Stateline Stories

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Jan. 9 -- Following is the full text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's 2013 State of the State Address

Despite Governor’s Push, Voting Rights for Felons Fails in Virginia

A House subcommittee chose not to take up legislation that would have amended the constitution to automatically restore those rights after nonviolent felons pay their debt to society.

Virginia Republicans Advance Voter ID Legislation

Virginia Republicans are moving forward with plans to tighten voter ID laws for the second time in two years.

Virginia Uranium Legislation Fails, But Fight Not Over

An effort in the Virginia legislature to lift the state’s 31-year-old moratorium on uranium mining has failed, dealing a blow to supporters of a plan to tap the country’s largest known uranium deposit. But the debate is far from over.

Virginia Weighs an End to Its 31-Year-Old Uranium Mining Ban

In Virginia, home to one of the world’s largest deposits of uranium, state lawmakers must decide whether to overturn the state’s 31-year-old ban on mining.

Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Won’t Run For Governor — Not As Republican, At Least

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2013, he said Wednesday. But he left open the possibility for a run as an independent.

How Governors Govern Higher Ed

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest governors to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2011

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2011 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly. My fellow Virginians: It is my duty and

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2010 (McDonnell)

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 18 - Following is Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2010 state of the commonwealth address: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Mr. Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly My fellow Virginians It is an honor to retu

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2010 (Kaine)

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2010 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to hear the address. "My fellow Virginians: "I stand before you tonight, with many emotions, to deliver my final State of the Commonwealth address. While the quick passage of

Troubled Times at the State Fair

State Fairs are facing a budget crunch, and one solution is to turn them over to private ownership.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President; Members of the General Assembly, the Cabinet, and the Court; my fellow Virginians:

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

RICHMOND, Va. -- Jan. 9 -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view and hear the address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Virginians: It is with great pride in o

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

HISTORIC JAMESTOWN, Va. Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2007 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President; Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Virginians: We stand at the place where, nearly 400 years ago, a new country was born. The tiny settlement at

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

RICHMOND, Va., Jan 16 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Timothy Kaine's (D) 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the General Assembly, My Fellow Virginians: Two days ago, we gathered in Williamsburg for the first inauguration in that city since Thomas Jefferson to

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2006 (Warner)

RICHMOND, Va., Jan 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Warner's (D) 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: Good Evening, Mr. Speaker, Governor Kaine, Mr. President pro tem, Members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Jagdmann, Justices of the Supreme Court, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Warner's (D) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen: Good evening. Tonight is a time when Virginians come together to celebrate the achievements of the past, a

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Warner's 2004 state of the Commonweath address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Since we met in this chamber a year ago, our nation and our Commonwealth have faced many challenges.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 9 - Following is the text of Gov. 2003 State of the Commonwealth Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge my Cabinet. I'm grateful for your service to me and the Commonwealth. And a group tha

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mark Warner's 2002 State of the Commonwealth Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lieutenant Governor, Mr. President pro tem, members of the General Assembly, Mr. Attorney General, Justices of the Supreme Court, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is an ho

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Gilmore's 2001 State of the Commonwealth Address: Speaker Wilkins, President pro tempore Chichester, members of the General Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Hager, Attorney General Earley, Mr. Chief Justice, justices of the Supreme Court, my fellow

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2000

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Gilmore's 2000 State of the Commonwealth Address: Lieutenant Governor Hager, Attorney General Earley, Speaker Wilkins, President pro tempore Chichester, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice Caricco, Justices of the Supreme Court, c

Tax Restructuring Plan Tops Virginia Governor's Agenda

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D) is pushing the most ambitious tax package in the nation to maintain his states renowned education system and shore up its economy. But even Warner agrees he faces a real challenge getting the plan through the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which reconvenes Jan. 14.

Music Trail Could Help Struggling Virginia Towns

Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, the world's most famous sidewalk. Southwest Virginia soon could have a music trail with highway markers to make it easier for visitors to follow the birth of country music in the Appalachian Mountains. State lawmakers look to tourism to help shore up a local economy suffering from the demise of coal mining and the loss of jobs to workers overseas.

