Bob McDonnell proposes reforming rules on "election paraphernalia" at polls

It is good to see in Bob McDonnell's 2009 legislative agenda a proposal to reform the odious election paraphernalia rule. His proposal: "The wearing of election paraphernalia within 40 feet of the voting precinct may include t-shirts, buttons and stickers."

Read his entire legislative package over at SixtyFour81.com.

Thanksgiving message from AG Bob McDonnell

By Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday born right here in the Commonwealth.

Just about 20 minutes east of my office in Richmond, on the grounds of what is today Berkeley Plantation, a band of English settlers knelt down on December 4, 1619 and gave thanks for their safe passage to the shores of Virginia. After a treacherous journey across the open seas they had landed in a place of beauty and abundance. They stopped, and gave thanks. Our tradition of Thanksgiving was born.

Tomorrow we pause as a nation to give thanks again. We continue a Virginia tradition begun 389 years ago. There is much to be thankful for. We live in the greatest nation on earth. We are free. We are blessed with unlimited opportunity and a wide range of material comforts the likes of which no people on earth have ever possessed. Truly, to live in Virginia, in the year 2008, is to be blessed like no other people at any time in the history of the world.

However, even in this land of abundance and plenty we know many are suffering. Our economy is struggling, and word of yet more layoffs is a daily feature in our newspapers. Today the front page of The Washington Post tells us that food stamp use is nearing an all-time high. We know that even in the most prosperous of societies there will always be those who need a helping hand. Today, the need for a helping hand is spreading to many families and neighborhoods that never thought this could happen to them.

That is why I ask you, as we pause to give thanks, to consider making a donation to Virginia's Food Banks this holiday season. Last year I asked you to do the same, and so many of you responded to that call. You filled the shelves of Food Banks from Salem to Alexandria to Norfolk. Let's do it again. Please visit the Virginia Foodbank website today. If you have a little extra, I hope you will consider sharing it with those who need a little help. Together, we can make this a better Thanksgiving for all Virginians.

Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Bob

Bob McDonnell
Attorney General of Virginia

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

The next Governor of Virginia ... Bob McDonnell fundraiser at Walter Curt's home - Part 1

Atty. General Bob McDonnell thanks Sen. Mark Obenshain for his opening remarks as Maureen McDonnell looks on.

Dean Welty (left), head of the Valley Forum in Harrisonburg, talks with Atty. General Bob McDonnell.

Sen. Mark Obenshain (right) introduces the next Governor of Virginia.

Kurt Michael and others listen as Bob McDonnell speaks.

Maureen & Bob McDonnell, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg)

"Thank you for coming out on a beautiful Shenandoah Valley evening!"

And thus Attorney General Bob McDonnell opened his remarks to the crowd gathered Friday evening at the home of Harrisonburg businessman and entrepreneur and newly-appointed Republican Party of Virginia Financial Director Walter Curt.

The Attorney General discussed the importance of winning this fall for all our candidates ... John McCain as President, Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senator, and Congressman Bob Goodlatte in the 6th District.

He thanked Martha and Walter Curt for opening their beautiful home for the evening, and he thanked all those who financially contributed to his campaign. He also expressed appreciation for the volunteers who are on the ground doing the necessary legwork. He thanked Sen. Mark Obenshain for his work in the state senate ... and introduced Del. Chris Saxman as the co-coodinator of the Virginia John McCain campaign.

Overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the Skyline Drive, the setting was perfect and the weather cooperated beautifully with sunshine and a gentle breeze. The theme of the party was Virginia ... with dozens of Virginia flags throughout on fences, on gates, take-home hand-held Virginia flags and lapel pins for guests ... and all were overlooked by a large American flag waving in the breeze atop the stone waterslide beside the pool.

Talking with my own delegate Chris Saxman and his wife Michele was a hoot. Michele is one of the most gracious people I know ... humble, down-to-earth, fun to talk with ... she is an extremely hard worker. Mom to four children ages six to 14, she looked like a model last night in her white capris, green fitted sleeveless top, nice accent jewelry, and green matching pumps. Chris was in high spirits, laughing and poking fun ... the old Chris we all know. His Special Session HB 6006 to tap all proceeds from off-shore oil and gas drilling and put them into transportation was mentioned by Newt Gingrich on Fox News Thursday night.

There is work to do ... and we are ready. More photos coming....

Photos by SWAC Girl

Friday night Bob McDonnell fundraiser at Walter Curt's home

Michele Saxman with Kurt Michael. Chris Saxman is behind Michele.

Friday was a great evening for an outdoor fundraiser overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive. Republicans from throughout the SWAC and Harrisonburg/Rockingham area gathered around the pool at the home of Walter and Martha Curt to greet Attorney General Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, and to spend time with friends.

It's late ... more photos and commentary to follow tomorrow....

Photo by SWAC Girl

Bob McDonnell: "Audit VDOT"

Attorney General Bob McDonnell Monday outside the General Assembly Building in Richmond just before start of Special Session.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is proposing that VDOT be audited before pouring millions of dollars more into the deep, dark hole of transportation.

In Monday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, the AG's op-ed piece explaines why he feels this step is necessary. He begins by saying:

"I am advocating, along with other Republican leaders, a full external performance audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation to be done in two phases. It will be patterned after the successful audit of the same nature that was done in Washington state, with good results. It must be immediately approved and signed into law so the audit can commence promptly."

