Virginia Rally for Life - January 13th

Virginia Rally for Life

January 13, 2011
Rally 10:30 – 11:30 am
(assemble at 10:00 am)
Lobbying 11:30 am – as time permits

Why: To witness to the sanctity of life, to urge Governor McDonnell to initiate regulations for first trimester abortion facilities, and to support pro-life legislation.

When: Thursday, January 13, 2011

Rally: 10:30am-11:30am, (assemble at 10:00am), Lobbying: 11:30 – as time permits

Where: Richmond State Capitol Grounds, Rally at Bell Tower, Lobbying at General Assembly Offices

Who:
Delegate Bob Marshall
Bishop Earl Jackson
Alveda King (by audio), Priests for Life
David Bereit, 40 Days for Life
Shawn Carney, 40 Days for Life
Dr. John Seeds, M.D., Obstetrics & Gynecology
Andrea Pearson, Silent No More
Rita Dunaway, Valley Family Forum
Tom Glessner, NIFLA
Karen Zbinden, Concerned Women for America

Maddy Curtis singing the National Anthem and more……

Cuccinelli Supports Making Conventions Financially Viable

The State Central meeting at the Advance this weekend will be about one thing. Conventions. Cuccinelli is proposing party plan amendments to make conventions more financially viable. These have been debated and discussed by party activists since they were first unveiled in the summer. As a supporter of conventions, I support Cuccinelli's efforts. Bill Bolling and Bob Marshall along with others are opposing them.


The other issue is that it seems Mike Thomas and others have decided to force a vote for a primary at the meeting. Bob Marhsall who seems inexplicably on a warpath against conventions is also supporting the vote for a primary, even though that will insure that he loses if he runs for U.S. Senate. Apparently he has a proxy and will be voting for a primary at the meeting on Saturday.


I will post more about the primary vote later. For now, here is Ken Cuccinelli's statement on the party plan amendments he is proposing.

MEMO – PARTY PLAN AMENDMENTS TO BE VOTED ON AT 2010 RPV ADVANCE
From: KEN
CUCCINELLI
TO: MEMBERS OF RPV STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

This memo is intended to share my perspective on the content and purpose of the two party plan amendments being proposed that will increase the financial viability of conventions as a method of nomination for statewide offices. These amendments to the party plan are being proposed in light of the 2009 convention, which left RPV with lingering financial obligations.

1. The first proposal being put forward is to allow the party to charge up to a $25,000 filing fee for candidates for all statewide offices.
2. The second is to allow the party the option of charging pre-file fees to delegates to attend conventions. The number being put forward is no more than $50 per delegate.

My reason for supporting these concepts may seem counter-intuitive. When you think of an entire nomination process - including the campaign itself, not merely the nomination election day - a very large convention filing fee, e.g., $25K for a candidate for statewide office will cost much more than a primary filing fee (approximately $4,000), but running a convention campaign can be done for a fraction of the cost of running a primary campaign.If you compare the cost of the 2009 Cuccinelli/Brownlee/Foster convention to the candidates – about $1 million total, to the cost of the 2005 McDonnell/Baril primary to the candidates – about $5 million total, it’s clear that even with significant filing fees, conventions provide the lowest cost access to a realistic, competitive nomination.

By increasing the likelihood that conventions will end up in the black financially, they will be even more viable as a nomination option. Following this page are some questions I’ve encountered about the need for these proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are these fees helpful?

In an ideal world, we would not have to charge fees at all in order to run for public office. Personally, I am in favor of keeping the bar to entry for candidates to enter nomination contests as low as possible. However, because the 2009 GOP Convention resulted in a financial loss for RPV, it would be helpful to make changes so that the State Central Committee can vote for conventions without serious concern that it will send the Party into the red.

Won’t these fees make it more expensive for longshot or low dollar candidates?

No, exactly the opposite. While these fees represent a significant increase from the 2008 and 2009 conventions, they are still significantly lower than the cost of running a statewide primary. For example, in 2005 McDonnell/Baril primary cost both candidates a combined total of around 5 million dollars, whereas in 2009, the convention contest for the same office cost less than 1 million dollars.Conventions are, by far, the cheapest method of nomination for statewide office. By far.If conventions are not more reliably financially viable – the alternative (primaries) will shut out many candidates who otherwise would have had a realistic shot in a convention.

Won’t delegate filing fees keep people from attending the convention?

While charging a fee for delegates to attend a convention is undesirable in some circumstances, it doesn’t mean it will substantially lower the turnout. For example, the 1978, 1993 and 1994 GOP conventions were the largest conventions in Virginia’s history, yet in all three the Party charged a pre-filing fee for delegates.

Will the Department of Justice approve these changes to the Party Plan?

