Bob McDonnell, Frontier Culture Museum appointment, and me

Over my desk hangs a framed document signed by Governor Bob McDonnell when I was appointed in 2010 to the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia’s Board of Trustees. That was Bob McDonnell fitting a hand into a glove, and it had nothing to do with money or....  (Read more here)

Defending Bob McDonnell ... will federal government now go on witch hunt for others?

The stunned shock when former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was convicted on questionable federal fraud charges turned into disbelief and concern from his supporters and even some of his adversaries. (Continue reading here)

Former AGs call for dismissal of corruption charges against Bob McDonnell

Democratic and Republican attorneys general from Virginia are calling for dismissal of corruption charges against former Governor Bob McDonnell. Reporter Olympia Meola with the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

Democrats Andrew P. Miller, Mary Sue Terry and Stephen D. Rosenthal join Republicans J. Marshall Coleman and Mark L. Earley in the filing, arguing that the “expansive interpretation of federal law” on which counts 1-11 are based “is completely alien to any legal advice that any of us would have given to any governor of Virginia.”

Earlier this week the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers called for dismissal of 11 of the 14 charges, citing that federal prosecutors are overstepping in a state issue.

A look at some of the faces from 2014 General Assembly session

 Trixie Averill, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Kurt Michael, Lieutenant Governor John Hager

 Delegate Will Morefield and Marty Hall

 Richard Crouse and Delegate Les Adams

 State Senator Emmett Hanger and Dr. Kurt Michael

 Former Delegate Chris Saxman with Kurt

 Kurt and State Senator Mark Obenshain

 Dr. Judi Lynch and Governor Bob McDonnell

Delegate and Congressional candidate Barbara Comstock

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2014

Part II: What the government didn't say in the McDonnell indictment

... is that their case is built upon a questionable witness.

See also Part I.

The Restoration Fund notes that the Government indictment against Governor McDonnell is long on sensationalism and short on facts or the law.  Perhaps this is because the bulk of the case is built upon the claims from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, a man with over three decades of legal and ethical problems.

Democratic strategist Paul Goldman has some very interesting thoughts (see below) about this case, definitely worthy of reading especially for the research and investigative hounds in the media and blogger ranks.

Bob McDonnell's legal team lays it out in Part II.

As previously noted, an outside audit from a former Democratic Attorney General and a Washington Post FOIA request have already confirmed that Star Scientific nor Jonnie Williams received any tangible benefit.

But who is Jonnie Williams?

Former Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Paul Goldman penned an excellent analysis on Jonnie Williams and his "playing the prosecutors" on the case regarding Governor Bob McDonnell.

Mr. Goldman also refers to the "curious media failure" that has largely ignored the mountain of questionable ethical, business and legal problems that have followed Mr. Willliams for over three decades. Bob McDonnell's reputation built over four decades of public service to Virginia and the nation, in the U.S. Army, as a prosecutor, Delegate, Attorney General, and now Governor, is being directly challenged by the government's indictment. It is only fair that his accuser be given the proper examination to weigh the validity and truthfulness of the claimant.

Please take time to read the excerpts of Goldman's story below and the link to WTVR's story.

If you wish to support the Governor during this period and want to contribute to his legal defense fund, please visit us at www.restorationfundva.com

The Restoration Fund

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GOLDMAN: Were federal prosecutors conned into pursuing Governor McDonnell?

Excerpts from Paul Goldman's research.

"I didn't vote for Republican Governor Bob McDonnell. But something never 'smelled' right about the unprecedented Department of Justice's relentless investigation into a popular Republican Governor during a gubernatorial election year.

"There isn't much genuine bipartisanship left anymore on tough issues. So it seemed useful for me to prepare an article showing the McDonnell investigation had not actually tainted the election outcome prior to today's results.

"But the research -- on my own without any compensation -- revealed a troubling picture I frankly never expected. All avenues of research confirmed the Washington Post's observation that the 'key question for prosecutors is who is most believable about the interactions between the governor and Williams.' "

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Prior to the McDonnell investigation, Star Scientific faced a relentless federal probe into years of questionable company stock transactions. This probe could have proven ruinous to Star along with Mr. Williams. But once Star's founder began fully cooperating with the Governor's pursuers, the securities probe seemingly faded away, the company telling shareholders not to worry.

