Here’s the latest from the Campaign Trail….

POLLS:
A political campaign is ebb and flow. One week you’re up, and the next you’re down. Moments can turn an election. This week Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bob McDonnell got good news in the polls. He is trending higher in recent polls. I often look at Real Clear Politics that does a good job summarizing the week in polls.
This week McDonnell’s average is 49.5% to Democratic Challenger St. Sen. Creigh Deeds 42.5%.
However, I’m reminded what my friend Doug Wilder told me one time when I was covering his historic election in 1989: I asked him about his declining poll numbers in the election, and he said, “Andy, the only poll that counts is the poll that’s taken once the polls close.” He then went on to become the first elected African American Governor.
STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
These guys from Northern Virginia must get out of NOVA and get down here to Hampton Roads. State Delegate Steve Shannon (D) Vienna faces St. Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R) Fairfax.
They both are on air with ads, but their schedule shows to much NOVA.
This just in: I just got an email from the Shannon Campaign. He will be with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Newport News) Saturday.
Cuccinelli still showing this weekend, four weeks out from election day, in NOVA.
I interviewed both candidates over the phone this week. These phoner updates on the campaign allow the candidates to get another free hit on TV while continuing to campaign in other parts of the state.
I don’t think they work very well because the voters feel no connection to them through a “phoner.”
During the phoner Shannon boasted his endorsement from the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Why the State Attorney General cares about the Chamber, you ask? Well, both of these guys are from NOVA, and head to head the Chamber decided to support Shannon. The Chamber is also supporting Republican Bob McDonnell. I asked Shannon how come he got the Chamber endorsement and his running mate Deeds did not? His wishy-washy answer was basically, each candidate’s different. Fact is Deeds could sure use a Chamber of Commerce endorsement. He’s getting hit on his statements to raise new revenues (taxes) for new roads. A new McDonnell commercial now showing on WAVY-TV shows a stumbling bumbling Creigh Deeds trying to explain his position on taxes. The McDonnell campaign took Deeds at his worst trying to explain how new taxes need to be dedicated to new roads. Deeds is actually very clear and articulate that new roads can not be built with old revenue sources like the General Fund as McDonnell proposes.
Cuccinelli unveiled a very thoughtful mental health agenda in his phoner campaign update. He is pushing for more emphasis on community based mental health programs rather that institutional solutions.
ENDORSEMENTS: Cuccinelli-NRA, Fraternal Order of Police, Shannon-Fairfax Chamber, Police benevolent Association, McDonnell-Northern VA. Technology Council, Deeds formed Sportsmen for Deeds to counter NRA for McDonnell. Deeds also got the endorsement of former Republican Governor Linwood Holton. It should be noted that Holton is Democratic Governor Tim Kaine’s father-in-law.
ADS:
Deeds continues to hit McDonnell for his 1989 thesis he wrote at what is now Regent University. In it he said working women are detriments to the traditional family. Friday McDonnell’s campaign launched new television ads featuring women who worked for him and support him. The problem is some are state workers and although it may not be illegal it is almost unheard of that state workers are involved in political campaigns.
Here’s a transcript for what they say about McDonnell.
In “TRUST,” Women say:
Karen Fortier, Former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Creigh Deeds’ attacks on Bob McDonnell are false”
Lisa Caruso, Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Dishonest”
Pam Watts, Co-worker 17 years: “Are dishonest”
Lisa Hicks Thomas, Deputy Attorney General: “Half the Deputy Attorneys General Bob McDonnell appointed are women”
Lisa Caruso, Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Putting women in positions of authority”
Pam Watts, Co-worker 17 years: “Trusting women like me”
Flora Hezel, Former Assistant Attorney General: “Professional women and working mothers”
Maureen Matsen, Deputy Attorney General: “Women Bob McDonnell trusts to protect Virginia”
Lisa Hicks Thomas, Deputy Attorney General: “Prosecuting sexual predators with laws passed by Bob McDonnell”
Polly Franks, Victims Advocate: “I’ve seen Bob McDonnell stand up to protect women and children”
Lisa Hicks Thomas, Deputy Attorney General: “That’s what Bob McDonnell will do as Governor.”
Close McDonnell friend and current State Attorney General Bill Mims says any state worker supporting McDonnell is doing so on his/her own time and away from the office.
Noted political analyst Larry Sabato from UVA wrote in the Washington Post about McDonnell’s thesis: “He’s danced around it,” Sabato said. “You’ve had the formulations in the paper: ‘Well, that was a long time ago,’ and ‘Here’s my daughter.’ He hasn’t said, ‘I don’t believe that working women hurt the family.’ He has to repudiate it, and he hasn’t because he’s worried about offending the social conservatives who still believe that.”
FACT CHECK: The polls are trending towards McDonnell. It appears Deeds needs a new issue other than the thesis, or atleast needs another issue in order to sway independent undecideds towards him.
That’s this week on the Campaign Trail.