Maybe. This is something that we will only know when an approved party plan amendment is submitted to the DoJ. Based on a case that arose in Virginia, the courts have said that delegate fees would have to be pre-cleared by the Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act. This is one of those that we just won’t know until we try.

Is there any alternative to charging delegate and candidate fees?

At the moment I believe these are the two simplest alternatives. Voluntary contributions to the party to help offset the cost of conventions are the other most obvious alternative; however, it may be dicey to rely upon that approach to generate the necessary revenue to pay for the event.It is important to remember
that these proposals are to allow RPV to charge the fees if you all feel they are necessary to pay for the conventions. If we come up with an alternate revenue source in the future – the fees may not end up being necessary, and thus don’t need to be charged. This is simply a vote to allow RPV SCC the discretion to charge the fees if they feel they are necessary.ant to remember that these proposals are to allow RPV to charge the fees if you all feel they are necessary to pay for the conventions. If we come up with an alternate revenue source in the future – the fees may not end up being necessary, and thus don’t need to be charged. This is simply a vote to allow RPV SCC the discretion to charge the fees if they feel they are necessary.

Is Sarah Palin Qualified to Be President?

For about the last month, the great "gotcha" question from the press has been to ask people if they think Sarah Palin is qualified to be president. It created quite a controversy for Joe Miller in his senate race, and was also recently asked of Bob McDonnell. Dick Cranwell, the chair of the DPVA, even sent out an e-mail proving McDonnell was radical because he thought Palin was qualified to be president.

The question of whether Palin is qualified to be president is meaningless. The qualifications for president are simple. You have to be a U.S. resident, and at least 35. Has Palin met these? Unquestionably. Beyond that she has served as governor of the largest state in America, and the VP candidate for a major political party. To quote Rudy Giuliani, "The reality is she's got a hell of a lot more qualifications than Barack Obama had when he ran for president."

Is Sarah Palin the person we want as president, and as our party's nominee? That is another debate, and one that will be had through the primary season if she chooses to run. Let's stop discrediting her, and marginalizing her as someone not even qualified to run for president.

Anyone who meets the Article II Section 1 requirements in the U.S. Constitution is qualified to run. Anyone who has accomplished as much as she has, deserves to be taken seriously. Whether she wins depends on the case she can make to the American people, and whether that message resonates with them.

Ask Gov McDonnell to Regulate Abortion Clinics

According to our Attorney General, the state of VA could enforce higher standards on abortion clinics in Virginia. Planned Parenthood says if these standards were enforced, 17 of their 21 abortion clinics in the state could close. The Governor has not done this yet and is hesitant to do so.

Can you help me encourage the Governor to do the right thing? We want Gov. Bob McDonnell to instruct the state Board of Health to enforce the regulations on abortion clinics that the Attorney General says is within the Governor's power to do.

You can read the Attorney General's opinion here.

So please:

1. Contact your GOP Delegates and state senators ask them to tell the Governor to take a stand on this by instructing the state Board of Health to enforce the regulations on abortion clinics. Find and contact your state reps.

2. Contact the Governor

3. Write letters to the editor of you local paper & call in to radio talk shows

4. Pray

5. Ask other believers to do steps 1-4 - re-post this note.

Remember tell them you want Gov. Bob McDonnell to instruct the state Board of Health to enforce the regulations on abortion clinics.

Thank you for taking the time to speak up for those who can not make their voices heard.

VIRGINIA CAN REGULATE ABORTION CLINICS TO PROTECT WOMEN

Virginia's Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli issued an opinion that "the Commonwealth has the authority to promulgate regulations for facilities in which first trimester abortions are performed, as well as for providers of first trimester abortions, so long as the regulations adhere to constitutional limitations."

"This is a victory for women and children across Virginia," said Delegate Bob Marshall. It is my hope that the Governor will issue health regulations as soon as possible."

Delegate Marshall had asked for the Attorney General's opinion earlier this year. Virginia's Department of Health had regulated abortion clinics until Chuck Robb became Governor and ended the practice.

"We should do everything possible to ensure that every woman's life and health and their future pregnancies are protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia. To do otherwise is to shirk from government's first responsibility," Delegate Marshall explained.

Delegate Marshall added, "The National Library of Medicine has hundreds and hundreds of peer review medical articles documenting the immediate dangers of first trimester legal abortion to women and subsequent pregnancies."

Marshall concluded, "I have asked that Governor McDonnell issue regulations identical to those approved by the Fourth Federal Circuit Court in Richmond upholding South Carolina's medical and safety regulations for first trimester abortion providers as referenced by the Attorney General in his opinion."

**************************************************************************

Letter from Delegate Bob Marshall to Governor Bob McDonnell

The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell
Office of the Governor
Patrick Henry Building
1111 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
[Via E-mail]

Dear Governor McDonnell:

I would like to request that you implement the abortion clinic regulations available to the Commonwealth under the Attorney General’s opinion issued August 20, 2010 which I requested which states in part, “the Commonwealth has the authority to promulgate regulations for facilities in which first trimester abortions are performed, as well as for providers of first trimester abortions, so long as the regulations adhere to constitutional limitations.”

