uvAggravator2.0

Here is a new Cuccinelli TV Ad.  It features three county sheriffs praising Ken Cuccinelli.  It also deals with Shannon’s attacks on Cuccinelli.  This is going to air state wide today.  This is another installment of a very positive and creative ad campaign by the Cuccinelli Campaign.

At last nights attorney general debate Ken Cuccinelli asked Steve Shannon a simple question.  What are the divisions of the Attorney General’s office, and what do they do?  Steve Shannon refused to answer the question, and calls answering the question about the office he will manage quibbling about bureaucracy.  BVBL has the full story here.

In early September, e-mails came out that seemed to indicate Delegate Phil Hamilton funneled state money to Old Dominion University in exchange for a job. Steve Shannon immediately called on Phil Hamilton to resign, and called on Cuccinelli to do the same. He even began running radio ads in the Norfolk are going after Cuccinelli for not calling on Phil Hamilton to resign.

Cuccinelli has responded by arguing that it is wrong for an Attorney General candidate to weigh in on the issue because he might have to sit in judgment in the case. Some have argued that once again this is evidence that Cuccinelli understands the role of the Attorney General while Shannon doesn’t. Thanks to Virginia’s public finance disclosure rules some interesting trends have turned up in donations to the Democrat Statewide candidates. It appears that Phil Hamilton’s opponent’s law firm gave over $120,000.00 to the three Democrat statewide candidates, including over $50,000 to Steve Shannon. Tom White of VA Right did an excellent job analyzing the numbers. This raises the question should there be calls for Steve Shannon to be investigated? If he was given money from Hamilton’s opponent and then as a result started calling for Phil Hamilton to resign, isn’t that prid pro quo? Simultaneously posted on VASocialConservative, Bloggers for Ken Cuccinelli, and Off the Trunk.

Earlier I posted about how Steve Shannon is practically being paid to call for Phil Hamilton to resign. Now it seems that as you follow Steve Shannon’s money trail, it may lead to none other than Acorn. This web ad from the Cuccinelli campaign is pretty hard hitting on this connection. This ad has been picked up by the Wall Street Journal and Politico even though it has been out for mere hours.

For someone who constantly criticizes Ken Cuccinelli for having a “personal political agenda” it is ironic there are this many questionable money connections with Steve Shannon.

Crossposted from VASocialConservative.

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 anyone really surprised Cuccinelli has this strong of a 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. Cross posted from VASocialConservative.

One of the biggest stories in the Attorney General’s race is Ken Cuccinelli’s call for a special session to deal with the Melendez-Diaz v. Massacheusetts decision. While Shannon thought Cuccinelli was going to far, and wanted Kaine to find an administrative solution, it now appears that Tim Kaine agrees with Ken Cuccinelli.

The AP is reporting that a Virginia lawmaker says Kaine will call a special session to deal with the issue later today.

RICHMOND, Va. – A Virginia lawmaker says Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will call a special session to deal with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that’s having repercussions in the state’s courts.

The legislator spoke on the condition of anonymity Tuesday night because he was not authorized to pre-empt the governor’s announcement. Kaine has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday, but his office says only that he will make two public safety announcements.

A second legislator, House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong of Henry County, said Kaine has told him he’s leaning toward calling a special session.

The announcement is expected to take place sometime later today. Cuccinelli was the person who realized how important this issue. He accurately predicted DUI cases would be dismissed, and made the difficult but correct decision. Once again he has stood up for what is best for Virginians, even if it may be politically difficult. Kaine’s decision to side with a candidate from the opposite party over his own candidate for Attorney General means that he realized administrative solutions were impossible, and the special session is what is necessary to fix this problem. His actions will validate Cuccinelli’s foresight, and accurate understanding of the law. (Cross posted from VASocialConservative and also at Off The Trunk.)

Don’t you think it would be better for Steve Shannon to meet face-to-face with Ken Cuccinelli, instead of hosting a tele-conference to ask four questions of his rival over the phone? I do, and Cuccinelli has challenged Shannon to a series of debates throughout the Commonwealth. The most interesting thing is that Shannon has not responded, yet it appears that he would rather debate Cuccinelli by fax instead of allowing the voters to hear both candidates’ positions.  This sounds eerily similar to Creigh Deeds not responding to Bob McDonnell’s requests for debates throughout the Commonwealth.

After hearing of Steve Shannon’s silly, time wasting tele-conference, Senator Ken Cuccinelli pledges NOT to do the same. However, Ken Cuccinelli did issue the following challenge:

“Steve, last week I sent you a letter asking if you would follow up on your pledge to debate me across the Commonwealth. As of today, I have yet to receive a response. I will not debate you via fax, nor by “tele-phone conference”. Pick a day, any day this weekend, or this week, and you can ask me your four questions, and I will ask mine. The people of Virginia deserve real substantive debates on issues they are concerned about. You’ve ducked two debate invitations already….will you duck this one?

Below is a link to the letter Senator Cuccinelli sent last week challenging Steve Shannon to debates around the Commonwealth. Instead of debating in person, it appears that Shannon’s “new” campaign team wants him to debate via fax.

Here is the letter that Cuccinelli sent to Shannon.

Cross posted from Crystal Clear Conservative.

Recently, six Commonwealth’s Attorneys sent a letter to Steve Shannon explaining how his stance against a special session to fix the damage to Virginia’s Statutes caused by the recent Melendez-Diaz Supreme Court ruling. To read a copy, click this link. While Ken Cuccinelli may not have been a prosecutor, he understands the law, and is willing to fight for and with the prosecutor’s in our state.

Glad to be on board for this extremely worthy cause. Sayre for Senate in 2007

Vote For Sayre From Satursay's Harrisonburg Daily News
Why should anyone take time from a busy schedule to vote for Scott Sayre in the Republican Primary on June 12?
Let’s think about that: excellent leadership, dedicated public service, common sense and strong values are just a few reasons to take the time to vote for Scott Sayre. He won’t spend $11 million to build a tunnel for the delegates when a $5 umbrella would do the job. Scott Sayre is a proven business leader. A Boy Scout leader. A deacon in his church.
Growing up in Augusta County, Scott Sayre excelled in numerous scholastic activities at Waynesboro High School. He graduated from VMI. He received his Master’s degree from Liberty University and then served our nation in the U.S. Army.
This hard working, dedicated family man has worked hard to build a business that employs over 100 people in the valley.
Scott is one of the largest employers of adults with disabilities in the Shenandoah Valley. He has put his own money into public schools and into business development. He hasn't wasted our tax dollars on Richmond pork. Without reservation, I highly endorse Scott Sayre for a four-year term in the state legislature.
We need this good man to support education, to improve transportation, to stop the large tax increases like the one voted for by Sen. Hanger. Scott doesn’t start calling his opponent names and engaging in personal attacks. He won’t call a person who doesn’t want to increase taxes, "an extremist." We need a man like Scott to protect the citizens from abuse of government power from Richmond. See Letter to the Editor here See my page here
Scott supporting Virginia Tech Sayre for Senate in 2007

SB1204 is a Bill that Senator Emmett Hanger wrote, now he is running away from it like the plague. Elle has done an excellent job exposing this bill, and for all of Emmett's supporters lets do this one more time:

Seeing as how Hanger has nothing to say on his website, I had to go back and check his legislative record. As I've previously post, Hanger sponsored SB 1204, which allowed for in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, any person shall be eligible for in-state tuition who:

1. Has resided with his parent, guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis while attending a public or private high school in this state;

2. Has graduated from a public or private high school in Virginia;

3. Has resided in the Commonwealth for at least three years as of the date the individual graduated from high school;

4. Has registered as an entering student in an institution of higher education;

5. Has provided an affidavit to the institution stating that he has filed an application to become a permanent resident of the United States and is actively pursuing such permanent residency or will do so as soon as he is eligible; and

6. Has submitted evidence that he, or in the case of a dependent student, at least one parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis, has filed, unless exempted by state law, Virginia income tax returns for at least three years prior to the date of enrollment.

