Final Push in Virginia Governor's Election - Find a Rally Near You

  Ken Cuccinelli GOTV Fly Around

Quote of the Day - Ken Cuccinelli Edition Part 2

"If my opponent is elected governor, we'll have to change the state motto from 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' to 'Quid Pro Quo.'"

Ken Cuccinelli at the debate between he and Terry McAuliffe  

VA Governor Debate This Wednesday

The local NBC stations will be covering this debate live.

Cuccinelli V. McAuliffe Virginia Governor Debate

The first debate will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m.  You can live stream it at vba.org/#stream

Quote of the Day - Democratic Strategist Edition

“Politicians, overall as a trade, are in the bottom of the outhouse,” he said. “And the reason is, they talk out of the side of their mouths, most of them. . . . The fact that Ken Cuccinelli’s talking out of the front of his mouth and not the side of his mouth, I think, is refreshing to everybody, whether you agree with him or not.”

A democratic strategist on Ken Cuccinelli formally becoming the nominee for governor in Virginia.

You're damn skippy.  I know I respect people who say what they mean, and mean what they say.

Won't You Go Home Bill Bolling

Well the truth is that Lt. Governor Bill Bolling did decide today not to make an independent run for the governor of Virginia.  The talk that he may seek an independent bid has been going on for several months now, since he decided to forgo a run for the GOP nomination.  

“Based on my discussions with key donors over the past three weeks, I was confident I could raise enough money to run a competitive campaign, but I was not confident I could raise enough money to run a winning campaign,” Bolling said. “Running as an Independent candidate would have required me to sever my longstanding relationship with the Republican Party. While I am very concerned about the current direction of the Republican Party, I still have many dear friends in the Republican Party, people who have been incredibly supportive of me over the years.”

Now, I want to make perfectly clear that I had intended to support Bolling at the upcoming convention in May.  So I am not some huge AG Cuccinelli supporter.  I have some issues with Ken; issues that are primarily based on some inside info that I know about and will not go into in this public forum.  But, suffice it to say, I will still be supporting Ken in the primary election.  His the ideal candidate to me?  No, but he is a far cry better than Terry McAuliffe.  

For those that may need some background, Bill Bolling is serving his second four-year term as Lt. Governor.  Four years ago he made a half-hearted attempt at running for governor, and rightly decided that he wouldn't try to get the nomination.  Now many say he gave up his own ambition because it was right for the party.  Maybe.  But, the truth is that he didn't have a chance to get the nomination in a head to head race with now Gov. Bob McDonnell. Many say that he is somehow owed this nomination due to that.  

Seriously?  C'mon folks.  The nomination isn't due to anyone.  I can't stand this whole he is next line thinking that the GOP has been employing for years and years.  What exactly has that thinking gotten us?  I will tell you what it got us, John McCain and Mitt Romney going against Obama.  Now I will be willing to admit that Romney would have a much better chance to going against Obama in 08 then he did in 12.   There was no way to deny how much trouble the economy was in four years ago.  There were ways to do that last year.  

Another thing I found very comical about all the going back and forth over the past few months is the fact that very same people who were supporting Bolling's indie run were the same people who said I "had" to vote for Romney and put my principles aside.  It was the "right" thing to do.  I was supporting the party.  The very same party that has time and time again pushed against my belief system and consistently raised taxes and increased spending, even on a state level.  The last session of the Virginia legislator just recently raised taxes in what is said to be the largest tax increase in Commonwealth history.  It is also raised taxes in an inconsistent basis.  Some counties will have to pay higher taxes than others.  Which seems not to hold the muster by the Virginia Constitution.  

Moreover, simply calling a measure a “regional congestion-relief fee” doesn’t change the reality that this is really a tax on real estate. Proponents of the deal will reject that, saying it is a transaction fee. But it is not a flat fee. Instead, the amount paid is tied to the price of the land — reflecting real estate conditions, the surrounding neighborhood and more. That’s a tax, and the state Supreme Court ruled as much in 2008, when it struck down the General Assembly’s previous attempt to impose a regional congestion fee.