At Monday's Americans for Prosperity luncheon, he emphasized the point. Read the entire op-ed piece here.

Photo by SWAC Girl

McDonnell: Staunton students win VA Youth Internet Safety Contest

Students at Staunton's Robert E. Lee High School Produce Winning Ad

Staunton - Attorney General Bob McDonnell today announced the winner in the Virginia Youth Internet Safety Contest. Through a statewide online vote, “Abduction,” a 30-second TV ad created by three high school students at Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, was chosen as the winning entry. McDonnell let the winning students know the good news in a 10:30a.m phone call with the students and their principal. The winning ad will appear on cable television stations across Virginia this summer, in the Attorney General’s latest outreach to educate children and parents about Internet safety.

Of the 3,044 votes cast online between March 26 and May 1, “Abduction” received 60 percent of the total vote. “Cyber Nightmares,” produced by three high school students from Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, came in second with 21 percent of the vote. And “Public Announcement,” by three middle school students at Sussex Central Middle School in Sussex County, came in third. (Specific information about the winning teams can be found below)

The three finalists were selected out of more than 200 submissions from 85 schools across Virginia. The three ads can be seen at www.projectsafetynetva.com.

In addition to seeing their TV ad air across Virginia, the team from Staunton also won Microsoft X-Box 360s; a private film screening, to be held later this summer, of a new Fox movie with 70 of their friends; and bags of Fox DVDs. The second place team received Microsoft X-Box 360s and a bag of Fox DVD’s. Third place team members received a bag of Fox DVDs.

“I want to congratulate Kyle, Jonathan and Jeremiah for winning the contest. I also want to congratulate our other finalists for their exemplary ads. It was inspiring to see how much talent Virginia students possess,” Attorney General McDonnell said. “I salute all the students who worked so hard on all the videos that were entered in the contest, as we work together to educate Virginians about Internet safety. I know this contest has made a positive difference in our ongoing effort to encourage Virginia students to be safe when they go online.”

McDonnell continued, “I look forward to seeing the winning ad, ‘Abduction,’ air statewide. I want to specifically thank Microsoft, News Corporation and MySpace, AOL, the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association, Erickson Barnett and the Virginia Department of Education for partnering with us in this effort. This contest was a success because of their hard work and shared commitment to the goal of increasing online safety.”

“AOL commends the time and effort that all of the entrants put into this contest, and we are quite impressed with the results," said Will Castleberry, National Director of State Public Policy for AOL. "In addition, we would like to thank General McDonnell for his continued leadership in the efforts to safeguard Virginia’s youth. We are proud to be his partner in making the Internet a safer place for children.”

“Microsoft has been honored to sponsor the Virginia Attorney General’s Public Safety Announcement contest,” said Anne Gavin, Senior Director for Microsoft State Government Affairs. “Internet safety awareness is a top priority for Microsoft, and we are proud to work with state and local governments to stay ahead of this critical issue. It is encouraging to see the young people of Virginia taking a proactive role in educating their peers on this important topic.”

“General McDonnell and his team have succeeded in figuring out and implementing innovative ways to reach younger users of the Internet about how to be safe online,” said Rick Lane, Senior Vice President of News Corporation. “News Corporation and MySpace are proud to sponsor this important online safety PSA contest and congratulate all of the winners. We are especially looking forward to seeing Kyle, Jonathan, Jeremiah and 70 of their closest friends at the Fox screening this summer in Staunton in recognition of their winning online safety PSA.”

“The Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association and its member cable systems are very pleased to have participated in this important initiative on youth internet safety,” added Ray LaMura, President of the VCTA. “It was very exciting to see the level of participation from teens across Virginia, who recognize the importance of this issue. The VCTA also wishes to commend Attorney General McDonnell and his team for the focus that they have brought to the topic of youth internet safety.”

The Virginia Youth Internet Safety Contest was announced last September. The submission deadline for the contest was February 1. Entries were narrowed down by the Attorney General’s Office, and the finalists were selected by the Attorney General’s Youth Internet Safety Advisory Committee. Posters advertising the contest were placed in schools throughout Virginia in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Education, and print ads telling parents and children about the contest appeared in Virginia publications.

The contest is part of the Attorney General’s “Project SafetyNet VA” public awareness campaign about Internet safety. Resulting from the Attorney General’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force, which met July through December 2006, it is a joint effort, led by the Attorney General, to educate and raise awareness among Virginia's children and parents about the dangers of the Internet through innovative initiatives. The Attorney General's Youth Internet Safety Advisory Committee meets regularly to implement these educational initiatives and is comprised of leaders representing education, law enforcement, parents, faith-based organizations, elected officials, community leaders and the technology industry.

About the Finalists in the Virginia Youth Internet Safety Contest

Robert E. Lee High School, Staunton (The Winner)
Students:
Kyle Head
Jonathan Fisher
Jeremiah Eckard
Faculty Sponsor: Paul Kricorian
Principal: J. Clay Chandler
Entry Name: “Abduction”

Tallwood High School, Virginia Beach (Second place)
Students:
Kyle Windley
Megan Gregg
Rayne Clinton
Faculty Sponsor: Leslie Allman
Principal: Jobynia Caldwell
Entry Name: “Cyber Nightmares”

Sussex Central Middle School, Sussex (Third place)
Students:
Autumn Woodard
Abi Dodson
Connor Ricard
Faculty Sponsor: Lauren Elliot
Principal: Ms. Nancy Coner
Entry Name: “Public Announcement: Internet Safety”

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

AG McDonnell hosts "Badges for Baseball" Clinic with Cal Ripkin Sr. Foundation

Attorney General Bob McDonnell and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation today hosted a baseball clinic in Richmond, as part of their “Badges for Baseball” partnership.