Virginia Tax Hike Could Lead to Higher Taxes Elsewhere

The impact of the tax increase in Virginia likely will be felt beyond the Old Dominion. The $1.36 billion tax hike that Virginia Republicans gave to its Democratic governor may give other cash-strapped states cover to raise taxes on their own.

Convention 2004 - Virginia and Veterans Are Election Targets

The buzz from the Democratic National Convention: Virginia may emerge as the newest battleground state in the race for the White House, disillusioned veterans turn to Kerry, and convention life is sweeter for swing state delegates.

Virginia Legislator Crusades Against Tenure

A world-famous sculptor who teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University is laid off in the midst of state budget cuts because he lacks tenure. Other less accomplished, tenured professors keep their jobs. This motivated Virginia Delegate David Albo to introduce a controversial bill.

Virginia Car Tax Cuts: County-By-County Impact

Click here to see a list of Virginia car taxes by county or city.

Virginia Rural Areas Slighted By Car Tax Relief

When it comes to phasing out the state's car tax, most Virginians would say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. But some legislators, especially from rural areas, are ready to give that horse a swift kick.

Budget Crisis Spurs Innovation, Reform

The state budget crisis, for all its pain, could have a silver lining. Lawmakers are being forced to look anew at ways to squeeze more out of less by streamlining management and technology systems and even changing their healthcare and tax systems. States could emerge from the crisis leaner, stronger and better able to deliver the services taxpayers demand.

On the Record: Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D)

Like many of his colleagues, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is looking for savings everywhere he can find them to try to close his state's budget gap. In an interview with Stateline.org, Warner shared some of his ideas. To read excerpts from the interview, click on

Virginia Out to Widen Use of Life-Saving Devices

Twenty year-old medical technology could save hundreds of thousands of Americans who die from cardiac arrest each year, but legal barriers have stymied its use. Now Virginia is taking the lead in trying to remove these barriers.

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

Virginia Tackles High School 'Senioritis'

Virginia is using the lure of free college-level courses during high school to end senioritis, an academic situation that allows students to loaf through their final year with easy classes.

Post-9-11 Gesture Sparks Legislative Row

A chorus of "ayes" filled the Virginia House of Delegates when Del. Bob McDonnell asked its 100 members if they wanted to adopt an old salute to the Virginia flag as a show of patriotism after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Now he wishes he'd kept silent.

Virginia Agency Under Fire Over Home Loan Rules

In a move that has angered conservatives, the Virginia Housing Development Authority wants to give unrelated adults and nonmarried couples including homosexuals the opportunity to grasp the American dream: the dream of owning a home.

Rookie Gov Gets Political Lesson

Virginia's Mark Warner is finding that politics in the capital of the old Confederacy isn't at all like the caffeine-charged, high-tech business world he's used to. One of the nation's two rookie governors, the hyperkinetic Democrat got a painful lesson in bubba politics last month, losing his first bout with the Republican-controlled General Assembly in Richmond.

Eavesdropping Row Could Paralyze Virginia Politics

If it doesnt end soon, Virginias first major political scandal in a decade over alleged eavesdropping on a telephone conversation about redistricting -- could destroy already brittle relations between Democratic Gov. Mark Warner and the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

Death Penalty Under Scrutiny in Virginia Legislature

A debate over capital punishment has flared up in what many would consider an unlikely place -- the Virginia legislature. The Old Dominion is second only to Texas in the number of convicts its puts to death. But state lawmakers are now taking a second look at the issue.

Perks Plentiful For Virginia Lawmakers, Students Find

Gift giving and taking is alive and well in the Virginia General Assembly, despite various ethics rules and other guidelines designed to prevent political conflicts of interest, a study conducted by undergraduate journalism students at Virginia Commonwealth University has found. The Richmond-based Philip Morris Corporation was the biggest donor, giving lawmakers nearly $26,000 in gifts, golf balls and other goodies.