This bill, as previously noted, was shot down in the house.

Then this gets sent out to the constituents of the 24th District by the Hanger Campaign. What is the term for this?

Sayre for Senate in 2007

Jerry Fuhrman (From on High) paid a visit to the 24th (something that, I must confess, I've been unable to do), and gives his take on the race. Here's the meat of the post (emphasis in original):

The reason Hanger has become a target for conservatives is because, over the years, he has adopted the political viewpoints of the despised enemy, liberal Democrats, having voted for tax increases to fix an overstated "education crisis" in 2004 and a mythical "transportation crisis" in 2006.

His penchant for looking the other way at the rising problem with illegal immigration (he even proposed that we offer conditional breaks on in-state college tuition to illegals) has turned much of his constituency off as well.

So Hanger is in the fight of his life. And has resorted to appealing to Democrats to save him in the
upcoming primary, where they are allowed to cross over and vote a Republican ballot.* That speaks volumes.

Those hundreds of yard signs speak to us as well. Even with liberal Democrat support, expect Hanger to be sent packing next week.

And good riddance. If we wanted a Democrat, we'd vote for a Democrat.

Exactly. Sayre for Senate in 2007

This is a hoot-- Get RK today who just discovered the race in the 24th:

You know, I was actually reminiscing with someone the other day about how Chad Dotson's old Commonweatlh Conservative - not my favorite blog, to put it mildly - in hindsight seems tame, erudite, reasonable, civilized, and downright moderate compared to the frothing-at-the-mouth ravings of today's "breed" of far-far-far-FAR right wing bloggers.

Frothing at the Mouth? How about this from a Blogger4Hanger (third from top):

Scott had promised to appear, by Monday, on the VCAP blog. A blog which has already endorsed Mr. S(c)arye(d).
Really. This man will need to learn how to run a tight schedule and a computer.
What a candidate!!!!!
Will he show tonight to give Dean a hand job? One never knows…….

Well now, isn't that special....

I guess the second point to make here is exactly what does RK consider themselves? The 'sensible center'? Seems they harbor a grudge against us SWAC Bloggers... and the fact that we have lined up a total of 18 bloggers supporting the candidacy of Scott Sayre. That fact in itself is unprecedented in the VA Blogosphere....

I was wondering when the whining would start.. Look at em' Those Mean ol' Nasty Republicans have organized! Quick, we need to call them names! Quick, attack on the speculation that actual Party Leaders may be blogging! What a joke, I thought blogging was actually something we wanted all Leaders to do? You know take a stand? Whatever RK... Sayre for Senate in 2007

In today's Roanoke Times, reporter Michael Sluss writes the following:

"Hanger, 58, said he is reaching out to independents and Democrats who have supported him in general elections. A small turnout in the open primary could hurt his re-election chances, Hanger acknowledged."

Hanger then goes on the record stating:

"There would be the probability that I could be defeated by people who are just upset with things in general," he said.

Hanger than acknowledges that he did introduce legislation to provide in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

"Sayre also has criticized Hanger for sponsoring legislation that would allow state colleges to grant in-state tuition rates to certain illegal immigrants. Hanger's bill, which has twice failed in the House of Delegates, would prohibit colleges from offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, but allow exceptions for students who have lived in the state for three years, come from tax-paying families, graduated from a Virginia high school and demonstrated intent to file for U.S. citizenship.

Hanger said his bill would set a policy for state colleges and allow some narrow, "common-sense" exceptions for certain students."

This after he just paid thousands of dollars to send out a slick mailer stating the opposite and misleading voters.

I am amazed that Hanger would acknowledge that he's lost touch with the Republican party and is actively seeking votes from those outside his own party. I suppose desperate times do call for desperate measures.

For more on this story please visit Spark it Up, Bloggers4Sayre and From on High

X-Posted at In-Politically Correct Sayre for Senate in 2007

Isn't it interesting that right after Bloggers 4 Hanger gets nixed by Sen. Hanger himself via phone call to the 'One Blog Wrecked in the Sewer", that we get this new 'creature' Teddy's Truth, who's first post states:

Welcome to Teddy's Truth
Hello and welcome to Teddy's Truth! I never thought I would post a blog, but as I searched the Web looking for information on various political candidates, I discovered that the "blogosphere" is by and large a vast collection of mistruths. There are certainly some out there who have used their pulpit to advance positive and worthwhile causes, but many more have resorted to outright lies in an effort to promote their own distorted agenda. This is most destructive when it is passed along in search engines and mistaken by folks outside the blog world as legitimate news. Part of the purpose of this blog will be to reveal the lies of those dishonorable bloggers and to attempt to set the record straight.
Now is this a coincidence? Hardly, but let's cut straight to the chase on this character. Note his comment which is 17th on this post:

I'm still here Chris. Funny but I don't feel busted. Am I supposed to be humiliated because I said you guys have 17 liars 4 sayre instead of 18.I've thought about that and you're actually right. I did speak incorrectly on the actual number of liars 4 sayre. By my count there are
7.Alex DavisPhil LynchLynn MitchellAnne TaetzschChris GreenSteve KajakKurt MichaelThe rest are just nameplates from outside the area. You could misrepresent that you have 1,000 liars 4 sayre and nobody would be impressed. As I mentioned yesterday...stack a whole bunch of it up and it still smells the same.
June 3, 2007 10:42 PM

It's time to call BS! Here is the reborn Bloggers 4 Hanger saying that we are liars, which is a common theme from these people. Now let's take a look at what supposedly is the truth, Emmett's latest mailer on in-state tuition to illegal aliens. WE all know he wrote the bill, yet he sends out this piece.

It is getting pretty obvious here that we are just dealing with people who have a serious inability to be honest. It just so happens that the actual President Theodore Roosevelt had something to say about these people:


"We cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure.Honesty is not so much a credit as an absolute prerequisiteto efficient service to the public. Unless a man is honest, we have no right to keep him in public life;it matters not how brilliant his capacity." - Theordore Roosevelt.

