerted effort around the country to make it more difficult, for particularly young people and minorities, to vote... Virginia Republicans were pushing this issue well before Barack Obama came onto the scene. It just so happens that this year, if they're successful, it will make it easier for them to defeat Barack Obama." (Delegate David L. Englin Washington Times, January 3, 2012)

Tweet it: Less democracy is wrong for Virginia http://bit.ly/Ay81rO via @ProgressVA

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December 8, 2011

The Washington Post reports that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is refusing to resign from office while he simultaneously runs for Governor. Their article states, "Having announced his intention to run for governor, Mr. Cuccinelli (R) is bucking more than 60 years of bipartisan Virginia history by refusing to do the right thing and resign. Instead, he is insisting on remaining the state's top lawyer 'until the last day of my term,' even as he holds fundraisers, attends events and campaigns for governor. Thus Mr. Cuccinelli will inevitably further politicize his office, adding a partisan cast to every significant move it makes."

Progressive Point: Virginia's Attorney General is entrusted with defending the laws and interests of Virginia. Attorney General Cuccinelli has used the office to promote a radical ideological agenda rather than serving the Virginia voters who trusted him with this responsibility. Now, his refusal to step down while running for Governor will further politicize an office which should be devoted to the interests of Virginians.

Attorneys General of both parties have resigned to run for Governor to ensure the office is occupied by a full-time AG devoted to pursuing justice, not the next election. Ken Cuccinelli refuses to resign--preferring instead to use the bully pulpit of the Attorney General's office consolidate his conservative credentials with the radical right. Cuccinelli abuses the trust of the voters by using his platform to campaign for election rather than justice.

Tweet it: Cuccinelli's refusal to resign while running will result in further ideological activism from the AG http://bit.ly/tzO9Sh via @ProgressVA

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November 30, 2011

Jeff Schapiro in the Richmond Times Dispatch reports that both former Republican Congressman Virgil Goode and former Republican State Senator John Chichester are joining with Democrats and urging power-sharing in the Virginia State Senate. He writes, "Virgil Goode Jr., the guy who forced an evenly split Virginia Senate into power-sharing in 1996, argues that it should do the same in 2012 -- that giving both parties a say makes for 'greater harmony and a better attitude.'... John Chichester, a Republican for whom power-sharing was a steppingstone to the Finance Committee chairmanship, the most influential position in the Senate, all but says his party is guilty of a flip-flop by now claiming the lieutenant governor's tie-breaking vote gives the GOP a lock on power."

Progressive Point: Republicans and Democrats agree that power-sharing in State Senate is in the best interest of the Commonwealth and Virginia families. The only opposition to this balanced approach and bipartisan solution is from out-of-touch conservatives who won't even listen to reason from their own party. Imposition of an unelected Republican majority in the State Senate ignores the voice and vote of Virginians in a bald power grab to institute one party rule. This overreach is not in the best interest of Virginians, who voted for legislators who can work together, not for partisan politics.  

Get the Facts:
In the mid-90s, when the shoe was on the other foot, Virginia Republicans argued for the exact opposite for what they are saying today. Here are a couple of their quotes:

• "There are 20 of them -- there are 20 of us... We are going to be equal partners." Sen. John Chichester, The Richmond Times Dispatch, November 30, 2011

• "We've got parity we're entitled to 50 percent of the committee chairmanships and 75 of the 150 committee assignments." Sen. Joe Benedetti (R-Richmond), The Washington Times, December 13, 1995

• "[the power-sharing pact] is consistent with what [voters] decided on during the election which was a 20-20 split" Gov. George Allen, The Washington Times, January 13, 1996

• "I thought in 1996 that the power-sharing arrangement, which was good for four years, made for greater harmony in doing the business of the Senate... I think such would be true today if a sharing agreement could be worked out." Rep. Virgil Goode, The Richmond Times Dispatch, November 30, 2011

Tweet it: Democrats and Republicans Agree on Power-Sharing http://bit.ly/tjsuES via @ProgressVA

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Conservative lawmakers did not waste any time in getting partisan legislative proposals started for the next session that starts in January. Some controversial proposals are already public, just two weeks since the election, and they include:

• "Personhood" Anti-Abortion Legislation - Similar to legislation recently rejected in Mississippi, Del. Bob Marshall has already filed a "Personhood" bill for the upcoming session. (Washington Post, Virginia's Legislative Information System)


• Ending Criminal Background Checks for Gun Purchases - The Virginian-Pilot reports, "Gun-rights advocates have lobbied Gov. Bob McDonnell to scrap the program... Efforts to cancel the state's 22-year-old background check system... could be debated in the upcoming General Assembly session." This will likely be just one of many pro-gun proposals from conservatives.


