IN THE NEWS:

A coalition of payday lenders is challenging the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was set up in a way to make sure its funding source is protected from Congress. Now consumer advocates here in Virginia who have worked against payday loans, car title loans and high-interest online loans, they’re worried about what might happen if the court rules against the bureau.

Almost 400 book titles have been challenged this year in Virginia, according to the American Library Association. Advocates for free expression in literature say the recent trend of people challenging a list of books they got off the internet poses a real threat

Voting started last month, and so many people will have already voted when television commercials are airing and direct mail is arriving Virginia's 45 days of early voting is a recent development, and one that hasn't seemed to change much of how campaigns operate--but should it?

TRIVIA: What was the name of the Toni Morrison book that Tom Garrett read on the Senate floor in 2016. Here’s a hint: It’s NOT “Beloved.”

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This week, Michael is joined by Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, co-author of a chapter in The New Dominion: The Twentieth-Century Elections That Shaped Modern Virginia. They discuss the 1981 election of Chuck Robb for Virginia's Governor--how Robb escaped the legacy of the Byrd Machine and President Johnson's Great Society, pushing the Democratic message to a more centrist line that would hold for the next several decades.

The New Dominion - UVA Press (virginia.edu)

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IN THE NEWS:

Thomas and Aaryan discuss the fight over the funding for Samuels Library, where a local Catholic group has called for books featuring LGBTQ+ people to be banned and for ties to be cut with the American Library Association.

Delegate Dave LaRock launches a write-in campaign for Senate District 1, calling Republican nominee Tommy French a "Democrat."

A new poll from the University of Mary Washington reveals Virginians want the governor to have less power in the classroom, though he's nearly tied with Joe Biden in a head-to-head matchup for President.


TRIVIA: What political party did Virginia governor William Cameron belong to?

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This week, Michael and Thomas are joined by Bob Brink, former Chairman of Virginia's State Board of Elections, to discuss the ERIC system-- the Electronic Registration Information Center, which allowed neighboring states to share voter registration information with each other and help prevent voter fraud. Governor Youngkin has pulled Virginia out of ERIC, so what does that mean for elections going forward?

Originally Aired: May 18, 2023.

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IN THE NEWS:

Thomas and Michael discuss the top competitive races in the upcoming election, where Democrats are largely out-fundraising their Republican opponents. The races include: Russet Perry vs Juan Pablo Segura in Senate District 31, Monty Mason vs Danny Diggs in Senate District 24, Susanna Gibson vs David Owen in House District 57, Michael Feggans vs Karen Greenhalgh in House District 97, Kimberly Pope Adams vs Kim Taylor in House District 82, and Josh Thomas vs John Stirrup in House District 21.

At the Watercooler: Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton announced that she will not be seeking re-election on account of a serious medical diagnosis, plus the facts about what really happened with Susanna Gibson--and why there's nothing immoral about sleeping with your husband.

TRIVIA: When did Virginia Beach become the largest city? (Hint: We're looking for a Census year, so it’s going to be a year ending in 0)

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This week, communications and marketing expert Eileen Cassidy Rivera joins Michael to talk about her new book: Hard Talk: Confessions of an Accidental Marketing and Communications Professional. She discusses the growing importance of marketing and communications specialists for government contractors--providing insights into the coroporate side of conversations with journalists and media.

Hard Talk on Amazon

IN THE NEWS:

Virginia is not doing a great job of attracting new people. In fact, data from state agencies and the US Postal Service show the state is losing more people than it's gaining. Most of those leaving are young adults and families who are getting priced out of the state.

A new poll from Founder's Insights shows Virginia voters are, like always, most interested in the economy. This year, abortion is another key issue on many voters' priority list.

Plus, Michael and Lauren discuss the media reaction to the Susanna Gibson story--its origins from Republican operatives and how Gibson's team has handled the resulting PR.

At the Watercooler: Congressional Black Caucus Week and the debrief on the Richmond forum on affordable housing.

TRIVIA: What year was the Roanoake Star installed on Mill Mountain?

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This week, Michael is joined by Professors John Milliken and Mark Rozell of George Mason University, editors of The New Dominion: The Twentieth-Century Elections That Shaped Modern Virginia. They discuss six statewide elections that shaped Virginia politics, how they shaped (and were shaped by) the state's culture, economy, and demographics, and what lessons we might be able to learn from those transformative moments.

The New Dominion - UVA Press (virginia.edu)

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IN THE NEWS:

Governor Glenn Youngkin is now considering a secret backroom deal worked out by a small handful of senior members of the money committees. The long-awaited budget amendments are several months late for a fiscal year that started three months ago. Part of the reason for the delay was because Republicans were insisting on permanent tax cuts. In the end, they settled for rebates.

One of the key sticking points during the debate over budget amendments was the cap on spending for support staff in Virginia schools. The Senate wanted to spend $270 million to essentially eliminate the cap, creating a ratio of 21 students for every support staffer. The final compromise spends $153 million for a ratio of 24 students for every support staffer.

Virginia is about to get 15 new mobile crisis units as well as millions of dollars for crisis receiving centers and stabilization units. But the funding is several months late. But critics--including lawmakers--say people would already be receiving help if lawmakers got their act together earlier.

At the Watercooler: The farewell speeches from the General Assembly members who won't be returning...a mixed bag. Some fun, some surprises.

TRIVIA: Which US Senator endorsed then-candidate Glenn Youngkin to help him win the Republican nomination for Governor?

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On this week's live-to-tape game show, Michael sits down with Delegate Alfonso Lopez, Delegate Marcus Simon, and Alexandria Assistant City Manager Sarah Taylor to get their takes on the latest in Richmond--from the budget special session to the FBI headquarters and spouses running for office.

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