Looks like Teddy wouldn't be voting for ol' Emmett... Sayre for Senate in 2007

Give Scott Sayre vote on June 12
Published today in the Newsleader
Scott Sayre is the man we need to stop the tax hikes in the Valley. We need him to curb the wasteful spending in Richmond. We need him to stop the boondoggles like the $11 million tunnel to keep the senators dry. We need him to stop spending our tax dollars on college tuition for illegal aliens. We need a man who can set priorities properly for the Valley. On June 12, Scott Sayre has asked us for his vote. Lets give it to him.
Fishersville
PHILIP LYNCH Sayre for Senate in 2007

I'll say this for Teddy's Truth (I prefer Teddy's Truthiness, but it's not my blog) - amidst the sludge aimed at us (BTW, Teddy, I'm a real person from Fredericksburg, not a "nameplate"), he does at least try to defend Emmett Hanger's tax hike votes. Scroll down a little from the blogart in Teddy's post and you get this explanation:

Hanger believes that a big part of being a Republican comes from understanding the importance of balancing the budget and in doing what is necessary to assure that core services are provided for.

Of course, this argument is hardly new; Andrew Clem tried a similar line earlier, and link Andy, Teddy sounds reasonable in the abstract. The trouble comes when actual recent budgetary history comes into play.

The fact is, when Governor Gilmore left office in January 2002, the biennial budget stood at $47 billion. The current biennial budget stands at $75 billion (Free Lance-Star), an increase of sixty percent over six years (three budget periods). The smallest budget increase, which came in Mark Warner's initial and "painful" budget, was still just shy of 10%.

In fact, the current budget is nearly $14 billion higher than the last one, a staggering increase of 22 percent.

So my question, to both Teddy and Andy (note to Andy: this is in response to your comment on my earlier post - a comment I must confess I did not notice until today) is this: Do you really believe funding "core services" required a 22 percent increase in the last two years? Do you believe it required a 60 percent increase over the last six?

If so, I simply can't take your claims to support limited government seriously.

Likewise, I can't take Emmett Hanger's claim seriously either. Sayre for Senate in 2007

In the last fundraising period Ken Cuccinelli ouraised his opponent, Steve Shannon, by $7,000.00. Ken Cuccinelli raised $291,704 and Steven Shannon raised $284,733. (Contrary to what the Richmond Times Dispatch may write this actually means Ken raised more money.) Not only did Ken outraise Steve, but he also had the most donations. He had 292 donations greater than $100.00 compared with Shannon’s 238. On donations of $100.00 or less Cuccinelli had 487 more than eight times as much as Steve Shannon’s 57. If donors are votes Ken Cuccinelli is in good shape.

Not only did Ken outraise Steve Shannon this quarter, he pulled in a historic haul. According to Chris Lacivita,

“This was more than the last two GOP candidates for attorney general, Bob McDonnell and Jerry W. Kilgore, raised in the same period, campaign consultant Chris LaCivita said. It also includes no national GOP money, he said.”

This historic fundraising report follows only a week after Ken’s polling lead was announced. Let’s keep this moment going by volunteering, and continuing to donate. If we work hard we will see Ken Cuccinelli as our next Attorney General. (Simultaneously posted by VASocialConservative and Cuccinelli4AG.)

By Jason Kenney
Published July 14th, 2009

Democratic Attorney General nominee Steve Shannon has finally responded to Ken Cuccinelli’s call for special session and wonders why Ken Cuccinelli couldn’t support a bill that didn’t even get out of a House subcommittee.

Shannon asks why Cuccinelli did not support Shannon’s HB 3086 in 2007 Problem is, HB 3086 died in the Criminal Law subcomittee of the House Committee of Criminal Justice.

Kinda gives you a sense of accomplishment, don’t it?

(Reposted from Bearing Drift.)

In a recent NBC 12 interview Ken Cuccinelli answered the charge that he is some radical right-winger. This is something he is regularly being accused of. As soon as Ken joined the ticket after the convention the ticket was called the “most divisive ticket” by the Democrat Party. While he was unafraid to identify himself as a social conservative, Ken reminded viewers that he is the leader in the senate on both mental health issues, and property rights issues. His ability to reach out and work with people is the reason he is able to serve as a state senator from Fairfax County. If he really were a radical wingnut it would be tough for him to win in Fairfax. Instead he has a “complete record” and seeks to find areas of agreement with all voters.

In the middle of the video (about 1:30) Ken makes the comment “If we can confuse them, we’re happy to do that.” Lowell Feld of Blue Virginia is trying to use this line as a “gotcha moment” with Ken. One other blogger even referring to this as a possible “macaca moment.” They are trying to use this to say, “Ha, Ken is out pulling the wool over our eyes.” However while you can pull a sentence out of context with any politician, this is not what Ken is saying. In the preceding sentence, Ken says, “There are a lot of issues I have been working on that just don’t fall into their carricature of me.” It is in this context that Ken makes the “controversial” statement. It is a matter of confusing people into thinking Ken is a radical right-winger. He is fine with letting people mischaracterize him. If they want to attack a straw man of him he is happy to let them remain confuses. He has a record to point to that is one of getting things done on issues important to all Virginians, and it is this record of getting things done that will lead him to victory in the fall.

(Simultaneously posted at VASocialConservative and Cuccinelli4AG.)

“We Need to Protect Virginians From Drug Dealers and Drunk Drivers.”

FAIRFAX — Today, State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, (R-Fairfax), and Republican Candidate for Attorney General, called on Governor Tim Kaine to bring the Legislature back to Richmond immediately to address the problems created by the ruling of the United States Supreme Court in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts.

This decision has begun forcing prosecutors to suspend drug and drunk driver prosecutions, “which is a situation that is bad and will likely get worse if we don’t act quickly,” said Cuccinelli.

“The first priority of Government is public safety.  It is with this in mind that I call on Governor Kaine to convene the General Assembly as soon as possible to fix the problem with our notice waiver statute in the Virginia Code.  While Virginia’s law was ruled constitutional by our Virginia Supreme Court, that ruling was a close 4-3 decision, and it is on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  While I share our Attorney General’s opinion that Virginia should prevail under the current statute, the U.S. Supreme Court will not reconvene to hear this case until at least October, and the case is clearly a close call at best,” said Cuccinelli.

“Commonwealth’s Attorneys are on the front lines in the war on crime, they need to be secure in knowing that all Virginia’s statutes are constitutional and that their prosecutions will not be undone because of Melendez. And of course the state has an obligation to the defense, to ensure protection under the 6th Amendment. I believe the only way to ensure constitutionality is to conform Virginia’s notice waiver statute to Georgia’s, which the U.S. Supreme Court said is constitutional in theMelendez case.  Anything less I believe would be a disservice to Virginia’s Commonwealth’s Attorneys and its law enforcement community,” concluded Cuccinelli.

Until the ruling in Melendez-Diaz, the Virginia state forensic lab was able to submit a certificate of analysis of their findings for use in court in drug and D.U.I. cases.  Virginia law allows the certificate of analysis as proof of the drugs involved in the case or blood alcohol content.  “With the volume of cases analyzed, requiring court appearances by the scientist in every case has the potential to cripple the criminal justice system,” noted Cuccinelli.