I urge you to craft clinic regulations to meet the limitations set out in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals 2002 decision in the Greenville Women's Clinic v. Commissioner, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control case (see attached).

Virginia previously regulated abortion clinics under our inherent health, safety and welfare powers. I hope that you will do what you can to ensure that the women of Virginia are protected from dangers such as out of state physicians whose licenses are suspended or revoked elsewhere or not having hospital admission privileges in Virginia and, sending women to hospitals in private vehicles and other unsafe conditions which compromise public health that occur at some abortion clinics in Virginia.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions please contact me on my cell phone at (703) 853-4213.

Sincerely,

Delegate Bob Marshall

Audio File of Delegate Marshall's Comments

Attorney General's Opinion

In Which I Agree With Tom Davis...

While I tend not to agree with Tom Davis, he understands Virginia politics very well, and his analysis of last week's primary was spot on. When asked by Politico what the most important election result was, and what we can learn, Davis made the point that the establishment is in trouble and even pointed to Virginia as an example of this.

"It's a political revolt out there. Jane Harman's numbers were down. Gary Miller's under 50 percent. Even the establishment Republicans in Virginia who run, they had multiple candidates against them and they were well under 50."

In VA-2, VA-5, and VA-11 there were very clear establishment candidates in Scott Rigell, Robert Hurt, and Pat Herrity. Scott, had the full backing of Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling, Robert Hurt had the support of most Republican officials because of his electability as opposed to his positions, and Herrity had the support of almost every party leader and elected official in the 11th district including Becky Stoeckel and Anthony Bedell. With all this support all three of these candidates failed to top 50% of the vote, and in probably the biggest surprise of the night, Herrity lost to Fimian by double digits. The only reason the establishment won in the 2nd and 5th is that the opposition was very disorganized and self centered and split the vote at least 5 ways in each race. When you combine these results with Howie Lind and Bill Stanley's victories in the 10th and 5th District Chair races, combined with victories in a number of unit chair races, this has to be a discouraging year for the establishment in VA. When the grassroots organizes and works together it can win any race. As a result we now have a much stronger party as we work together to win every congressional district in the state this fall.

How will the Student Loan provisions affect me? Part II

For some odd reason, the student loan provisions have not been debated at all over these past weeks, and when they have been discussed, they are viewed in a positive light. Those who disagree with the government takeover of yet another private sector have stayed silent. This has been shocking to me! None of our government officials have made a peep. I was thrilled, however, when the following statement was released by our very own Governor Bob McDonnell. Perhaps now some of this will be refuted.

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Federal Student Loan Legislation

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the federal takeover of the student loan industry.

"When the President signed the Health Care Reconciliation Bill into law this week he also simultaneously expanded the reach of the federal government deeper into yet another major industry: student loans. Included in the health care bill is an unrelated policy measure that places all of Virginia's colleges and universities and students into a federally-administered student loan delivery system. This provision was never debated. Virginia parents, students and college administrators never received an opportunity to appropriately comment on a sweeping new policy that will have an immediate impact on the citizens of Virginia and our economy.

Student loan provider Sallie Mae, a private originator of student loans, is based in Reston, Virginia. The Wall Street Journal reports that the signing of this onerous legislation will force the prompt layoffs of 2,500 of their 8,600 employees. This will mean significant job losses in Virginia where we already have a 7.2% unemployment rate. The effect of the job losses will not just be felt by those who suffer them, but will ripple throughout our economy.

The federal takeover of the student loan delivery system will take away yet more choices from American parents and students. Now the federal government will have monopoly control of the entire industry. Virginia colleges and universities must now move to the mandated federally-administered system, taking choice away from our institutions of higher learning as to which system of student loan delivery works best for their purposes. Virginia colleges and universities will have just four months to move from the current system to the federally-administered one. This will all occur while incoming college freshman are in the middle of applying for loans to pay for their higher education. It will greatly complicate matters for students and parents across the Commonwealth during an already stressful and difficult period.

The expansion of the federal government into the private sector is now occurring at an alarming pace. From the auto industry to healthcare to student loans, Washington continues to grow bigger, while the choices available to American citizens in the free market grow fewer. The legislation signed this week places the student-loan delivery system entirely in the hands of the federal government, providing fewer funding options for students and parents, forcing colleges and universities to adhere to a one-size fits all federal system in a matter of months, and again increasing the power of the federal government. It will cost a number of Virginians their jobs. And it all occurred with little to no public conversation or input by burying the provisions in a health care bill. I urge Virginia's federal representatives to seek all possible means by which this policy can be reformed."