As famed New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once said, some things are simply too coincidental to be a coincidence.

A CURIOUS MEDIA FAILURE

With all due respect to reporters who have covered this unprecedented story, the inexplicable failure by the Virginia media to provide the necessary in-depth profile examinations of Mr. Williams is self-evident. He claims to know evidence capable of taking down the Virginia Governor. An "MRI" examination into Mr. Williams thus became a basic journalistic obligation. His relevant history discussed below is easily accessible to any interested journalist.

It leads to the next question, "Is it possible prosecutors are equally in the dark or possess insufficient interest in this history?"

Moreover, federal prosecutors have ready access to countless federal and state documents not available to me over the Internet, assuming someone even knew they existed. The mainstream media also given their resources and confidential sources.

Given this failure, the people of Virginia have been left without the necessary information as regards the answer to the fundamental question: Just who, the heck, is the real Jonnie Williams?  

He has been called a "genius" with "an uncanny ability" to see a central path to a solution that other highly trained people have missed.

On the other hand, the website cites a little-known newspaper article quoting a former employee of Williams saying, "Jonnie Williams could sell a snowball to an Eskimo."

However, "when it came to backing up what he was selling, now that was another story. Let's face it, he was a salesman through and through." This description, given repeatedly during his business career, comes from a newspaper story about him in 1981.  
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GOLDMAN: 

 "PLAYING THE PROSECUTORS"

Prosecutors apparently believe Williams' claims that McDonnell tried to get the Virginia Tobacco Commission to fund Star-friendly research. But Williams' lawyer is twin brother to a long-time Commission powerbroker, now its Chairman. Why would he need the Governor? Besides, a search of the Commission website suggests those types of projects didn't  readily if ever received funding.

Judge Sol Wachtler famously said a prosecutor can indict a "ham sandwich." But would any sensible prosecutor invest money with Mr. Williams or tell a sick relative to stop taking prescription medicine and switch to a Star product?

From his earliest days as a legendary used car salesman in Fredericksburg, everyone recognized Jonnie Williams had the "gift."   Mr. James Sealey, a businessman who said the super salesman skipped town owing him thousands, still marveled.  "That guy could sell you anything. I mean anything," he said. "Let's face it," he added with a grin, "Jonnie could talk his way out of anything." 

"He was a very slick salesman," said David Muller, who competed with Williams back in the 1990's. Williams is "the guy who could sell snowballs in Alaska," Muller told Bloomberg News. 

Sensing prosecutors believed McDonnell "dirty," did Jonnie cleverly put a different "spin" on benign yet dumb actions to get them to give him a "get out of jail" free card? Given his history, at a minimum any reasonable person must have substantial and legitimate concerns.

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FULL GOLDMAN/WTVR Story can be found here:  http://wtvr.com/2013/11/05/goldman-were-federal-prosecutors-conned-into-pursuing-governor-mcdonnell/ 

Part I: What the government didn't say in the McDonnell indictment

... was that an outside audit confirmed that Star Scientific and Jonnie Williams received nothing of value.

While media outlets are splashing sensational headlines about the government indictment, they are short on facts or the law, and ignore the McDonnells' side of the story. It's been interesting to follow the details of this case that are ignored by many in the mainstream media ... the piling on has overtaken the good this man has done for decades which some will feel is deserved. I don't happen to be one of them.

The Restoration Fund, Bob McDonnell's legal team, is reviewing the government's allegations and how far short they fall under serious analysis. Following is Part I of their assessment.

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PART I:  What the Government indictment failed to mention is that.......
Outside Audit Confirms:  Williams & Star Received Nothing

April 29th, the Washington Post reported, and subsequently buried on paragraph 14,  that a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has already confirmed that "Star Scientific" has not received a dime in state incentive grants or any other financial incentive under the McDonnell Administration.[1]  This critical information has already been subjected to numerous FOIA requests yet it has been largely ignored by the media and under-reported to the people of Virginia.

