Representing Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

Newsletter - January 5, 2018

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Mark in News

Photos, Video, Background Legal Information: Rally for Electoral Justice in Alexandria
Blue Virginia

CONTACT ME

On the website,
via email,
on Facebook,
or on Twitter.

Or by mail and phone:
301 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-234-8481

Session Begins Wednesday!

And we still don't know the composition of the House of Delegates...

Yesterday many of us watched anxiously as the State Board of Elections had a drawing to determine the outcome for the election in the 94th district (Newport News). To recap, in the 94th district (Newport News), Democrat Shelly Simonds prevailed in the initial recount, and the GOP conceded. The next day the GOP brought in a ballot marked with both Simonds and Republican David Yancey's name on it and asked the court to rule on it past the deadline. The court accepted this strange ballot, bringing the results to an even tie.
 
In Virginia, tie votes require the State Board Elections to randomly pick one of the two names out of a bowl and declare them the winner. David Yancey won the lot.
 
Meanwhile, in the 28th district (Fredericksburg and Stafford), it's been conclusively shown that a number of voters in that district were wrongly denied the chance to vote for their candidate and were given ballots for adjacent districts instead. Meanwhile, other voters from outside the district were illegally allowed to vote in the 28th. 147 voters in total were given the wrong ballot, in a race that has less than half that number (a mere 73 votes), separating Democrat Joshua Cole and Republican Bob Thomas. The Washington Post has called this result "irreparably tainted". The case is currently before the Federal Court in Alexandria, and the only fair and reasonable outcome is to throw out the election and give the actual voters of the 28th district a chance to elect the Delegate of their choice.
 
I am in this Federal Court right now. observing with the public to see what happens in Josh's race.
 
As of the drawing yesterday for Shelly's race, the Republicans currently barely, retain control of the House. But, if the courts decide to rule for a special election for the 28th district, we could see a power-sharing agreement between the two parties. Depending on what happens in each of these races over the next few weeks, the House could be 50-50 or 51-49 for either side. This is nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. The GOP has controlled the House of Delegates for the better part of almost two decades. With all five statewide offices being held by Democrats and Governor-elect Northam having won 9 districts currently held by Republicans, it is about time the representation in Richmond change and be more reflective of the will of the people.
 
Last week I spoke at the Rally for Electoral Justice speaking to the right of the people to have their voice heard. Be sure to watch the video here.
 

Saturday, January 6 (11 am - 1 pm)

Hosts

Anne Waldo and Doug Peddicord,
Anthony Postert and Carrie Brutscher,
Theodore Vakrinos & Helen Abadzi,
Drew Cariaso and Erich Veintenheimer,
& David Lord

&
Sponsors
Chris Forbes
Boyd Walker
[Host Committee in Formation]
 
cordially invite you to the lovely home of
Anne Waldo and Doug Peddicord
at 711 E. Howell Street, Alexandria (Potomac Yard)
for
 

The Third Annual

BACK TO RICHMOND BRUNCH

with Delegate Mark Levine

and Delegate-Elect Danica Roem 

Come hear:
  • The Unprecedented History-Making 2018 House of Delegates
  • The Latest on the Recount*
  •  Recount Law, Overvotes, Coin Flips, and Voter Disenfranchisement
  • The Battle for Control of the House of Delegates
  • What Happens in a 50-50 House?
  • Mark's 2018 Legislation
  • Danica's Bills, Hopes, and Dreams

Cold weather and keeping pets safe and warm

 
 
Please protect your dog from the bitter cold! In weather this cold, we MUST guard our dogs from the cold and take specific steps after letting them outside. This article tells you exactly what to do. We love dogs in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax. Everywhere I go, I see wonderful dogs and their owners. They are part of our family. Please keep them safe.

Mark's Backstairs Tour of the State Capitol
January 13th at 3 pm

Please join me after the Governor's Inauguration on Saturday January 13th at 3pm for a behind the scenes tour of the Capitol building. Our Capitol dates all the way back to Thomas Jefferson and is rich with Virginia history. I'll be personally giving this free tour to any of you who are interested, so if you're coming down for Inauguration, don't miss this opportunity. To RSVP, email [email protected].

Mark's Monthly Meetup

Los Tios in Del Ray
Sunday, January 21 at 2 pm 

Please join me at the January Mark's Monthly Meetup from 2-4 pm at Los Tios Mexican restaurant in Del Ray (2615 Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria). Come join us to eat, relax, and discuss policy and politics.

 

And if you miss January, there's always February, March, or April. Every month, I make sure to be available in this informal setting for any constituent who wishes to discuss a problem or just say hello. Help me get to know you better, so I can better determine your priorities in Richmond. I always strive to be as accessible to you as I can possibly be.

Mark in the Community


Mark Deciding on Fairfax Judicial Appointments


Mark speaking with attendees of the Rally for Electoral Justice 
(click here for video)

Upcoming Events

Friday January 5, 5:30pm
Arlington Legislative Delegation Public Hearing
Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington

Saturday, January 6, 11am
Back to Richmond Brunch with Danica Roem
711 E Howell Ave, Alexandria

Wednesday January 10, Noon
2018 General Assembly Session Convenes
Virginia State Capitol, Richmond

Saturday January 13, Noon
Inauguration of Governor Ralph Northam
Virginia State Capitol, Richmond

Saturday January 13, Noon
Free Backstairs-at-the-Capitol Delegate tour
Virginia State Capitol, Richmond
Meet me at the public entrance to the Capitol at 3 pm. 
RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Sunday, January 21, 2 - 4 pm 
Mark's Monthly Meetup
Los Tios, 2615 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
 
Saturday, January 27, 10-11:30 am
Joint Town Hall with Senator Adam Ebbin
Mt. Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria


It is always my honor and privilege to serve you.


Delegate Mark Levine
Serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax in Virginia's 45th District