2/5/07: The Virginian Pilot reports on a disturbing incident (if accurate) between Mary G. Commander, a candidate for a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judgeship, and State Senator Nick Rerras (R-Norfolk). Commander said she was "was shocked, offended and embarrassed by our conversation."
2/10/07: Big rally for the Tysons Metro tunnel option draws 500 people to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens near Wolf Trap in Vienna. RK interviews George Barker, Chap Petersen and Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (who talks about running Jetsons-like "pods" into Tysons Corner office buildings...).
2/13/07: NLS reports: "The Senate Finance Committee killed the House Transportation proposal and instead amended it to require a one time $150 tax on vehicles bought in VA or on people moving to Virginia."
2/14/07: Tim Kaine endorses Barack Obama for President.
2/14/07: Frank Wolf says we're fighting Nazi Germany, or we're back in 1938...or something.
2/17/07: The annual JJ Dinner features Obama and ends up being the "largest plated dinner in Richmond history."
2/22/07: Russ Potts announces his retirement in an emotional speech on the Senate floor. Classic quote: "For my Republican Party, I've made up my mind I'm gonna do one of two things. First, I'm gonna work to change the party, because it's worth saviing. And if I can't save it, I'll leave it."
2/23/07: Thelma Drake shuts down her Virginia Beach office and has a veteran arrested for the crime of...trying to deliver a petition about the Iraq war.
2/23/07: Gov. Kaine blasts GOP transportation plan. Kaine says it was "crafted in secret," "does not address our well-documented statewide transportation needs," "does not represent a compromise," "does not do enough for rail or mass transit," and was "developed behind closed doors."
2/24/07: The transportation monstrosity bill (HB 3202) passes the House of Delegates 64-34 and the State Senate 21-18. In other news, Ward Armstrong replaces Frank Hall as House minority leader.