###

Virginia Offshore Drilling: A Victory, a Smokescreen, or Both?

The big news of the day is that President Obama announced he supports drilling off the coast of Virginia. Some are viewing this as a victory for Bob McDonnell. He campaigned hard on the need to drill offshore, and use the procedes to fund transportation. The next step is to get congress to approve a bill that will give VA at least 37.5% of the royalties from the sale of the oil. If this can be accomplished VA will have found a major new revenue source for transportation.

While Virginian's are excited some House Republicans are not as excited. Rep. Mike Pence views this as a smokescreen and a vote buying move for Obama's cap and trade bill.

The President's announcement today is a smokescreen. It will almost certainly delay any new offshore exploration until at least 2012 and include only a fraction of the offshore resources that the previous Administration included in its plan. Unfortunately, this is yet another feeble attempt to gain votes for the President's national energy tax bill that is languishing in the Senate.

Bob McDonnell, congratulations on your victory. Movement on this issue from a president this liberal is certainly a pleasant surprise. Hopefully we can beat cap and trade, and still open up offshore drilling off the coast of VA.

Virginia First State in the Nation to Pass Ban on Mandated Health Care Insurance

While Congress is caught up in a tumultuous debate over whether or not to undertake sweeping reform that would make it illegal to be without health insurance, Virginia this week made its stance on government health care mandates crystal clear: NO! The answer came in the form of HB 10, introduced by Delegate Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, and mirroring SB 417, patroned by Senator Jill Vogel, R- Upperville, which would block any government mandate that would require Virginia residents to have health insurance. Both received overwhelming bipartisan support. The Senate bill passed into law, while the House version is headed to Governor McDonnell's desk for his signature.

Virginia is the first state in the nation to pass any type of ban on mandated coverage, but more than thirty other states are following our lead with similar legislation pending.

These votes send a clear message to local Congressmen Boucher, D-9th, Nye, D-2nd, and Perriello, D-5th who are standing by to support Obama's healthcare legislation: the people back home in your district don't want Washington bureaucrats in charge of their health care. They also don't want the Commonwealth on the hook for one of the largest unfunded mandates in history.

(From Pat Mullins March 12th, Chairman's Update)

Cuccinelli Follows the Law, While McDonnell Follows the Polls

Last week it was revealed that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent a directive to the state universtities informing them they were stepping outside the bounds of the law to have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation. This created an immediate firestorm from both sides of the aisle. All the usual suspects yelled bigot, and turning back the clock, and sadly even Republicans came out against the Attorney General's call to obey the rule of law. A prominent College Republican leader (Cole Usry of Christopher Newport University) organized early protests against the Attorney General, and prominent Republican blogs have come out against the Attorney General. One blog even suggested he could kiss future political aspirations good buy as a result of this. Honestly the reaction to the Attorney General's decision has been heavily based on emotion. To my knowledge no one has made the case that Ken Cuccinelli is incorrect in his interpretation of the law. All this blowback resulted because Ken Cuccinelli made good on his campaign promise to "enforce the rule of law."

In response to this firestorm Governor Bob McDonnell is trying to placate the left by issuing "Executive Directive #1." First of all an executive directive is different from an executive order. This is a legally nonbinding statement reminding state agencies that “employment discrimination for any reason other than merit and ability has no place in state government”. The reaction to the Executive Directive has been generally positive, especially from the left. However the VA Family Foundation sent out an e-mail expressing their concern with the directive and noted as troubling the positive statements the ACLU made about it.

Probably the most stinging rebuke to the Governor came from a long time supporter, and social conservative leader, Dr. Mike Farris. Dr. Farris gave the Washington Post a very blunt statement on the issue.

"I think this action is incredibly disappointing, to the point of being shocking," said Michael P. Farris, the chancellor of Patrick Henry College, a private Christian college in Loudoun County. "The deeper message it sends is that people who think homosexuality is a sin are wrong. They are irrational."

Farris, a lawyer and constitutional scholar who ran for lieutenant governor in 1993, said he thinks McDonnell's policy statement will be used in courts to help challenge Virginia's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, which McDonnell supported. "I don't think the people advising him were doing anything other than reading polls," Farris said.

I am proud of Ken Cuccinelli for standing up for the law no matter how politically incorrect it may be. I also have to side with Dr. Farris in expressing my disappointment in Governor McDonnell. If you can't stand up for traditional values when the law is on your side and the General Assembly is with you, when can you?

Let's hope the governor will follow through on his promise to defund Planned Parenthood. That is something he can do single handedly, and if he doesn't do that this year, can social conservatives ever hope he will fight for us?

UPDATE:: As always Tim Boyer, a good friend of this blog, is willing to call it like it is, and has some similar thoughts on this topic along with some thoughts on the possible political reasons for McDonnell's actions.