More than 100 local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, the Richmond City after school program “Team Up Richmond,” and the Richmond Gang Reduction Intervention Program (G.R.I.P.) participated in a unique youth baseball clinic hosted by the Ripken Foundation staff, law enforcement officers, and local high school and college players and coaches.

This is the second stop in the Ripken Foundation’s 17-city “2008 Play Ball Tour for Kids.” The clinic ran from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Benedictine High School baseball complex.

The Attorney General addressed the participants and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“‘Badges for Baseball’ is the kind of proactive, community building program that we need more of in Virginia,” McDonnell said. “These young people are not only enjoying a baseball clinic, they are learning the lessons that are key to a great life. Through this program, they are learning the game of baseball. But, far more importantly, they are also developing character and learning the lifelong lessons of integrity, sportsmanship and leadership. These young participants become more comfortable with law enforcement officers, and begin to see them as friends and neighbors.”

McDonnell continued, “I strongly support, and our office has partnered with, community-based intervention and prevention programs aimed at building character, like ‘Badges for Baseball,’ G.R.I.P., Boys & Girls Clubs and other innovative initiatives. These programs work. Every child in Virginia deserves the opportunity to succeed. When young people take advantage of these opportunities, our entire Commonwealth benefits.”

“We’re very excited to be in Richmond for the second stop on the ‘Play Ball Tour for Kids,’ and we’re honored that Attorney General McDonnell has joined us,” said Chuck Brady, Deputy Executive Director of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “With the Attorney General’s leadership and the help of the Virginia State Police Association and other Law Enforcement Agencies, we are able to bring the ‘Badges for Baseball’ program to thousands of Virginia youth.”

In 2007 the Ripken Foundation, in conjunction with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, launched the Virginia “Badges for Baseball” program. This community crime prevention model uses baseball, softball and “Quickball” to prevent juvenile delinquency and crime by providing healthy out-of-school activities. The program improves relationships between law enforcement and youth by pairing law enforcement professionals as mentors and coaches with community young people.

“Badges for Baseball” was implemented in communities across Virginia, including: Richmond, Petersburg, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Gloucester, Mathews, Danville, Lynchburg, Warrenton, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Bristol, Emporia, Fort Monroe, Quantico and Langley AFB. This year, “Badges for Baseball” is expanding its reach across Virginia and will be implemented in new communities, including: Stafford County, Norfolk, Spotsylvania County, Bristol, Fauquier, Lynchburg and Danville.

Virginia’s program is the first statewide “Badges for Baseball.” The program is expanding to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Texas.

Last year, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation provided $240,000 in funding and equipment to assist with the implementation of “Badges for Baseball” statewide. Law enforcement partners include the Virginia State Police Association, Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, U.S. Marshal Service, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E), and many local police departments throughout Virginia.

For more on Attorney General McDonnell’s partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and “Badges for Baseball,” click here.

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

AG McDonnell continues anti-gang initiative in Shenandoah Valley

OAG Budget to Fund Special Prosecutor; State Budget Funds Statewide Crime Analyst; OAG Uses Asset Forfeiture Funds to Provide New Equipment to Local Law Enforcement

[Many thanks to Bob McDonnell for his continuing interest in the serious problem of gangs in the Shenandoah Valley. --SWAC Girl]

Weyers Cave- Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced today the continuation of a successful anti-gang initiative in the Shenandoah Valley. Among those joining the Attorney General at today’s announcement were John Brownlee, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg).

McDonnell specifically announced that a special prosecutor, currently funded through a federal grant set to expire, will join the payroll of the Office of the Attorney General. He also announced securing of state budget funding for a statewide crime analyst, currently funded through the same expiring federal grant. In addition the Attorney General announced that his office would provide state of the art equipment to local law enforcement, purchased with asset forfeiture funds.

The highlight of today’s event was the formal announcement that Phillip O. Figura, Special Counsel to the Shenandoah Valley Multi-Jurisdiction Grand Jury and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, would remain on the job, despite the elimination of federal funding for his position. Figura was brought on board in March of 2006 through a federal grant secured in 2005 with the assistance of Congressmen Frank Wolf and Bob Goodlatte. The federal grant enabling this hiring will expire in June.

During this past session of the General Assembly, McDonnell and local legislators attempted to secure a budget amendment to provide for state funding for this effective prosecutor position. However, that funding could not be secured. Recognizing the importance of the gang prosecutor to the Valley, McDonnell announced today that through cost cutting measures and a reallocation of resources within the office, he will fund this initiative directly through the budget of the Office of the Attorney General. Figura will continue his duties as an Assistant Attorney General.

