Democrats unveil “The Majority Project”
Both parties are making a big push for early voting this year.
This is the Virginia Scope daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
Have a tip? You can reply to this email, or email me directly at Brandon@virginiascope.com
Today’s Sponsor: Clean Virginia
Clean Virginia is an independent and bipartisan advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee that wants Virginians to pay fair prices for clean, renewable energy and believes that a more ethical and transparent state government is key to achieving that goal. The Clean Virginia team is motivated by a vision of Virginia in which power is distributed more equitably so that all Virginians benefit from a government and energy system that prioritizes people and the planet over corporate monopoly profit.
The sale of the Washington Commanders has been finalized.
A statement from the new owner, Josh Harris: "I appreciate that it's not just about me being a fan. I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to win championships and to create great experiences and memories for future fans just like I had as a kid."
Democrats unveil “The Majority Project”
Just a week after Republicans announced their efforts to encourage supporters to vote early, Democrats have announced their latest early vote movement. Democrats have been pushing for early voting since they first enacted legislation opening it up in 2020.
Named “The Majority Project,” it will be a combined effort of the House Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Caucus, and the Democratic Party of Virginia.
According to the press release, The Majority Project has over 100 staff members already in the field across the Commonwealth. The seven-figure early and absentee vote effort includes a “state-of-the-art relational organizing program, a robust field program, and a combination of collaborative door-to-door and phone-to-phone efforts designed to get Democrats to the polls in record numbers this November.”
Democrats have been advocating for early voting since 2020. Most Republicans (excluding Gov. Youngkin) have railed against it ever since but they seem to have come around to the idea after seeing the advantage it gives to Democrats in elections. “I fully embraced early voting in my campaign in 2021. It was a cornerstone of our efforts. And I just view it as common sense. There’s 45 days to vote, and we should encourage voters to get out and use all 45 days,” Youngkin said recently.
“The Virginia Democrats’ campaign launched on a scale that has never been seen before in the Commonwealth,” said House Democratic Caucus Leader Don Scott. “Democrats have been ahead of the curve on early and absentee voting for years now, and that is because we are investing in people over corporations and standing up for women’s rights and the rights of Virginians all across the Commonwealth. We’ve already got people hitting the doors everyday hearing from Virginians which issues matter most to them, and we’re going to keep up that work and win in November.”
“This is about keeping rights in the hands of Virginians and not taking them away this November,” Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Senator Mamie E. Locke. “Senate Democrats are meeting voters at their doors on these key issues such as protecting reproductive rights, funding our public schools and our teachers, and preventing gun violence. Secure your vote is a fallacy because MAGA Republicans are determined to take away these very rights. Democrats want people to vote for candidates who are fighting for issues that matter to them. We will continue to push early voting in hopes to keep our Senate majority. This majority is the only thing standing in the way of Glenn Youngin and his MAGA Republican plan for our Commonwealth or should I say, Youngkin’s plan for our nation.”
“Our party is entirely unified in this unprecedented and laser-focused effort,” said DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “The Majority Project is a perfect example of how Democrats invest in the future of Virginia at every level. Across the Commonwealth, from local offices to the General Assembly, we’re working together to build a Commonwealth for everyone.”
Other tidbits from Virginia politics
Wittman calls for additional investment from Biden in national defense to deter China
According tot he governor’s office, the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate declined from 2.9 percent in May to 2.7 percent in June, and remained below the national rate, which decreased to 3.6 percent in June. According to LAUS, the number of employed Virginians increased by 23,111 to 4,463,028 in June, and the number of unemployed residents decreased by 9,354 to 125,054.
Trump’s former commerce secretary to host event for Youngkin - WRIC
by Dean Mirshahi
Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross plans to host Republican leaders and donors at his Hamptons mansion in August for an event for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The event – first reported by The Messenger – will give top GOP figures a chance to meet with Gov. Youngkin as some party leaders and donors look to entice him to run for president. It will be held on Aug. 4 at Ross’ mansion in the Hamptons on Long Island, members of Youngkin’s PAC confirmed.
Berry says mistake may keep her off Senate District 9 ballot - Charlotte Gazette
By CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT
Democratic nominee for the 9th State Senate Trudy Berry says a mistake out of her control may be the end of her campaign.
Berry, a citizen of Lunenburg County who is challenging incumbent Sen. Frank Ruff said she performed her candidate duties by filing all the required paperwork on time, and the Department of Elections accepted them all. However, she says, her nominating committee did not properly perform their duty to ensure that the Department of Elections received Form 527.
Dominion scrambles to meet soaring power demand - Fauquier Times
By Peter Cary - Piedmont Journalism Foundation
In June 2022, Loudoun County staffers met with Dominion Energy officials to hear their plans to increase power reliability for data centers. Dominion said it was “contemplating system upgrades,” according to a county report. But three weeks later, with no warning to the county, Dominion started telling data centers new power delivery would be severely limited until January 2026 as it temporarily paused hookups for new data centers.
The news stunned Buddy Rizer, Loudoun’s economic development director, who has overseen more than a decade’s worth of data center development in Northern Virginia. Even last week, a year later, Rizer said he was still shocked. “I remain stunned at the way that rolled out,” he said.