Local prosecutors across the Commonwealth are also asking for a special session to fix the problem.  Louisa County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Garrett said, “Across the Commonwealth drunk drivers and drug dealers are going free in cases that would have been certain convictions two weeks ago.”

Senator Cuccinelli said, “A legislative fix would be much better than hiring 100-200 new scientists, which we couldn’t do now even if we tried.”

Senator Cuccinelli noted that under the Virginia Constitution, if the Governor does not act, the legislature can call itself into session if 2/3 of the Senators and 2/3 of the Delegates write to the Governor making such a request.  “We can call the special session now, before too much damage has been done, or we’ll end up doing it later, after hundreds or thousands of drug defendants and drunk drivers have gotten off spot-free.  I think we should act right now.”

(Originally posted at VASocial Conservative.)

Illegal immigration is one of many issues that an Attorney General will be focused on during his tenure. With the rise of illegal immigrants in Virginia, it is important that the Attorney General address any legal issues that may arise in a fair manner. There is no doubt that we have a candidate seeking the Attorney General nomination, who has a noted legislative record on handling illegal immigration, and that candidate is Ken Cuccinelli.

Ken Cuccinelli is a founding member of the national organization for State Legislators for Legal Immigration. He will ensure that legislation is passed to crack down on illegal aliens who repeatedly break laws, such as identity theft and joining violent criminal gangs. If they break the laws, then they get deported.

Cuccinelli has also passed legislation that requires employers to do background checks and ensure that only legal residents are hired. (Reference SB517). Additionally, Cuccinelli has always supported E-Verify (even though, a certain AG candidate has accused Cuccinelli of being soft on illegal immigration and being against E-Verify). Cuccinelli has also been successful by passing legislation that will give local municipalities legal authority to investigate illegal boarding houses.

So, if you think Cuccinelli is soft on illegal immigration, you are wrongly mistaken. Throughout his legislative career, Cuccinelli has been working hard to make Virginia a safe place to live, work, and conduct business. He has always been strong on adhering to both the Virginia and U.S. Constitution, and this is why I am supporting Ken Cuccinelli on May 30^th.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

Today, the Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia endorsed Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General for his record and commitment to reduce the size of government, as well as fighting to defend our personal liberties.

RLC-Virginia Chairman Bert Mueller said in a statement that,

“Small government and personal liberty advocates have been increasingly frustrated with the Republican Party, contributing to the Party’s weakening presence in the Commonwealth. Ken Cuccinelli is a breath of fresh air for the cause of liberty and personal responsibility.”

“In the lead up to what promises to be a spirited and competitive Virginia GOP convention in Richmond next month — and with the 2005 Attorney General race being decided by just a few hundred votes — grassroots activists who favor Constitutionally limited government are poised to advance our cause and intend to make a difference in Virginia’s Attorney General race.”

This is good news and a great endorsement for Cuccinelli, as the RLC-Virginia is a strong network of volunteer grassroots activists dedicated to the principles of liberty, limited government, and free enterprise within the Republican party.

**Cross Posted at Virginia News Platoon and Crystal Clear Conservative

In a packed audience, the first Attorney General debate began with great fanfare. John Brownlee, Ken Cuccinelli, and Dave Foster are there to state the reasons why Republicans should be supporting them during the convention in May. The debate began with opening remarks from former Governor Jim Gilmore. Gilmore gave a brief synopsis of why he believed the party failed to elect Republicans last month. Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore moderated the debate.

Opening remarks commenced with Brownlee, who mentioned that he will be the candidate in the form of Kilgore and Gilmore. Cuccinelli opened by touting his legislative record in the General Assembly as a State Senator. Foster talked about how he was the only Republican to have been elected in the “People’s Republic of Arlington.” Foster also talked about how education is close to his heart.

First question to the candidates: If your wife had a web page devoted to you, what would she say about you? What would be your strengths and weaknesses according to your spouse?

Brownlee: I hope she would say it was my dedication to public service. When we met in 1997, I had served in the Army. I wanted to give back. My parents worked hard to provide me with a strong education that included law school. Then, he served as a prosecutor in Washington, D.C., and George W. Bush awarded me with being the District Attorney for the western district of Virginia.

Brownlee did not answer what his weaknesses were, as the question was asked.

Cuccinelli: My wife would say I’m stubborn and that I like to argue a lot. I am blunt, what you see is what you get. I believe in running for office as the founding fathers would have intended. She sees this as both a strength and a weakness.

Foster: My wife would say that I have an obscure devotion as a family. I work as a partner in an international law firm, Fulbright and Dworski, as well as serving in the school board.

Second question to the candidates: What is the proper role for Attorney General?

Cuccinelli: There are an enormous number of companies coming from all states. We need to consult with other states’ attorney generals. The reasons to enter interstate dealings shouldn’t be for personal profit, but to obey the law.

Foster: The Attorney General’s office is the third largest law firm in the state, behind McGuire Woods and Hunt and Williams.  He mentioned his experience with his law firm and said that he would have the experience to hire and fire.

Brownlee: The Attorney General’s office is to uphold the Virginia Constitution and to have prosecutorial powers.  He mentioned Medicaid and how he prosecuted offenses to those who wrongly took money from seniors.

Third question: What would you have done about HB 3202? Would you have challenged this law?

Foster accused Tim Kaine of this travesty, and then he mentioned how he would have challenged this act.

Brownlee mentioned that he had some issues with HB 3202, but hopefully, he will trust

Cuccinelli said he thought HB 3202 was unconstitutional because of the regional tax authorities. “The Constitution comes first.” Cuccinelli said, “We need to move towards a free market approach [when it comes to a HOT lanes toll].

Next question: What role will death penalty play in your campaign? What will you do when it comes to your administration?

Brownlee said that the death penalty should be handled in a sober matter. Virginia will continue to have the death penalty that will be used in the most heinous and brutal crimes. He believes that the triggerman rule should be abolished.

Cuccinelli mentioned his experience serving on the Courts Committee in the State Senate and said that death penalty has been addressed regularly. He supports the death penalty and will back it as an Attorney General. It is the sensitive issue.

Foster mentioned how the triggerman rule does not make sense to him, but he would uphold the death penalty.

REAL ID position

Cuccinelli hit a home run with his answer. The upcoming session, Cuccinelli will be introducing a bill to get REAL ID requirements out of Virginia.

Foster skirted this question, and Brownlee did not fully answer the question.

Do you agree or disagree with the Republican Party position on illegal immigration?

Foster said that we need to be open to immigrants, but we should enforce the laws.

Brownlee said we are a party that believes in the rule of law. Second, we are a compassionate party that fights to keep families together. My campaign is uniquely qualified to handle this issue.

Cuccinelli said that we should be reaching out to immigrants. We should enforce the immigration laws and he has passed legislation to ban boarding houses, which is a huge problem in Northern Virginia. He has a track record of reaching out to the ethnic communities.

Recap of the Closing Statements

Brownlee mentioned his experience as a federal prosecutor will make him a great candidate for Attorney General.