Isabella Miller Custody Case

Dear Friends and Family,

Our children and I went to a court case on Wednesday here in Bedford county, Virginia. Please read on as this case will impact every American by the time it's over. (I'll be as brief as possible.) While the case appears to be about a woman and her child, it's outcome may set a precedence that will allow for every American family to be destroyed by allowing the courts to separate biological "fit" parents from their children merely by request from a stranger who claims to be more"fit" than the current parents. In other words, if someone sees your child or grandchild and feels that he/she would be a better parent for any reason they could petition the court for custody of your own flesh and blood!

You may have heard of this case for Lisa Miller, a former Lesbian who was joined in "civil union" to another woman in Vermont several years ago. While in the relationship, she was artificially inseminated and had a baby girl named Isabella. When the "civil union" ended, all the papers were signed in Vermont to end the relationship and Janet Jenkins (who still lives in Vermont) declined any custody of Isabella. Since the breakup of Janet and Lisa, Janet has since joined under civil union with another woman in Vermont.

Lisa Miller moved back to Bedford, VA with Isabella. Lisa became a Christian and that's when it got interesting. All of a sudden, Janet Jenkins wanted visits with Isabella. The child she was never interested in before had become of great significance now, and the power struggle for custody in the courts began.

This has become a highly charged case for the Gay/Lesbian community as they seek to prove that they are "legitimate" parents. However, the underlying result of the case is the potential to allow strangers to "steal" children, with the help of the courts, from their biological families without any real cause. This case isn't about a Lesbian's right to be a parent, it's about your right to your biological children.

The courts have always favored biological parents over anyone else, even when parents are found to be "unfit" be it from drug addictions, abuse, neglect and so forth (as it should be). The courts are hesitant to give up any biological child unless the biological parents are unwilling to be rehabilitated. Often the courts guard and protect the biological relationships for years. Only as a last resort is the biological child appointed for adoption.

Never before has a case been argued that a court should take a biological child away from a court declared "fit" parent and given to a "stranger" based on the assertion that the stranger be a "more fit" parent than the biological one. This is HUGE!!!!

Should Janet Jenkins and the ACLU win this case, all of our children will be up for grabs from anyone who wants them!

I discussed this with the Dean of Liberty University's School of Law, Mathew Staver, who represented Lisa Miller on Wednesday. He confirmed my assumption of the magnanimity of this case and it's possible effect on all Americans.

1. Please get the word out and educate as many people as you can about this case.

2. Please write to the Governor and Attorney General of Virgina encouraging them to get involved. Virginia has two laws and a Marriage Amendment that are being violated. We can fight Vermont but the leaders need encouragement to stand for our state's sovereignty and all of America's families. We need you to help us encourage them to fight for our "biological" children!

To send an e-mail, contact them through their websites:

Gov. McDonnell

AG. Cuccinelli

Ken also has an e-mail at his Cuccinelli Compass -

KC4AG@cuccinelli.com

Note that the official response from Cuccinelli's office has been that they have very little jurisdiction in this case, as they are to represent the State and its officials, not individual citizens. However, this case clearly is impeding on the very Constitution of Virginia (by allowing VT courts to violate our laws) and thus the state is in jeopardy here, as well as EVERY citizen of VA and ultimately the USA.

3. If you'd like to help out with the cost of the legal expenses of this case against the ACLU please contact, http://www.LibertyCounsel.org

This isn't a case any of us can ignore! Our families are on the line and you can make a difference before it's too late. Please help!

Thanks,

Cheryl Atkinson

Thoughts on the State of the Union Address

President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address tonight in front of Congress and millions of Americans. His points delivered are outlined below, along with my thoughts and analysis of them -

• After his introduction and rather long winded talk about feeling American's pain through the letters he "reads every night", he jumped in to job creation. He began by mentioning that he has saved 2 million jobs over the last year, but then skipped right to his goal for this upcoming year - what he called a "Job Creations Bill". This bill would consist of tax incentives and cuts for small businesses, which is all fine and good (and got the right side of the room clapping), BUT it would also include taking $30 BILLION from big banks, and transferring it to community banks. Can we just say - Robin Hood?
  


• To the analysts great surprise, President Obama next talked about an issue that has seemed relatively dead for the past 6 months - climate change. This was lumped in with another surprise - offshore drilling! The President urged Congress to pass a "Comprehensive Energy and Climate Bill" - the title itself sounds a bit fishy. However, in the GOP Response, Bob McDonnell expressed his delight at bi-partisan solutions that this new energy bill will support.
  


• Third on the list of new bills to write up is the "National Export Initiative", which would ensure that U.S. exports double over the next 5 years. He expressed his concern at the fact that the United States is becoming "second place" in the world's trade markets and assured that he would not settle for second best.
  


