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Money, messaging define final stretch of Virginia primaries | Virginia

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-06-09 14:01:00


With Virginia’s June 17 primary approaching, campaign finance filings reveal a fierce battle. Dominion Energy donated over \$650,000 to Democratic attorney general candidate Shannon Taylor, sparking criticism from Clean Virginia, which backs her opponent, Jay Jones. Taylor and Jones have raised over \$1 million and \$1.8 million respectively. Republican incumbent Jason Miyares leads with \$3.3 million. In the six-way Democratic lieutenant governor race, Ghazala Hashmi leads fundraising with \$700,000, while Babur Lateef claims a lead in internal polling. Dominion supports Levar Stoney and Lateef, while Clean Virginia backs Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, reflecting ongoing rivalry between the two influential political forces.

(The Center Square) – With just a week to go before Virginia’s June 17 primary election, new campaign finance filings and internal polls are revealing high-dollar influence and sharp messaging battles.

Dominion Energy has spent over $650,000 supporting Democratic attorney general candidate Shannon Taylor in recent weeks, including a $250,000 contribution last Wednesday and an additional $25,000 on Thursday, according to VPAP filings.

The support from Virginia’s largest utility has drawn criticism from Clean Virginia, a political advocacy group that opposes Dominion’s influence and backs Taylor’s primary opponent, former Del. Jay Jones.

Clean Virginia has backed Jones in the attorney general race, including a $147,876 media placement this month and additional support earlier in the cycle, according to campaign finance records.

Taylor responded on social media last week, accusing her opponents of launching “negative attacks” to distract from their lack of a record, and vowed she would “always fight back.”

Jones, a former delegate from Norfolk, has received backing from Clean Virginia and several progressive activists, as he tries to frame Taylor’s Dominion support as a conflict of interest in a race to lead the office that regulates public utilities.

As of June 9, Taylor had raised just over $1 million total, compared to more than $1.8 million for Jones. Republican incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is unopposed in the GOP primary, has raised over $3.3 million and reported $2.1 million in cash on hand.

Clean Virginia and Dominion have long been viewed as rival political forces in Virginia campaigns. Since 2018, Clean Virginia has spent over $23 million to back candidates who reject utility influence, while Dominion has spent nearly $40 million since 2005, according to VPAP.

Democrats are also locked in a six-way primary for lieutenant governor.

State Sens. Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, Dr. Babur Lateef, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and challengers David Salgado and Alex Bastani are competing for the nomination.

Republican John Reid is unopposed for his party’s nomination and has raised about $178,000 so far, with just under $91,000 in cash on hand.

Hashmi led the final stretch of fundraising, bringing in over $700,000 between April 1 and June 5, according to her campaign.

Meanwhile, the Lateef campaign released internal polling this week showing him ahead among early in-person voters surveyed at 12 locations in Northern Virginia — though the campaign acknowledged the data wasn’t independently verified and included disclaimers about methodology.

The poll showed Lateef with 41% support, followed by Hashmi at 28%, Rouse at 16%, and Stoney at 14%. Salgado and Bastani were each under 2%.

Asked why they supported Lateef, 40% of respondents cited his opposition to casino expansion and predatory gambling, an issue that has become central to his platform.

Clean Virginia has also contributed $25,000 each to Hashmi and Rouse in the lieutenant governor’s race, while Dominion has supported Stoney with $125,000 and Lateef with $50,000, according to campaign finance disclosures.

The post Money, messaging define final stretch of Virginia primaries | Virginia appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article presents a straightforward report on campaign finance activity and intra-party dynamics in the lead-up to Virginia’s primary election. It includes factual information on contributions from Dominion Energy and Clean Virginia, the financial standings of candidates, and internal polling data without editorializing. Although it highlights criticisms and ideological positions—such as Clean Virginia’s opposition to utility influence—it does so by attributing those views to named sources or groups rather than the publication itself. The balanced presentation of candidates from both parties and the absence of emotive or persuasive language support a neutral tone overall.

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Cross-generational basketball group proves age is just a number on the court

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www.youtube.com – WTVR CBS 6 – 2025-07-03 20:42:04

SUMMARY: A cross-generational basketball group in the West End proves age is just a number on the court. Players range from young athletes to older men, sharing the love of basketball year-round. Despite injuries like torn tendons and meniscus, the group values staying in shape, learning from each other, and enjoying the game’s camaraderie. The team began as parents’ kids played together and expanded into a community hub. Members emphasize basketball’s universality—anyone can play regardless of age or background—and highlight the positive, supportive environment they’ve built for all skill levels.

Cross-generational basketball group proves age is just a number on the court

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Bargain hunting? Here are the best July deals | NBC4 Washington

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www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-07-03 20:06:04

SUMMARY: Attention online bargain hunters: July brings explosive deals as retailers celebrate Independence Day with big sales. NBC4 Washington highlights top bargains on grills, mattresses, appliances, and more. Save over $600 on a highly rated LG fridge at Home Depot, praised for temperature control and quietness. Sleep better with Lisa Legend’s hybrid mattress, under $2,000, ideal for back sleepers. Prime Day from July 8-11 features widespread discounts, alongside competing sales. Upgrade your TV with Amazon’s 55-inch 4K QLED Omni series, offering enhanced contrast and blacks. Don’t miss $10 off La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Milk at Walmart, a skincare favorite this summer.

News4’s Susan Hogan is Working 4 You to find for the best sales this month. ______ NBC4 Washington / WRC-TV is the No.

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Invasive spotted lanternfly spotted in VA

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www.youtube.com – 12 On Your Side – 2025-07-03 06:37:29

SUMMARY: The invasive spotted lanternfly has been spotted in Virginia, specifically in Richmond and Lynchburg. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed these sightings. Originally found in Virginia in 2018, the pest causes damage to trees and vines, posing a significant threat to local agriculture. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and take action if they see spotted lanternflies, helping to control their spread and protect ecosystems. Early detection and intervention are vital to managing this invasive species in the Commonwealth.

The first Spotted Lanternfly adults of the season in Virginia were spotted in Richmond and Lynchburg last week.
More information: https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/07/03/heres-what-do-if-you-find-spotted-lanternfly/

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