Cuccinelli mentioned that he is the only candidate in the AG race who is 100% pro-life. He lives in Northern Virginia, and his commitment to the core principles. They are something to believe in and get behind. People have sacrificed so much for the core principles.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

One would think that John Brownlee’s campaign would do their research before sending out their report.  As someone who runs the Bloggers 4 Ken Cuccinelli blog, you would think they would not want to quote their opponent’s supporter.   However, I was surprised to have received their report to find that they borrowed a quote from me to twist it in their favor.  Yes, this race is too close to call, but it is not in your favor, Mr. Brownlee.

Another interesting point from this report is that Brownlee quoted undecided voters in his statistics.  The straw poll was decided based on the people who were able to cast the votes.   This means that people had their minds made up when voting.  Ken Cuccinelli won the Straw Poll and Brownlee was in second place.  Clearly, more people support Cuccinelli, and the undecided vote would not have a factor, since it was a straw poll.  Another additional factor to consider:  the luncheon was right after the debate.  More people were concerned about getting good seats at the luncheon and decided to go upstairs without casting a vote.   This is not to say that they were undecided voters.

On Saturday morning at the Advance, attendees had the opportunity to see our three candidates for Attorney General meet in their first debate (more on that below).  After the debate, a straw poll was held.  No candidate received a majority of the vote (remember a candidate in a convention must receive a majority in order to receive the nomination).

320 votes were cast in the poll; Ken Cuccinelli received 153 (47.8%), John Brownlee received 123 (38.4%) and David Foster Received 44 (13.8%).  RPV staff confirms there were 530+ registrants for the Advance, meaning at least 210 Republican registrants did not vote and may be undecided at this time in the Attorney General contest.  Considering the 210 as undecided, the race stands at:

Undecided:         39.6%
Cuccinelli:          28.9%
BROWNLEE:     23.2%
Foster:                8.3%

We are excited and encouraged by these results.  First and foremost, the straw poll shows the race for Attorney General is wide open.  One of our opponent’s primary arguments to voters is that he is the inevitable nominee.  This past weekend’s gathering has laid that argument to rest.  As the blog Crystal Clear Conservative puts it, “…this race is way too close to call.  It will be a tight race until the Convention on [May 30].”

There is still a lot of time left to get delegates for the Convention on May 30.  I am supporting Ken Cuccinelli, as he will stand on behalf for our core principles and adhere to the Constitution.  From the results at the AG debate on Saturday, Cuccinelli offers the experience and understanding needed for the office of Attorney General.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

Congratulations to Ken Cuccinelli for being named “Legislator of the Year” by The Family Foundation!  I couldn’t think of a better legislator to give this award to, since Cuccinelli stands strong for protecting family values.

Here is the media release from the Cuccinelli campaign:

Cuccinelli named Family Foundation

Legislator of the Year

(Richmond, VA) – State Senator Ken Cuccinelli was named “Legislator of the Year” by The Family Foundation at their 2008 Annual Gala this evening. “It’s very humbling to be singled out among all of our dedicated pro-family representatives in Richmond,” said Cuccinelli.  “But our efforts in Richmond on behalf of Virginia’s families couldn’t be successful without the hard work of groups like The Family Foundation.” “The traditional values we grew up with are under daily assault by liberals in Washington and Hollywood.  We are not immune to the attacks on our culture here in Virginia and need to stand up for faith and families.”

State Senator Ken Cuccinelli has been a member of the Virginia Senate since 2002 and a leader on family issues.  He was a leader in the campaign for the Marriage Amendment in 2006, and was the tie breaking vote to override Governor Warner’s veto of the partial birth abortion ban.  Ken and his wife Teiro have five daughters and one son. # # #

Cross posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

FRIDAY ... JIM GILMORE ... 2-3 pm

So said the sandwich board on the sidewalk in front of Shenandoah Pizza on Beverley Street in historic downtown Staunton.

An overflow crowd packed the gourmet pizza restaurant Friday afternoon to hear from Jim Gilmore who is running for the U.S. Senate, and to munch on complimentary pizza from the owners. He addressed the crowd and answered questions for the better part of an hour, then greeted everyone in the restaurant before heading out the door to visit other shops.

Gov. Gilmore crossed the street to visit the Pampered Palate on Beverley Street, speaking to customers and even popping his head in the kitchen to say hello to the kitchen and wait staff. Next he went to Zelma's Vintage Clothing, Grandma's Bait, Seventeen East Beverley Antiques, and greeted folks up and down Beverley Street including a number of Mary Baldwin College students.

Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian, Mindi from the Staunton News Leader, and Ken Slack from NBC-29 provided local news coverage.

It was great to have our Republican senatorial candidate in the area so close to election day. Thanks to Staunton Republican Alex Davis for making the arrangements on short notice.

Jim Gilmore for Senate

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Jim Gilmore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, will be in Staunton Friday afternoon, October 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Shenandoah Pizza in historic downtown. Come on out and talk with the Governor about his issues and you will be convinced he is the best candidate to protect this country and serve our state.

Friday - 2:00 p.m.
Shenandoah Pizza
19 E. Beverley Street
Staunton, VA 24401
Contact: Alex Davis, Gilmore Coordinator for Staunton

Gilmore for Senate

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Dear Virginia Voter:

Although America’s national security isn’t the number one issue in the headlines right now, it is a topic paramount to the future of our children and grandchildren. Who we elect to the United States Senate from Virginia is going to help determine which direction our nation takes to defend America’s national interests around the world and at home.

Because of his experience and his principles, I strongly recommend Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate. Jim and I are both Army Veterans, and as you can imagine, I have a deep appreciation for the service of the men and women of our armed forces. Jim Gilmore volunteered for the U.S. Army and played an important role in counter-intelligence for the U.S. Army, safeguarding the security of American bases in Europe.

As you may know, Congress chose Virginia’s Jim Gilmore to chair a national commission charged with making recommendations on methods to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks on the United States. The Gilmore Commission warned in 1999 and in 2000 that America was facing a possible terrorist attack.

After 9/11 Congress adopted 146 of the Gilmore Commission’s 164 recommendations. Jim Gilmore has the experience in homeland security I know must be possessed by Virginia’s next United States Senator.

Virginia and our nation must elect Jim Gilmore to the U.S. Senate. Join me in the fight to elect JIM GILMORE as our next U.S. SENATOR.

With less than a week to go you can help in this critical effort with your contribution...no matter how large or how small...by clicking the CONTRIBUTION link below.

Also remember to VOTE on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th for JIM GILMORE FOR SENATE.

Best regards,

Bob McDonnell
Attorney General of Virginia

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

The editors of the Times simply cut through the fog of Mark Warner's rhetoric and looked at the truth:

. . . Mr. Gilmore is strongly opposed to the $700 billion mortgage-bailout bill passed by Congress earlier this month; Mr. Warner supported it.

Mr. Gilmore favors making permanent the federal tax cuts enacted by Congress in 2001 and 2003. Mr. Warner, by contrast, has suggested repealing tax cuts on persons whose family income exceeds $250,000 a year.

. . .

Mr. Gilmore favors offshore oil drilling in Alaska and off the Atlantic Coast. Mr. Warner opposes drilling in Alaska and says more study is needed before drilling is permitted off the Atlantic Coast. Mr. Gilmore opposes and Mr. Warner favors the Orwellian-titled Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it much easier for labor unions to coerce workers into joining.