• Education was next up and this was something that everyone was expecting him to hit hard on. He proposed, yes another bill - a bill that would "revitalize community colleges" and give $10,000 credits to American families for 4 years of college. He also said that debt accumulated while in college would be "forgiven" after 20 years, and 10 if you choose a career in public service. Can I just ask, where are we getting all these handouts?
  


• What used to be President Obama's hottest topic, was not mentioned until nearly his 5th bullet point - Health Insurance (yes he changed the name) Reform. His plea to Congress was simple: "Don't walk away. We are so close." After spending a few minutes bragging on the Congressional Budget Office's predictions of this reform saving us $1 trillion (over the next 20 years [that's a long time]) he moved on.
  


• Next up was a bashing session, although the proper title should be Deficit, which explains the bashing. Again it was all blamed on the past administration - "we took office amid a depression" he said. His plan to save us? A government freeze, effective in 2011, that would last for 3 years. He called on Congress to create a "Fiscal Commission", saying that he "refuses to pass this problem on to another generation of Americans." He also mentioned that he was here to "do our government openly... that's what I came to Washington to do." Um, what happened to those health care talks being broadcast on C-SPAN again?
  


• Here in the middle he merely commented on numerous issues including Lobbyists, Earmark Reform, and Partisanship (where he instructed the Democrats not to "run to the hills" because, you know what?, we have the largest majority we've had in decades, so let's take advantage of that! And to the Republicans, Leadership does not mean blocking every bill that tries to get through. Thanks.)
  


• The last portion of his speech focused on foreign relations. In respect to National Security, he emphasised that he will do whatever it takes to defend our nation. Then went on to say that all the troops will be out of Iraq by August. "This war is ending," he said, "and our troops are coming home." Really? Terrorism has been defeated?
  


• Nuclear Weapons. He likened himself to Ronald Reagan here, saying that they both wanted a world free of them. Hate to tell him, but that is unrealistic considering the world we live in. The President then made a promise - now mark this - PROMISE: IRAN WILL FACE GROWING CONSEQUENCES. Let's hold him to his word.
  


• He touched on human rights, and then announced that he was actively working to repeal the law that prohibits gays and lesbians to serve in the military. Gag.

Few side notes:

- He was interrupted 86 times at first count.

- I think it was completely inappropriate for him to have bashed the Supreme Court's ruling overturning McCain/Feingold - inducing the standing applause of the entire left side while all the judges could do was sit there and stare. This was an intimidation of another branch of government that was absolutely improper.

- The tone of the whole speech was very strained.

- See the full transcript HERE.

UPDATE: Obama used the words I, I'll, or I'm 152 times during the speech.

UPDATE 2: "Gaff" of the night? Supreme Court Judge Samuel Alito mouthed the words "Simply not true" during the President's bashing of the Supreme Court ruling discussed above. I'm glad they were as disgusted as I was.

First Campaign Promise - Fulfilled

... and not costing us much either!!

One of Governor Bob McDonnell's early campaign pledges was to reopen the closed Interstate rest stops and he has now taken the necessary steps to do so. The Commonwealth Transportation Board unanimously voted yesterday to reopen all 19 stops by April 15th.

Democrat Tim Kaine closed the rest stops last year to cut $9 million from the state budget, but Governor McDonnell is ensuring that we make this a fiscally responsible addition to our highways. The state transferred $3 million from other areas and is talking about using inmates to do maintenance work in and around the rest stops.

President Obama should take some lessons from Gov. McDonnell about keeping campaign promises.

Welcoming our New Governor!

There’s something special about seeing the person you helped get elected, become inaugurated. I was fortunate enough, along with some friends, to be able to have this experience. After working as volunteers during the morning, we all trekked over to the staff entrance, flashed our passes, then watched as Governor-elect Bob McDonnell was sworn into the highest office in the state of Virginia. The air was buzzing with energy and excitement as 4,000+ people packed into the bleachers and surrounding areas. The 19-gun salute by Howitzers, placed at the south end of Capitol Square, sounded after the oath of office was taken and F22 Raptor jets soared over head to announce the beginning of a new Virginia.

The start of his acceptance speech pointed out the fact that, yes, he had kept his first campaign promise - "I said it would be sunny and warm in Richmond on Inauguration Day!" Indeed it was.

His speech highlighted many of the issues that he ran his campaign on - job creation, opportunity, education, transportation, and community service. However, it did not dwell on the past. Governor McDonnell focused on the future of Virginia -

“Where opportunity is absent, we must create it. Where opportunity is limited, we must expand it. Where opportunity is unequal, we must make it open to everyone... I’ve had people tell me they fear that America may no longer be the land of opportunity it has always been and that Virginia’s history in playing a leading role in the life of our nation may be just that — history,” he declared. “They are wrong.”