Thanks for reading, I’m Andy Fox-WAVY.com

Students from 30 southside Hampton Roads public and private high schools are collecting food to help feed the hungry this fall.

The 2009 Student Food Drive kicked off Tuesday, September 29 at the Foodbank of  Southeastern Virginia on Tidewater Drive.  Fox 43 is a proud sponsor and the Foodbank asked me to speak to the students at the kickoff rally.

I encouraged them to reach out to their peers and the community to donate non-perishable items and help the less fortunate.

The rally was the spotlight for the students’ talent.  They performed skits about hunger and solving the problem.

Representatives from Granby, Kellam, Booker T. Washington, Atlantic Shores Christian and Tallwood were among those who performed at the kickoff event.   The food will be collected at the participating schools and also through drives the students set up at local businesses.  The 10 most wanted items are peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta and pasta sauces.

The Foodbank hopes to reach or exceed the goal of 100,000 pounds of food this year. Last year, the students brought in 70,000 with another 30,000 pound donation from Tyson Foods.   The school that collects the most pounds per capita wins the competition.

The competition ends with an awards celebration on Wednesday, November 11 at the Foodbank. Good luck to all of the students who are participating and here’s my challenge to you to do your part and help those in need.  Every bit counts!

Next year, there will be a new sheriff in town. Virginia Beach’s Paul Lanteigne, who’s held the job in that city since 2000, is retiring. Beach residents have a choice between two men with similar views on public safety. Virginia Beach Police Capt. John Bell and State Senator Ken Stolle both say they’re committed to improving, maintaining, and promoting public safety. That’s a good first step for any candidate.

Bell and Stolle differ on other goals and objectives for the Sheriff’s Office.

Stolle, the Republican candidate, says he “will not overturn a judge’s order” to let people out of jail on work release or electronic monitoring. He told me in a phone interview, “if they have 90 days, they serve it.”

Democratic candidate Bell said he does not want to “disregard a judge’s order. I want to work with the judges to increase the use of electronic monitoring and alternative sentencing.” Bell said he does not support the idea for violent offenders, but believes it could be used to take the load off the jail in the daytime, giving deputies more ability to focus on controlling violent offenders. Bell said a person in jail for failure to pay child support is one example of a person who might benefit from electronic monitoring.

As for overall goals, I asked both candidates where would they use the position to make changes in Virginia Beach.

Stolle: “I would use my experience in the legislature to change laws governing the use of inmates for work. Right now Sheriffs are prohibited from using an inmate workforce on private property… I think it could be expanded primarily in two areas. I’d like to see an exception, for example, for graffiti. I’d also like to create a faith-based commission to find and designate indigent people who need repairs. Supervised inmates could do the work.”

Bell: “There’s a trend where we build more cells, I want to address it on the front end… The Sheriff’s Office ought to be more involved in mentoring in neighborhoods, beyond D.A.R.E., but to older youths. We can can be role models for our youth… Also, once people are incarcerated, how are they prepared to re-enter community? …So many people come into jail with drug addictions. We can do more with drug abuse programs in jail. While they’re in jail, they can also get education, so they’re better prepared for when they get out.”

Bell and Stolle have plenty of ideas about how to operate and manage the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. Their campaign signs have popped up all across Virginia Beach in recent weeks. While neither candidate will likely spend money to run television ads, both are spending plenty of time on the streets. If you live in Virginia Beach, look for Capt. Bell, or Sen. Stolle (or one of their friends) to knock on your door in the next few weeks. Just in case you’re not at home when they stop by to ask for your vote, you can click here to take a closer look at Capt. John Bell or St. Sen. Ken Stolle.

