Shocking

Josh has the details.  I am too upset to have any thoughts right now, I will update later.

UPDATE:  I'm glad to hear my Delegate Dave Marsden cast this vote in apparent error.  Whether that error was incompetence, not knowing the difference between red and green or because of a lack of attention span is not the issue here now!

My question for Dave Albo, Tim Hugo, Vince Callahan and Tom Rust- What were you thinking? I'd like to hear their side to this important issue.

Also, Gerry Connolly deserves credit for noticing this months ahead of time, and attempting to alert others to the impact it would have.  Kudos to Gerry.

Comments

Marsden was not the only Democrat to vote that way. Joannou also did.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Are you saying the vote was ok?

[TMU]

Sigh.

This is the part where NLS, out of pure personal pique, because he believes with all his heart that Marsden is sitting in NLS' seat, picks out one vote out of the hundreds upon hundreds cast each year by a delegate, and presents that vote as irrefutable evidence of Marsden's unfitness.

No, I don't think the vote was OK.

No, I wouldn't rather have Golden.

Yes, I voted for Marsden.

Yes, I probably will again.

Did I cover everything? OK, continue bleating.

[Not Larry Sabato]

TMU, with all due respect, I didn't even see this vote until Josh posted it. I should be paying closer attention.

[TMU]

Yeah, your personal grudge against the guy who ran you out of that race might die if you don't nurture it.

"I'm too upset to have any thoughts right now." Ooooh, how pwecious is that?

[Mason Conservative]

Just a question, but wasn't Marsden a Republican a couple of years ago? That might explain his vote.

[Nats]

What's everyone pissed off about, the fact that he voted with the Republicans or the issue of a subsidy for 1900 low-income children?

[Vivian J. Paige]

Kris Amundson says that the vote was in error and that Marsden is doing what he can to correct it.

Glad too se he's paying attention?!

Nothing to see here...move along. Does anyone know if the mainstream media made the same mistake in running this story?

[David Englin]

Ease up on Dave, everyone. I've seen legislators on both sides of the aisle with years of experience accidentally press the wrong button and submit grey sheets. It happens. Regardless of what it indicates online, the official, printed journal of the House reflects that Dave Marsden voted FOR the Governor's amendments, just like the rest of us.

I know it's a lot to ask, Ben, but you should be fair to Dave and update your initial post now that you know what really happened. If you're as incensed as I am by the Republican majority cutting day care for 1,900 poor Fairfax County children, then let's direct our energy where it belongs: getting to 51 and 21, not needlessly attacking a good, hardworking Democrat.

Delegate Englin:How much of the state money, I believe 6 million, cut for day care was going to Fairfax County? How much is/has it cost Fairfax the last two FY's?

[TMU]

Del. Englin:

If you're waiting for NLS to show a tiny sliver of fairness to Del. Marsden, I recommend that you NOT hang by your toes while waiting, and that you bring a lunch. You'll be waiting a while. He's just looking for another excuse to trot out the Lurch picture.

[Nats]

DE: I am also interested in some facts and figures on the money cut for 1900 low income children. How much has the feds/state/fairfax paid in the past? How much is this program costing Fairfax? What exactly is the money used for? How much per child? Who qualifies? Should the County drop the program as Connolly suggested or stop putting in artifical turf fields throughout Fairfax and fund it? I'm anxiously awaiting your expertise on the issue!

[SE VA MWC Alum]

Ben just wondering why are you not attacking joannou too-he's so in bed with bil howell its not even funny

[Not Larry Sabato]

I expect it from Johnny. You are right, he should not get a free pass on this either.

Voting against children is a great sound bite but what are the details?

[Webb Defeats Allen]

Nats: What more do you need? Kids. They got no place to go.

Thanks a lot House Republicans.

Marsden is exonerated. Case closed.

[Chris]

Marsden may be cleared, but not "My people are wealthy" Albo nor are Callahan, Hugo or Rust.

[Nats]

WDA: Answers to my questions. I have kids dip shit and work with two foundations that help disadvantaged children, so I'm looking for a little more than "Kids" which was obviously posted by a kid. I thought I could get an answer before I have to research it myself tomorrow. I just figured that with so many experts, someone would be able to give me some numbers.

[David Englin]

In March, the Feds cut by more than $12 million the amount of Social Services Block Grant money Virginia will receive to pay for subsidized child care, while also increasing TANF work requirements thus increasing the need for that child care. The Governor's $6 million amendment, plus a required 50% match by the locality, would have made up $9 million of the shortfall. Based on TANF population, the amount that would have gone to Fairfax (I believe about half of the total) would have covered 1,900 eligible children. That means $3 million in state money, matched by $1.5 million in Fairfax money.

[Not Larry Sabato]

By the way TMU, I missed you. :)

[TMU]

NLS:

I see you're not too upset to express yourself now, but you're still embarrassing when it comes to Marsden. Grow up.

[Vote Counter]

Kudos to Gerry from NLS!! WOW!!! Better capture that for the campaign next year!!!