He acknowledged the tough tasks that his administration has ahead of them, thanked the Kaine administration for their service, then turned to the thousands of Americans facing him and charged them saying -

"It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems. It is right to provide opportunities for all. Let us heed the words of the Father of our Country, employ these eternal rules of order and right, and get to work for the good of the people of Virginia. Thank you and God Bless the Commonwealth of Virginia."

You can see the transcript of his acceptance speech HERE.

Let's Play the Speculation Game

Other blogs have been starting to throw out speculation for who will run for the Republican nomination for US Senate to challenge Jim Webb in 2012. This is always fun so why not play the game here too?

Potential Candidates:

Del. Bob Marshall- Marshall ran against Jim Gilmore for the nomination in 2008 and lost by a very slim margin in what was another grassroots vs. establishment battle. That run greatly raised the stature and name recognition of Marshall and put him in a great position to run again in 2012. Marshall has been a hero for both life and the taxpayer in the House of Delegates and has begun to take a larger stand against federal government intrusion especially with the legislation he has pre-filed for the upcoming session of the General Assembly in regards to Obamacare. Marshall also had the support of our Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli last year and I see no reason why he wouldn't have his support again in 2012. Since Cuccinelli's profile has risen greatly over the past 12 months a Cuccinelli-backed Marshall will only be one more reason why Marshall could be our next US Senator, especially if the Cuccinelli grassroots organization steps up for Marshall as well. Marshall could have a team of  bloggers/internet activists, grassroots volunteers, experienced campaign staffers, and even potential donors lining up to help him in addition to his own seasoned campaign team. My prediction: Running.

former Rep. Tom Davis- Who even knows? Davis is sitting up in NOVA playing to the beat of his own RINO drum. I sure hope for the sake of the Republican Party of Virginia he doesn't run, but honestly I bet he will. If he decides to run again I hope we nominate via convention again so he will get scared and drop out again. We'd really just be getting a slightly more moderate Jim Webb. A slight improvement to the current situation would be a great disappointment to the people of Virginia who want a great improvement. I wonder how Davis feels being by himself in his "big tent" Republican party? My prediction: Probably running.

Governor-elect Bob McDonnell- No chance in hell of getting him to run. If McDonnell governs like he campaigns, which he has so far with the transition, and decided to run for Senate against Webb we would have another blowout on our hands similar to the one he gave Creigh Deeds in November. But there is no way McDonnell would leave the Govenor's office especially with the large amount of things he wants to accomplish especially when Virginia is different from other states and he will only have four years to accomplish his goals with no hopes of re-election if he falls short of his goals. My prediction: Not running.

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling- Bolling wants to be Governor and there is no reason he should give up a shot at that to run for US Senate. None at all. Especially if he and McDonnell prove to be an effective governing team than the voters of Virginia will have no reason not to pick him to be their next Governor in 2013. My prediction: Not running.

Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli- I put Cuccinelli in the same category as Bob McDonnell. Cuccinelli has a long list of goals he wants to accomplish as Attorney General and the is NO way he will leave that office short of achieving these goals. The most likely option for Cuccinelli is to run for re-election at this point which he has spoken of many times since his victory in November. As far as Cuccinelli seeking higher office, I feel that the US Senate would be a much better fit for him than the Governor's mansion so I eventually expect him to move that way, but the earliest we will see Cuccinelli make a run for the US Senate will be in 2014 when Mark Warner's seat is up. Expect him and his grassroots army to line up behind Marshall as mentioned above. Just imagine sometime in the near future we could have our US Senators from Virginia be Bob Marshall and Ken Cuccinelli. That would be quite awesome and cause C-SPAN 2 to be one of the most entertaining channels on TV. My prediction: Not running.

Rep. Eric Cantor- Why would he want to be the junior Senator from Virginia when he can be the Speaker of the House? My prediction: Not running

former Del. Chris Saxman- A lot of people threw out Saxman's name last year and his name has been thrown out a lot in regards to the 2012 seat as well. It will be interesting to see what he does especially since he will most likely working as an education advisor or possibly Secretary of Education under Bob McDonnell. My prediction: Possibly running.


Cross posted at Roanoke On The Right

Statewide Predictions

Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli all win, and we pick up 6 or more House of Delegate seats. In order of largest percentages: Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli, and Bill Bolling.

Cuccinelli Sets New Fundraising Record

Last fundraising period Cuccinelli outraised Steve Shannon. At this point we don't know what Shannon's numbers are so we don't know if Cuccinelli outraised him, however it is a historic fundraising record. This last quarter Cuccinelli raised more money off of 1,000 more donors than Bob McDonnell raised in the same quarter of his Attorney General bid. Also the Cuccinelli campaign did this without any party money, which McDonnell had a significant amount of in that quarter. This is a great sign of the true momentum of the Cuccinelli campaign. Even in a bad economy many people believe passionately enough in Ken Cuccinelli that they are willign to donate to his campaign. When you are dedicated to standing up for our values people will respond and support you in Virginia.