Speaking about today’s announcement, McDonnell remarked, “We stood before you two years ago to announce this important initiative. Three gang related murders and a rash of violence made it clear to me, my predecessors in this office, and the local Commonwealth’s Attorneys that a gang prosecutor to coordinate use of the multi-jurisdiction grand jury and handle gang cases would be critical to an effective law enforcement strategy to combat gangs. While we have achieved a great deal of success, we must continue this coordinated offensive against gang violence. We had hoped to do so within the state budget, but given the tough economic situation faced by the Commonwealth, this was not possible. Therefore we have gone within the existing budget in our office to find the resources necessary to continue this post. My foremost commitment is to ensure the safety and security of all the citizens of Virginia, and in the Shenandoah Valley that means finding a way to keep our anti-gang efforts underway and fully funded. We have done that.”

In addition, McDonnell also announced that the new budget provides funding for the Office of the Attorney General to use in employing a statewide crime analyst to assist law enforcement and prosecutors as they investigate and prepare their gang cases for trial. Currently, David Graham, operating under the same expiring federal grant as Figura, has been effectively working with the law enforcement team in the Valley and contributing to the successful investigation and prosecution of a significant number of cases. The new budget will allow these vital services to continue.

McDonnell also used today’s event to formally present, for use by local law enforcement, a variety of much needed equipment to aid criminal investigations. The equipment was purchased by the Office of the Attorney General, using asset forfeiture funds, after consultation with law enforcement regarding their needs. The equipment will be used by law enforcement investigators working cases for the multi-jurisdiction grand jury.

United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, John Brownlee, also spoke at today’s event, noting, “As Virginia’s top law enforcement official, Bob McDonnell has aggressively pursued violent criminals” Brownlee continued, “our joint efforts against gangs and drug dealers has resulted in safer and more hopeful communities.”

Marsha Garst, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County stated “I applaud Bob McDonnell’s leadership and I am pleased to be a part of a cutting edge approach to combat criminal street gangs. The multi-jurisdiction grand jury has been a tremendously useful and effective tool to make our Valley a safer place.”

Thanks to a provision introduced by Senator Obenshain in 2004, multi-jurisdiction grand juries are able to effectively investigate gang crimes. The investigations conducted through use of this single grand jury, by law enforcement throughout the Valley, have produced more than 90 state and federal indictments that have resulted in gang members and their close associates being incarcerated for more than 150 years.

Gangs in the Shenandoah Valley
Based on information provided by local area law enforcement, there are known to be over 300 documented gang members or affiliates currently in the Shenandoah Valley. Since 2001 there have been three gang-related homicides in the area.

In 2001, Christopher Scott Kenedy, a member of the “Crips” was killed in Augusta County for attempting to leave the gang.

In 2001, Brenda Paz, a member of MS-13, was killed in Shenandoah County for agreeing to testify against other gang members.

In 2005, William Pannell, Jr., was killed by William “Tim Tim” Jones, a member of the Bloods, because Pannell would not remove a blue bandana. (seen as a sign of membership in the Crips)

Participating Partners in the Shenandoah Valley Anti-Gang Effort

Local Partners

Commonwealth’s Attorneys
Marsha Garst, of the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County;
Albert Mitchell, of Shenandoah County;
Raymond Roberts, of the City of Staunton;
Charles Ajemian of the City of Waynesboro;
Lee Ervin, of Augusta County;
Robert Joyce of the City of Lexington and Rockbridge County.
Christopher Russell of the City of Buena Vista
John T. Hennessy of Page County

Sheriffs
Randy Fisher, Sheriff of Augusta County
Tim Carter, Sheriff of Shenandoah County
R.W. Day, Sheriff of Rockbridge County
Don Farley, Sheriff of Rockingham County
Daniel Presgraves, of Page County
Randy Hamilton, Sheriff of the City of Buena Vista
Alex T. Caldwell, Sheriff of the City of Staunton

Police Chiefs
Colonel Don Harper, Harrisonburg Police Department
Chief Jim Williams, Staunton Police Department
Chief Doug Davis, Waynesboro Police Department
Chief Steve Crowder, Lexington Police Department
Chief Lewis Plogger, Buena Vista Police Department

State Partners

State Senate
Emmett Hanger, 24th District
Mark Obenshain, 26th District
Creigh Deeds, 25th District

House of Delegates
Steve Landes, 25th District
Chris Saxman, 20th District
Ben Cline, 24th District
Todd Gilbert, 15th District
Matt Lohr, 26th District

Virginia State Police
Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent
Captain Rick A. Jenkins, Second Division, Culpepper
Captain Frank T. Whitehurst, Third Division, Appomattox
Captain George (“Stick”) W. Austin, Jr., Sixth Division, Salem

Virginia ABC
Frank Monahan, Director of Enforcement
Roger Stevens: Regional Agent in Charge

Federal Partners
Senator Jim Webb
Senator John Warner
John Brownlee, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Congressman Frank Wolf

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

VA Supreme Court upholds nation's first felony SPAM conviction

Attorney General Bob McDonnell's office announced that SPAMMER Jeremy Jaynes' conviction was upheld as the first felony SPAM conviction. Here is their press release:

Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Supreme Court has upheld the nation’s first felony SPAM conviction. “SPAM” refers to unsolicited bulk email sent by fraudulent means.

In November of 2004, Jeremy Jaynes was convicted by a jury in Loudoun County Circuit Court on three counts of violating Virginia’s groundbreaking Anti-Spam Act, which was passed into law in 2003. This marked the first ever felony conviction in a SPAM case, and the case received international attention. After convicting the defendant, the same jury sentenced him to serve nine years in jail. The defendant appealed his conviction. In September of 2006 the Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the constitutionality of Virginia’s Anti-SPAM Statute and upheld the conviction. The Virginia Supreme Court today upheld this decision.