On July 18th, an external audit report was conducted by former Democratic Attorney General Anthony Troy to determine  a) whether Jonnie Williams or any of his affiliated businesses, including Star Scientific, Inc., (collectively, "Star Scientific) received any "public funds, grants, contracts or appointments" and b) whether any gubernatorial appointments were made to any officers or employees of Star Scientific.

This audit report vindicated Governor McDonnell and concluded:

§  A) Neither Jonnie Williams or any officer or employee of Star Scientific received a single grant, contract or a dollar of funds from the Officer of the Governor, the State Department of Health, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Secretary of Agriculture, any universities under the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Public Safety or Secretary of Technology.  In short, this audit confirmed that Star Scientific received nothing of value from the McDonnell Administration. 

§  B) Neither Jonnie Williams or any officer or employee of Star Scientific has ever been appointed to a Commonwealth board or commission.
 

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[1] "Star Scientific does not appear to have received state incentive grants or other financial assistance during McDonnell's term, according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the leading state agency that manages such programs." - Washington Post, April 29, 2013

Bob McDonnell has been subjected to selective leaks, shoddy reporting, and a media that ignores critical facts in attempt to destroy a man with over four decades of public services to America and the Commonwealth. Whether this is another disturbing patter from the Eric Holder Justice Department to attack, smear and investigate successful Republican Governors remains to be seen.

The facts remain that outside groups and audits have confirmed that Star Scientific nor Jonnie Williams received any tangible benefit.  It is a shame the media has failed the general public in omitting or diminishing these critical facts.

The Restoration Fund
http://www.restorationfundva.com/

McDonnell defense challenges federal charges

From The Restoration Fund: Governor Bob McDonnell's legal team filed their first public motions in response to the government's wrongful indictment built upon a witness with no credibility. Please take the time to click on the below links which directly challenges the entire foundation of the government's case.

"Bob McDonnell is an innocent man.  He never entered into an illegal agreement with Mr. Jonnie Williams or Star Scientific, nor did he ever promise or provide them any official benefits.  To bring today's indictment, the federal government has concocted a never-before-used legal theory manufactured for the sole purpose of prosecuting Governor McDonnell and his wife.  This new theory contravenes settled judicial precedent and disregards longstanding Virginia law and practice, seeking to punish the McDonnells for conduct that was legal before today.  The government's rickety legal foundation, moreover, underlies a precarious factual case, built largely from immunized testimony purchased with under-the-table promises to a key witness who would otherwise face criminal liability and massive financial penalties.  The federal government's decision to use these deceitful tactics in order to prosecute a popular and successful Republican Governor immediately upon his leaving office is disgraceful, violates basic principles of justice, and is contemptuous of the citizens of Virginia who elected him." 

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To read the complete background on this case, click on the two links below.

Defense Motion 1
Defense Motion 2

See also the following from respected DC attorney Chris Ashby: 10 quick thoughts on the case against Bob McDonnell.

Related:
- Former Governor Bob McDonnell calls charges false, holds press conference.

10 quick thoughts on the case against Bob McDonnell

Following are some thought-provoking points from attorney Chris Ashby who has looked at the legal charges brought against former Governor Bob McDonnell by the U.S. Government.

U.S. Senator and former Virginia governor Mark Warner noted on Wednesday that McDonnell should be considered innocent until proven guilty and praised the good he had accomplished in Richmond.

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First Take: U.S. v. McDonnell

Ten Quick Thoughts on the Case Against Bob McDonnell

By Chris Ashby

The indictment of Bob McDonnell is a gut punch to all who knew him, worked for him, admired and believed in him and his leadership style. Earlier today, on Twitter, I posted these ten quick thoughts on the law and politics of the case against him:

1. I was struck by the outburst of snark and schadenfreude from the chattering class on Twitter as news of the indictment broke. Whatever your policy disputes with him, Bob McDonnell played politics in a different way - thoughtful, respectful, fair - even with his opponents. The political chattering class would do well to learn to play Twitter that way, too. There but for the grace of God go we.

