McDonnell bids farewell to Sen. John Warner

Richmond- Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the conclusion of Senator John Warner’s five terms in the United States Senate. The 111th Congress was officially sworn in at noon today.

“For 30 years John Warner has represented Virginia honorably in the United States Senate. During his long tenure in this office, second only to Harry F. Byrd Sr., John Warner has been a vigorous and dedicated public servant. He always focused on solving problems and getting things done for the people.”

“While he charted his own course on some matters, he always did what he believed was best for Virginia. A champion of our military men and women, John Warner’s legacy can be found all across Virginia, from the Port of Hampton Roads to the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. Through his tireless work, the nation and the Commonwealth are more prosperous and secure.”

“As John Warner takes leave of Washington D.C. he can take pride in a long and distinguished record. From his military service during World War II and in Korea, to his public service on Capitol Hill, Senator Warner has lived a life of duty, honor, and commitment. Virginia is better for his service. John Warner will be missed.”

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

McDonnell on Laura Ingraham's show at 10:30 am today

Virginia's Attorney General Bob McDonnell will appear live this morning on the Laura Ingraham Radio Show to discuss his work in deporting criminal alien sexual predators from the Commonwealth in Operation Cold Play, and to talk about his ongoing work fighting gangs in Virginia.

Check here to find a station. For a further search check here. Some locations may play the show later today or tonight.

Tune in to hear our AG.

Fred Thompson to be at Weyers Cave Airport Monday

Victory Rally ... Monday at 9 a.m. ... join us at a fly-in at Weyers Cave Airport and welcome Sen. Fred Thompson, Attorney General Bob Goodlatte, and former Gov. George Allen on Election Eve.

Monday, Nov. 3 ... 9 a.m. ... 77 Aviation Circle, Weyers Cave 24486. Shenandoah Valley Airport. Info: (540) 830-3757.

Keep Virginia red!

The next Governor of Virginia ... Bob McDonnell fundraiser at the home of Walter Curt - Part 5

Del. Chris Saxman & Kurt Michael
Friday, June 27, 2008
Bob McDonnell Fundraiser
at the home of Martha & Walter Curt
Rockingham County, Virginia

Read more about Friday night's fundraiser at the home of Martha and Walter Curt: Bob McDonnell fundraiser - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Friday night fundraiser for Bob McDonnell.

Photo by SWAC Girl

The next Governor of Virginia ... Bob McDonnell fundraiser at Walter Curt's home - Part 4

Michele & Chris Saxman

Chris is Delegate of the 20th House District.

American and Virginia flags greet guests at the gateway to the pool area.

Dean Welty (left), Janet Welty, Bob McDonnell

Michele Saxman (green blouse) and Chris Saxman (to right of Michele) listen to Bob McDonnell address the crowd.

Del. Chris Saxman & his constituent Kelly Keech

Gateway to the Curt estate.

Kelly Keech

View across pool toward Massanutten range.

Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell speaks as wife Maureen and Sen. Mark Obenshain listen.

The back country roads of the Shenandoah Valley with Blue Ridge Mountains in background. This is the countryside the Curts see when looking out from their home.

A big thank you to GOP Rock!

Read more at Bob McDonnell fundraiser - Part 1 and Part 2, Part 3, and Friday night fundraiser for Bob McDonnell.

Photos by SWAC Girl

The next Governor of Virginia ... Bob McDonnell fundraiser at Walter Curt's home - Part 3

Looking toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.Kurt Michael talks with Dean Welty. The two of them have worked with the Family Foundation for a number of years.
Koi pond with Americana bronze artwork ... two boys fishing while their faithful dog watches. There were bronze sculptures throughout the grounds including a huge moose alongside the driveway.
Back of the pool.
A quiet spot to talk and look over the mountains and the Virginia countryside.

Read more at Bob McDonnell fundraiser - Part 1 and Part 2, and Friday night fundraiser for Bob McDonnell.

Photos by SWAC Girl

The next Governor of Virginia ... Bob McDonnell fundraiser at Walter Curt's home - Part 2

Kurt Michael and Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg)

Kelly Keech and Kurt Michael enjoying the evening.
Kelly is secretary of Staunton and 6th District Committees.
Beverages and food tables
Behind it all were the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Massanutten Mountain range to the north.

Read more at Bob McDonnell fundraiser - Part 1 and Friday night fundraiser for Bob McDonnell.


Photos by SWAC Girl

B & B ... the GOP gubernatorial Dream Team

Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling running for governor and lieutenant governor ... it doesn't get much better than that! With Bill Bolling's announcement today that he would seek re-election as LG, the deal was sealed with Bob's support of Bill and Bill's support of Bob.