Speaking about today’s decision, Attorney General McDonnell remarked, “This is a historic victory in the fight against online crime. SPAM not only clogs email inboxes and destroys productivity; it also defrauds citizens and threatens the online revolution that is so critical to Virginia’s economic prosperity. Thanks to the Virginia Anti-SPAM Act we now have the tools to go after Spammer’s and put them behind bars.”

McDonnell continued, “I want to specifically thank my predecessor, Jerry Kilgore, for proposing the Anti-SPAM Act, and ensuring its passage. I also want to thank him for securing the initial conviction of Jeremy Jaynes. What was accomplished today would not have been possible without the leadership of Jerry Kilgore. I also want to thank my Computer Crime Section for their steadfast work on this case. Virginia is leading the nation in the effort to keep citizens safe and secure online.”

Former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, added, “Today’s decision marks a huge step forward in the effort to safeguard the Internet from online criminals. SPAM slows down commerce, fills up inboxes, and entraps innocent citizens. I applaud this decision, and I especially thank the dedicated lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General who began this fight when I was in office, and have successfully completed it today under the direction of Attorney General McDonnell.”

Chuck Curran, AOL’s Chief Counsel for Policy & Regulatory, noted, "We are pleased that the Virginia Supreme Court has upheld Mr. Jaynes’ conviction under the Virginia Computer Crimes Act and we applaud the tireless efforts of Attorney General McDonnell, former Attorney General Kilgore, and their entire prosecutorial team to hold large-scale spammers accountable. In 2003, Attorney General Kilgore and Virginia legislators worked together with the industry to adopt first-in-the-nation felony penalties for junk e-mailers who send large quantities of spam by falsified means. Tough anti-spam laws like Virginia’s provide a critical deterrent for spammers who try to fill e-mail boxes with unwanted and fraudulent solicitations.”

Jeremy D. Jaynes was regarded as the eighth-worst spammer in the world on The Spamhaus Project’s Registry of Known Spammer Organizations at the time of his arrest. At the time, prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Computer Crime Section argued to the jury that Jaynes, utilizing AOL’s private computer network, located in Virginia, peddled his products to unsuspecting victims from around the world. His global fraud resulted in millions of dollars of profit which he used to purchase a mansion and a number of homes in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jaynes was convicted thanks to Virginia’s Anti-Spam Act. The Act prohibits the sending of unsolicited bulk e-mail by fraudulent means, such as changing the header or routing information to prevent recipients from contacting or determining the identity of the sender. Such conduct is punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor or as a class 6 felony if any one of the following conditions applies:

- The volume of Spam transmitted exceeds 10,000 in any 24-hour time period, 100,000 in any 30-day time period, or one million in any one-year time period.

- Revenue generated from specific Spam exceeds $1,000 or total revenue from all Spam transmitted to any ISP exceeds $50,000.

- The defendant knowingly hires, employs, uses or permits any minor to assist in the transition of Spam.

A class 6 felony is punishable by a one to five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Virginia’s anti-SPAM legislation also includes asset forfeiture provisions to allow law enforcement authorities to seize any assets or proceeds obtained through the illegal Spam operation. It also enhances penalties for violation of Virginia obscenity laws through the sending of illegal e-mails. The legislation authorizes the Attorney General’s Computer Crime Section to investigate and prosecute Spammers if illegal e-mails are sent to, from, or through any computer or computer network located in any Virginia locality.

To learn more about the Computer Crime Unit and Virginia’s groundbreaking anti-SPAM laws, please go here.

To read the full Virginia Supreme Court Opinion, please go here.

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

AG McDonnell joined by ICE and VA State Police for major criminal alien announcement

Wonder what's up? This press statement went out today from the Attorney General's office:

Attorney General Bob McDonnell will be joined by representatives of ICE, and the Virginia State Police, to announce a major law enforcement initiative regarding foreign born convicted sex offenders in the Commonwealth. This event will take place at 10AM TOMORROW, at the Office of the Attorney General in Richmond.

Veterans Day 2007 ... from military veteran AG Bob McDonnell

Today, America observes Veteran's Day. We mourn those whom we have lost, thank those who have served, and keep in our prayers all who serve today.

I spent this morning participating in a small Veteran's Day ceremony at the Virginia Wall of Honor, located in the Main Street lobby of the Office of the Attorney General. We unveiled the Wall of Honor this past May. The Wall pays tribute to the Virginians we have lost serving in the Global War on Terrorism, from the attack on the USS Cole in October of 2000, to the present day. 138 Virginians are on the Wall. Sadly, we are now planning to add another 18 brave Virginians in January, heroes who have fallen in defense of our nation over the course of the 5 months since we unveiled the Wall. They are a stark reminder that the battle for freedom wages on.

As we go about our daily lives, running from work, to home, to school, it is all too easy to forget that we live in freedom because, at this very moment, young men and women bravely stand in the face of danger. These young men and women do so in Iraq and Afghanistan and in countless other locations across the world. Day in and day out, the defenders of freedom don't rest; they resist the constant onslaught of the forces of tyranny and destruction. We owe them everything, and that is exactly what so many of them have given in our defense.