2. There has been much focus on the sensational facts of the indictment, but little if any focus on the law.

3. Bob McDonnell was the Governor of Virginia, elected by people of Virginia, exercising authority granted to him by the Constitution and laws of Virginia. And the conduct Bob McDonnell is accused of was entirely legal under Virginia law. For years, the Virginia General Assembly has determined that, without an express quid pro quo, no gift in any amount can corrupt or appear to corrupt a public official. Now, however, the Department of Justice apparently regards Virginia's law as insufficient to protect the people of Virginia from the man they elected to lead them, so it's indicting Bob McDonnell under federal law. In so doing, DOJ is substituting its policy preferences for will of the people of Virginia's elected representatives - charging Bob McDonnell federally for legal state conduct.

4. And where is that quid pro quo? DOJ has Jonnie Williams, so if there was a quid pro quo, wouldn't he have given it to them? But the indictment of Bob McDonnell pleads no facts proving any express quid pro quo.

5. Of course, the law on the requirement of a quid pro quo in Honest Services and Hobbs Act cases is all over the map. In some cases, it must be express. In other cases, it may be explicit, meaning it can be implied from the facts and circumstances. In campaign contribution cases, the quid pro quo generally must be express - because the underlying act is legal. In gift cases, the quid pro quo generally may be explicit (i.e., inferred) - because the underlying act usually is illegal. The McDonnell case is a gift case, but it's more akin to a contribution case, because unlimited gifts were expressly legal under Virginia law. DOJ clearly believes it doesn't need an express quid pro quo to convict Bob McDonnell. Expect this to be a central issue in the case.

6. Speaking of quid pro quos, how about DOJ's deal with Jonnie Williams? And what about the former Bob McDonnell staffer who Williams actually may have offered a six-figure private sector salary to in exchange for her help? Does she have a deal with DOJ too?

7. I don't know a single fair-minded Virginian who thinks Bob McDonnell deprived us of his "honest services," whatever that even means. And I also don't know anyone who thinks Bob McDonnell used his official position to EXTORT Jonnie Williams, as the Hobbs Act requires. As for the cover-up counts, I don't think the government should be able to imprison people for covering up crimes they are acquitted of.

8. Everybody's asking, "Is prosecution of Bob McDonnell political?" Of course it is. That's not the right question. The question is, "Is this prosecution fair?" From the beginning, the prosecution of Bob McDonnell has been conducted unfairly. Government agents leaking info to Washington Post reporters obtained in course of supposedly confidential law enforcement investigation of presumedly innocent man? DOJ cutting deals with the alleged briber, and possibly his co-conspirator, charging Bob McDonnell's wife as an accessory instead? Withholding evidence that is clearly exculpatory of Bob McDonnell?

9. For yrs, DOJ has said that public corruption is the federal government's #1 domestic law enforcement priority. I get that. Corrupt politics strikes at the very foundation of our democracy & undermines the legitimacy of its government. Dishonest politicians stretch the law and push the envelope, so DOJ and the Public Integrity Section must push and stretch to keep them in check. But poor personal and political judgment are not federal crimes. The facts alleged in Bob McDonnell's indictment reflect poorly on his personal and political judgment, but were expressly legal under Virginia law. DOJ was right to investigate this matter, but given legal state law conduct and the absence of an express quid pro quo, it should not have indicted Bob McDonnell. He has paid and will continue to pay very high price for his mistakes - shamed, disgraced, and flat broke by end of this case. He should not lose his freedom too.

10. Our adversarial justice system depends on defendants having the will and resources necessary to fight the relatively limitless will and resources of the government. Bob McDonnell faces a long, costly, draining fight versus a merciless adversary. I pray he'll have the resolve and funding he needs to see it through.

http://www.ashby-law.com/first-take-u-s-v-mcdonnell/

http://storify.com/VApolitico/chris-ashby-reacts-to-mcdonnell-legal-issues#

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Chris Ashby, a very well respected DC area attorney, provides a great summation of the incredibly weak indictment filed by the federal government against Governor Bob McDonnell.  -- The Restoration Fund

Former Governor Bob McDonnell calls charges false, holds press conference

On Tuesday, news broke about federal charges against former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.

Immediately afterward, the Restoration Fund, a legal defense fund established by McDonnell supporters, sent out the following: "Earlier today former Governor Bob McDonnell released a statement regarding the false indictment built upon discredited witnesses that was filed today in federal court. Please take time to read below."