• Undoing Compromise Redistricting - Conservatives led by Republican Leader Tommy Norment would redo this year's Virginia State Senate and House redistricting to be more favorable to Republicans. (Virginia Gazette) Conservatives are also trying to stall Congressional redistricting until January, in order to pass a map that will protect their 8 - 3 Republican Congressional majority and eliminate the creation of a second minority seat. (Washington Post)


• Conservative Immigration Policy - New legislation, and legislation copied from other states, will have significant anti-immigrant impacts on Virginia law enforcement, businesses, social and medical services, education, and housing. (Change Servant)


• Anti-Union Legislation - Del. Marshall has filed a bill to prohibit state revenue for the Dulles metro project if there is a project labor agreement. (VA Legislative Information System) Senate candidate George Allen also recently voiced opposition to Project Labor Agreements. (Progressive Point)


• Removing a Ban on Uranium Mining - Conservative lawmakers will likely help the uranium industry remove Virginia's 30-year ban on uranium mining in the Commonwealth. (Keep the Ban)


• Exempting VA Coal Companies from the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and All Federal Regulations - Last year, conservatives passed legislation in the House of Delegates that would exempt any products mined, manufactured, or produced in any other way and sold in Virginia from all federal regulations. That means coal companies would be exempt from the Clean Water Act and utilities would be exempt from the Clean Air Act if they were burning coal mined in Virginia. (Virginia Chapter Sierra Club) This will very likely be put forward again in January.


• Major Budget Cuts and Layoffs - Gov. McDonnell will soon submit a budget that will likely include layoffs and cuts of up to 6% for Virginia agencies, as well as many changes disingenuously labeled "reforms" from McDonnell's commission that excluded Democratic members. (Richmond Times Dispatch Oct. 28, 2011; Richmond Times Dispatch Nov. 20, 2011)

Also likely to return is a proposal to change pension plans from defined-benefit to defined-contribution--a conservative plan to hand over teachers and firefighters' retirement accounts to Wall Street for them to gamble away. (Virginian-Pilot) We can expect many other conservative legislative proposals, such as school vouchers, anti-transparency measures, and a right-to-work constitutional amendment.

Following Republican gains in Virginia's State Senate and House, conservative lawmakers believe they will be able to force through ideological and controversial bills that had previously been stopped by the State Senate. These proposals are not in the best interest of Virginians and we cannot allow them to become law because we weren't paying attention.

ProgressVA will continue to keep this list updated as new conservative legislative proposals surface.

November 18, 2011

On November 8th, Virginia voters chose to elect equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans to the State Senate. Now, Republican Senators are circumventing the voters' decision and Virginia's Constitution to declare a majority in order to push through their extreme agenda. Senator Tommy Norment, who has been selected to lead the Republican Senate Caucus, demonstrated his poor grasp of math yesterday when he declared "the people of Virginia voted to have Republicans lead the Senate of Virginia."

Progressive Point: Respect for the rule of law and the decisions made by voters are fundamental to our democracy. Republicans in the State Senate have chosen to disregard the Virginia Constitution, the verdict delivered by voters on November 8th, and apparently the basic rules of math. Ask any first grader whether 20 is greater than 20 and they will tell you no. This blatant power grab is an insult to Virginians. Republicans in the State Senate must respect the laws of our Commonwealth and establish power-sharing in the Senate. Running roughshod over the will of Virginia voters to push through their extreme agenda threatens our future and subverts our democratic traditions.

