VIP - Virginia in Politics

VIP Inbox is back! Host Chris Saxman candidly reacts to current topics and questions submitted by listeners. We had some great ones this week! Have a political topic or question you are curious about? Submit a question or comment to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWIq6-uq1GQ1owmU5zF8i6g1abRPzoi1AkcI8aC-09Wzy6Dg/viewform

Lo Davis, Executive Director of the Cavalier Futures Foundation, talks about how the 2021 NCAA NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) ruling transformed college athletics in Virginia and beyond. He outlines creating the "Virginia Way" to help student athletes understand and properly take advantage of opportunities within the rules of the NCAA. Learn more: https://www.cavscare.org/

Introducing a new segment: VIP Inbox! Host Chris Saxman candidly reacts to current topics and questions submitted by listeners. We had some great ones this week! Have a political topic or question you are curious about? Submit a question here. 

General Bob Wood sits down with Chris for a discussion focused on Veterans' issues. They talk about the frustrations of Veterans, the impact of January 6th, political history, support for Veterans and their families, and more.  Learn more about American Veterans Vote

Chris continues his rundown on Virginia's upcoming primary elections - this time focusing on Senate Republican Districts. 

Chris gives a quick rundown on the upcoming June 20th primaries in Senate Democratic districts and makes early predictions. 

Chris continues discussing incumbent retirements in the Virginia legislature. This time, he's predicting up to seven more legislators who may retire as a result of internal primary battles. Listen to Chris discuss what's impacting these nomination battles and make your own predictions! 

Chris discusses the incumbent legislators who will not be returning next year. Recent retirement announcements mean Virginia is losing over 300 years of institutional knowledge and experience! Chris discusses what this turnover means for good governance in Virginia.

Delegate Amanda Batten talks about what's happening in this year's chaotic short session, including a conversation with Chris on parenting and education issues. As a former legislative assistant and now Delegate and Caucus Chair, she discuss shifts in policymaking and dynamics from her experienced perspective.

Texas Parliamentarian Kay Crews explains her job and how it helps maintain fairness and order in chaos. She talks in detail about working on ranked choice voting in Virginia, and calls it the best job she's ever had! Get to know Kay and learn more about the importance of professional parliamentarians in policymaking and more.     

Get to know Delegate Ellen Campbell (R-Rockbridge) as she shares stories from her life and political journey. Delegate Campbell talks about her legislative priorities and her pledge to continue the work and legacy of her late husband, Delegate Ronnie Campbell. Listen as she shares lessons learned, favorite things, and more! 

Chris continues discussing Virginia's 2023 elections, this time focusing on the eight districts that will determine the outcome and direction of the Virginia Senate.

Former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder and Dr. Susan Gooden, Dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, join Chris to talk about the Wilder School, the Commonwealth Poll, and much more. They discuss the recent results of the Commonwealth Poll, how they design it to ensure truthful results, and how it can be used as a bridge between Virginians and policymakers. Governor Wilder also offers insight into leadership and governance in Virginia. Learn more about the L. Douglas Wilder School: https://wilder.vcu.edu/

Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) stops by the studio again for a quick conversation about two bills she introduced this session (both bills have passed the Senate). Senator Boysko's SB1101 proposes paid family and medical leave. She is also sponsoring SB1139, a gun storage bill that that would require adults to keep guns locked up if minors are in the home.  

The Honorable Judge Chadwick Dotson joins Chris for a conversation about the parole process in Virginia. Judge Dotson explains what goes into the decision-making process and shares stories from his time on the bench. They discuss the history, what's changed, what can be made better, and more.

Delegate Chris Head returns for an interesting conversation about his legislation, the dynamics of this year's short session, Southwest Virginia culture, his run for senate in the 3rd district, and the Attorney General's Parole Board Report. Get to know Delegate Head as he shares favorite books, tv shows, and more! You don't want to miss this conversation. 