Pull out your pink shirts, socks and hats and get ready for a TOTALLY PINK weekend.    On Saturday Hampton Roads will kick off a month of Breast Cancer awareness and fund raising events that range from fun to fancy.

First, is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society.   Join me and the WAVY Walkers as we make strides and share a few laughs.  Registration starts at 8:00 Saturday morning at Harbor Park in Norfolk, the walk begins at 9:00.  It’s non competitive so come out and have fun with us.  You can join our WAVY team or make a contribution.

Saturday night survivor Ginny Wright Johnson will host her third annual Hat Party at Savannah’s restaurant, 1296 South Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake.   Dance the night away wearing your favorite hat and bring another hat  or headscarf to donate.  There will also be many great gift baskets and items up for bid.  All the proceeds go to the ACS’s  Reach to Recovery program.  Ginny for details at  757-652-9760 or ginn-rn@cox.net

Then get ready for a ‘truly uplifting experience’ Sunday Oct. 4 at the Bra-Ha-Ha.  Join me at MacArthur Center to check out the fabulous, funny and sometimes fancy bras created to raise awarness of the importance of early detection. 

The event starts at 7pm.  A highlight of the evening will be the unveiling and auctioning of a custom designed bra, the “Angel of Hope,” created by celebrated intimate apparel designer, COSABELLA. The designer label is the lingerie of choice for those fashion-savvy “Sex in the City” girls, and was featured regularly as wardrobe by the actresses on the renowned television show. Sara Jessica Parker is so enamored with their designs that she normally insists on wearing only COSABELLA on the film set of “Sex in the City, The Movie, Part Two,” which is now under production in New York City.

Is that enough pink for you?  No?  Well check back next week.  There are events going throughout October.  I’ll keep you posted.

Set against the backdrop of Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, the ‘Out of the Darkness Community Walk’ took over a beautiful Saturday morning at the park.  Wavy TV/FOX 43 was a proud sponsor of the event once again. Thousands of participants showed up .. some to remember, some to prevent and other to support. The ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk is meant to bridge the gap between Depression and Suicide. The link between the two has been proven and now it’s out job to bring the facts ‘out of the darkness’.  I was lucky enough to emcee/host the event this year and I was just one of many speakers who brought their story to the stage.

Organizer Chris Ghilcrest spoke from the heart.

Take a look at the pictures below. You’ll see a very colorful audience. It was no accident. Each registered walker received a t-shirts of various colors and a ribbon to tie on your arm, also in different colors. The colors were meant to identify someone who died by suicide. I don’t remember exactly which colors represented which .. but for example .. those wearing red ribbons had a son or daughter die by suicide .. and so on. Standing on stage and looking out at these people was a very intense moment. To know what they have lost is powerful.

Huddled together for support.

Colors everywhere.

This was the last time Col. John Green wore his military uniform. Jon read almost 150 names of people who had died by suicide, while family members listened attentively for the ‘closure’ that reading  may bring. One incredible fact many may not know: In January of 2008, the military reported more deaths of enlisted service members by suicide than in combat. Mind you, in Jan. of 2008 the war in Iraq and Afghanistan was very much alive.

The Military presence was strong.

It's a One Woman Show!!

This is another picture of Chris. She is a liscensed therapist in Chesapeake and she takes on the organizational task of this entire event. The process for the next years ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ literally begins the day after the event. She puts in countless (thousands) of hours to make this happen. She makes a difference. I was proud to work with her on this event.

Through the 'Wall of 1,000 Cranes' the walk begins.

You can see the ‘Wall of 1,000 Cranes’ behind these walkers. I marked the starting point for the trek around Mt. Trashmore. The ‘Cranes’ has a special spiritual connection with depression and suicide.

Johnny Flex spinning some tunes!

And who else?? D.J. Johnny Flex givin’ us some tunes to walk with.

When all the names were counted Chris told me we had more than 2,000 walkers take part this year. In fact last year, our local ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk had more particiapants that cities like Chicagao and Philly. We ranked #3 out of more than 150 walks nationwide. Many thanks there to Chris Ghilchrest .. once again.

I hope the walk this year inspired some and gave others the chance to remember and gain closure. Looking out at the faces in the crowd as I spoke, I think this event brought more than ever expected to everyone in attendance. Hope to see you all next year.  Until then .. keep your eyes and more importantly your ears open. Listen when someone describes how they’re feeling. If you think they may be falling into depression. Get them/yourself help.

