And True to form the Naturalization Ceremony for 2008 was predictable, but in a different way.

The fall campaign has already begun, and it’s only June. I guess it’s a sign of the times, as the presidential primaries started earlier this year than ever before. In fact the campaigns actually started in 2007!

It’s been a hard day. The passing of Tim Russert has hit me hard like a lot of people, maybe even you. It’s kind of strange, given that we barely knew him personally.

It just seems to me that everyone is out to get my grass! I am a somewhat obsessive gardener when it comes to my lawn. I dream of a lush, bright green turf in my front and backyard.

On Friday, I wrote a story on what to look for at the Virginia Republican Convention Saturday. Let’s see what happened.

Saturday, the Virginia Republican Party will come together in Richmond to pick its candidate to face off against Mark Warner in one of the top Senate races of the 2008 cycle. The race pits former Gov. Jim Gilmore against Del. Bob Marshall.

I think this project is another example of one of Roanoke’s greatest strengths. Instead of tearing down our old buildings, Roanoke’s leaders have figured out ways to save them and at times repurpose them for current needs.

Without debate or question, this would have to have been one of the prettiest Memorial Day weekends on record. It wasn’t too hot, or wet, or windy, or even cold. It was just perfect.

My friends say I’m cheap. I prefer to say I’m conservative or thrifty. Either way, I don’t like to waste money.

The countdown on Nelson Harris’ one term in the mayor’s office is on. Harris has three more scheduled council meetings. How will he handle them?

If Obama is going to win the White House, he will need a new mix of states and all indicators point to Virginia topping that list. Get ready for a fun election season!

It may be that the stars have aligned for a Warner victory in 2008. But to get there, Warner will have to overcome the enthusiasm gap. That could be his largest opponent.

We are four days out from Tuesday’s Roanoke City Council elections. What will happen?

The federal government hopes you’ll soon be flooding the floors of malls, aisles of grocery stores, and doors of home improvement stores spending your tax rebate.

I’m curious. Do you think the Democratic primary fight has gone on too long? We’re hearing a lot of people say they’re over the constant news coverage, harping by the campaign surrogates, and back and forth between the candidates.

As many of you know, I teach a class at Virginia Tech.

Warner’s wife, former Virginia First Lady Lisa Collis, is a co-chair of Virginia Women for Obama and has contributed money to Sen. Obama’s campaign.

Last night’s Roanoke City Council and Mayoral debate showed a lot of agreement and a few areas of stark disagreement.

As upstart, long shot candidates go, I have never seen one as energized and determined as Sam Rasoul.

Virginia’s leaders can’t seem to agree on a smoking ban for Virginia, but many of its restaurants can.

Should you buy into the current argument that Virginia be in play during this presidential election? Many Democrats are claiming that the Old Dominion is turning purple and will be a major battleground in 2008. They point to the Democrats victories for governor in 2001 and 2005 and Jim Webb’s surprising upset of Sen. George Allen in 2006. The Democrats also made significant gains in the 2007 General Assembly races, retaking control of the State Senate and picking up several House seats.

I have about as much hope of winning this as Hillary Clinton does of winning the nomination… there’s a chance… but it’s slim!

It’s time to take a break from politics, even though there’s a lot to talk about! It’s March Madness… giving all of us political junkies a much needed distraction.

Stacks of cash. The government’s promise of a tax rebate check has a lot of us dreaming about it. But just how much will you get back?

6th District Democrats are learning some shocking news. Longtime party leader and activist David Layman passed away Tuesday night.

It’s happened again. Our cultural organizations have been zeroed out of the state budget. They’re getting nada. Zip. Nothing.

One viewer wrote in asking, “Is this check a “credit” (or advance) on my 2008 federal income tax refund?”

Over the past week, there has been a lot of talk about a possible dream ticket for the Democrats: the pairing of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both Hillary and her husband have floated the idea and others have jumped on board including Pennsylvania’s governor.

The special session about our roads will likely be just as much about taxes. Buckle in, this could be a bumpy ride.

On Tuesday, I presented seven questions to look for on election night as the returns came back from Ohio and Texas. Let’s see how close we came to either being right… or even asking the right question!