Car Tax Phaseout Splits Virginia Republicans

A veteran of a thousand political wars, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III barely blinks when opponents call him single-minded, dictatorial and even hallucinatory. Gilmore expected to become a lightning rod when he was appointed chairman of the Republican National Committee in January. But he may never have guessed that his most vociferous critics would be fellow Republicans back home.

Portrait of a Legislator: Virginia's David Albo

Most of the 7,424 state legislators in the United States toil in relative obscurity, making laws that often have more impact on the daily lives of most Americans than the work of the U.S. Congress. In this, the first of a series of reports on members of state legislatures, STATELINE.ORG profiles Virginia Delegate David Albo, 39, a four-term Republican lawyer who bills himself as a "Problem Solving Legislator."

Governors Spearhead War Relief Effort

Governors of the other 49 states joined with New York Gov. George Pataki Monday to create a relief fund for victims of the attack on the World Trade Center and provide equipment and supplies for the recovery effort, the National Governors Association announced. Those wishing to donate are being encouraged by governors to send money to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York 12205. The hotline number for the fund is 1-800-801-8092.

'Smart Road' Takes High Tech Step Toward Traffic Solutions

In the shadow of Virginia Tech University in the southwestern part of the Old Dominion, a new sensor-studded stretch of blacktop is being developed that could transform how future highways and motor vehicles are built. It's Virginia's "Smart Road" -- a $33 million project that will eventually serve as a combined highway laboratory and public connector road.

On the Record: Virginia Gov. James Gilmore III

While leading Virginia Republicans to their first majority in both houses of the Legislature last fall, Gov. James Gilmore III was also chairing the 19-member Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce (ACEC). Last week, after studying the Internet taxation issue for 10 months, Gilmores panel recommended to Congress that a three-year federal moratorium on Internet taxes be extended an additional five years, until 2006. Brilliant, combative and a staunch foe of taxes, Gilmore is unswayed by the fact that 36 of the nation's governors have informed Congress they disagree with the ACEC's stance. Gilmore spoke to Stateline.orgs Blair S. Walker in Washington after delivering his commissions report to Capitol Hill.

Virginia Tobacco Farmers To Get Big Chunk of Settlement

Virginia's General Assembly has agreed to give tobacco farmers a large chunk of the state's tobacco settlement funds to help them cope with dwindling markets stemming from campaigns to discourage smoking. But it took some doing by lawmakers representing the rural south side of the Old Dominion -- they had to fend off a bid by representatives of congested urban areas to claim some of the money for transportation improvements.

Anti Car-Tax Sentiment To Be Tested In Washington State

Since Republican James S. Gilmore rode an anti car-tax pledge to the Virginia governor's mansion in 1998, the unpopular levy has become a political target in many states. The next big test of its continued viability as a revenue source will come on Nov. 2, when voters in the state of Washington will consider an even tougher anti car-tax initiative than the Gilmore proposal that started it all.

Virgina Legislative Election Brings Record Spending

Virginia, once the hub of the old Confederacy and now a center of the high tech industry, will elect a new general assembly on Nov. 2. Republicans hope to win control of the lawmaking body for the first time since 1883. While the battle in the Old Dominion state has not gotten a lot of national attention, campaign spending tops $16 million -- a record for Virginia -- and professional politicians will be watching the outcome closely.

Virginia GOP Seizes Legislature, Dem Re-elected Kentucky Gov

Voters in Virginia Tuesday gave Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III something the Old Dominion has never seen before -- a state legislature completely controlled by the GOP. In Kentucky, Democrat Gov. Paul Patton coasted to re-election. But a Mississippi governor's race between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Mike Parker was too close to call on Wednesday morning, and officials said it might take 10 days before final results are known. In Washington, voters scrapped a car tax and gave the electorate more say over future tax policy.