As governor, Mr. Gilmore is best known for his work to repeal the oppressive car tax. Mr. Warner's major political achievement as governor was his success in pushing a $1.4 billion tax increase through the General Assembly in 2004. Only weeks after passage of the tax increase (which Mr. Warner asserted was essential to balance the budget), state officials acknowledged that Virginia was actually running a budget surplus. (In other words, Mr. Warner's dire warnings of imminent fiscal collapse had been proven false.)

It's easy to see why - as the Times put it - "Mr. Gilmore would be the superior choice."

Cross-posted to the right-wing liberal

~ News Virginian gets it when comparing the two candidates~

Willing to look beneath the superficial surface to actually examine Mark Warner ... and bucking the trend that seems to prevail throughout most of Virginia's media who appear to think this is the Miss Congeniality contest instead of a senatorial race ... the Waynesboro News Virginian today endorsed Jim Gilmore for Senate with a well thought-out editorial about Gov. Gilmore's accomplishments and Mark Warner's lack of them.

The very first paragraph of the editorial hit the nail on the head:

Once the practice of statesmen, politics has evolved into an art of all things banal — schmoozing principal among them. On this count, as they have been in the polls since the race began, Senate candidates and former governors Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore are separated by a chasm. Warner represents a twist on the “Cheers” TV show theme – he knows everybody’s name. Gilmore is a politician with a comic’s capacity to offend, squashing toes in the natural manner in which most people breathe, many of the stinging digits found in his own party.

Governor Jim Gilmore is a leader. Leaders have targets on their backs ... they take arrows. Leaders do the right thing despite the critics ... and that is Jim Gilmore.

The News Virginian continued:

As a result, Warner, who made a mint in telecommunications, built a mammoth war chest while Gilmore scraped for relative pennies of support. Warner ascended in his party, winning a keynote speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention, while Gilmore fished for a base despite a relatively strong conservative record.

Despite receiving the Republican Party's nod at a hard-fought convention battle in May and despite receiving the endorsement of the Party establishment, the Gilmore campaign has had an uphill battle going into the war against Mark Warner, a battle that no one else was willing to wage but that the fighter Jim Gilmore was willing to take on. Even the man whose seat he is battling for, Republican Sen. John Warner, has not endorsed him and as recently as two weeks ago said he was undecided on which man he would vote for.

For the reason alone that he was willing to take on the Democrat in the "we-love-Mark Warner" media atmosphere, Jim Gilmore deserves accolades.

Gilmore, the ever-move-forward warrior who headed a commission on terrorism before 9/11 ... who was Governor of Virginia when we were hit on 9/11 ... who fought to get into UVA Law School after serving in Army intelligence as a young man ... the hard-hitting prosecutor from Henrico County ... has always been more concerned about getting the job done than the finer art of communication, something that has been misconstrued over the years into whatever the recipient perceived -- arrogance, disdain, whatever. But Gilmore got the job done.

There are more than a few people for whom Gilmore cares little, and Warner hovers somewhere at the top of the list. Warner in 2002 followed Gilmore as governor and made quick work of depicting his predecessor as an irresponsible spender who left the budget in shambles. Gilmore touted a plan to eliminate the car tax, and wound up slashing it by 70 percent. But Warner charged Gilmore shortchanged the budget in the process, prompting a record $1.4 billion tax increase. It was later revealed that there was surplus that fiscal year and the state revenues were increasing before the tax increase.

Nevertheless, Gilmore’s campaign backside still wears the brand Warner applied, of a failed governor whose policies swamped the budget and forced his successor to stick it to Virginians. In fact, Gilmore’s spending record as governor bears a foul aroma. The state operating budget swelled by a third during his stay in Richmond. Republicans who cut taxes while failing to cut spending do taxpayers and conservatives a disservice.

Mark Warner, who became a rock star of the Democrat Party through the help of some Republican electeds in the Commonwealth's General Assembly when they backed his record $1.2 billion tax increase, giving him the votes needed to pass the largest tax increase in Virginia history (leaving the impression nationwide that Warner was a bipartisan politician who could work with both sides of the aisle), attained a Teflon coating as far as the media were concerned. Throw out the facts about Warner's lack of leadership and watch them slide off as an adoring media look the other way. Warner became the master of spin as noted by the NV:

Still, Warner masters another modern political art, that of unction. Not only did he slip responsibility for his tax increase by wrongly strapping it like a string of dynamite to Gilmore, he also eluded for years accountability for his 1994 rant against gun advocates, pro-lifers and home schoolers. Gilmore achieved rare success when he released an audio recording of Warner’s comments that forced the Democrat to finally concede them as his own after repeated denials.

Those comments against home schoolers hit me particularly hard in 2001 when Warner was running for governor. As a home schooling parent and leader in the local home school community, I wrote a letter to the Staunton News Leader to expose the comments, a letter that was blocked by then-Opinions Editor Dennis Neal (who has since left the newspaper) who said he had no collaboration or proof of it even though I offered up the statement, and he ignored it when I noted he did not normally "fact-check" other letters to the editor. Irregardless, my letter never saw the light of day and every time I mentioned his censorship in the years following, he became defensive.

Indeed, Mark Warner denied making such a statement but was proven to have lied when the Gilmore campaign produced audio of the remarks. What Warner said not only bashed home schoolers but also National Rifle Association members, the Christian Coalition, pro-life proponents -- people he found "threatening to what it means to be an American."

His remarks were:

"One of the things you are going to see is a coalition that is just about completely taken over the Republican Party in this state and if they have their way it's going to take over state government. It is made up of the Christian Coalition, but not just them. It is made up of the right-to-lifers, but not just them. It's made up of the NRA, but not just them. It is made up of the home schoolers, but not just them. It's made up of a whole coalition of people that have all sorts of differing views that I think most of us in this room would find threatening to what it means to be an American." Mark Warner, May 1994

Caught with audio proof, Warner lamely admitted saying those things but added that he had "learned a lot since then." Most in the media ignored that he lied about making the comments. The NV once again got it:

His strong Second Amendment record will allay potential Warner opponents among the ranks of the National Rifle Association, but there’s little to appease abortion foes and home schoolers, except for the fact that a relative of Warner’s home schools. What matters more is whether Warner can be taken at his word when he says, for example, that he opposes a provision in the Employee Freedom of Choice Act that would end secret ballots in union elections. As written, that law – the concept of which Warner favors – would load unions with power and threaten the stability of small businesses across the land.

Similarly, Warner touts as feasible the pipe dream popularly known among Democrats as the “renewable revolution,” a plan to shift America from reliance on fossil fuels to renewables. Never mind that renewables account for only 7 percent of the world’s energy output and that solar and wind power, to which he frequently refers, require vast expanses of land, in the fashion of ethanol, the fallacy of which leftists are discovering. Warner calls for an all-inclusive energy plan, including natural gas and nuclear energy, and insists that Gilmore is focused almost exclusively on drilling, a charge the Republican rejects.

