David Sherfinski

Budget plan boosts taxes in Fairfax County

Fairfax homeowners will see an average $79 increase on their tax bills under the county's $6.73 billion budget in fiscal 2013, which also provides the first full raises for government employees since 2009 and $74 million more for public schools in Virginia's most populous county. Published April 24, 2012

Critics say McDonnell is polishing his image

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is airing a television commercial he said is intended to highlight positive developments in Virginia but which critics say is an attempt to make over his image after a tough 2012 General Assembly session. Published April 24, 2012

Poll: Kaine-Allen race remains a dead heat

Republican George Allen holds a 46 percent to 45 percent lead over Democrat Tim Kaine in the race for a U.S. Senate seat from Virginia, according to poll results released Tuesday. Published April 24, 2012

Cuccinelli sues Salahi over wine-tour business

Virginia Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II has filed a lawsuit against Tareq Salahi, who infamously crashed a White House state dinner in 2009 with his estranged wife, claiming violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Published April 23, 2012

McDonnell asks Va. universities to keep tuition in check

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking college presidents in the state to keep ever-increasing tuition rates in check. Published April 23, 2012

Two-day showdown ends tortuous Va. budget standoff

Gov. Bob McDonnell met privately Tuesday with Charles J. Colgan, the longtime Democratic senator who had the power to break a 38-day impasse over the state's two-year $85 billion budget. He had a simple question. What do you want from me? Mr. McDonnell asked. Published April 22, 2012

Democrat’s surprise vote gives Virginia a budget

The Virginia Senate, with little warning and no debate, abruptly reversed course and approved a two-year, $85 billion budget bill Wednesday afternoon by a 21-19 vote — a day after Democrats in the chamber blocked one for the third time this year. Published April 18, 2012

On fourth try, Va. Senate passes budget

The Virginia Senate approved a new two-year, $85 billion budget bill Wednesday — a day after Democrats in the chamber had blocked one for the third time this year. Published April 18, 2012

Virginia budget dies in Senate stalemate

Senate Democrats in Virginia for the third time this year voted down a two-year, $85 billion spending plan on Tuesday, leaving money for local governments, school systems and transportation projects across the state in limbo and portending the possibility of a partial government shutdown if the stalemate cannot be resolved. Published April 17, 2012

Conservative group sees glimmer of hope in climate case ruling

A judge is treading cautiously in a high-stakes case that pits the University of Virginia against a conservative institute seeking thousands of records related to climatologist Michael Mann. Published April 16, 2012

Probed D.C. donor also gave in Virginia

A high-profile campaign donor currently under federal investigation for his pattern of giving to D.C. politicians is also tied to more than $100,000 in contributions to Virginia candidates over the past 12 years. Published April 16, 2012

Key in ignition of parked car ruled enough for drunken-driving charge

A person found intoxicated behind the wheel of a car parked on a public road with a key in its ignition will automatically be considered guilty of drunken driving, according to an unprecedented ruling by the Virginia Supreme Court. Published April 15, 2012

Dulles rail could stall slew of other Va. projects

More than 40 transportation projects across Virginia would be endangered if the legislature accedes to Democrats' demands for $300 million more for the Dulles rail project, the McDonnell administration says. Published April 15, 2012

$300M for Dulles rail endangers 40 Va. transportation projects

More than 40 transportation projects across Virginia would be endangered if the legislature accedes to Democrats' demands for $300 million more for the Dulles rail project, the McDonnell administration says. Published April 13, 2012

Prince William County freed from voting act’s constraints

Prince William County this week became the largest local jurisdiction in the nation to be released from the requirements of a historic federal law ensuring fair treatment for minorities at the polls. Published April 11, 2012

Justice grants Prince William ‘bailout’ from part of Voting Rights Act

Prince William County has been granted an exemption from Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires all or parts of 16 mostly southern states to "pre-clear" any voting changes with the U.S. Department of Justice. Published April 11, 2012