David:  I believe strongly that repealing Virginia's estate tax to help a few hundred rich famlies is outrageous and a violation of everything Progressives believe in. I am urging Governor Kaine to veto that bill.  Here's what Chap Petersen has to say on the subject:

The Ugly: Here we go again with the estate tax sham. The 2006 bill takes $124M and distributes it to our wealthiest families through a repeal of the tax on multi-million dollar inheritances. Which means that Paris Hilton can inherit $100 million in Virginia and pay no taxes, while suckers like you will pay tax on your earned income. Repealing the Paris Hilton Tax: So Not Hot. Ethically, this is a joke. Is it politically popular? Three years ago I denounced the estate tax repeal as a lobbyist-driven fraud and was re-elected easily in a "race to watch." Mark Warner vetoed the same bill and rose to 75% popularity. Yet dozens of Delegates and Senators continue to pander after a "pro business" rating -- given by the lamentably named Virginia FREE -- by approving a bill so anti-democratic that it's embarrassing to even discuss the details in public. And that's just the Democrats! A firm veto of this boondoggle will help Governor Kaine end his first session on a populist note.

Will you join with Chap and me in urging Governor Kaine to VETO this "anti-democratic" and "emabarrassing" bill?

Thanks.

Lowell

I was proud to oppose estate tax repeal, and I'm disappointed that it looks like it will pass.  I faxed a letter to Governor Kaine yesterday requesting that he limit the repeal to family farms, closely held small businesses, and estates up to $10 million.  (I personally think $5 million is more appropriate, but the Senate previously supported $10 million, so that's politically more feasible at this time.)  I also suggested that he use the resources we'd gain to amend the budget to increase foster care payments to the natonal average ($3 million to benefit 8,000 foster children) and restore the $12 million to firefighters that Republicans cuts from Kaine's budget.  In all honesty, I don't expect anything to change this time around, but it's important for those of us who feel strongly about these issues to keep pushing.

I simply cannot understand how any Democrats could have voted for this abomination.  Here's the roll-call on repealing the estate tax for the richest of the rich in Virginia (Dems in blue):

(floor) 06/20/06 House: VOTE: PASSAGE (63-Y 25-N)

YEAS--Albo, Alexander, Amundson, Armstrong, Athey, Bell, Bowling, Byron, Callahan, Caputo, Cline, Cole, Cosgrove, Cox, Crockett-Stark, Dance, Dudley, Fralin, Frederick, Gear, Gilbert, Griffith, Hall, Hamilton, Hogan, Hugo, Hurt, Iaquinto, Ingram, Joannou, Johnson, Jones, S.C., Landes, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Lohr, Marshall, D.W., May, McQuigg, Miller, Moran, Nixon, Nutter, O'Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Peace, Phillips, Poisson, Purkey, Rapp, Reid, Rust, Saxman, Scott, E.T., Sherwood, Suit, Tata, Waddell, Wardrup, Ware, O., Welch, Wright--63.

NAYS--BaCote, Barlow, Brink, Bulova, Ebbin, Eisenberg, Englin, Howell, A.T., Hull, Jones, D.C., Marsden, McClellan, McEachin, Melvin, Morgan, Plum, Scott, J.M., Shannon, Shuler, Spruill, Toscano, Valentine, Ward, Ware, R.L., Watts--25.

ABSTENTIONS--0.

NOT VOTING--Abbitt, Carrico, Hargrove, Janis, Kilgore, Marshall, R.G., Putney, Sickles, Tyler, Wittman, Mr. Speaker--11.

...about your first year in the House of Delegates?  The food?  The scintillating company from right-wing Republicans?  The guns being fired in members' offices?  Ha. :) 

I've really enjoyed getting to know new people from all around Virginia -- including some of those right-wing Republicans!  Believe it or not, for all of our disagreements about policy, the direction of our country, etc., I've gotten to be friends with several people across the aisle.  Just because we're polar opposites politically doesn't mean we can't sit down and drink a beer together.  Building relationships like that has helped me work behind the scenes on some issues and either make progress or reduce harm, which has been satisfying.