These are the people who I am supposed to support?  Look, I get that transportation issues in the state have to be addressed, especially in the Northern Virginia area, but that doesn't mean that this tax hike is going to solve the problem.  A big part of the problem is the cronyism that goes on within the Virginia Department of Transportation, which of course increases costs.   So much of the budget is wasted.   I lived there for 17 years, and I would watch them tear up a road, pave it, then tear it up again.  I am supposed to pay higher taxes simply because the people who are hired can't do the job properly the first time?  

I am sure that many are crying in their milk today that Bolling has deciding to take his ball and go home.  My question to them is that if a more conservative candidate toys with the idea of running an independent bid will be as open-minded to it?   Somehow I don't think so.  During the past few months I have been called a bully.  Really?  Me, a bully?  Hardly.  I have been writing this blog for close to four years, how often have you heard me call people names?  I don't do that nor do I like when others do.  I see that as unproductive and childish.   Another thing that those pushing this run seem to fail to mention are a few facts.  Ken Cuccinelli got a larger percentage of the vote four years ago then the governor did.  Ken Cuccinelli also ran and won in Fairfax County, VA when he was serving in the state legislator.  For those that don't know, Fairfax County is one of the bluest counties in the state.  Every credible poll puts this a very tight race, one that Ken could easily win.  

So, for the people who are all upset about Bill Bolling, it is time to dry your tears and get on board.  That is what you told me a year ago.  

Bill Bolling Statement on Leaving Governor's Race

Friends,

When I was growing up my dad was a coal miner and my mom waited tables. We didn't have much, but my parents instilled in me a love of Virginia. I never dreamed that I would one day have a chance to help lead this wonderful state, but thanks to you, that has been my privilege.

Throughout my 21 years in public service I have done my best to stand strong for our shared conservative values, while at the same time working with Republicans and Democrats to get things done in state government. I think that effort has been successful, and I hope you agree.

For the past seven years I have had the honor of serving as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, and it had been my intention to seek the Republican Party’s nomination for Governor in 2013. However, not everything we want in life is meant to be.

I am writing to advise you that after a great deal of consideration I have decided to suspend my campaign for the Republican Party's nomination for Governor of Virginia. Needless to say, this was a very difficult decision for me, and I know it will come as a surprise and disappointment to you, but I am confident it is the right decision.

Four years ago I decided to set my personal ambition to be Governor aside and join with Bob McDonnell to create a united Republican ticket. Time has proven the wisdom of that decision. Governor McDonnell and I were elected in 2009 by historic margins, and for the past three years we have successfully worked together to get Virginia back on the right track.

I had hoped that Attorney General Cuccinelli and I would be able to form that same kind of united Republican ticket in 2013. However, late last year Mr. Cuccinelli unexpectedly announced that he intended to challenge me for the Republican Party's nomination for Governor.

While I was surprised and disappointed by Mr. Cuccinelli's decision, I was confident in my ability to win our party's nomination for Governor in a statewide primary election, which was the method of nomination that had previously been adopted by the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia.

However, in June of this year the newly constituted State Central Committee voted to change the manner in which we will nominate our candidates in 2013 from a statewide primary to a closed party convention. While I did not support that decision, it had a dramatic impact on the 2013 campaign.

For the past several months my campaign team has worked hard to restructure our campaign to effectively compete in the convention process. While we have made a great deal of progress, I reluctantly concluded that the decision to change the method of nomination from a primary to a convention created too many obstacles for us to overcome.

In addition, I know how divisive conventions can be, and I was concerned that a prolonged campaign between Mr. Cuccinelli and me could create deep divisions within our party. The convention process would have forced Republican activists to take sides against their friends in local committees all across our state. The wounds that can develop from that type of process are often difficult to heal.

Conventions are by their very nature exclusive, and at a time when we need to be projecting a positive image and reaching out to involve more Virginians in the Republican Party, I am unwilling to be part of a process that could seriously damage our image and appeal.

While it may have been in my self-interest to have continued the campaign and done my best to win without regard to the consequences of those actions, I have never chosen to place my self-interest ahead of our Party's best interest, and I will not do so now.

I know that my decision will surprise most people and disappoint many people, but I'm confident it is the right decision. I hope that my friends and supporters, as well as those who have chosen to support Mr. Cuccinelli, will respect and appreciate the reasons for my decision.