Thank you, Lt. Governor Bolling, for taking one for the team, working to try and unite this fractured Republican Party. With two excellent candidates, it was going to be a difficult decision for many throughout the state. This has opened the door for everyone to support each candidate 100%, run them as a ticket, and win back the governor's mansion.

B & B ... the winning team! Victory in 2009.

AG McDonnell: "Today, my good friend Congressman Tom Davis announced he will not seek re-election..."

“Today, my good friend Congressman Tom Davis announced he will not seek re-election this fall. I am saddened by this decision. The citizens of the 11th District, and all of Virginia, are losing a tireless advocate in the halls of Congress. After more than two decades of public service, I know this was a very difficult decision for Tom to make.

“Tom Davis was one of the most effective members of Congress we have ever sent to Washington. Since first being elected in 1994, Tom Davis has been a stalwart defender and promoter of the people of the 11th Congressional District. He represented the citizens of his district with distinction. He worked tirelessly on the Wilson Bridge project, and other transportation priorities in the district. He led the fight to close Lorton Prison and redevelop the area. He played a leading role in attracting new businesses and high-tech interests to Northern Virginia, thus contributing greatly to Virginia’s 21st Century reputation as “The Silicon Dominion.” And Tom was appreciated for his statewide travels to advocate the principles of good and effective government.

“Tom earned a national reputation in Washington as one of the smartest, and most innovative, members of the House of Representatives. He constantly sought new ways to reduce federal spending, and to eliminate outdated and unnecessary programs. As Chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, Tom demanded fiscal responsibility and accountability from the federal government. Tom also emerged as a critical voice on homeland security issues, leading on an issue of immediate importance to all the residents of Northern Virginia. As one of the shrinking number of veterans serving in the United States Congress, Tom brought crucial insights to the efforts to keep our nation safe and secure.

“I commend Tom for a career of exceptional achievement. His uncanny political knowledge, his terrific love of Virginia, and his sense of humor are admired by all. He has served the citizens of Virginia well. I count Tom Davis as a personal friend, and as a great friend of democracy. I wish Tom the very best, and I know he will continue to play a leading role in the life of our Commonwealth and our country. I sincerely hope Tom Davis’s departure from public service is only temporary.

Press release statement from Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

Bob McDonnell's statement on Fred Thompson announcement

Attorney General Bob McDonnell, co-chairman of the Virginia Fred Thompson campaign, issued this statement this afternoon:

This afternoon, Fred Thompson announced that he will no longer be a candidate for President of the United States. While I am very disappointed in this development, I understand the reality of the situation. With Florida on the horizon, followed by Super Tuesday, enormous resources would be necessary for the Thompson campaign to continue to compete. Absent those resources, the continuance of this campaign is just not feasible.

Over the past few months I have gotten to know Fred Thompson well. He is an individual of impressive intellect, strong character, and a passion for freedom and ideas. I endorsed him, along with George Allen, because I believe he is a consistent conservative, with a positive vision for our future. He brought real substance to this race, taking a true, conservative approach to every issue, challenging the notion of big government, championing federalism and bringing the issue of social security and Medicaid reform to the forefront of the debate.

Now, the Republican Party must find the best candidate to lead us forward in the general election. We need a candidate who believes in, and can clearly articulate, the conservative philosophy of strength abroad, freedom at home, and respect for life and liberty. Whoever can do that will have my full support.

Fred Thompson's announcement was not unexpected but we still are sad he has withdrawn from the presidental race. We wish him well and agree with the Attorney General that the candidate who can clearly articular the conservative philosophy of strength abroad, freedom at home, and respect for life and liberty will receive our full support.

Right to own guns: McDonnell yes ... Kaine no

It does not get much plainer than this. The Governor and the Attorney General are on opposite sides of the second amendment debate. Should Americans have the right to bear arms?

McDonnell says yes ... Kaine says no.

According to NBC 12:

For decades D.C. residents have been unable to own or possess handguns. That could be about to change. A few years ago, a D.C. resident [who was] fed up with the district's ban on handguns went to court to challenge the law. He won favorable rulings and finally a D.C. appeals court sided with him, agreeing that the second amendment right to bear arms was an individual right.

When asked about this case, Attorney General Bob McDonnell said:

“This is the most important second amendment case in all of history. Virginia has pretty much always understood it to be an individual right and so the gun laws in Virginia have reflected that philosophy.”

As a result, AG McDonnell has filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting an individual's right to bear arms and calling for an overturn of the D.C. handgun ban.

Where does Kaine stand on this issue? He believes the ban on handguns should stay on the books in D.C., saying:

“I don't support overturning what D.C. has done in this instance but the AG has by statute clear ability to file legal briefs in his capacity as attorney general and you know that could lead him to file briefs I don't completely agree with but the statute is very plain.”

The case will be debated before the U.S. Supreme Court in March.