Get to know delegate Michelle Maldonado (50th District)! An inspiring first term delegate in her second legislative session, she talks about the thought process that led her to political leadership - specifically the three moments that led her to say "that's it," and run for election. Delegate Maldonado shares her unique perspectives, interests, hobbies, and more! You don't want to miss this thoughtful conversation.

Director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Larry Roberts, joins Chris for a thoughtful discussion on public leadership and reaching across party lines. They discuss how shifts in political parties, demographics, and generations have impacted governance in Virginia and beyond. Roberts' government service includes positions as Counselor to Governor Tim Kaine and Chief of Staff to Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. In each position, he earned praise for working across the partisan aisle. Learn more about Sorensen: https://sorensen.coopercenter.org/

Chris continues discussing the 2023 elections and the importance of keeping a close eye on the nomination contests

Chris discusses the dynamics impacting Virginia's 2023 elections. With all 140 legislative seats soon on the ballot in newly drawn districts, some races with incumbents running against each other, the energy in the General Assembly can be intense!  Chris discusses how these races are impacting floor debates and policy outcomes in the House and the Senate, and makes a few predictions. He also explains what he believes are the two most important factors for both parties going into the high-stakes 2023 elections.   

VCTA, Broadband Association of Virginia, President Ray LaMura sits down for a conversation with Chris. They discuss the future of broadband in Virginia and what steps have been taken to ensure we are on the right path to get to those remaining unserved households.

Chris shares the sources he uses to analyze elections and stay informed! Top sources include the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) . Check them out!

If you consider yourself an election nerd, this episode is for you!  Virginia is viewed as a "bellwether." in national politics. The elections in our Commonwealth are often predictive of national outcomes and are closely watched by Democrats and Republicans. Virginia holds elections every year, and this constant political change makes it "Election Nerd Disneyland." Host Chris Saxman, a self-proclaimed election nerd, breaks down the importance of Virginia's elections, analyzes polling numbers, and provides insight and commentary on these closely-watched races. Join us for these special episodes as these races unfold.    

Season 1 of the VIP podcast ends with a great conversation featuring Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney! Get to know the Mayor and listen in as he and host Chris Saxman share stories and opinions. They discuss the issues impacting Virginia's students in the aftermath of the pandemic, what was done, and what can be done in the future. You don't want to miss this engaging conversation!

Delegate David Reid joins the podcast again! Delegate David Reid, House District 32, and Chris Saxman swap stories and talk about their shared favorite soccer team, his focus on problem-solving in politics, broadband, elections, and much more.   You don't want to miss this great conversation!   

Former Delegate David J. Toscano joins Chris Saxman on the latest episode! David J. Toscano served 14 years (2006-20) in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 57th District. He was the Democratic leader in the House of Delegates from 2011 to 2018. Prior to serving in the state legislature, he served 12 years on Charlottesville's City Council, including a stint as Mayor. Listen as he and Chris share stories and discuss how politics and policies play a critical role in our lives.  Want to learn more about Virginia's political landscape through the insights of a former delegate? Check out David Toscano's new book!  Bellwether: Virginia's Political Transformation, 2006-2020.

Get to know Delegate Phillip Scott, House District 88, as he shares stories about his path into politics, the legislation he's focused on, personal favorites, and more!

Delegate Emily Brewer, House District 64, and Chris Saxman share stories and talk about their love of documentaries, why she's running to represent Virginia's 17th State Senate District, the policy work she's passionate about, and much more!  

Senator Pillion and Delegate O'Quinn have a conversation with host Chris Saxman about progress in Southwest Virginia, and their unique hands-on approach to encouraging economic development in the area. Listen to this duo share stories about bipartisan school construction efforts, the budget process, and more! 

Senator Dunnavant stops by the podcast to share her unique perspective, as both Senator and Doctor, on healthcare, education, and more! You don't want to miss this great conversation. 