Republicans Face Test As Virginia's New Legislative Majority

For the first time ever, Republicans will completely control the Virginia legislature when it convenes in January. GOP gains in the November election give the party a golden opportunity to put its stamp on the Old Dominion. But in order to do this, Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore and his partners in the General Assembly must first prove they can govern.

Virginia Accelerates Telework Program

Click image to enlarge Traffic congestion -- a hot issue in Virginia -- has driven lawmakers to shift the state's telecommuting initiative into overdrive, challenging government managers to allow at least 25 percent of eligible employees to work from home. Thirty-four states and the federal government have adopted telecommuting, or telework. But bosses have been slow to allow their employees to use the option. Virginia's new statute assumes all state employees are candidates for working at home, and calls on managers to explain why they aren't.

Savior or GOP Traitor? Virginia Lawmaker Dubbed Both

Virginia state Sen. John H. Chichester has given up his risk-taking hobbies of flying planes and driving motorcycles, but the 67-year-old Republican still plays dangerously when it comes to public policy. His influential role last year in helping Democratic Gov. Mark Warner enact the first major tax increase in Virginia in 40 years has landed Chichester on the cover of a magazine about good government and on a "Least Wanted" poster circulated by anti-tax groups.

No Clear Favorite Seen in Virginia's Governor's Race

Virginia and New Jersey are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the first of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in the race to replace Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), the only governor in the nation limited to one four-year term. Tomorrow's story will focus on New Jersey.

Virginia Governor's Race Heats Up in Final Weeks

RICHMOND, Va. -- Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner's sterling popularity ratings suggest he would have little trouble persuading Virginia voters to give him four more years in the executive mansion. But Virginia is the only state that limits its governors to a single term. Warner's legacy, though, is a central theme in the tight race between Democrat Timothy M. Kaine and Republican Jerry W. Kilgore.

Virginia Elects Kaine Governor

Stateline.org has compiled a quick guide to issues on the Nov. 8 ballot in Virginia -- with reliable sources to click on for in-depth information. Now updated with election results.

Donors Hedge Bets in VA Gov's Race

Hundreds of campaign donors knew all along that they were backing a winner in this year's race for governor of Virginia. They took no chances with their support, giving money to both Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore and Democratic nominee Tim Kaine.

States May Boost Salaries, With a Catch

Long-awaited salary increases or bonuses will be tied to “ifs” and “buts” for state employees in Arizona and possibly Virginia.

Virginia Sweeps Out Immigrant Sex Offenders

A recent law-enforcement operation in Virginia that will result in the deportation of at least 171 immigrant sex offenders - including some who came to the United States legally and have been out of prison for years - has spurred debate over whether the crackdown is fair and if other states should carry out similar sweeps.

Delegates Speak: Health Care, Vetetans' Assistance

Aug. 29, 2008, 9:00 a.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wyoming on health careHealth care is number one still. We still have a lot of people who don't have adequate health care in this nation. Someone has to do something…The cost and price of energy, although helping our state tremendously as far as giving us surpluses, but still causing a lot of heartache for the people of Wyoming. So those are the two issues: energy costs and health care. (As president, Barack Obama) will push forward some kind of national health care… I think we are going to see some additional help with health care dollars and getting people covered. -Wyoming delegate, State Sen. John Hastert, 50, of Green River, interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Virginia on veterans' assistanceI served one year in Vietnam and three years in the military and then went to school on the GI Bill after that. The veterans from the war in Iraq are coming home and have no place to go …I'm thinking about these GIs now, after 12 months, ready to come home and then (their tour) is extended for another six months. You don't know how much pressure that is on a young GI. I was 19 in Vietnam and most of the vets in the volunteer Army are between 18 and 25 years old. They may say they love it ….but the reason they go in the first place is because they are looking for a better life for themselves. They are not going to war because they want to kill and maim someone else, and they don't want to be killed or maimed themselves. When they get out of there, we don't take care of them. -Virginia delegate Willie L. Brown, 62, of Chesapeake, Army veteran, interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio from Stateline.org's interviews with Hastert and Brown Comments

Virginia Governor's Race Pivots on Guns, Executions

Virginia will choose a new governor this year, but voters in the Old Dominion might well wonder whether they are being asked to pick the next sheriff of Tombstone. Republican candidate Jerry W. Kilgore and Democrat Timothy M. Kaine are tangling over gun rights and the death penalty in a battle for rural voters.