Here is the message from Bob McDonnell:

"My fellow Virginians, earlier today federal prosecutors notified my attorneys that they have filed criminal charges against me and my wife Maureen, alleging that we violated federal law by accepting gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams, the former CEO of Star Scientific. 

I deeply regret accepting legal gifts and loans from Mr. Williams, all of which have been repaid with interest, and I have apologized for my poor judgment for which I take full responsibility.  However, I repeat emphatically that I did nothing illegal for Mr. Williams in exchange for what I believed was his personal generosity and friendship.  I never promised - and Mr. Williams and his company never received - any government benefit of any kind from me or my Administration. 

We did not violate the law, and I will use every available resource and advocate I have for as long as it takes to fight these false allegations, and to prevail against this unjust overreach of the federal government."

Robert F. McDonnell
Former Governor of Virginia

Tuesday evening, May 21, the governor held a press conference in Richmond, Virginia, to further clarify his position:

Good evening.

My fellow Virginians, I come before you this evening as someone who has been falsely accused and whose public service has been wrongfully attacked. Earlier today, federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against me and my wife Maureen, alleging that we violated federal law by accepting gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams, the former CEO of Star Scientific. I deeply regret accepting legal gifts and loans from Mr. Williams, all of which have been repaid with interest, and I have apologized for my poor judgment for which I take full responsibility. However, I repeat emphatically that I did nothing illegal for Mr. Williams in exchange for what I believed was his personal generosity and friendship.

I never promised - and Mr. Williams and his company never received - any government benefit of any kind from me or my Administration: no contract, loan, grant, funding, legislation, budget appropriation, regulation, board or commission appointment, or any other official state benefit. I never promised or attempted to influence anyone to give Mr. Williams or his company any official state benefit. I did not try to hide or deceive anyone about my friendship with Mr. Williams. Two independent and non-political investigations have confirmed that Mr. Williams and Star Scientific received nothing from the State, and not one penny of taxpayer money went to him or Star Scientific during my Administration.

Not one penny.

Star Scientific publicly confirmed last spring that it neither sought nor received any special benefits from any official. The federal government's case rests entirely on a misguided legal theory: that facilitating an introduction or meeting, appearing at a reception, or expressing support for a Virginia business is a serious federal crime for an office holder if it involves a political donor or someone who gave a gift or loan.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already rejected this radical idea and for good reason: if it were applied evenhandedly to every elected official, nearly all of them, from President Obama on down, would have to be charged for providing tangible benefits to donors. My administration provided Mr. Williams the same routine courtesies and access to state government that I - and every other Governor before me - afforded to thousands of individuals, companies, charities, and other organizations, whether they were donors or not. No other elected official has ever been successfully prosecuted for such conduct, yet federal officials in Washington, in their zeal to find a basis to charge Maureen and me, have decided to stretch the law to its breaking point.

For 37 years, I have loyally and enthusiastically served my country and state as a U.S. Army Officer, a state prosecutor, a Member of the House of Delegates, Attorney General, and as your Governor. Serving as Governor of Virginia has been the highest professional honor of my life, and I have given my heart and soul to help the people of Virginia. My actions over the past four years were completely dedicated to providing common sense and compassionate solutions to the challenges Virginians face. My team and I worked successfully with Republicans and Democrats to support our citizens, and our work produced good results - creating jobs and record budget surpluses, enacting major education reforms, fixing our state's transportation and pension systems crises, and taking care of foster children, the homeless, and the mentally ill.

Although the federal investigation of my family has been indescribably agonizing, I believe the facts and the law are on our side, and we will face these false accusations with strength and firm resolve. I have great faith in God, who has blessed me immensely with positions of public trust, a loving family, and devoted friends. I also have great faith in the American justice system. I will use every available resource and advocate I have for as long as it takes to fight these false allegations, and to prevail against this unjust overreach of the federal government.

There is no way for me to fully convey how much I appreciate the ongoing steadfast support and encouragement of friends and countless fellow Virginians through this most difficult and unexpected test of my life. My family and I are most grateful for your prayers and affections.

Thank you for listening to me.