Get the Facts:

20 is not greater than 20. (Source: 1st grade math, Wolfram Alpha)

The Virginia Constitution states that "members elected" may vote on the rules and organization of the Senate. The Leiutenant Governor is not a member of the State Senate. (Source: Constitution of Virginia, Senator John Edwards)

Tweet it: Twenty is not more than twenty http://bit.ly/tRm0Te via @ProgressVA

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November 10, 2011

Tuesday's election resulted in the Democratic Party holding 20 seats in the State Senate, the Republican Party holding 19, and one race that is too close to call but will likely go to the Republicans. This will result in a 20 to 20 tie in the Senate, with Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling in the position to cast tie breaking votes.

Progressive Point: On Tuesday, you voted. On Wednesday, Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell decided it didn't matter. In a blatant power grab, the far right of Virginia, under McDonnell and Bolling's leadership, is attempting to seize control of the State Senate despite voters choosing to split power evenly between the parties.

McDonnell, Bolling and the radical right are trying to grab control while they only have 19 seats in the State Senate, with their own possible 20^th State Senator refusing to declare victory. These brazenly partisan attempts, the first day after the election, signal a scary future for our Commonwealth if the Tea Party is allowed to take total control. Virginia needs leaders who will work together to secure a better future for our families, not supercede election results to push their own agenda.

Get the Facts:

"Virginia Republicans, who appear to have eked out a partisan 20-20 split in the 40-seat Senate in Tuesday's election, said Wednesday they will not share power with Democrats, who have held a two-seat majority the past four years... That's contingent, however, on Republican newcomer Bryce Reeves' narrow lead over 7-term Democratic Sen. R. Edward Houck surviving Wednesday's vote canvass in six localities that are part of the 17th Senate District, then a possible recount." (Washington Post)

"Republicans declared victory in the race between challenger Bryce Reeves and longtime Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, despite a mere 86 votes separating the two candidates and more ballots left to count -- not to mention the likelihood of a recount. But don't include Reeves among those already assuming victory. Campaign manager Chris Leavitt said they're going to wait before they anoint themselves the winner." (Washington Examiner)

"In one of their first moves since Tuesday's election, Republicans said Wednesday they would wait until January when they are in power in both the House and Senate to redraw the state's 11 congressional districts... The decision virtually ensures the state would keep its 8-3 split of Republican vs. Democratic congressmen... The Democratic-led Senate passed a competing map which would create a new district in which black voters are a sizeable minority, in addition to another district in which they hold a majority. The House plan, like Virginia's current map, includes one minority-minority district." (Washington Post)

Tweet it: On Tuesday, you voted. On Wednesday, Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell decided it didn't matter. http://bit.ly/sQz3zs via @ProgressVA

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November 8, 2011

Progressive voter turnout yesterday was better than the Tea Party expected and resulted in a likely 20 to 20 seat split between Democrats and Republicans in the State Senate. If this scenario is confirmed by the State Board of Elections, control of the State Senate will be divided, but conservative Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will be able to cast tie breaking votes.

Progressive Point: Despite spending much more money, Governor Bob McDonnell and the Tea Party were not able to buy an unstoppable majority in the Virginia State Senate. Virginians across the Commonwealth did not want to hand him and his party a blank check when it comes to our social and fiscal future. Despite how hard the Tea Party tried to take over our government, many more progressives showed up at the polls to say no and reject their radical agenda. While it will often be an uphill battle for average Virginians, today we are beginning a new fight for our shared future and values. Today the future of the State Senate is foggy, one thing is clear: McDonnell's money couldn't buy support for his terrible policies.

Tweet it: McDonnell's money couldn't buy support for his terrible policies http://bit.ly/rAdC7L via @ProgressVA

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November 7, 2011

Today is Election Day across Virginia and your vote matters more than ever. No less than the control of our State Senate and the future of our Commonwealth are at stake.

Progressive Point: With the control of the Virginia State Senate and the future of our families on the line, every vote today is extremely important.  Please forward this message to all of your family members and friends who live in Virginia to remind them how important today's election is. Tell them what issue is personally important to you and why it matters that they get out and vote. Tell them you care about women's rights, that you want our legislature to stand up to discrimination of every kind, or that you want responsible approaches to Virginia's environmental and transportation future for our families.