The thing I enjoyed the least was being away from my family, but it's worth it to make the future brighter for Caleb and his generation.

What do you see as the three most important things Democrats can campaign on in the midterms, both in Virginia and nationally?

The overall theme would have to be Republican incompetence, which has manifested itself in so many ways that it's hard to pick just three.  At the national level, we have the war, the $9 trillion swing from a budget surplus to a budget defecit, the failed response to Katrina *and* the sclerotic recovery effort, etc.  Here in Virginia, the Republican dominated General Assembly failed for the third time in five years to deliver a budget on time (that's every budget since they took control, by the way!) and failed to do anything to reduce traffic congestion and improve quality of life for people stuck in traffic.

However, for all of the R incompetence, we Ds need to do a better articulating our own ideas, so we give people something to vote *for* and not just against.  The general themes of smart, fiscally responsible, socially progressive government are a good start, and it's been heartening to see a number of leaders working on the details.

What are some suggestions that you would have to build up Young Democrat clubs in high school and college without making them feel as if they are work horses?

If the larger party is going to keep asking you to set up and break down the tables, YDs should demand a seat at the table.  Don't be afraid, as YDs independent of the larger party, to take positions on issues and let those positions be known, to endorse candidates, and to target races.  AND *run for office!*  We need to build our Democratic bench for the future.  That means YDs with an interest in running for office someday should run for office today.  Today's school board or city council member is tomorrow's delegate or senator.  Dominic and Shayna and the rest of the VAYD leadership are working hard to professionalize and revitalize the statewide organization, so I'm confident that the future is bright.

Please describe your decision to stay neutral during the primary. 

I remained neutral in the primary because both candidates had their strengths and weaknesses, I had good friends on both sides of the race, and I prefer not to take sides in an intra-party fight unless I feel especially strongly one way or the other.

The primary was a week ago, which is an eternity in politics, and we need to let it go and focus on coming together to defeat George Allen.  Jim Webb is a tremendous candidate whom I'm proud to support, and the latest Zogby poll has him within spitting distance of beating Allen.  Everything we do for here on out should be about winning more votes for Webb and taking back Congress.

Please describe your thoughts on the anti-gay marriage/anti-contract amendment on the ballot this year.

In the interest of getting to all the questions, I'll just link to somemof my previous comments on the amendment and let you know that the top priority of my Team Englin grassroots army will be defeating this amendment.  I hope you'll go to our website, http://www.DavidEnglin.org, and sign up to volunteer.

http://www.davidenglin.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7BA0D3DCBA-AC5A-407E-BCC8-64F2F823B2F0%7D&DE=%7B1A34C4D7-5D26-4C51-B42B-FF5CBEA59F55%7D

What are your thoughts on this years budget negotiations and the result?

With some glaring exceptions, in and of itself it's not a terrible budget.  I'm happy about pay increases to teachers, money for preschool and bay cleanup, and some of the health and social services items.  I'm unhappy that they cut $12 million from firefighters and that we're punting by doing nothing on transportation, but I trust the people to hold the Republican majority accountable for those failures.

In terms of the process, the rule change on day one this year that allows the Speaker to re-assign committees any time has given him the power to govern his caucus with an iron fist.  That prevented moderate Republicans from coming over on transportation and some other issues.  It goes to show how important the rules are to the final outcome and how bankrupt the Republican anti-tax theology really is when it comes to serving the bests interests of Virginians.

What needs to be done to improve transportation gridlock?

Apparently, Virginians need to elect more Democrats!  Most apolitical transportation experts agree that we need at least $1 billion a year in long term, dedicated revenue for transportation to meet our obligations to maintenance and make the multimodal investments necessary to reduce congestion, ease commutes, and improve quality of life.  House Republicans are claiming victory because they prevented this critical investment for the future by blocking any new taxes.  But their victory is a defeat for Virginians, who care more about results than about extreme anti-tax theology.