Va. Tech Tragedy Revives Gun Controversy

Both the Virginia and Utah legislatures this year wrestled with the question of whether to allow college students to bring concealed guns to campus. Virginia policymakers took a look after Virginia Tech disciplined an unnamed student who brought a firearm to class in 2005.

Va. Tech Shooting Inspires First Legislation

Updated 4:30 p.m. EDT, WednesdayA new proposal to ban guns in dorm rooms at Louisiana public universities is the latest example of state-run universities seeking to protect gun-free zones even as 48 states now allow citizens to carry concealed weapons.

Va. Tech Tragedy Likely to Affect State Policy

Last month's shocking shooting at Virginia Tech - the nation's deadliest, with 33 killed - is likely to have lasting policy repercussions. A look at the legacy of the 1999 shootings at Colorado's Columbine High School shows how such tragic events have an impact on state laws and policies.

2009 Elections — Small But Significant

This year may be the quiet before the surge of 36 gubernatorial races in 2010, but the results of the few statewide elections in November could preview what's to come.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2012

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2012 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President. Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission. Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, my fel

Public Broadcasting Cuts at Issue in Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: A proposal by Virginia's governor to phase out state funding for public broadcasting ran into trouble in the state House of Delegates on Wednesday (April 21), as legislators sought to defend what they see as a valuable educational tool, particularly for children. Public programming has been a little-discussed victim of budget cuts in states from New York to Utah.

July 1 Brings Scores of New State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting today (July 1), Virginians with concealed-carry permits will be able to bring guns into bars, as long as they don't consume alcohol themselves. New Yorkers will pay as much as $10 for a pack of cigarettes, including a $4.35 state tax. And Oklahoma will require its public school students to learn about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Women on Death Row Are a Rarity

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia executed a female prisoner for the first time in nearly 100 years on Thursday (September 23). Nationwide, less than 2 percent of the inmates on death row are women.

Is Health Care Ruling a Game-Changer?

TODAY'S TAKE: Partisan state politicians either cheered or denounced a federal judge's ruling Monday (December 13) that a key provision of the Obama administration's new health care law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Virginia's governor urged his peers to support an idea to fast-track the case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, and critics of Massachusetts' broad-based health care program saw a new opportunity to challenge it.

Will States' Credit Suffer From S&P Federal Downgrade?

TODAY'S TAKE: Politicians and financial analysts are preparing for the ripple effects of a first-ever downgrade of the federal government's credit rating, including what it might mean for states.

Virginia GOP Primary to Require Loyalty Oath

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters who want to participate in the Republican presidential primary in Virginia next year will be asked to sign a statement pledging their support for the eventual GOP nominee. Those who do not sign it will not be allowed to cast a primary vote.

Virginia Set to Lift Limit on Monthly Handgun Purchases

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginians will no longer be limited to one handgun purchase a month under legislation set to clear the newly Republican state legislature. The limit has been in place for 19 years.

Virginia Advances 'Tim Tebow Bill'

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia is debating a bill that would allow home-schooled students to play on varsity sports teams at public high schools. The measure is nicknamed the "Tim Tebow bill" after the Denver Broncos quarterback.

Abortion Ultrasound Debate Intensifies

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: The debate in Virginia whether to require every woman seeking an abortion get an ultrasound is flaring up in a half dozen other statehouses.

Virginia Legislature Launches iPad Experiment

Laptop computers were supposed to help state legislators cut down on the amount of paper they used to write laws. It didn't work. Will it be any different with Apple's new tablet computer?

