Saturday morning on the porch

Wow, what a gorgeous morning in the Shenandoah Valley ... a sweater morning! The sky is blue, the sun is out, temps are in the 60s, low humidity, and there's a stiff breeze with a cool edge to it that requires a sweater to ward off the shady chill. I can't help but think how nice it must be up on the mountain for those camping this weekend in Shenandoah National Park.

We've had lots of rain this spring and into summer so the grass is green and lush, unlike some years when it's dried up and crispy by the July 4th holiday. The shade trees in our little oasis are blowing in the breeze, their leaves rustling and making dancing shadows on the yard.

I just heard a sound in the gutter overhead so watched to see who was intruding on my quiet, and then a bright red cardinal flew from the roof to a nearby tree. He must have found a bug for his breakfast. Rabbits are munching on the smorgasbord that is our front yard ... nibble, hop, nibble, hop hop.  The birds are loud as they are every morning with their various chirps and calls to one another. The mournful sound of a dove can be heard in the distance.

The bright orange daylilies are blooming as are the cheerful yellow coreopsis moonlight, and bright red roses. My potted annuals got a late start this year since I was about three weeks behind in planting them but they are catching up -- petunias, zinnias, impatiens, geraniums, heather, and other colorful additions on the porches and in the back yard around the outdoor tables. Flowers can be time-intensive but the reward of those overflowing blossoms that add splashes of color as well as fragrance in the air is well worth the effort.

The wind, the leaves, the birds ... those are the only sounds this morning. It's going to be a great day....

Sabato: GOP can't touch Mark Warner's U.S. Senate seat

So Larry Sabato says Mark Warner is safe in his U.S. Senate seat. The reasons he gives are that Virginia's GOP has gone so far right that

Sabato: GOP can't touch Mark Warner's U.S. Senate seat

Republican Party of Virginia's central committee voted in May to hold a convention for the U.S. Senate candidate in 2014, deep-sixing chances for a viable GOP candidate to run against very popular Democratic Senator Mark Warner.

Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics wrote:

Republicans were always going to have an uphill climb against wealthy Sen. Mark Warner (D) next year, but their chances got even slimmer when they opted to select their nominee via convention next year. Having a convention rather than a primary increases the possibility of the GOP picking an unelectable far-right candidate...

Sabato moved that seat on his chart from "Likely Democratic" to "Safe Democratic." Read his entire Crystal Ball predictions here.

Bipartisan support for offshore energy ... McDonnell, Warner, Kaine, Cantor, Rigell, Goodlatte, Griffith, Hurt, Wittman, Wolf

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement in support of HR 2231, passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for once again standing, on a bipartisan basis, for American energy independence and for the American worker.   I especially want to thank House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings for his continued focus and leadership on this critical issue.  In March of 2010, President Obama approved moving forward with Virginia lease sale 220 which would have allowed for the safe development of oil and gas resources 50 miles offshore of Virginia.   Subsequently the Interior Department postponed, then indefinitely cancelled, Virginia’s sale and refused to include a sale off Virginia in the current 5 year plan.   That action is unacceptable.  HR 2231 will reinstate this sale and require Interior to reinitiate a new 5-year planning process.  In addition, HR 2231 will provide all coastal states revenue sharing at 37.5%, the same as Gulf Coast States.

“In the strongest possible terms, I encourage the U.S. Senate to join the House in passing HR 2231 as quickly as possible.

“I also applaud Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for their leadership in sponsoring The Virginia Outer Continental Shelf Energy Production Act (S 1024) in the U.S. Senate which achieves many of these same goals as HR 2231, as also does Congressman Scott Rigell’s HR 1782, “The Virginia Jobs and Energy Act,” currently co-sponsored by Virginia Representatives Morgan Griffith[R-VA9], Robert Hurt [R-VA5], and Rob Wittman [R-VA1].

“These bills include appropriate environmental protections, support military operations, and provide an equitable formula for sharing revenues between the state and federal governments.  By ending unnecessary restrictions on the responsible exploration of Virginia's offshore natural resources, the federal government will allow Virginia to assume its potential role as a national leader in offshore energy exploration. A comprehensive 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy - including oil, gas, coal, wind, solar, tidal and other resources - will provide for energy security, create good new jobs and generate revenues that Virginia can use to address our major priorities such as transportation, education and public safety.

“The development of Virginia’s offshore energy resources, and the provision of revenue sharing, is widely supported on a bipartisan basis by Virginia’s General Assembly and our Congressional delegation. It is time for the Senate to join the House in making this common-sense policy a reality. Good jobs, economic growth and greater energy security depend upon it.”

U.S. House schedule for Friday, June 28, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First and last votes expected: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

One Minute Speeches

Complete Consideration of H.R. 2231 - Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, Rules Committee Print
(Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings / Natural Resources Committee)

The Rule provides for no further general debate and makes in order the following remaining amendments:

Rep. Peter DeFazio Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Paul Broun Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Alan Grayson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Capps / Brownley / Lowenthal Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Oversight & Government Reform Committee mark up of "Resolution Determining that Lois Lerner Waived Her Fifth Amendment Privilege” (Friday, June 28th, at 9:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Canon to invest $27 million in Newport News expansion

From Governor Bob McDonnell's office....

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Canon Virginia Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., will invest $27 million to expand its operation in the City of Newport News.  Canon Virginia, Inc. will add the manufacturing of toner for Canon copiers in 30,000 square feet of upgraded space at its Newport News campus.