David,

Clearly, we're reaching the end of an historic moment in Virginia political history.  With the winds of public opinion strongly against them, the brave defenders of Virginia's exaulted aristocracy in the Virginia House managed to fend of a withering attack by gutless Senate Republicans and Democrats as well as Democrats in the House and the Governor to ensure that those greatest amongst us would be able to leave their massive fortunes to their honored progeny, while leaving the so-called, "transportation crisis" in the almighty invisible hand of market forces.

So, in light of this monumental achievement in the Virginia legislature, which is this 

A GREAT VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE?

OR

***THE GREATES VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE?***

;)

All joking aside, while we failed on many fronts and succeeded on some others, it's still a great institution.  To think that two generations off of the shtetl a young Jewish guy raised by a single mom could stand in the capital of the old confederacy and argue for the rights of man...what a country!

There are crybabies in America who question whether or not we should have gone in to Iraq.  These traitors clearly don't support the troops, and would rather have a tyrant like Saddam in power.  Meanwhile, some go so far as to try to blame the oil and automotive industries for everything from high energy prices, to the bursting housing bubble, to falling markets, to global warming and the flooding of New Orleans.

I for one, am happy to see Congress silently passing its yearly pay increase, while leaving those incapable of making their lives better to feel the bounty of a $5.15 minumum wage.  At a time adjusted all-time low, it's now clearly apparent to the freeloaders who would rob brave entrepreneurial employers of their hard earned profits by demanding an increase in the minimum wage to $7.50, that they'd better get elected to congress if they're gonna earn a piece of the American dream.

In light of the current state of affairs, and with more and more seniors finally being liberated from their addictions to prescription drugs by the brilliant impenetrable beaurocracy and high prices of the Republicans Medicare D plan, doesn't it make your soul soar to know that the US Senate has it's priorities in line:  debating flag burining and gay marriage.

How many seats in congress will the Republicans pick up this year?  5-10 or more than 20?

Bonus Question:  Would you be more or less likely to vote for George Allen if you knew that he was the sole direct descendent of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Almighty? Amen.

I think we have a real shot at taking back Congress this year.  I fully expect that Jim Webb will be our next U.S. Senator.  (As a Jew, I find your bonus question irrelevant! :))

I'm told that Virginians are mobilizing accross the Commonwealth to oppose the rightful protections that the sacred institution of Marriage deserves and will, God Wiling, receive when the Marshall/Newman Amendment passes. 

What tactics will these obviously well-meaning, but misguided (by satan), activists pursue, where will they be organizing, and is a coherent message arising from this misbegotten rabble as they try to make Virginia safe for man-on-dog polygamy.

It will be an uphill battle -- like most battles worth fighting -- and it will take a massive grassroots effort to preserve the sanctity of our constitution and protect it from this bigotry.  Team Englin will be making thousands of calls from Campaign Central as part oft he effort, so go to http://www.DavidEnglin.org to sign up!

Who would it be?

1) Ben Tribbett
2) James Martin
3) "Anonymous is a Woman"
4) Waldo Jaquith
5) "Virginia Centrist"
6) Greg Bouchillon
7) Howling Latina
8) 1 or more of the Ditzy Democrats
9) Chap Petersen
10) Bruce Roemmelt
11) None of the above
12) I'd swim to another island or die trying!
13) Sounds like Jean-Paul Sartre's "No Exit"

Definitely, I mean c'mon...

That's a tough one, since I know and like so many of these folks.  James Martin is a fellow Eagle Scout, which would be handy on a desert island.  Bruce combines brains and toughness -- never a bad thing in an emergency situation.  I know both of the Ditzy Democrats well, and they'd be wonderful company.  I'm paralyzed by indecision!

Do you think that your doing a good job as delegate?