It has been a great honor to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia for the past seven years, and I wouldn’t trade the experiences and opportunities we have had for anything in the world. You helped make that possible, and for that I will always be grateful.

I look forward to serving the remainder of my term as Lieutenant Governor and as Virginia's Chief Jobs Creation Officer, and working with Governor McDonnell and the rest of our great team to build a better Virginia.

I want to personally thank everyone who has done so much to support Jean Ann and me over the years, and I especially want to thank the thousands of people who had already pledged their support to my campaign for Governor. Your support means more to us than words can express. My greatest regret in suspending my campaign is the thought that I have let you down.

In the coming days Jean Ann and I will be evaluating our future political options. I love Virginia and I value public service a great deal. I assure you that I will continue to look for ways to make a contribution to the public life of our Commonwealth.

I can tell you this, I intend to remain actively involved in the 2013 campaigns – perhaps not as the Republican nominee for Governor, but as a more independent voice, making certain that the candidates keep their focus on the important issues facing our state and offer a positive and realistic vision for effectively and responsibly leading Virginia.

Thanks again for your friendship, confidence and support. It is a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to seeing you soon in our travels across Virginia.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

Is it just me or does this reak of victimhood?  

Bill Bolling Drops out of VA Governor's Race

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling will officially announce he will not be seeking the republican nomination for the Virginia Governor's race in 2013.  

Wow, I am shocked and in disbelief.  It is rare that anything in politics truly stuns me, but this does.  

It isn't because I really support the guy, just that he has taken it for the team on several occasions.  Four years ago he decided not to run to give Gov Bob McDonnell a clear shot at the nomination.  This year, it is AG Ken Cuccinelli that has that clear shot.  

Now, there was no way he was going to beat McDonnell four years ago and since the state party had changed to a convention this spring instead of a primary, he had no realistic shot at again this year.  Which I am sure weighed heavily in his decision to drop his bid.  

The question becomes does he run for a third term as Lt. Governor?  The senate is tied, so it gives him pull.  (In Virginia, the Lt. Governor is its own race, and it is very possible that we could have split parties running the state). 

Official announcement is expected later today, I will update with the text at that time.  

Hey Planned Parenthood Have You Met AG Ken Cuccinelli?

If not, I have this feeling you will be getting to know him very well.  Three of the videos released about child sex rings took place in Virginia.  Cuccinelli is a like a dog with a bone once he sets his sights on something.  Those sights are now on you. 

Obamacare Unconstitutional Part II

The lawsuit that was filed in Florida representing more than half of the states ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.  The decision was much longer than the one from Virginia, this is 78 pages.  This specifically goes to the heart of the matter about the individual mandate.  The judge stated:

“Everyone must participate in the food market… under this logic, Congress could [mandate] that every adult purchase and consume wheat bread daily.”

This is something that conservatives have been saying since day one.  If the government can do this they can do anything.  The reality is it doesn't matter that this bill happens to be about healthcare, because if this is allowed to stand anything can be forced upon the American people through the commerce clause.  It is a very dangerous and slippery slope into a totalitarian government.  I am not one to buy into conspiracy theories or I rarely buy into overly vitriolic statements that Obama is trying to turn the US into the Soviet Union.  But, this bill gives someone who does the perfect opportunity to do so.  It is an over-reach and a violations of our individual  rights.  Does healthcare need reform?  No doubt about it.  Do we need to do more to help the working class poor to get proper coverage?  Yes.  This law is not the way to do it unless you are willing to give up your liberties.  Sorry, Nanny and Uncle Obammy, I am not.  Lets get to work and pass some laws that will actually solve the problems without giving away our freedoms. 

If you need an argument that the left can understand, Ken Cuccinelli put it best.  Imagine the uproar on the left in this country if every person was mandated to buy and keep guns in order to maintain control and protection of the state.  This is no different, it is just about healthcare, an issue that too easily manipulated to get sympathy and pull at the heart strings.  No one should die because they can't afford a doctor.  No one is saying that they should.  But, as Americans we have rights.  Those rights must be protected.  This law cannot stand, and today we took a big step in seeing that happen. 

The White House released it stament calling the ruling:

Odd and over-reaching. 

Really, the fact that you passed a law that violates our consitutional rights isn't odd and over-reaching, but the courts calling you out on it is?  That is how I define odd. 