At our event in Richmond this morning, I was joined by my good friend Master Trooper Darrell Bowling. Trooper Bowling lost his son, Jonathan, in an enemy ambush in Al-anbar Province, Iraq on January 26, 2005. I learned about Jonathan's heroism in a chance meeting with Trooper Bowling in Patrick County, and it was in that meeting that the idea for a Wall of Honor was born. Today, Trooper Bowling once again stared at the face of his son, forever enshrined on the Wall of Honor, in the shadow of Jefferson's Capitol. Jonathan Bowling was a patriotic son of Virginia. He was doing his duty, nothing less. And he paid the ultimate price.

I hope you will take some time today to reflect on the many sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made. If you are a veteran, know that you have earned the perpetual admiration of all who call America home.

God Bless America, and all those who have defended her from the fields of Yorktown to the streets of Baghdad.

[Attorney General Bob McDonnell is a U.S. Army veteran. His daughter is an active Army member.]

Bob McDonnell to live blog with College Republicans

Our friends at the College Republican Federation of Virginia blog will host Attorney General Bob McDonnell tomorrow morning -- Monday, November 5 -- from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Questions may be submitted in advance or during the live blog. Many thanks to Jarrett and Kevin and all the CRs for providing this opportunity.

AG McDonnell calls on VA Democrats to abandon hollow campaign rhetoric

Attorney General Highlights Republican Achievements and Proposals -- Contrasts with Democrats Lack of Accomplishments and Vision....

"They know what they're against, and that's most things," Kaine said, "but they have a hard time saying what they're for." -- "Parties Prepare Final Punches," The Washington Post, October 31, 2007

Richmond - Attorney General Bob McDonnell today blasted Democrat attempts to ignore both the Republican-led achievements of the past fifteen years, and the positive vision Virginia Republican's have laid out during the 2007 campaign.

Attorney General McDonnell noted, "The Democrats have come up with a ridiculous talking point that lacks any connection to reality. It is high past time that they are called on this. To believe the rhetoric coming from campaign-trail Democrats one would have to have been asleep for the past 15 years. Records take time and work, rhetoric is easy. Republicans have the record; Democrats have only the rhetoric."

McDonnell continued remarking, "Three weeks ago during our fly-around of the state, I specifically challenged the Democrats to articulate their record and their vision. They have failed to answer that challenge in any way. This failure to articulate a positive vision or demonstrate a record of accomplishment, is not a recent development, it is a persistent trend.

"Over the last 3 months, Virginia Republicans have rolled out numerous positive policy proposals on important issues. These have been substantive ideas on the important issues facing Virginia such as criminal illegal immigration, mental health care reform, transportation, real property tax relief, and other important subjects. Meanwhile, Democrats went the entire spring and summer without saying a word about any policy proposals. Only in late September, under fire for their lack of action, did Democrats announce two minor policy ideas, with no specifics and no idea of their costs. It proved that the Democrat campaign strategy has been completely void of meaningful ideas for Virginians to consider.

"Democrats were quiet in Richmond this past winter as the Republican majority passed significant legislation. While Republicans worked to secure the first comprehensive transportation plan passed in 21 years, Democrats failed to offer any meaningful plan of their own. On the most pressing policy issue facing the Commonwealth, the Democrat strategy was to stay quiet and hope nothing happened! The GOP majority also passed into law historic new protections for private property owners, tough new laws cracking down on sex offenders and online predators, putting Virginia in the national lead, and sweeping reforms of the laws governing electricity generation. As this progress was made, Democrats stood idly by.

"If voters dislike leaders who only say what they are against, they should oppose the Democrat Party. Democrats collectively, led by Governor Kaine, have been adamantly opposed to cracking down on criminal illegal immigration. For over a year, Governor Kaine has steadfastly refused to enter into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to police illegal aliens who commit violent crime in Virginia.

"Now, Virginia Democrats are left with empty talking points, no recent record of success, no positive vision to articulate. They hope that Virginia voters will consider Tuesday's election to be about the President and Washington, not about the General Assembly and Richmond.

"Nonetheless, in the face of these truths, Virginia Democrats persist with the same old talking points. As we prepare for Tuesday's elections, I want to help educate my friends in the Democrat Party. The next time a Democrat asks what Virginia Republicans are 'for,' they should feel free to reference this information. I challenge my Democrat friends to produce a similar list of accomplishments."

Governor Tim Kaine(D) on Virginia Republicans: "…..they have a hard time saying what they're for."

Well, Since Virginia Democrats asked....

Virginia Republicans Are FOR A Safer Virginia.

Republicans have:
· Reformed the juvenile justice system;
· Established truth-in-sentencing;
· Imposed life imprisonment for violent three-time felons;
· Dramatically toughened laws to investigate and punish child sexual predators, drunk drivers, and internet criminals;
· Provided sweeping new victims' rights

The Result:
A statewide decline in all categories of violent crime, and an increase of about 300% in the average time served by violent criminals.

To ensure that Virginia continues to be a safer place to live, Republican candidates are proposing:
· Having local Sheriffs confirm a person's legal presence upon arrest for a crime;
· Ensuring that at least one person on duty in every jail at all times is certified under federal 287(g) authority;
· Denying bail for any person charged with an offense punishable by jail or prison time and is illegally present in the United States.

