Politics

Great Falls Goes to Polls

Early voter turnout high in most locations.

Every election day, Julius Zannetti of Great Falls gets his voting out of the way first thing in the morning.

First-time Voters Viewpoints: "Who are you voting for and why?"

"I'll be voting for Barack Obama for several reasons. First of all, I've been pretty liberal all my life and I've grown up overseas in France, Belgium and Greece and it's no secret that Europe is pretty liberal also. It put American politics into perspective for me and helped shape my views. Also, I'll be going to college next year and it's increasingly expensive..."

McCain Stumps for Romney at Greenspring

Greenspring had 90 percent voter turnout in ’08 election.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) made a stop at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield on Friday while campaigning for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Viewpoints: "What issues are most important to you in this year’s election?"

“Three issues really are on the top of my mind. The security of the U.S. I am very concerned about the defense of the United States. Secondly, the economy. We’ve done nothing to bring us out of this depression. Third, unemployment. Twenty-seven million people out of work is unacceptable. I think it’s time we get a new horse-holder up front.”

Alexandria Voters to Determine Direction of City Government

Growth, development, taxes and spending are the hot-button issues dividing candidates.

Are voters pleased with the recent direction of city government, which has dramatically increased the amount of density available to developers in recent years?

Redrawing the Elementary School Poverty Map in Arlington

Adding two new elementary schools could create opportunity for more diversity.

When Linley Mancilla was preparing to send her child to elementary school, she looked at the boundary map and examined the demographics. Then she considered her options. Ultimately, she decided against sending her child to the local neighborhood school, Carlin Springs Elementary.

Invasive Restrictions: Effort to Restrict Sale of Invasive Plants May Wilt in Richmond

Legislative delegation wary of running afoul of the free market.

They’re all over Mount Vernon — English ivy, Bradford pear, porcelainberry, oriental bittersweet and bamboo.

Week in Alexandria

October Surprise Virginia election officials are asking the attorney general's office to investigate the son of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) discussing a plan to cast fraudulent ballots and the person who made the recording of the incident.

George Allen v. Timothy Kaine for Senate

Voters have stark choice between candidates to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D).

Candidates for U.S. Senate George Allen and his Democratic challenger Timothy M. Kaine have powerful things in common. Both were popular governors of the Commonwealth of Virginia; both have long political resumes; and both men are passionate about the success of their adopted home state.

10th District Candidates Speak at Great Falls Grange

Rep. Frank Wolf, challengers Kristin Cabral, Kevin Chisholm hold forum.

Democratic challenger Kristin Cabral faced off with Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) at the Great Falls Grange Tuesday, Oct. 23, in a community forum designed to answer questions about the next two years of the 10th district.

Obama Fires Up Fairfax Crowd With ‘Romnesia’ Quips

President delivers second GMU gender-pitch aimed at women voters.

Lillie Reynolds, a single mother from Herndon with four daughters, stood in line for nearly five hours to hear President Barack Obama speak for 25 minutes at a campaign rally at George Mason University on Friday, Oct. 19.

County Board Names RCC Board Members

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the request of Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed three Reston residents to the nine-member Reston Community Center Board of Governors: returning Board member William G. Bouie, and new Board members Lisa Ehrhardt and Gerald Zavala.

Voters to Determine Fate of Amendment to Limit Use of Eminent Domain

Measure will allow property owners to seek damages for loss of profits and access.

Nowhere is the debate about eminent domain more intense than the foot of King Street in Alexandria, where city officials threatened to take land owned by the Old Dominion Boat Club using the power of eminent domain for flood mitigation.

Council Notebook

Alexandria has become a whistle stop town — in more ways than one. Trains have been a regular feature of life in the city since before the Civil War.

School Board Candidates Offer Perspectives on Failing Scores for Students with Disabilities

Incumbents defend record; challengers call for more action.

The last three years have seen test scores plummet for students with disabilities, a group that constitutes an expensive and vexing challenge for Alexandria City Public Schools.

The Connection