On Election Day, polls are open from 6 AM to 7 PM. Look up your polling place and driving directions on the Virginia State Board of Election's website.

Tweet it: Today is Election Day. Did your family vote?http://bit.ly/rtFCYg via @ProgressVA

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November 7, 2011

If radical conservatives take over Virginia's State Senate tomorrow, at the top of their agenda will be further restricting the rights of women and effectively banning abortion. Even without control of the Senate, they were able to push through new regulations that will close many of Virginia's women's health centers. We can also expect to see items like Mississippi's "personhood" amendment, which would grant legal rights to all fertilized eggs. Virginia's Bob Marshall has already proposed similar legislation, which overwhelming passed the House of Delegates and was only stopped by the State Senate. Without leadership in the State Senate that values women and families, there will be no block to the Tea Party's dangerous and intrusive agenda.

Progressive Point: The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a difficult one best left to a woman, her family and her faith--not radical bureaucrats in Richmond. Governor McDonnell McDonnell and Tea Party politicians want smaller government except when it comes to telling a woman what decisions she should make with her body. They want less family planning services and comprehensive sexual education programs in Virginia, but they want more government when it comes to invasive regulations on choices that should only be between a woman, her family and her faith.  McDonnell and his Tea Party allies go too far in their efforts to involve themselves in personal decisions and end access to women's health centers across Virginia. No government should have the right to control a woman's body or over our families' private decisions. We need our representatives to focus on jobs and fixing our economy, not making a personal decision a political issue.

Get the Facts:

"The Virginia Senate has been a cemetery for the General Assembly's most conservative legislation for more than a decade. But if Republicans gain three or more Senate seats in next month's decisive legislative elections, conservatives would consolidate their hold on Virginia government and turn state policy hard to the right... The House's most prolific author of anti-abortion bills, Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, said he would celebrate a conservative Senate takeover. Among the bills he might bring back is one that would effectively end abortion by granting legal rights of personhood to fetuses... Other bills that were dead on arrival before the current Senate could make victorious encores in a Senate run from the right. They would: -- Make it a crime for a woman to cause her own miscarriage or to coerce a young woman into having an abortion. -- Require doctors to offer to anesthetize a fetus before performing an abortion." (Virginia Pilot)

Tweet it: What's at stake on Nov. 8: Women and Families http://bit.ly/uhy6gN via @ProgressVA

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November 7, 2011

If radical conservatives take over Virginia's State Senate tomorrow, at the top of their agenda will be further restricting the rights of women and effectively banning abortion. Even without control of the Senate, they were able to push through new regulations that will close many of Virginia's women's health centers. We can also expect to see items like Mississippi's "personhood" amendment, which would grant legal rights to all fertilized eggs. Virginia's Bob Marshall has already proposed similar legislation, which overwhelming passed the House of Delegates and was only stopped by the State Senate. Without leadership in the State Senate that values women and families, there will be no block to the Tea Party's dangerous and intrusive agenda.

Progressive Point: The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a difficult one best left to a woman, her family and her faith--not radical bureaucrats in Richmond. Governor McDonnell and Tea Party politicians want smaller government except when it comes to telling a woman what decisions she should make with her body. They want less family planning services and comprehensive sexual education programs, but more government when it comes to invasive regulations on choices that should only be between a woman, her family and her faith.  McDonnell and his Tea Party allies go too far in their efforts to involve themselves in personal decisions and end access to women's health centers across Virginia. No government should have the right to control a woman's body or a family's private decisions. We need our representatives to focus on jobs and fixing our economy, not making a personal decision a political issue.

Get the Facts:

"The Virginia Senate has been a cemetery for the General Assembly's most conservative legislation for more than a decade. But if Republicans gain three or more Senate seats in next month's decisive legislative elections, conservatives would consolidate their hold on Virginia government and turn state policy hard to the right... The House's most prolific author of anti-abortion bills, Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, said he would celebrate a conservative Senate takeover. Among the bills he might bring back is one that would effectively end abortion by granting legal rights of personhood to fetuses... Other bills that were dead on arrival before the current Senate could make victorious encores in a Senate run from the right. They would: -- Make it a crime for a woman to cause her own miscarriage or to coerce a young woman into having an abortion. -- Require doctors to offer to anesthetize a fetus before performing an abortion." (Virginia Pilot)

Tweet it: What's at stake in tomorrow's election: Women and Families http://bit.ly/tONhML via @ProgressVA

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November 4, 2011

Conservatives in Virginia's legislature have launched an all-out attack on our environment. Their polluting agenda includes exempting Virginia utilities from the Clean Air Act, promoting reckless offshore drilling, and repealing Virginia's ban on uranium mining. The State Senate is our last line of defense for clean air, clean water, and renewable energy.