Virginia Republicans are FOR a healthier Virginia.

Republicans Have:
· Allowed small businesses to form cooperatives so they could offer health benefits for more employees;
· Established a tax credit for long-term care insurance to reward those who plan ahead for their health care needs;
· Increased funding for mental health services by 23% in the 2006-2008 state budget;
· Appropriated $500,000 to the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund to help find cures for diseases.

The Result:
A health care system that works for Virginia's citizens.

To ensure that health care continues to be improved for all of Virginia's citizens, Republican candidates are proposing:
· Increasing access to health care service in underserved areas of the Commonwealth;
· Decreasing reliance on Emergency Rooms by encouraging use of primary care physicians;
· Implementing reforms crafted by the Medicaid Revitalization Commission.

Virginia Republicans Are FOR ensuring that Virginians keep more of their hard-earned dollars.

Republicans Have:
· Reduced the car tax by nearly 70%;
· Lessened the food tax by 50%;
· Eliminated the implicit income tax on Social Security benefits;
· Done away with the death tax;
· Enacted numerous tax credits and taxpayer rights.

The Result:
From 1996 to 2007, Republicans reduced taxes amounting to $2.36 billion annually.

To ensure that Virginia citizens continue to get the tax relief they deserve, Republican candidates are proposing:
· Creating a 20% homestead exemption on primary residences;
· Requiring local governments to determine tax rates before authorizing a spending plan;
· Increasing transparency in the assessment process;
· Transferring the burden of proof for assessment increases to local government when increases exceed 20 percent.

Virginia Republicans Are FOR: A Modern and Efficient Transportation System.

Republicans Have:
· Passed the first comprehensive transportation plan in Virginia in 21 years;
· Provided $3 billion in additional funding for new transportation construction;
· Created innovative new tools for localities to better plan for growth and prevent traffic-causing sprawl;
· Instituted performance and accountability measures to improve VDOT and its road-building operations.

The Result:
Despite the fact that legislative Democrats refused to even offer a transportation plan of their own, Republicans in the House and Senate joined together to successfully enact the most important and far reaching transportation bill in Virginia history.

Virginia Republicans Are FOR: Upholding Life, Liberty and Traditional Values in the Commonwealth.

Republicans Have:
· Passed an amendment to the Virginia Constitution protecting the institution of marriage;
· Enacted sweeping new protections of private property rights;
· Outlawed the brutal practice of infanticide;
· Consistently defended the Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms.

The Result:
A Virginia where life, liberty, and traditional values are protected and promoted.

Virginia Republicans Are FOR: The End of the Welfare State, the Rise of the Opportunity Era.

Republicans Have:
. Passed the first comprehensive welfare reform program in the nation, with a strict work requirement for able-bodied welfare recipients;
· Enacted a two-year time limit on welfare benefits;

The Result:
Virginia welfare rolls have been reduced by 60 percent.

Virginia Republicans Are FOR: An Education System For the 21st Century.

Republicans Have:
· Fully funded primary and secondary education, adding $1.3 Billion for Virginia's Standards of Quality;
· Provided pay raises for teachers since 2004 and improved retirement benefits;
· Instituted performance accountability to strengthen underperforming public schools;
· Increased funding for grants to lower financial burden for college students;
· Created transfer grants to expand access to higher education;
· Established an innovation tuition moderation fund.

The Result:
A public education system in Virginia that prepare the Commonwealth's students for the 21st Century.

To ensure that Virginia's public schools continue to be national leaders in educating America's children, Republican candidates are proposing:
· Creating a permanent, perpetual School Construction Revolving Fund to better assist local school districts in financing construction and renovation;
· Involving localities to help identify the most effective and responsive method to deliver state support of school construction projects to local districts in need;
· Increasing the number and size of school projects financed, maximizing the funds available year-to-year for high-priority school construction needs.

That's a Record.

This is Rhetoric: "…..they have a hard time saying what they're for."-- Governor Kaine

Records mean more than rhetoric.

"Defending the American Dream:" Bob McDonnell's remarks at Virginia lunch

Attorney General Bob McDonnell addressed the Virginia delegation at Friday's "Defending the American Dream" summit as they gathered at a lunch after the morning session and before the afternoon seminars. Speaking before a standing-room only crowd, AG McDonnell questioned Governor Tim Kaine's plan to use rainy-day funds to make up over $640 million in shortages.

According to The Washington Times, McDonnell remarked:

"Liberals in Virginia are saying we need to raid the rainy-day fund so we can start some more programs for pre-K education when we have a $600 million budget deficit. It's not rainy," and added that $641 "sounds like a lot of money," but that former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder "got us through a $2 billion deficit without raiding the rainy-day fund and not raising taxes."

Noting that while the liberals want to raid the rainy-day fund, he had enacted a 5% decrease in the AG's budget to help with the deficit, and other agencies should be able to do the same. Although Virginia has been voted the best-managed state for two years in a row, McDonnell said that with a budget that has doubled in ten years there is still much work to do.

Even after calling for budget cuts and raiding the rainy-day fund to fill the void of the deficit, Kaine still wants to move forward on his pre-kindergarten proposal of $75 million a year.

The Washington Times summed it up:

The attorney general's comments reflected a daylong theme at the summit that centered on rekindling the desire to control spending.

Mr. McDonnell drew laughs from the crowd when he paraphrased a statement famously attributed to President Reagan.