Cuccinelli summarized it best when he said,

"I am extremely gratified by the large number of people who have contributed to my campaign. It's truly a testament to the overwhelming grassroots support we have around the Commonwealth. Clearly our message of improving the economy, creating jobs and keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe is ringing a cord with Virginians."

Is it really any surprise Ken Cuccinelli has such strong grassroots support when he gives speeches like the one he gave at Buena Vista?

Lets keep the momentum going and make sure Ken Cuccinelli becomes our next Attorney General.

Crossposted at Bloggers for Cuccinelli.

Political Connections, and What they Mean

It seems this year more attention is being paid by the Democrat Candidates in Virginia to their opponents connections, than stances on the issues. Steve Shannon has attacked Ken Cuccinelli for his connections to the Tea Party movement, as well as his connection to Phil Hamilton. Creigh Deeds used his first TV Add to bring up the spectre of George Bush as he tries to gain ground against Bob McDonnell. In the spirit of ducking the issues both candidates refuse to debate their opponents, and Steve Shannon called Ken Cuccinelli's call for a special session (which ended up being successful) a "political stunt". While political connections are interesting they are most useful when they enlighten us on where the candidates stand on the issues.

Recently some pictures were taken that of a Deeds connection that illustrates his position on a critical issue.

(A "Deeds for Governor" sign at an abortion clinic in Richmond)

(Another picture of the sign)

Why does this matter? This medical facility, A Capital Women's Health Clinic, is exclusively an abortion provider. Unlike Planned Parenthood, they don't try to cover themselves by offering other health services. Among the "services" this abortion clinic provides are abortions for babies 14 weeks old or younger, as well as abortions by pill.

In the description of the "Abortion Up to 14 Weeks" the clinic's website says, "This five minute outpatient procedure involves the insertion of a small suction tube into the cervix to remove the contents of the uterus." Are infants no longer even fetuses, but simply contents to be suctioned like the junk in your mouth during a dental visit?

In the description of the "Abortion by Pill" the clinics website says, "This procedure is 92 to 95% effective and the patient must be willing to undergo the surgical abortion process if the pill fails." You mean if your child survives one attempt to kill it you need to commit to trying a second time. What persistence...

It is no surprise that Creigh Deeds is suppported by such a radical abortion group. While he tries to portray himself as a moderate, he has a record that is anything but moderate. He has a record of standing against the right for life at every opportunity, and even recently sided with the founders of the pro-choice movement in saying that abortions are for the "poor and desperate". It is no surprise a man who seems to think abortions should be used to reduce the number of poor people is supported by people who run an abortion clinic.

Major Democrat Donor Endorses Bob McDonnell

Today in a press conference Sheila Crump Johnson a self described lifelong democrat endorsed Bob McDonnell. Sheila Johnson lives in Middleburg, VA is "Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television, a local business owner, and noted philanthropist and entrepeneur." She is also the world's first female African-American billionaire. One of the causes she has donated heavily to is the Democrat Party. According to VPAP, since 2003 she has donated $654,378 to Democrat candidates. This includes about $600,000 to Tim Kaine and his PAC, and another $1,000 each to Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran. Her one donation to a Republican so far seems to be part of her effort to defeat Jill Vogel's campaign for State Senate.

In the endorsement, Sheila made it clear that she believed that Bob McDonnell will help bring about the economic recovery this state desperately needs.

“Make no mistake, these are tough economic times for all Virginians. Unemployment is on the rise and families are struggling to stay in their homes. We need bold and innovative leadership to move our state forward and that’s why I’ve chosen to support Bob McDonnell for Governor. He has shown me that he has the right vision and the executive leadership skills that will guide Virginia through these challenging times. He understands that we have to help businesses in our state - both big and small - thrive so that we put Virginians back to work. I’m proud to endorse Bob McDonnell to be our next governor.”

This will help McDonnell among two of his weakest demographics, African-American and NOVA voters. While Sheila courageously took a stand for the good of the commonwealth, it will be interesting to watch Democrat bloggers turn on her.

In other news, Creigh Deeds talks about horse manure in his stocking when asked about creating jobs in south west Virginia.

(Simultaneously Posted at VASocialConservative, and Off The Trunk.)

Planned Parenthood Endorses Creigh Deeds

Over the weekend Planned Parenthood endorsed Creigh Deeds. In the endorsement they talked about Creigh Deeds "consistent voting record in favor of protecting reproductive choice, access to emergency contraception and women's health." So much for Creigh Deeds being a moderate. You can't earn a ringing endorsement from Planned Parenthood and consider yourself a moderate. Bob McDonnell needs to remind voters in southwest Virginia of his support for life, and draw a distinct line between himself and his opponent on this critical issue.