Virginia's Public Square
Virginia's Public Square
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has released their 2018 Legislative Report Card honoring 19 Republicans with an “A+,” with the average grade among those within the Republican Party being an “A” and 10 members receiving a perfect score of 100. In comparison, House Democrats received an average grade of “D” with seven members receiving a failing grade of “F.”
Yes, you heard that correct. The wealthiest U.S. senator in America, who is worth nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, is explaining to people that capitalism, what he made his fortune on, does not work.
Quite ironic, right?
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) made his money as a cell phone franchise broker in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was also founder and managing director of the venture capital firm Columbia Capital, which was an early investor in a myriad of technology companies, including Nextel. Then, he co-founded Capital Cellular Corporation, building his net worth even further. In 2014, some sources say he had an estimated wealth of around $257 million, making him the wealthiest member of the Senate.
Sounds like a great career for someone who took principles of capitalism and made a fortune. Great for him, however, running on a resistance narrative, he is now criticizing the system that help him become a very rich man.
Nevertheless, while campaigning for Democratic candidate Leslie Cockburn in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District in the run-up to Election Day, Warner told a crowd of supporters that free enterprise in this day in age just isn’t working.
In the video published by RNC Research, Warner remarked, “I was blessed to do really well in business.” He added, “I believe in the free enterprise but I don’t believe modern American capitalism is working for enough people.”
“I think we ought to realize that the economy that we grew up in isn’t going to take place in 2017, 2018, 2019,” Warner said.
As everyone let’s that sink in, remember that this former governor of Virginia and current U.S. senator is up for re-election in 2020.
As someone who is adamantly against conservative principles regarding firearms and supports banning assault-style weapons, is planning to reconfigure the balance of power governing the Internet and online innovation, was fervently against the confirmation of Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, among other things, denouncing capitalism only adds to the list of why Warner should and could be beaten by a Republican in 2020.
For the race in the 8th House District, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, McNamara won with 61.74 percent of the vote – 21,251 votes cast – and Democratic candidate Turner garnered just 38.16 percent – 13,134 votes cast.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has referred four people to federal authorities to be investigated for making false claims against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Even if Trump’s aggressive character is fueled by the resistance opposition, one concept still reigns true – his base is enthralled by it. Even the President alluded to this Monday, asking the crowd of thousands, “is there anything like a Trump rally?”
During a recent interview, Hillary Clinton, in step with her out-of-touch style, joked about how African-American men “all look alike,” referring to former Attorney General Eric Holder and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Even worse, her supporters laughed it off.
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Nate Silver is now saying that it is “extremely possible” that the Republicans could maintain control of the lower chamber.
After the departure of United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley weeks ago, who will stay in her post until the end of the year, the Trump Administration may be getting ready to announce her successor to the world’s governing body. The position is rumored to be filled by former Fox News host and current State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.
She has held positions at several news organizations during her two decades as a journalist, having a much shorter government career that began in April 2017. Following the dismissal of Steve Goldstein on March 13, 2018 after the firing of then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Nauert was named acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
The White House has been unwilling to comment on the matter, even after Nauert met with President Donald Trump on Monday. Nevertheless, in a report from CNN, the President said that Nauert is “under very serious consideration” to become the next U.S. ambassador to the UN.
“She’s excellent. She’s been with us a long time. She’s been a supporter for a long time. And she’s really excellent,” Trump said. “We’ll probably make a decision next week. We have a lot of people that want the job and they’re a lot of really great people.”
The current contenders to replace Haley are also said to be U.S. Ambassador to Germany Ric Grennell, U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and Principality of Monaco Jamie McCourt, and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft. President Trump has repeatedly reiterated that he wants a woman to fill the role at the UN.
When a pick is selected, which is presumed to be Nauert, a Senate confirmation hearing will be undertaken. The Senate voted 96-4 to confirm Haley to represent the U.S. at UN in early 2017.
Following what occurred during the most recent confirmation hearing with Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, it is safe to assume that Democrats will grill the former “Fox & Friends” host about qualifications for the vital role.
Although Republican-based economic policies may not get a credit they deserve in the news cycles, the markets are responding much differently.