I'm doing a tremendous job as delegate -- just ask my family and supporters! :-)

But seriously, I work hard every day to serve my constituents and to fight for policies that will strengthen our community, defend our progressive values, and invest in our future.  I'm doing the very best job I can, and I continue working to find ways to do it better.

After the incredible failure of this legislature, this deeply offensive budget, and the insulting process which created it, tell me there's something good in this horrendous mess and some hope for the future.

A four percent pay raise for teachers -- that's something good and something our side pushed hard for.

David - thanks for taking the time to come on RK to do a live blog. 

I've got a question about an issue that hasn't received much press but seems like an important safety issue: red light cameras.  I know these aren't the most popular things (I've gotten a ticket or two), but from some of the statistics I've seen the RLCs have been successful in reducing side impact collisions - which far outweighs the increase in less dangerous rear collisions. 

Since the VA legislature allowed the 10 year test to expire last year the local jursidictions have not been able to use the RLCs - even if they want to. 

What are your thoughts on the RLCs and do you know of any plans to revise the laws so that this imporant safety measure can at least be determined by local authorities?

I think this is a local issue that is best left to localities to decide.  Unfortunately, thanks to the Dillon Rule, localities can only use RCL if the General Assembly gives them permission.  I expect we will keep trying to reauthorize RCLs until we succeed.  I'm not crazy about them, but I do think they're a reasonable public safety measure in certain urban areas, and I think localities like mine ought to have the power to make those decisions for themselves.

David,

I was wondering if you or anyone in the legislature has considered proposing public financing of campaigns in Virginia?  David Sirota just wrote an interesting blog on Daily Kos about this.

It seems to me that even the most well intentioned politicans are susceptible to the big money that is dominating the election process.  But many progressives think that the explosion of small donor fundraising online will even the playing field with the big corporate donors.  Would you agree with that assesment? 

Even with the small donors on our side, won't a candidate still have to spend far too much of his/her time doing fundraising of all types? 

Thanks for all your hard work in Richmond!

Ryan Cunningham
UFCW Local 400 Steward

 

Oops -- didn't mean to skip this one.  (Maybe it was fruedian, since I have to sign off soon to raise money!)

Thanks for the kind words!

I haven't read Sirota's piece yet, but I will.  I would certainly support some form of publicly financed campaigns, and I'm open to particular ideas.  I'm not happy about how much time I have to spend raising money.  It's the thing I like least about being an elected leader, yet it's absolutely necessary so I can continue to fight for progress.

Small onlione donors have proven themselves to be valuable in certain kinds of races -- particularly statewide races or races targeted by large national groups.  However, that's a tiny fraction of races every cycle, which means the rest of us have to keep raising money from other sources.  My campaign has been lauded as among the most tech savvy and online fundraising savvy in the country at this level, and I work my tail off to get small online donors.  Even with that, it's much easier for me to raise money from a few large donors.  Think about your own recent giving.  Maybe you gave to Webb or to one of the targeted congressional races.  But there are 40 Democrats in the Virginia House out there frantically raising money for the June 30 deadline.  Have you given to any of them?  Until we figure out how to turn small online donors into a sustained resource for Dems at lower levels, we will still have to rely on more traditional donors.

BTW, you can contribute to me here:
http://www.davidenglin.org/index.asp?Type=CONTRIBUTION&SEC={7C319BEE-283A-4D26-9FCB-DE3321542AAB}

Heartfelt thanks for your courage in speaking up and for all of your work on behalf of the GLBT community.

And thanks for taking the time back on EV's lobby day to take the time out of your schedule and talk with us.  That act and your sincerity in particular meant a great deal to many of my friends.

I only wish I could do more.  I'm confident that, as long as we have the courage to keep standing up and to keep fighting, eventually we'll win and history will judge us to have brought the reality of American closer to the America we profess to be.

The "marriage amendment" is a "hate amendment," nothing more and nothing less. It must be opposed, and hopefully defeated.