Governor McDonnell met with Canon Inc. in Tokyo about this project during his recent Asia Marketing Mission.

           

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “The Commonwealth and Canon Virginia have maintained a strong partnership for nearly 30 years, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work directly with the company and its parent to continue to strengthen that bond. This investment and expansion project is significant for the Newport News campus, as it represents not only a new opportunity stemming from our recent visit to Japan, but also maintains the focus of Canon’s overall global production strategy and the role that the Virginia operations play. The addition of toner manufacturing at the Newport News campus further solidifies the future viability of the plant and brings Canon Virginia’s total capital investment to more than $371 million in just the last four years.”  

“Continued investment in Canon Virginia’s Newport News operation is tremendous news, as the company employs nearly 2,000 citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We are thrilled that toner production will now be at the Virginia operation, and are confident that it will provide a strategic advantage to house the process onshore and build on the success that Canon Virginia has experienced in the Commonwealth since 1985.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Newport News to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $3 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.

Headquartered in Newport News, Canon Virginia Inc. serves as the manufacturing support center for Canon U.S.A. Canon Virginia uses world-renowned production systems and extensive technical and manufacturing expertise to offer manufacturing solutions, including injection mold tools, metal and plastic parts, product manufacturing and reverse manufacturing.

“This investment and expansion is a symbol of our commitment to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Toru Nishizawa, president and CEO of Canon Virginia, Inc.  “We thank Governor McDonnell and the City of Newport News for presenting us this generous grant, which will help us complete the expansion successfully.”   

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $40 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2012 and is one of Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies in 2013. In 2012, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers' Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the ninth consecutive year, and for camcorders for the past two years. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes.

Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price, D.D.S. stated, “The continued growth and success of Newport News businesses remains a priority for our City and we are pleased to have been successful in working with the Commonwealth and Canon Virginia to both attract and secure this project.”

           

Florence G. Kingston, Newport News Director of Development, commented, “Canon Virginia’s expansion is a true testament to the company’s commitment to excellence in manufacturing and also demonstrates that the City of Newport News and Commonwealth are attractive places for global manufacturers to do business.”

Virginia sees $1.8 million in legislative branch savings

From Speaker William Howell's office....

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) announced over $1.8 million in legislative branch savings Thursday that will be returned to the general fund by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. This includes $1.6 million in savings by various legislative branch agencies and over $200,000 in unused House of Delegates salaries and expenses.

"I am incredibly proud to announce these legislative savings. These savings are part of a continued commitment to lower the cost of state government to Virginia taxpayers," said Speaker Howell. "Virginia taxpayers, families and businesses have to set priorities, make tough decisions and live within their means. I firmly believe that state government should do the same."  

Over $1.6 million in savings from 11 legislative branch agencies will be returned to the general fund by June 30 of this year. That includes $900,000 from the Auditor of Public Accounts, over $100,000 from the Division of Legislative Services and over $250,000 from the Capitol Police. The savings also include over $200,000 from the House of Delegates, as a result of reduced salaries and session expenses.

"Since 2003, the House of Delegates has sent over $5 million in savings back to the general fund, including over $1.3 million by consistently operating at a reduced per-diem rate during the legislative session," said Speaker Howell. "During my time as Speaker, I have sought to run the House of Delegates how Virginians expect all of state government to operate - responsibly, efficiently and effectively."  

Sabato: GOP can't touch Mark Warner's U.S. Senate seat

Republican Party of Virginia's central committee voted in May to hold a convention for the U.S. Senate candidate in 2014, deep-sixing chances for a viable GOP candidate to run against very popular Democratic Senator Mark Warner.

Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics wrote:

Republicans were always going to have an uphill climb against wealthy Sen. Mark Warner (D) next year, but their chances got even slimmer when they opted to select their nominee via convention next year. Having a convention rather than a primary increases the possibility of the GOP picking an unelectable far-right candidate...

Sabato moved that seat on his chart from "Likely Democratic" to "Safe Democratic." Read his entire Crystal Ball predictions here.

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Karl Rove: 'More white voters alone won't save the GOP'

Political guru Karl Rove had a very interesting article in Thursday's Wall Street Journal that basically laid out the reason why the Republican Party must reach out to minority voters:

As immigration reform grinds its way through the U.S. Senate, the main focus has rightly been on the legislation's policy consequences. But there are important political implications, especially for the GOP, that are worth examining.

He backs up his statement with facts and figures, and notes:

The reality is that the nonwhite share of the vote will keep growing. As the American Enterprise Institute's Henry Olsen pointed out in a recent speech, the nonwhite vote as a share of total voters has increased in every presidential election since 1996 by 2% (much of it Hispanic) while the share of the white vote has dropped by 2% each election.

If the GOP leaves nonwhite voters to the Democrats, then its margins in safe congressional districts and red states will dwindle—not overnight, but over years and decades.
...
Immigration reform is a top issue for Latinos as it is being debated in Washington, according to a March Latino Decisions poll. But their other major concerns—the economy and jobs, and education reform—are the same as the rest of America.

Nor will support for immigration reform solve all of the GOP's challenges in appealing to Hispanic voters. Republicans also need compelling messages on jobs, economic growth, social mobility and education. They also must show up. GOP pollster Jan van Lohuizen's focus groups found a major Latino complaint is that they never see Republicans in their communities to make the GOP's case.

Will the GOP listen? Time will tell.