Progressive Point: Radical conservatives in the state legislature are pushing for legislation that would devastate Virginia's clean water, clean air and natural environment. The State Senate has always been there to stop them. If Bob McDonnell's Tea Party allies take over the Senate on Tuesday, their extreme agenda will threaten the places that make Virginia so special. Instead of creating green jobs and investing in the clean energy economy, these radical conservatives will focus on removing the ban on uranium mining, pushing for offshore oil drilling and fracking, and continuing the practice of mountaintop removal. On Tuesday, vote for leaders who will protect Virginia families' right to clean water and clean air, and focus on bringing green jobs to the Commonwealth.

Get the Facts:

"Bob McDonnell doesn't get it at all. Actually, he does 'get it' if we're talking about 'getting' huge wads of cash from the dirty energy industry, hanging out with the Koch boys and 'getting' his pro-dirty-energy lines straight from them." (Blue Virginia)

"Virginia spends less than 1% of general fund revenues on environmental programs. While permitting and enforcement costs continue to rise, environmental departments are compelled to slash budgets. A uranium industry would generate pollution in Virginia for untold generations, with inadequate oversight by regulatory authorities." (Keep The Ban)

Tweet it: Like clean air and clean water? On Tuesday, vote against McDonnell's polluter ticket http://bit.ly/uhy6gN via @ProgressVA

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November 3, 2011

Bob McDonnell has failed over and over again to fulfill a key campaign promise: fix Virginia's transportation problems. He failed to support high speed rail, he now wants to build toll booths on 95, and reintroduce an ABC privatization proposal that his own party has already rejected.

Progressive Point: Virginia families know: its taking longer and longer to make it home from work, to get to the grocery store, or to that meeting across town. Bob McDonnell promised to find dedicated revenue for transportation, but thanks to his budget cuts our commutes, bridges, and roads keep getting worse--hurting both our economy and day-to-day quality of life. Today, the State Senate is the only bullwark against McDonnell's transportation mismanagement.  Every year we have less money to build new roads and public transit; soon we will only have funds to fix the ones we already have.  Without responsible leadership in the State Senate and your vote on Tuesday, Virginia's transportation crisis will continue to worsen for our families and our local businesses.  If Bob McDonnell and his Tea Party agenda are allowed to take the wheel in Richmond, we will all be stuck be sitting in traffic for years to come.

Get The Facts:

"Many GOP candidates acknowledge privately that any serious attempt to improve the transportation network requires new funding... Unfortunately most of what they say doesn't make much sense...  Virginia last raised its gas tax, the major funding source for transportation, in 1986. Inflation and fuel-efficient cars have depleted that stream of revenue." (Washington Post)

*"Virginia could get far more bang for its precious transportation buck by focusing on local street connections, and most of all repairing crumbling roads and bridges. Instead, the McDonnell administration seems bent on repeating the mistakes of the 1950s: building unsustainable transportation networks at the periphery while letting a more central economic engine sputter." (Greater Greater Washington)

"Virginia drivers may be asked to pay tolls along Interstate 95, but the revenue from the tolls would contribute little to needed road maintenance and construction throughout the state." (Virginia Statehouse News)

Tweet it: If McDonnell and the Tea Party take the wheel on Nov 8, we'll be stuck sitting in traffic for years http://bit.ly/w4SrvJ via @ProgressVA

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November 2, 2011

In December, Governor Bob McDonnell will submit his biannual budget.  Contrary to his attempts to convince Virginians that there is a budget surplus, McDonnell has already told state agencies to submit plans for cutting 2, 4, and 6 percent of their operating budgets (Richmond Times Dispatch). McDonnell has also publicly admitted that state employee layoffs are also on the table.