Let me hear about you experiences at the walk.

See ya.

Eric

We’re just a few days away from the official start of Fall.
Over the weekend, I got the chance to emcee the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Town Point Park.

It was a celebration welcoming a bountiful autumn harvest.

What a wonderful event that just wrapped up its fourth year! We had great weather, hundreds of visitors, and a spot inside the newly renovated Town Point Park

The Jow Ga Kung Fu Chinese Association of Virginia Beach brought in some good luck with a Chinese lion dance.

The ladies of the Tidewater Chinese School Performing Arts Club entertained us with a lovely ribbon dance.

And I got the chance to stand next to the Moon Goddess.

Until next year–
Hope your year is a lucky one!

We love having visitors to our studio in Portsmouth.

Some wonderful folks from The Village at Woods Edge in Franklin stopped by yesterday.

I think they enjoyed themselves.  It was kinda quiet when they got inside.  It isn’t always so calm!  You may remember, it was pouring down rain, flooding everywhere (or so it seemed) in the a.m.  Our visitors got in right between the morning and Midday shows.  Everyone here was recuperating from that busy morning!

Thanks for coming in!

Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation.

School has started for some, school is about to start for everyone else.  We are in anticipation mode at our house.  My oldest is about to start first grade!  Where does the time go?

Back to school also  means you’ll have a little extra company on the roads as you head out in the mornings.

Those bright yellow school buses, pretty much parked during the summer, are getting revved up once again.

So it’s a good time to remind folks of the rules that are always in effect when kids get back into the classroom.  They do have to get there safely.

First, stop when the buses do.  It’s the law.  Your wait begins once that stop arm goes up–all the way until that stop arm drops back down.  We all dislike getting behind a stopped bus, but it’s the law.  Plus, these kids need the time to get back on the sidewalk!

A reminder that the speed limit is 25 miles per hour near schools.  Those slow zones are marked off by street signs.

We all need to be more aware, especially at home.  That’s because in talking with school officials, they tell me the majority of accidents involving buses don’t happen on the highways.  They happen in the neighborhoods.  They are caused by people who aren’t paying attention and who hit stopped buses.  It’s a busy time of year, but not that busy.

Cheers to you all.  Wishing you a successful start to another great year of school!

With all the stories in the news about the bars “Have a Nice Day Cafe” and “Bar Norfolk” getting padlocked by  security and no longer wanted in Waterside by the city of Norfolk, I can’t help but think about the old Waterside from back in the day.  Even though I grew up in Virginia Beach, Waterside was a destination for people of all ages from all over Hampton Roads when it first opened.

The  Fudgery, Phillips Seafood, Pierces Pitt Barbeque, a pizza shop, a Chinese restaurant, lots of boutiques. Those were the days!

Some say the city of Norfolk recruited the big name chain bars to help revive the waterfront building, but  is now looking for something different to bring back the family friendly atmosphere at all times.

town point park

The renovation of  Town Point Park outside of Waterside is gorgeous and it’s slowly bringing folks back to hang out on the lawn, run through the fountain, walk or run along the border.

The commemorative bricks are fun to look at- especially when you recognize the names!  Inside Waterside, you can watch a puppet show, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music or work out at the Gym Downtown’s new location there.  The retail appears to be rebounding…  there’s a new Foxers lingerie boutique, the popular Virginia store and a few other old faithful shops that remain.

I think Norfolk city leaders should take a trip to Columbus, Ohio and check out the North Market.

Here’s a description from its web page:

I visited the North Market for the first time in the spring and loved it!  The best thing about Waterside is it’s on the water!! Imagine the possibilites of spending the entire day eating, relaxing, exercising- whatever you want to do.  Hopefully it will continue to bounce back and folks will get on the same page about what they really want it to be.  What are your memories and thoughts about Waterside? Please share them below.

Summer may be just about done.

But it’s not over yet!!!!

Camping is growing in popularity.  Could be the down economy.  Could be that families just want a simple way to spend time together.

In any case, campsites are hopping these days.

On Fox 43 News at 7, we did a series of reports on camping–the gear you need, the places you go, how to stay safe.  We even checked in with the Boy Scouts on the best way to be prepared to “rough it.”

Check it out!

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Enjoy the rest of your summer!