Matthew Cella

Despite tax increase, McDonnell still popular with Virginia Republicans

Gov. Bob McDonnell has been vilified by fiscal conservatives objecting to tax increases contained in his $880 million transportation plan. But Virginia voters — including Republicans — still think he's doing a good job. Published March 27, 2013

Polls: McDonnell, Cuccinelli getting it right Despite a bumpy relationship with conservatives, vot

Gov. Bob McDonnell has been vilified by fiscal conservatives objecting to tax increases contained in his $880 million transportation plan. Published March 27, 2013

Poll: Cuccinelli not ‘too extreme’ for Virginia

More Virginia voters think the political philosophy of Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II is “about right” than say the same about his opponent in the governor’s race, Democrat Terry McAuliffe, according to a new poll that challenges criticism among Democrats — and some Republicans — that the attorney general’s conservative views are too extreme for him to lead Virginia. Published March 27, 2013

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell controls GOP fire

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell likely didn't quell a Republican backlash against him with a series of late-night amendments he added to legislation passed during the General Assembly session. But, analysts say, he also probably didn't make things much worse. Published March 26, 2013

Council candidate calls on mayor to replace D.C. fire chief

D.C. Council candidate Patrick Mara on Tuesday called on Mayor Vincent C. Gray to replace the city's fire chief, saying Kenneth Ellerbe is "not the best person for the job." Published March 26, 2013

Judge adds to jurisdictions’ speed-camera dilemmas

A judge in a county north of Cincinnati has issued a blistering ruling calling a small town's use of traffic cameras nothing more than a scam — a sensitive subject in the D.C. area where many motorists think automated enforcement is nothing more than a cash cow for local governments. Published March 13, 2013

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling won’t make independent bid for Virginia governor

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling announced Tuesday he would not run for governor of Virginia, putting to rest months of speculation about whether he would pursue an independent bid in a lengthy statement that also warned of what he described as a sharply partisan turn in state politics. Published March 12, 2013

D.C. Council reprimands Graham

The D.C. Council voted 11-2 Monday to reprimand one of its own members based on reports that concluded he acted inappropriately by influencing the city's lottery contract. Published February 25, 2013

D.C. Council votes to reprimand Jim Graham

The D.C. Council on Monday voted 11-2 to reprimand one of its own members based on a report that concluded he acted inappropriately by influencing the city's lottery contract. Published February 25, 2013

D.C. man sentenced for robbing his elderly grandparents

A D.C. man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for robbing his elderly grandparents at gunpoint, prosecutors said. Published December 6, 2012

Warner won’t make bid to return to Virginia governorship

Sen. Mark R. Warner said Tuesday he will not run for governor of Virginia next year, ending speculation that picked up steam earlier this month when the popular politician said he was thinking about seeking his former job again. Published November 20, 2012

IN OTHER WORDS: Mayor Gray likes what his Chinese translator has to say

D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray doesn't speak Chinese. Not a big deal, but it made for some good times on a trip to the Far East earlier this year. Published November 18, 2012

IN OTHER WORDS: D.C. police, fire departments get passable grades

The District's police and fire departments may not be at gold-star status, but both received passable grades during their first month of public approval ratings through the Grade D.C. program. Published November 11, 2012

D.C. man sentenced for phone threats against Amtrak

A D.C. man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 months in prison for phoning in bomb threats to Amtrak that resulted in train delays in November 2011 and January, prosecutors said. Published November 7, 2012

D.C. arbitrator: Fire chief guilty of retaliation

D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe unlawfully retaliated against the president of the city firefighters union by transferring him from his work assignment and seeking to manufacture a justification for the move, an arbitrator has ruled. Published October 30, 2012

IN OTHER WORDS: Threatening words in casino fight

Former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden came under scrutiny last week from opponents of a Maryland gambling referendum after he appeared in a television ad supporting casino expansion. Published October 28, 2012

IN OTHER WORDS: Budgeting for lower speed camera fines

The fight over traffic cameras in the District took center stage last week, after a trio of D.C. Council members introduced a bill to cap fines at $50 for certain violations that currently put motorists on the hook for $100 or more. Published October 21, 2012