David:  Who is your role model in the House of Delegates?
/s/ Bob Brink

Ha ha. :)

There are certainly people in the House who are really, really old -- like Bob Brink -- whom I rely on for advice and counsel.  :-)

But seriously, it would be tough to single out one individual colleague, but senior folks like Bob Brink, Jim Scott, Ken Plum, Brian Moran, and Frank Hall have been mentors to me in various ways.  The truth is that we're a strong team, and we all draw on and learn from each other.  (I've already taught Brink a thing or two, I'm sure of it!)

What do you think about the Department of Homeland Security slashing anti-terrorism money to the DC area (and New York)?  Is this decision simply "shortsighted," as DC Mayor Williams says, a "knife in the back," as Rep. Peter T. King (R-N.Y.) says, or a political decision aimed at areas that don't support President Bush politically?

I think it's a further example of the Bush Administration's incompetence when it comes to national security.  I hope it's not an electoral calculation, but it wouldn't be the first time Bush has let us down as Commander in Chief.

Incidentally, these cuts make it that much more appalling that Republicans in the General Assembly would cut $12 million from Virginia's firefighters.  When al Qaeda tried to kill my colleagues and me at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, it was the Arlington Fire Department who arrived on the scene to save lives.

Good morning!  Thanks again for inviting me to spend some time with you this morning, and thanks for the great questions.  I apologize in advance for my poor (and slow!) typing skills.  If it's okay with everyone, I'll try to answer questions in the comment strings attached to those questions (which helpsme keep track of whom I'm talking to!)

David

...and for answering our questions, in whatever order you'd like! :)

Thanks for the great questions, and I apologize again for being so slow on the keyboard.

Vote Strong!

David

Thanks.

Who do you think is the most progressive member of the House of Delegates and why?

Lowell, whats up with a 9 am chat?

:)

Are you really that infantile, that your going to troll rate all my comments, because I worked for Dave Marsden, who was, need I remind you, A Democrat, who beat your boy Michael Golden the Republican.  Shoudn't you be running around on redstate?

I think there are a few of us who would tie in that category, and I'm certainly one of them.  (I can't imagine anyone has a more progressive voting record than me, although Brink, Plum, Scott, Ebbin, Eisenberg, and Toscano all probably are about the same.)

The 9 a.m. chat is driven by my schedule, so my apologies!

I was an early supporter and still am a supporter of Dave's and must tell you that I think he's being overly modest - I'll do his bragging for him.

Plainly, there is not a more progressive member than Dave, and his voting record reflects this.  He also sticks to his word.  He asked us (thankfully I live in the 45th) to "vote strong" and in a rare display in modern politics, he's returned the favor by "voting strong" in the House of Delegates.  He could have easily let down his guard as a freshperson in the House and no one would have questioned this logical action.

I know Dave is always under pressure to modify his correct views on from fronts.  If you (like I) don't ever want to see his grassroots ideals compromised it's up to everyone (in and out of the 45th) to help him remain independent by helping hin any way possible.  As we know full-well, good politicians unfortunately don't grow on trees.

-Matt Harris

I was an early supporter and still am a supporter of Dave's and must tell you that I think he's being overly modest - I'll do his bragging for him.

Plainly, there is not a more progressive member than Dave, and his voting record reflects this.  He also sticks to his word.  He asked us (thankfully I live in the 45th) to "vote strong" and in a rare display in modern politics, he's returned the favor by "voting strong" in the House of Delegates.  He could have easily let down his guard as a freshperson in the House and no one would have questioned this logical action.

I know Dave is always under pressure to modify his correct views from many fronts.  If you (like I) don't ever want to see his grassroots ideals compromised it's up to everyone (in and out of the 45th) to help him remain independent by helping hin any way possible.  As we know full-well, good politicians unfortunately don't grow on trees.

-Matt Harris

You're a good friend, Matt.  It's easy to Vote Strong when I have people like you standing behind me.