"Government spending is like a baby's alimentary canal. It has an insatiable appetite on one end, and no responsibility at the other," he said.

Statement of Bob McDonnell on the passing of Jo Ann Davis...

Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis.

“The entire Commonwealth collectively mourns the passing of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. She was an inspirational figure, especially over the past two years as she waged her battle against breast cancer.”

“I was honored to serve with Jo Ann in the Virginia House of Delegates. Her service benefited every resident of her district. When her career took her to Washington, the entire Commonwealth, and the country, benefited. She was a leader of integrity, common sense, and decency. She was a fervent advocate of the 1st District, and Virginia. Congresswoman Davis was also a tireless and passionate advocate for the United States military and its veterans, working to ensure that they are always supported in times of both war and peace. In a city where so many seek the bright lights of national publicity over the hard work of effective governing, Jo Ann always focused on the latter. She was the kind of representative our forefathers had in mind when they created our government.”

“Jo Ann was a true patriot. She was honored to serve and never forgot why she did. I will never forget at her first campaign event for delegate she was in tears as she recounted her love of Virginia and America. Jo Ann Davis believed in what she did with every ounce of her being.”

“Now, Jo Ann Davis has passed on. With the news of her passing we grieve, and we hurt. We pray for her husband, Chuck, and their children. This is a sad day for Virginia.”

"Defending the American Dream:" Bob McDonnell led Virginia delegation

Attorney General Bob McDonnell leads Virginia delegation in the roll call of states.



Part of the Virginia delegation....

When the parade of state delegations rolled around during the "Defending the American Dream" summit, the first state called was Virginia. With the largest group of 350 attendees, it was led by Attorney General Bob McDonnell who was backed by Paul Harris, Juanita Ballinger, Jim Crosby, Mike Meredith, Trixie Averill, Kathy Terry, Jacob Parrish, and others.

Later in the day AG McDonnell addressed the Virginia lunch where he was thanked for his military service to our country and that of his daughter Jeanine who has served with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Others welcomed and heard from during the Virginia standing-room-only lunch were Presidential candidate Fred Thompson, Congressman Tom Davis, State Senator Mark Obenshain, and Delegate Chris Saxman.

More to come....

Photos by SWAC Girl

McDonnell: "Project SafetyNet VA"

[From the AG's office]

This September has been quite busy for Attorney General Bob McDonnell. In addition to traveling the state supporting our Republican team and running the Commonwealth's law firm, the Attorney General has also raised public awareness about a critical issue facing Virginians: Internet Safety.

On September 4th the Attorney General launched "Project SafetyNet VA" a multi-faceted and innovative public awareness campaign designed to inform students, parents, and teachers about how to stay safe online. The effort includes distribution of a creative Internet safety book for third-graders -- The "Faux Paw's" Internet Safety Book for Virginia Students. This book will be available to every public, private, parochial and home schooled third grader in the state and it teaches students how to stay safe online. The Attorney General also took his message to older students by rolling out a major contest for 6-12th graders in the state. Students will compete to make their own 30 second television ads about online safety, with the winning team seeing their ad aired on Virginia television next year and winning an X-Box 360.

The Office of the Attorney General has placed ads about the Internet safety contest in publications such as The Washington Post, Virginia Living Magazine, the Bristol Herald-Courier, and Richmond Parents Monthly. The Attorney General has read the "Faux Paw's" book to students in Danville, Amherst, Falls Church, Henrico, and Chesapeake and staff members from the Office of the Attorney General have made "Safety Net" presentations about Internet safety to parents and students from Roanoke to Arlington.

This September, Virginia students teachers and parents are learning important lessons about how to stay safe online. They are simple lessons but they can make all the difference in the world. It's all part of Attorney General Bob McDonnell's continuing work to build a safer and stronger Virginia.

Bob McDonnell at Good Sense today at 5:00....

Drop your questions for Attorney General Bob McDonnell off at Good Sense for a 5:00 p.m. live blogging appearance today.

The "pie incident" with the Attorney General

"There's one in every class," laughed Attorney General Bob McDonnell at lunch Saturday. But let me back up and tell the story.

At the well-attended luncheon at Rowe's (see SWAC Lunch with AG Bob McDonnell), the AG was addressing the group when the wait staff began serving slices of pie for dessert -- chocolate, coconut, and peanut butter. I received a slice of peanut butter so I began to look around to see if anyone would like to trade ... but everyone had already begun to eat theirs.

Then at the table next to mine Alex Davis saw my dilemma and, knowing I was a chocoholic, offered to trade his chocolate pie for my peanut butter. I readily agreed and the trade-off was made between the two tables ... but just as I was reaching for the pie I saw Bob McDonnell look at me; however, not missing a beat, he continued with what he was discussing.

It struck me as funny.

Remember in school when you got caught by the teacher as you were passing notes to your best friend in class? That's what I felt like. I must have had quite a grin on my face because, as he made eye contact around the room, Bob looked at me again but still didn't miss a beat in what he was saying.

The third time he looked at me I was still about to burst grinning ... and this time he said, "Lynn, did I say something funny?"

Yikes! Busted!

"We were just trading pie," I responded to laughter in the room. "But we're listening!"

He laughed and said, "There's one in every class!" And then he went back to what he was discussing.

Glad the AG has a sense of humor....