Conservatives Seek to Amend U.S. Constitution Through State Action

States have the legal right to pass constitutional amendments without congressional approval. It's very hard to accomplish, but Tea Party-backed activists are mounting an organized effort.

In State Legislatures, the Gun Lobby Hits Its Target

Gun-rights advocates have succeeded in loosening gun laws in a number of states this year. Next week, they're likely to get more good news when the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the city of Chicago's handgun ban.

Republicans Assert Power in Virginia Senate

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans reshaped the Virginia Senate on Wednesday (January 11), relying on GOP Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling to help them organize the tied chamber in their favor.

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

The shooting of a U.S. representative and 18 others in Arizona has done little to slow the momentum of pro-gun legislation in statehouses. If anything, gun-rights supporters face better odds this year due to Republican electoral gains.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Virginia Election Offers Republicans a Chance to Enact an Agenda, Set Examples for 2012

The GOP in Virginia needs a majority in the state Senate to take full control of state government. If they get one in November, it will be seen as a clue to national politics next year.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Bob McDonnell Breaks Virginia's Transportation Gridlock

The governor's three-year, $3 billion plan relies heavily on borrowing to fund big transportation projects. The initiative does not go far enough for many transportation advocates, but it passed the General Assembly with little of the controversy that embroiled the efforts of McDonnell's predecessors to relieve congestion.

Cuccinelli Seeks Quick Review of Health Law

HEALTH BEAT: Virginia's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli asks the High Court to expedite review of a lawsuit against health care reform … GOP governors threaten to leave exchanges to the federal government … Sebelius offers ways to cut Medicaid budgets, and other health care news.

Virginia Remap Panel Gets an Earful

TODAY'S TAKE: A commission appointed by Virginia's governor is taking citizen input on how legislative and congressional district lines should be drawn. There are some strong public opinions.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

Three states weigh privatizing liquor sales; Lawmakers take aim at shorter, fewer sessions.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address (Gov. Tim Kaine)

Outgoing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) offered a mixed assessment of his four years, saying the state has largely endured the recession but still faces huge challenges in transportation and higher education.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address

Inheriting a $4 billion budget shortfall, first-year Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) said on Jan. 18 he would rely on spending cuts instead of tax increases to get Virginia through its worst financial crisis since the 1930s.

Virginia Senate Bans Health Insurance Mandate

TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Virginia Senate sent a strong message about health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C., on Monday (Feb. 1), passing a bill that makes it illegal for Virginians to be required to buy health insurance. Similar legislation is being debated in more than two-thirds of the states.

No Time to Pass the Bottle

With legislatures thirsty for revenue, getting states out of the booze business has its appeal. Advocates say states could generate millions by auctioning off licenses to sell alcohol. Breaking up state monopolies will also encourage more stores to open, bringing with them higher sales and income tax revenues, advocates argue.But barely a few weeks later, many of those proposals have died quietly. In Virginia and Mississippi, they were withdrawn by their sponsors. In Washington and Vermont, they are bottled up in committee. How could these heavily-touted revenue streams dry up so suddenly?

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

Budget Picture Brightens in New Fiscal Year

TODAY'S TAKE: State revenues are a long way from catching up to where they were before the recession started, but reports out of Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Virginia show that they are climbing back.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

Contention and Compromise in Virginia, Oregon Tied Chambers

The Virginia Senate and the Oregon House each had an equal number of Democrats and Republicans this year, but that's where the similarities ended.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

For a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Ohio through Wyoming.

States Say No to Teen Tanning

No smoking. No drinking. No talking on cell phones while driving. Now, the latest no-no in state laws aimed at underage teens is indoor tanning.

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

States On Guard For West Nile Virus

This week, New York City renews its war on the West Nile virus -- the mosquito-borne disease that killed 7 New Yorkers and sickened 55 others without warning last summer. As the city gears up to ward off another outbreak, states on the Eastern Seaboard and in the southeast are putting plans into place to guard against the virus as well.