News Briefs – July 11, 2018

Below is the most recent media update compiled by the RPV Communications Office.

RPV:

GoDanRiver.com
Plus, the state Republican Party is suddenly leaderless, with John Whitbeck quitting as chairman barely 3½ months before what could be a grim Election Day for …
Staunton News Leader
But Matt Fitzgerald, chairman of the Staunton Republican Committee, said the Republican Party of Virginia indicated to the committee that it does not have …
STATE LEVEL:
By ALAN SUDERMAN, Associated Press
Dominion Energy’s tenfold increase in spending to influence Virginia politicians was prompted by the spread of “fake news and propaganda perpetuated by anti-energy groups,” a company spokesman said. Recently filed disclosure forms show the state’s biggest electric utility and most politically powerful company spent more than $1 million on lobbyists, entertainment, meals and communications from May 2017 to the end of April 2018. That’s about 10 times what the company said it spent in last year’s filing.
By PAUL COLLINS, Martinsville Bulletin
Virginia Delegate Charles Poindexter said on Tuesday that he expects insurance premiums to increase for local residents. Speaking at the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Post-Legislative Luncheon, Poindexter said he believes hospitals affected by a new tax will pass those costs on to consumers. The planned hospital tax was put in place to help fund Virginia’s portion of the costs for Medicaid expansion.
FEDERAL LEVEL:
The Weekly Standard
And, according to Quinnipiac, Corey Stewart is running 18 points behind incumbent Democratic senator Tim Kaine. Before the Virginia Primary, Republicans …

VA02 – CONGRESSMAN TAYLOR INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT SEEKS TO STOP CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS

By MICHAEL POPE, WVTF
Congress doesn’t have a reputation for managing money well. But these days it seems like lawmakers are unwilling — or unable — to balance the checkbook on time.
Daily Mail
Video: Scott Taylor appeals to ‘black, white’ Virginians in campaign ad. Congressman Scott Taylor pitched himself as a candidate for all Virginians in 2016– …
Daily Mail
A Republican congressman claims he can’t be racist because his son is ‘named after a black guy’ he served in the military with. Scott Taylor, running for …
NBC2 News
Dave Brat of Virginia, who had yet to weigh in on the scandal, was asked whether Jordan has his full support Tuesday. “Sure, Jim’s one of the most ethical guys …
Brookville Times
Barbara Comstock of Northern Virginia could encounter the most difficultly fending off questions about Stewart, who will face Sen. Tim Kaine this November.