Get to know Delegate Amanda Batten as she talks about her journey from local volunteer to Caucus Chair of the House Republicans. 

Get to know Delegate Irene Shin, 86th House District, as she reflects on her first General Assembly Session and swaps stories with host Chris Saxman. Delegate Shin is the first Korean American Woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. 

Delegate Clinton Jenkins, 76th House District, and Delegate Wendy Gooditis, 10th House District, join Chris for a conversation that covers a lot of ground! Listen in as they discuss everything from tax policy and education, to their favorite books. This is an episode you don't want to miss! 

Delegate Carrie Coyner, 62nd House District, joins the VIP Podcast again and this time she is joined by Delegate Mike Cherry, 66th House District. They discuss the state budget, education and much more

Delegate Don Scott Jr., 80th House District, joins the podcast for a quick chat about Session and his work in the General Assembly. Learn more about who he is outside of Session too!

In this episode get to know Delegate Cliff Hayes Jr., 77th House District. Delegate Hayes, a former college baseball player, talks about how life and politics mirror the game. The VIP Podcast is a great way to get to know more about these policy makers, so check it out and see what you might have in common.

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears sits down to chat about who she is and what made her run. Listen to her story and perspective on politics today. 

Delegate David Reid, 32nd House District, talks about solving problems and building relationships in the General Assembly. He discusses the budget and building schools. Also, learn about the events and circumstances that shaped the man and legislator he is today.

On this episode of the VIP Podcast learn about Democratic Delegate Mike Mullin, 93rd House District, and first year Republican Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, 82nd House District. Get to know who they are and what they are working on this Session. There is more common ground than not, and there might even be a new Curling Caucus!

Republican Senator Bryce Reeves, 17th Senate District, and Democratic Delegate Paul Krizek, 44th House District, join forces to work on charitable gaming. Listen in as they explain the topic and how they are working together across party lines. This is an episode you don't want to miss! 

Get to know Delegate Glenn Davis, 84th House District. He talks about what he's working on this session, redistricting, the partisan climate and more. 

Get to know first year Delegate Karen Greenhalgh, 85th House District. She tells listeners why she ran for office and opens up about what's important to her. Learn about the issues she's working during her first Session.

Delegate Chris Head, 17th House District, sits down to talk about his work in the General Assembly and why he's running for the new 3rd Senate District. 

Bob Lewis covered Virginia government and politics for 20 years for The Associated Press. Now retired from a public relations career at McGuire Woods, he is a columnist for the Virginia Mercury. Bob and Chris sit down for a discussion about media and political discourse in America. They look back, look at today and ponder what comes next. 

This episode explores the work of longtime Delegate Vivian Watts, 39th House District, and her tenure in the General Assembly. She is known for her hard work and deep dives into issues that matter. Listen in as she talks about tax issues facing the Commonwealth and much more. 

Senator Jennifer Boysko, 33rd Senate District, talks about her work in her district and in the General Assembly. Five committee assignments and being chair of the Broadband Advisory Council keep her busy. She escapes the grind with books, The Office and Downton Abbey. 

Get to know Delegate Carrie Coyner, 62nd House District. She talks about her work this Session on literacy, her new district, and how Ted Lasso is her spirit animal. 

Senator Monty Mason talks leadership and his work in the Senate. He serves the Virginia Peninsula's 1st Senate District, including the City of Williamsburg and parts of Newport News, James City County, Hampton, York County and Suffolk.

Susan Swecker, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia talks about what led her into politics, political discourse in Virginia and beyond and much more. 

Jacob Fish, Deputy State Director of Americans for Prosperity sits down to talk about what AFP is and how they are working in Virginia to shape policy. 

Host Chris Saxman sits down with freshman Delegate Wren Williams, 9th House District. He talks about his first few weeks in the Virginia General Assembly, what he's working on so far and what issues are piquing his interest. Also, find out why he's rooting for the Jamaican bobsled team in the Winter Olympics.