Like presidential nominee John McCain but with a stronger conservative record, Gilmore is less than an ideal foe for Warner. But his deficiencies are dwarfed by Warner’s, no matter how carefully concealed the latter’s might be. As a result, Gilmore is our choice for the U.S. Senate.

The Waynesboro News Virginian, that small hometown newspaper in the central Shenandoah Valley, did more homework than most of the big newspapers throughout the land. They actually took the time to examine the records and accomplishments of the two senatorial candidates ... and whenever that happens, Jim Gilmore comes out on top every time. The NV understands this is not a popularity contest and that the very safety and future of our country is at stake in these volatile, terrorism-filled times.

Jim Gilmore for Senate 2008

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

Affirming His Support for Increased Domestic Energy Production

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator John Warner, today signed the "Energy Freedom Pledge." Affirming if elected to the U.S. Senate, his commitment to "oppose any and all attempts to impose another national ban on drilling for oil and natural gas energy resources off our nation's shores or on oil shale extraction" in the United States. By signing the pledge, Gov. Gilmore also affirmed to "support efforts to increase domestic energy production which will provide for American's future energy needs and make the U.S. less dependent on foreign sources of energy".

"During these tough economic times, never has America's need to tap into its vast resources of oil and natural gas been clearer," said Gilmore. "Doing so would not only set the course for energy independence, but would create thousands of jobs right here in the U.S and in Virginia."

"Virginia is an energy state, with our vast resources of coal in Southwest Virginia, and oil and natural gas off our shores, as U.S. Senator, I will ensure Virginia plays a primary role towards American energy independence," added Gilmore.

For more information click on the "Energy Freedom Pledge."

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

I was considering cross-posting my comments about Mark Warner's 1994 slam against home-schoolers and right-to-lifers, but as the first half of said post included a rehash of what SWAC Girl already cross-posted, I figured I should just get to the point.

That point is this; you may think Warner's little rant is unrelated to today's pressing issues, but if so, you'd be wrong. It's revealing for this reason (an excerpt from my RWL post):

The Dem nominee is the poster-boy for the “limousine liberal” (as Bob Novak calls them), wealthy politicos who vote for the Democrats on social or foreign policy issues, but mainly driven by an elitist snobbery that has no use for ordinary Virginians or what they think.

Until this year, “limousine liberals” did most of their policy damage on cultural or security issues, but the events of the past month have revealed something new: their elitism has become part and parcel of the herd mentality at the top that led to mass hysteria over the financial markets.

The Mark Warner of 1994 was an out-of-touch elitist who was slamming ordinary Virginia voters in partisan speeches. The Mark Warner of 2008 is still out of touch, but he is now part of an elite gone mad on financial issues.

Will the Mark Warner of 2009 be in a position where his weakness for hysteria can do real damage? Or will Virginians recognize the danger in time go with the safer
pair of hands - namely Jim Gilmore’s?

We have four weeks to stop the insanity.

You've read the quote. You've heard the rumors. Now, hear the audio of Mark Warner calling the NRA, people of faith, home schoolers and people who believe in the right to life "a threat to what it means to be an American."

When this issue first surfaced in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, then gubernatorial candidate Mark Warner "angrily denied the claim" and called it "inaccurate." But the audio will tell you a different story.

Listen ... and then decide if you want this man to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Jim Gilmore for Senate 2008

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

In the four months or so that I have posted in this space, I'd like to think I gave Mark Warner the rough treatment he deserved. I will confess, however, that I was less enthusiastic than most over here about heaping praise on Jim Gilmore. As one of the leading Bob Marshall bloggers, I must admit that his narrow loss hurt deeply, and while Gilmore was and is certainly head and shoulders above Marky Mark, it was more difficult for me than most to get behind him with zeal.

That all ended for me when I came across Gilmore's fervent opposition to the Paulson-Pelosi-insert-establishment-politician-here bailout (Tim Craig, Washington Post, emphasis added):

Gilmore came out strongly against the $700 billion plan, arguing in a concise way that it amounted to government run amok. Warner supported the bailout, saying it was needed to prevent economic turmoil. Warner tried to pin the need for Congressional intervention on lax oversight by the Bush administration and "greed" on Wall Street.

Warner noted that both Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama voted in favor of the plan, prompting Gilmore to say at one point, "I'm not in this for John McCain, I am in this for the people on the other side of this camera."

For once, Warner's efforts to turn the contest into a referendum on Gilmore's record as governor was overshadowed by an issue of more immediate concern. The only thing anyone who watched the debate will probably remember tomorrow is the word "bailout."

You got that right, Tim.

Of all the issues on the domestic front, this one was the biggest. Wall Street went into a panic, which promptly infected Washington and led the Administration and Congress into mass hysteria. Two weeks and $700 billion later, the entire episode cast a pall on democracy as we know it, while the free-market ideal (which didn't actually have anything to do with what went wrong) fell victim to the cross-fire. It was an ugly spectacle that revealed the American "elite" to be a bunch of ignoramuses with a dangerous herd mentality.

Friday night, Virginians were given a clear choice on a dramatically important federal issue. No historical arguments about who was the better governor. No Marky Mark distractions and obfuscations that required the Warnerese-to-English translator. On Friday night, Mark Warner revealed himself as the guy who will stand for the elites and stand on ordinary Virginians.

Jim Gilmore, meanwhile, revealed himself as the guy with the level head, the fellow with the better grasp of the state of our economy, and the guy who will stand up for each and every one of us and stand up to the elites of both parties.

Don't tell me this race is "over." Every single vote cast for Jim Gilmore is a vote against that bailout. More importantly, every vote cast for Jim Gilmore is a warning to Washington never to do something this stupid again.

That message will be much louder with 40% of the vote than 30% . . .

. . . 45% will make it louder still . . .

. . . and, if we can pull Gilmore up to 50%-plus-one, the message will reverberate through the country like an earthquake.

Don't tell me Gilmore can't catch up either. I remember a Republican "blue-blood" in New Jersey who was running more than twenty points behind with less than three weeks to go in the campaign. She ran on an anti-tax, populist platform, too. The elites laughed hysterically. Establishment types in both parties declared here a sure loser.

Yet on Election Night 1993, Christie Todd Whitman shocked the world and beat Jim Florio. The anti-tax shock waves rippled across the land and set up the GOP for the 1994 landslide. Meanwhile, Washington hasn't enacted a tax increase since.

Every vote matters now: win, lose, or draw. This isn't about personal battles for glory or reputation. This isn't even partisan anymore. This is us versus them, the sensible electorate versus the skittish and panicky elected, the sane masses versus an elite gone mad.

Jim Gilmore would have had my vote by default, but he's earned it now, and if you're a Virginia voter reading this, any Virginia voter reading this, he's earned your vote, too.