You can read the decision here:

Vinson Ruling

Cuccinelli on Obamacare being Ruled Unconstitutional

I have a crush on this man.  I have had the honor of meeting him on several occasions, and he is as nice in person as he seems.  I will admit to the fact that when we were going through our nomination process during the state elections last year I didn't support him.  I am big enough to admit when I am wrong.  Great job AG Cuccinelli!

Obamacare Unconstitutional

The court has released its decision on the case brought by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  It didn't go well for the president's signature piece of legislation.  The court took issue with every argument made by the government, and one by one, tore them down.  This case was solely based on the individual mandate.  Virginia has passed a law that no one can be federally mandated to purchase health insurance. 

Much of the court ruling has to do with the word tax.  A term that the Obama administration and all the dems had continued to say didn't exist with the law.  During oral arguments of this case the justice department did admit that it is indeed a tax. 

The judge basically has ruled that congress has overstepped it's constitutional authority.  The judge goes into the cases that were sighted by the government in order to justify the individual mandate.  The judge concluded that in all those cases there was activity.  The mandate in this law has no activity, it therefore goes beyond the scope of constitutional framework that congress can act upon. 

The most interesting part of this verdict is the fact that Virginia had a very tough burden.  Law requires that the judge had to assume that the mandate was constitutional.  Virginia then had to show how it was not.  There of course if a great deal of legalese that I don't fully understand, but the judge has very specific examples of past decisions and how he came to his decision.  Read it here

This is far from over and could potentially take another year before it reaches SCOTUS for a final decision. 

Newly Elected Officials to File Suit Against Obamacare

Cuccinelli on Obamacare - Arguments in District Court

Ken Cuccinelli on Federalism

Ken Cuccinelli speaking to Virginia's Tea Party Convention on Federalism and the Obamacare Lawsuit. 

Virginia Tea Party Convention Part 2

I have made my way back from Richmond and I am feeling very energized by the two day convention.  It was a great deal of fun to have such a amazing conference so close to election day to keep all of us so energized.  Not that we are not already, but these two days gave us some very practical advice.

One of the breakout sessions was about conservatism in the black community.  One of the speakers is very involved in the Richmond Tea Party and has come into her own about her belief system in the conservative movement.  She and three others did an amazing job explaining to the people who may be a little frustrated about how we do outreach to a community that has many ties to conservatism, but just may not be aware of what we stand for.  One of the examples that really hit home for me was the use of Hollywood generally and how Tyler Perry is considered an outsider in the Hollywood community.  One of the reasons is that Perry shows the black family as it really exists; they pray and are very involved in the churches in their communities. 

This is something that I was only aware of in a more peripheral sense, but they really made that hit home for me.  Now, I don't what Perry's politics are; he may very well be more liberal leaning, but the point was that it shows the social conservatism that exists within the families in the black community.  This is the way that the tea party can make inroads into the community to get our message out to them.  A perfect example of what I am talking about is the band that played for the convention party.  I flat asked the band members if we "tea party" people were what they expected.  One of the singers told me no, and he honestly didn't expect to see us up and dancing.  He had heard the constant left leaning meme that we are old white people.  They saw for themselves that we are just people and we, like everyone else, likes to unwind and have a good time at a party.  The band was very talented and did a great deal of 70's funk music and it was a great time. We let our hair down and danced the night away. 

Another great part of the convention was the forum that we had with Sen. Rick Santorum. , Sen. George Allen (you may remember him; he made the Maccaca comment and lost his senate seat), Congressman Steve King, and Virginia's Tea Party Rock star AG Ken Cuccinelli.  Cuccinelli has labeled himself a "tea party groupie", he understands that the many in the tea party don't want to align themselves to closely to politicians.  So he doesn't consider himself a member, he just loves us as much as we love him.  If you are unaware, Cuccinelli was the first one to file suit against Obamacare.  Virginia has the advantage of a law in place that the mandate to purchase health care is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  He gave us the update on the suit; all the filings are complete and arguments will be happening next month.  This is certain to get to the supreme court and he does believe that it is fast-tracked as there is no testimony needed. 

I am in need of a good night sleep so I will give the final round up tomorrow along with the videos I made. 

