By JIM RILEY
For PotomacLocal.comÂ
TAMPA, Fla. — After a slew of Tuesday meetings run by the RATE Coalition on tax reform and the National Journal on what to expect from a Romney administration, it was off to pre-convention receptions and then the big event itself.
Word had spread earlier in the day that Mitt Romney was coming to town early to support his wife, Ann, on the big night of her speech. His motorcade zipped past us about 11 a.m. Tuesday.
During Tuesday night’s speeches, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gave some memorable lines during his speech:
“It will be good to have a president who understands what it takes to create jobs…and a vice president who knows what state he’s in.”
He was very well received by the delegates and it was clear why he made the cut for Romney’s Vice President short list.
Another Virginian, former U.S. Rep. Artur Davis who represented an Alabama district as a Democrat, brought down the house when he said he was at the wrong convention four years ago (he seconded President Obama’s nomination in Denver in 2008 and was the first lawmaker from outside Illinois to endorse him).
He spoke on behalf of everyone who “got it wrong” four years ago. By the end of the speech, he had the entire audience on their feet. Forget about him taking Gerry Connolly on in two years (if Connolly even lasts that long), Davis is Senate caliber and should be a top NRSC recruit target to take out Mark Warner in 2014.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gave a great speech in her own right, relating the story of how her immigrant parents built their own small business. She then pivoted to introducing Ann Romney.
During her speech, Ann Romney laid out the picture of Mitt Romney that most people don’t know, from the early days of their marriage when they lived in a basement apartment with an ironing board as their dining room table through today and the success he has achieved. She not only capably defended the notion of success, but praised its virtues.
Finally, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gave the keynote address. It’s theme was “it’s time someone started treating voters like adults,” and that it was more important that politicians and America as a whole be respected than to be loved. And finally, that elected officials lead and “change the polls” rather than merely be followers of them.
Wednesday, I’m at the first ever National Center Right Meeting run by Americans for Tax Reform. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is speaking about resisting the state expansion of Medicaid and the problems with Obamacare’s state exchanges. (Former Virginia LG John Hager is here, too.)
Delelegate David Ramadan from Loudoun County spoke about the constitutional amendments on the ballot this November to protect private property rights.
Jim Riley is the Southbridge Homeowners Association President and writes for VirginiaVirtucon.com.
*This story has been corrected.Â
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
