Bitter is worried about Virginia's future. With anti-freedom Democrats ramping up gun control platforms what's a girl to do. As Northern Virginia becomes more liberal and drags Virginia down with it, I sometimes share her distress.

The Democrat Party is resorting to scare tactics against pro-gun Senator Ken Cuccinelli, with an ad that says "Ken Cuccinelli voted to allow criminals to buy guns at gun shows and is against nearly all common-sense gun laws." My first thought was that Democrats must be really stupid to believe such nonsense. As if the Senate really passed a bill that said criminals can buy guns?

But Democrats and anti-gunners have been making inroads in the state legislature. In 2006, Del. Black who represented parts of Loudoun County was voted out of office. He was a stalwart pro-gunner just like Cuccinelli.

While we must remain vigilant against the anti-gunners, I don't think that the anti-gun platform is making a serious comeback. Instead I think that the same anti-Republican sentiment driving Democrat victories in the national elections is trickling down to the states. And it doesn't help that Northern Virginia's population has become much more liberal over the years, and is dragging down the rest of the state.

These victories have emboldened the anti-gun left the same way they've emboldened the anti-war left. It doesn't mean that the country or state is headed the way, it just appears that way because of a small vocal minority. Case in point is Arlington County.

Arlington has long been somewhat anti-gun, but this is just crazy:

Delegates to the Arlington County Civic Federation have embraced what could become a controversial issue: publishing the names of local residents who purchase handguns.

The federation's membership on Oct. 2 voted 20-14 to include the provision in its 2008 General Assembly legislative package, which is slated for final adoption next month.

The proposal calls for officials to furnish to media outlets the names of those who have purchased handguns. Newspapers and other media organizations can then determine whether to publish them.

If you want to help thieves, why not just publish the name and address of all new car buyers while you're at it. Other wishlist items include:

* Allowing convicted felons to have their voting-rights restored after completing sentences and probation. Virginia today severely restricts the ability of felons to win back voting rights. Vote: 31-8.

Gotta get that felon vote.

* Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit Virginia's governors to serve consecutive terms. Last year, the Federation proposed expanding the governor's tenure to a single, six-year term. Vote: 29-11.

Because they really wanted Mark Warner to be able to run again.

* Allowing localities to ban smoking in restaurants. Vote: 31-9.

Another anti-freedom vote. How about letting restaurants decide for themselves?

* Eliminating the so-called "abusive-driver fees," which were enacted by the General Assembly this year, but which have attracted great opposition, and replacing the funding lost with a one-cent increase in the gasoline tax. Vote: 30-8.

Replacing the funding? It just became effective a few months ago, why not repeal it outright.

* Opposing any widening to Interstate 66 from the Potomac River to the Capital Beltway, unless such widening meets with "community consensus." Vote: 33-5.

Dumb, they've opposed widening 66 for decades. It's time.

* Prohibiting the use of cell phones by drivers while a vehicle is in motion. The proposal does not say whether "hands-free" phones would be exempt. Vote: 31-9.

Dumb. I hate distracted driving too, but we have existing statutes that already cover this.

* Restricting the amount of interest that can be charged to borrows by "payday lenders." Vote: 33-5.

So the poor and minorities can't get credit.

* Allowing Virginia counties, including Arlington, to levy a tax on gasoline. Cities already have this authority. Vote: 25-15.

Never saw a tax they didn't like.

Okay, so I got off guns for a little bit. But my point is that liberalism is alive and well in Virginia, and Northern Virginia especially. Gun control is but one facet, and right now the libs are emboldened to press their agenda across the board.

Now more than ever, we need to beat them at the ballot box.

UPDATE: Pro-gun lawmaker Dick Black is running for the late JoAnn Davis' seat. Best of luck to Dick Black.