More From Tea Party Convention

Richmond is all filled up with tea party patriots this weekend and I will tell you, we know how to party.  Tonight they had a party called the Freedom Lovers Extravaganza. 

There was a 70's type funk band Mo' Sol.  The band was excellant and got most everybody up off their feet and dancing.  John Fund and Congressman King joined in on the fun. 

During one of the breaks I asked a few of the band members if they were tea partiers and they said no.  I also asked if they thought that the Tea Party Patriots would get down with them, and he said "honestly, no I didn't".  I told him that he needed to go home to Atlanta and tell his friends that the tea party is not what the media has portayed us to be.  Because I will tell you, there was some bumping and grinding happening on that dance floor. 

I got a chance to have a talk with Congressman King and told him my story of what is going to happen with my medical insurance at the end of this year.  My plan is not "obamacare" approved and in order to make it fit the requirements it will become too expensive and the insurance company will no longer be carrying the plan.  So, I have to change plans that will increase my costs by about 25%.  He told me that they have a plan to get it repealed, although he didn't go into detail.  So we will see if they can get that done before they completely destroy the insurance industry. 

I was able to worm my way onto bloggers row tomorrow so I will be doing some live blogging to keep you informed.  The speakers tomorrow should be great. 

Rick Santorum
Herman Caine
George Allen
Lou Dobbs
Ron Paul
Steve King
Ken Cuccinelli

So I should have a really good time blogging and trying to keep you informed of what is going on.  You also can follow on twitter with the hash tag #VTPP

Have a good night all.  I need to get some sleep. 

Check in tomorrow and also head on over to The Other McCain as Smitty is live blogging as well. 

Ken Cuccinelli Updates on Virginia Lawsuit on Obamacare

Commonwealth of Virginia 1 - Obamacare 0

Judge Henry Hudson has refused to dismiss the case that Virginia has filed against Obamacare:

While this case raises a host of complex constitutional issues, all seem to distill to the single question of whether or not Congress has the power to regulate — and tax — an individual’s decision not to participate in interstate commerce. Neither the US Supreme Court nor and federal circuit court of appeals has squarely addressed this issue. No reported case from any federal appellate court has extended the Commerce Clause or Tax Clause to include the regulation of a person’s decision not to purchase a product...

At this point, it doesn't mean a great deal, except that federal government will have defend itself in court.  A final ruling is not expected until mid November, but the court arguments should be taking place during the election season. 

Virginia is not involved with the 22 other states that have also filed suits against Obamacare, as they have a law that says that federal government cannot mandate the purchase of health care insurance, which for the naysayers mirrors the law about car insurance in this state.  You do not have to have car insurance, you pay a fee to the motor vehicle department when you register, but it is not mandated. 

Ken Cuccinelli has also made statements today that Virginia police are allowed to ask about immigration status during arrests in the state.  I must admit, I wasn't jazzed about him getting the nomination for Attorney General, but I have been proven incorrect.  He has done a good job standing by conservative principles. 

Healthcare Law Sees it's First Day of Court

Yesterday, the commonwealth of Virginia had its first court hearing on the case Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II v. Kathleen Sebelius.  The case rests on the federal government forcing an individual to purchase a product or face a fine is a violation of the constitution. 

The first issue that has to be decided does Virginia have status to file the suit.  Virginia passed a law protecting individuals from having to purchase health care insurance.  The law was done on the grounds of the tenth amendment, giving rights to the states. 

The judge that is hearing this case is Henry Hudson, a Bush appointee.  He has said he will be deciding if the case can move forward within 30 days.  The case will then be appealed at the district level and then should wind its way to the Supreme Court.  This case is moving at lightening speed.  The other cases filed by 20 other attorneys general is expected to be heard until September. 

Hudson did ask some pointed questions of both sides.  The attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia argued that inactivity does not qualify as commerce;

"No post-modernist playing with language can turn inactivity into economy activity affecting interstate commerce,"

the judge asked the federal attorney to give an example of when the government has forced an individual to purchase a product in the past. 

The response was that since all people will use health care at some point;

Gershengorn responded that health care is unlike other products because everyone eventually consumes it. He said Congress was merely trying to regulate how it is paid for.

Via The Washington Post