State and National Government
Congress is back in session, and Senator Mark Warner says it is time for the Senate to pass legislation that backers say will tighten election security — and enhance voter confidence in our election system. Opponents says it’s partisan and not needed. In his role as top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Warner says the U.S. needs to do all it can to make sure foreign governments cannot hack into American voting booths. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Virginia is just two months away from electing a new General Assembly, and this week AARP Virginia is launching a voter-engagement program to inform candidates and voters about key issues impacting people age 50 and older. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
A former California state senator worked his way through Virginia last week and stopped in Roanoke on Friday – making his case for changing the way electoral colleges choose the President. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with Ray Haynes:
Click below to hear an extended conversation with Ray Haynes on the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact:
Harry Wilson – Roanoke College photo
We hear or read about it from listeners on certain polls – especially where politics are concerned – how accurate are these phone surveys? WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with the head of Roanoke College’s Institute for Policy and Opinion Research:
Click below to hear the complete conversation with Dr. Harry Wilson about polling methodology:
Congress returns to session next week after the August recess. And while many highly partisan divisions remain, U.S. Senator Mark Warner says there are several proposals that deserve support from both parties. In particular, proposals designed to limit the number of robocalls, as WFIR’s Evan Jones report:
Warner spoke live Wednesday morning on WFIR. Here is the full conversation:
U.S. Senator Mark Warner joined the Roanoke Valley’s Morning News live today for a wide-ranging conversation that included election security, border security, and his hopes for legislation may have chances of passage in a deeply-divided Congress. Here is the full conversation:
Rep. Ben Cline
Congressman Ben Cline says the U.S. is providing adequate facilities and adequate care for immigrants who are held when trying to enter the country — but border agents need more resources to properly curb illegal entries. Cline spent two days last month visiting border facilities in McAllen Texas. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
The head of NORML’s Virginia Chapter says Virginia is lagging behind on marijuana legalization. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
Beto O’Rourke – Clark Palmer photo
During a stop at Wine Gourmet in Roanoke County on his way to Virginia Tech this afternoon presidential hopeful Beto O’Rourke called on fellow Democrats to deliver the majorities he said can help change gun laws. O’Rourke is holding a Town Hall-style campaign stop at Virginia Tech.