Progressive Point: Virginians need leaders who will invest in our future, not pass the buck down the road. This Tuesday, Virginians have a choice between Bob McDonnell's Tea Party agenda and a balanced approach to growing our economy and keeping our promises to Virginia families. The State Senate is the last check on Bob McDonnell's radical Tea Party agenda to slash funding for schools, roads, and public safety while forcing tough decisions off onto struggling local governments. Your vote is critical to stopping Bob McDonnell and his Tea Party allies from balancing the budget on the backs of educators, nurses, and firefighters. This Tuesday, use your vote to choose leadership that will fight to invest in a future for our Commonwealth that will ensure the security, prosperity, and opportunity Virginia's families deserve.

Tweet it: Bob McDonnell wants to mortgage Virginia's future. On Nov. 8th, you can stop him http://bit.ly/tDrSuH via @ProgressVA

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November 1, 2011

Virginia's election is one week from today: Tuesday, November 8th. Republicans across the Commonwealth and country are bankrolling campaigns in hopes of taking over the State Senate: the last impediment to their radical conservative agenda. Our children and Virginia's education system will be one of the most hurt by the planned conservative agenda and continued education budget cuts.

Progressive Point: Voting next Tuesday is extremely important because the fates of Virginia's teachers, children, and families are at stake. Strong schools are essential for investing in the future of our children, but also in strengthening the future of Virginia's economy with an educated workforce. There is no higher calling than a teacher who is committed to providing our children with a high-quality education--and for that commitment they deserve to be paid a fair wage without carrying the burden of Bob McDonnell's continued budget failures. Virginia's children can't vote on November 8th, but you can. Our children cannot afford a conservative takeover of the State Senate that will devastate our education system.

Get the Facts:

"The median person with a college degree is in a family making $75,000.  The media person with a high-school degree is in a family making $42,000 and the average high school dropout is in a family making $28,000." - David Brooks, The Social Animal (Random House 2011)

"[I]n 2001-02 in-state undergraduates and their families bore 23 percent of the cost of their education. In 2011-12, the student share is 49 percent... [S]tate funding per full-time college student in Virginia dropped about 9 percent between 2005 and 2010. In North Carolina, it increased 11 percent over the same period, and in Maryland it was up about 6 percent.  According to U.S. Labor Department figures, the current unemployment rate is about 9.1 percent. Among Americans with a bachelor's degree, the jobless rate drops to 4.2 percent." (Fredericksburg.com)

"Western Virginia's school districts are grappling with the possible loss of scores of positions because of the end of federal stimulus funding. 'School districts are basically people,' said Floyd County school Superintendent Kevin Harris, who is looking at losing $600,000, the equivalent of 12 teaching positions.  'We do know with considerably less money in the budget next year, it will affect personnel. It will affect teaching.'" (The Roanoke Times)

Tweet it: Virginia's children can't vote on Nov. 8, but you can http://bit.ly/uodtcV via @ProgressVA

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October 21, 2011

This November 8th, the entire Virginia legislature is up for election and Virginians are faced with a distinct choice between two different visions for the future of the Commonwealth. Attorney General Cuccinelli articulated that point this week when he wrote to supporters that the State Senate has "done all that is in their power to oppose and undermine the work I promised I would do during my campaign in 2009," and the "Senate is where conservative legislation goes to die."

The Progressive Point: Elections matter. This November, Virginia voters have a choice between preserving a pro-family majority in the State Senate or electing radical conservatives that will advance a far-right Tea Party agenda. A Cuccinelli/McDonnell takeover of the State Senate means an unstoppable conservative agenda that will cater to wealthy donors while devastating our schools, our environment, and investment in our economic future. Virginians deserve leaders who will put families first and fight for our future. On November 8th, occupy the polls.

Take Action:
Find your polling place
Request an absentee ballot

Tweet it: Occupy the polls. November 8th, Virginia must reject the anti-family Cuccinelli/McDonnell agenda. http://bit.ly/o0VGXD via @ProgressVA

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Today is Primary Day in Virginia. Put your address into the map below, and you can find a list of candidates at the Virginia State Board of Elections website here.