Cross-posted to the right-wing liberal

This is the best, most succinct reasoning of why we must elect Jim Gilmore to the U.S. Senate. You have got to read Sen. Mark Obenshain's (R-26th Senate District) thoughts about Mark Warner's recent visit to Harrisonburg and the former Republicans who were with him. Excellent read that should be passed around to everyone you know. The added emphasis is mine:

On Friday morning, I opened the Harrisonburg newspaper to see a picture of the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Harrisonburg joined by certain former Republican lawmakers - and, in the case of John Chichester and Ross Potts, I do mean former Republican, as it has been about a decade since they have supported any Republican for anything. There are a couple of points that need to be made before pro-business or pro-family voters decide to follow their lead

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, why on earth would we want to help Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Chris Dodd, and the rest of their gang by sending Mark Warner to Washington to help them reach a 60 vote Democrat supermajority?

Make no mistake about it: Mark Warner got his political start from Chris Dodd. He actually got his business start from him, too. Leveraging his knowledge as one who helped Dodd craft the rules for the eventual auction of cellular phone franchise licenses, he rounded up investors and built the foundation of his vast financial fortune. Since then, Warner has fallen in line, appearing on the campaign trail with John Kerry and now Barack Obama, and backing his liberal friends in Washington whenever they need him. Those who truly believe that Mark Warner will develop an independent streak once elected will be greatly disappointed.

Not enough? Try this on for size. In a filmed interview with Virginia's AFL-CIO Leadership, Warner promised he would back the so-called "card check" bill, effectively gutting Virginia's right to work laws. Or this: Warner's election will help liberal efforts to restore the "fairness doctrine," which will decimate talk radio in America. The "fairness doctrine" would require radio stations airing conservative talk shows to also air an equal number of liberal talk shows, even if there is no demand for them and they cannot sell any advertising. Their only legal alternative would be to remove all talk radio from the airwaves. Increasingly, for liberals, the First Amendment is a one-way street. Hello Mark Warner -- goodbye Rush Limbaugh!

Don't get me wrong. I like Mark Warner. He's a nice guy. Jim Gilmore, on the other hand, has stepped on plenty of toes and will never win a "Miss Congeniality" award. That may be all it takes to win the votes of some, but not mine. Good grief!

More is at stake here than Mark Warner's career trajectory, and more is on the line than one more Democratic vote in the Senate. The Democrats are pouring tens of millions of dollars into the campaign coffers of their candidates across the country because they believe their party on the verge of achieving a 60-vote supermajority which would strip Senate Republicans of the few parliamentary procedures they have to reign in liberal excesses. With a supermajority, Democrats could cut off debate on controversial bills and put them to an immediate vote, which they would inevitably win, voting along party lines.

The framers of our constitution, in their wisdom, enacted measures to rein the urges and excesses of the legislature and to check the power of the majority. A vote for Mark Warner could quite possibly be a vote for a Democratic supermajority and against any chance of tempering or standing athwart the liberal Democratic agenda.

For Republicans, there is but one choice -- Jim Gilmore. He has made a career of standing on principle, doing that which is the right, not always the popular thing to do. For some, casting a ballot for Gilmore might not be an easy choice, but it is certainly the right choice.

Jim Gilmore for Senate

Cross-posted on SixtyFour81.com
Cross-posted on SWAC Girl

The choice is clear: Jim Gilmore fights for the taxpayers ... Mark Warner fights for the high rollers on Wall Street.

In a follow-up after Friday night's debate, the Gilmore campaign issued the following:

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, said today in a debate with Mark Warner on statewide television the choice for Virginia voters in the November 4th election is clear -- a U.S. Senator like Jim Gilmore who will fight for taxpayers and oppose federal government bailouts or a U.S. Senator like Mark Warner who will sell out the taxpayers for the high rollers on Wall Street.

“I am strongly opposed to asking America’s hard working families to cover the bets of the Wall Street high rollers and insiders who exploited flaws in government regulations to make personal fortunes and devastate our economy,” said Gilmore.

Throughout the debate Gilmore repeatedly pointed out how as a U.S. Senator he will stand up for regular Virginians who are struggling and how Mark Warner will instead protect the special interests on Wall Street, rather than the taxpayers.

“Requiring taxpayers to cough up $700 billion without providing them any additional assurances for their own financial security is wrong,” Gilmore added.

Gilmore said Mark Warner supported the costly bailout of Wall Street while simultaneously taking in almost $3 million in contributions from the Wall Street high rollers who benefit from the taxpayer bailout. (Click here to see)

“Maybe Mark Warner finds it easy to take more and more of the taxpayers’ money, but I do not,” Gilmore said. “We must restore accountability in Washington – and on Wall Street – so America’s taxpayers are protected and our economy prospers.”

This third Virginia U.S. Senate debate between former Gov. Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner took place in Roanoke, Virginia. Sponsored by NBC affiliate WSLS Channel 10, the debate was held at the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke and was moderated by WSLS news anchor and political reporter Jay Warren. The debate was broadcast live on television stations statewide

Spread the word that Jim Gilmore is the only choice for conservatives in the U.S. Senate race.

Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

The Democrat who would be my junior Senator spoke out on the Bush-Obama-Paulson-Pelosi bailout that went down in flames on Monday (Richmond Times-Dispatch). Of course, he spoke in his native tongue (Warnerese) so no one understood him. Time to bring out the translator!

As always, the English version is in bold and italics:

The option was no action or action. This is not one you can say we’ve got to wait another 30 days and play Russian roulette. I would have liked to have seen it improved.

The option was no action or action. As my wealthy Wall Street buddies said one thing and ordinary Virginians said another, I’m completely flummoxed as to what to do. So I’ll take some rhetoric from Column A and some from Column B, mix it all up into an unrecognizable stew, and hope to God you rubes don’t see through it.

These are real people with real homes, with jobs, whose lives are on balance as they wait for this to play out.

These are real people with real homes and with jobs, and my ability to tax them to the gills are on balance as we all wait for this to play out.

When he opens his mouth again, the translator will be there.

Cross-posted to the right-wing liberal

John Brownlee, who is running for Virginia’s Attorney General in 2009, has declared himself to be the most Conservative candidate EVER to run for statewide office.  Huh?!?

During a speech before the Colonial Republican Women’s Club Annual Fall BBQ yesterday, Brownlee made this false claim and declaring that he is the most conservative candidate running for Attorney General.

Do we really know Brownlee’s stances on issues?   Right now, Brownlee has made no known stances on whether he is pro-life, against illegal immigration or where he stands on tort reform cases.

Since he is not so concrete on his stances, how can he declare himself the most conservative candidate?   I guess, if we all wanted to be like Brownlee, we too could say that we are the most (fill in the blank) candidate ever!

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative**

Shifting gears to state politics for a while, John Brownlee – candidate for Attorney General – announced that he was “the most Conservative candidate EVER to run for statewide office” (Crystal Clear Conservative).

Is that so, John?

Putting aside the fact that Cuccinelli is more pro-life than Brownlee, I’d like to know where Brownlee was during the special session, when Senator Cuccinelli was among the leaders in fighting against proposed tax increases in both parties.

Before anyone tries to complain the Attorneys General don’t deal with tax issues, I would remind them that the incumbent AG is still touting his role in the HB3202 debacle from last year. After the special session, I am sure Ken Cuccinelli will not repeat that mistake.

I have no such assurances with Brownlee.

Cross-posted to the right-wing liberal