David Sherfinski
Articles by David Sherfinski
Ron Paul: Private credits, homeschooling are the real answers for education
Former Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican, devoted his weekly column to "National School Choice week" from Jan. 26-Feb. 1, arguing that private tax credits and homeschooling — not federal programs — are two ways to give parents true control over a child's education. Published January 27, 2014
Michelle Obama to host marathon bombing survivors and an Okla. fire chief Tuesday
First lady Michelle Obama will host two survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings; the Moore, Okla. fire chief; a gay professional basketball player; a young tech intern; and the 2013 District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Teacher of the Year at Tuesday's State of the Union Address, the White House announced Monday. Published January 27, 2014
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says gay marriage ban unconstitutional
Saying it's "time for the commonwealth to be on the right side of history and the right side of the law," Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced Thursday he will no longer defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage in federal court. Published January 23, 2014
McDonnell’s wife at center of federal corruption case
When reports surfaced that former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell had accepted an engraved Rolex from a wealthy businessman, some questioned the judgment of the clean-cut former prosecutor whose ascendance to higher office was unquestionably possible — if not downright probable. Published January 22, 2014
Former Virginia Gov. McDonnell, wife indicted on federal corruption charges
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted Tuesday on federal corruption charges related to their relationship with a former health supplement company executive. Published January 21, 2014
Watchdog group calls for ethics investigation into Harry Reid
A conservative-leaning watchdog group has filed an ethics complaint against Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, accusing him of violating the chamber's code of conduct by pushing to help a politically connected Las Vegas casino project get visas for foreign investors. Published January 21, 2014
Warner starts out with 29-point lead over largely unknown Gillespie, poll shows
Democratic Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia leads Republican challenger Ed Gillespie by 29 points in a new poll on the 2014 U.S. Senate race in Virginia. Published January 21, 2014
Baywatch’s Anderson gets Va. invite for ‘puppy mill’ bill
Actress, author and animal-rights activist Pamela Anderson could be making an appearance in Richmond next week — if the sponsor of a state bill intended to curb puppy trafficking has his way. Published January 17, 2014
Former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie launches Senate bid against Warner
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie announced that he will challenge Sen. Mark R. Warner, Virginia Democrat, in the November election, banking that a national mood soured on President Obama and his agenda will be enough to overcome the popular, well-funded incumbent in an important swing state. Published January 16, 2014
Moran retirement adds to Northern Virginia’s loss of clout on Capitol Hill
Northern Virginia faces a major loss of clout on Capitol Hill as Democratic Rep. James P. Moran Jr. confirmed Wednesday that he will join GOP Rep. Frank R. Wolf in heading for the exits after this term. Published January 15, 2014
Can Gov. McAuliffe adapt to ‘Virginia Way’?
When Terry McAuliffe took the oath of office Saturday, he became the first Virginia governor in almost 50 years to be elected with less than 50 percent of the popular vote, and his political background as a partisan rainmaker who's never before held elected office leaves a host of questions about how he'll manage the diverse and politically volatile state during his single term. Published January 12, 2014
Gov. Terry McAuliffe emphasizes ‘progress over ideology’ at inauguration
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe pledged to find common ground after officially taking the oath of office Saturday and becoming the state of Virginia's 72nd governor on a rainy day outside the state Capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson. Published January 11, 2014
Outcome of Norfolk race to decide state Senate control
Tuesday's too-close-to-call special election in Norfolk appears to put Democrats on the precipice of taking effective control of the state Senate, but a possible recount could delay things for weeks — leaving incoming Gov. Terry McAuliffe facing a General Assembly dominated by the GOP for the beginning of his term. Published January 8, 2014
Mental illness in youth could prevent gun purchases in adulthood
The Obama administration is weighing whether people deemed mentally ill as minors should be barred from getting guns as adults, opening up a thorny debate that is unsettling gun-rights and mental health advocates alike. Published January 7, 2014
Gun sales hit new record, ammo boom to follow
Gun records checks, fueled by a post-Newtown boom of gun sales, hit a new high in 2013, and industry analysts expect ammunition to be the big seller this year as consumers catch up to all of those firearms purchases. Published January 6, 2014
White House issues two new executive actions to keep guns from the mentally ill
The White House on Friday announced two new gun-related executive actions intended to keep people who cannot legally obtain a gun due to mental health issues from getting one. Published January 3, 2014
Newtown-type mass shootings tripled in recent years: report
Mass shootings like the ones that have occurred in recent years in Newtown, Conn., and Aurora, Colo., have tripled in recent years, according to a study set to be published next week for the FBI. Published January 3, 2014
Labor Secy. Perez pushes for jobless benefits without offsets
Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez continued the administration's push for Congress to restore emergency unemployment benefits for approximately 1.3 million people who were cut off last month, arguing that past Congresses did so without demanding offsets elsewhere in the budget. Published January 3, 2014
11 attorneys general: Obama breaking law with health care changes
Eleven state attorneys general have signed onto a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius arguing that the administration is violating the law by making repeated changes to President Obama's health care overhaul without congressional approval. Published January 3, 2014
Rep. Trey Radel expected to return to Capitol Hill next week: report
Rep. Trey Radel, a Florida Republican who was caught trying to purchase cocaine in a sting operation in the Washington, D.C., in November, is reportedly expected to return to Capitol Hill next week after completing a stint in rehab. Published January 3, 2014