Jennifer Rubin: 'Don't forget about Jeb'

Jennifer Rubin's Tuesday column in the Washington Post provided good insight into former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the opportunity for him to run for president in 2016.

Jeb, younger brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush, has always been on my short list of candidates for 2016. His chances appear to have increased with the unfortunate circumstances of two of the other forerunners: Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell.

Don't get me wrong ... I'm not writing Chris Christie out just because of his "Bridgegate" issue. Come on, people -- if Hillary can bungle Bengazi the way she did and still be a serious contender for 2016, a little tied-up traffic can't be enough to knock Christie out of the running. But some conservatives can't get beyond the fact that Christie was, in their opinion, a little too snuggly with the President of the United States. I say the man had a huge disaster on his hands in Hurricane Sandy's tragic damage to New Jersey, and was being courteous to the man who offered help.

What is it with conservatives who think everyone needs to be snippy and nasty to those they politically disagree with? Sorry, I prefer to take a page out of the playbook of George W when it comes to civility.

Back to the list. Sadly, our own Governor Bob McDonnell is now pretty wounded by his own Giftgate issues that surfaced while in the Executive Mansion.

Which brings us back to George W's brother, Jeb. No matter what his mom said about not needing any more Bushes in the White House -- Barbara often makes off-the-cuff comments like that -- if he's the man for the job, it doesn't matter that he's a Bush.

There are many who disagree and I respect that. They think the baton should be passed on to "new blood." I say it needs to go to the person best qualified who can lead this country during the current turbulent times and, though I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, if Jeb wants the job then I certainly think he's qualified with his background and common sense Bush family knowledge.

Jennifer Rubin shoots down most of the reasons people would have against Jeb. Give her column a read ... it could open the door to back this very-electable Bush brother/son.

Day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling ... the portrait unveiling

Mrs. Jean Ann Bolling and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

It was a special day in the Virginia State Capitol as family, friends, and colleagues gathered Friday, January 10, 2014, in the State Senate chamber to honor out-going Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his years of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. His official portrait that will now hang on the walls of the chamber was unveiled to applause from those on the chamber floor and above in the packed gallery.

Long-time Bolling staffers -- Ibbie Hedrick, Matt Wells, Denise Burch -- were on hand taking pictures and watching their boss on his last full day in office after eight years as one of the most hard-working, productive, and respected lieutenant governors in Virginia history.

Governor Bob McDonnell was on hand to honor his friend and colleague. Bob and Bill ... they shared the same birthday, and were friends working together for Virginians for more than 20 years. They made an amazing team and brought Virginia Republicans back in 2009 with a winning sweep of the Top 3. That advantage disappeared in 2013 when the GOP lost the Top 3 to Democrats along with both U.S. Senate seats.

Many familiar faces watched from the gallery.

 

Artist Stephen Craighead with his photo of the LG.

Before the unveiling.

Dr. Kurt Michael and Dr. Judi Lynch.

Senator Walter Stosch was MCing the event.

"Doing the Bolling!" The crossed arms was a story in itself from the LG ... at the reception afterward, many "did the Bolling" beside the official portrait. Trixie, Judi, Angela, Kurt.

The LG and Adam Tolbert from Smythe County.

The LG and Trixie Averill. 

The LG and Marie Quinn with the Chesterfield GOP.

Scheduler Denise Burch and Jean Ann Bolling.

The LG and Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy District supervisor in Hanover County. Bill Bolling represented the citizens of the Chickahominy District when he first started in politics in the 1990s.

Bill and Kurt

Trixie and long-time friend Randy Marcus who was Bolling Chief of Staff.

Trixie Averill, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Dr. Kurt Michael, Lt. Gov. John Hager
 

THE ONLY TWO GOP "SWEEP" lieutenant governors in the last 45 years:

1997 -- Lt Gov John H Hager (with Gov. Jim Gilmore and AG Mark Earley).

2009 -- Lt Gov Bill Bolling (with Gov. Bob McDonnell and AG Ken Cuccinelli).

Senator Walter Stosch, Trixie, Randy, Marie

Randy, Marie, Dolores Switzer

The LG and the baby ... this photo was too adorable not to post.

Many thanks to Bill and Jean Ann for including us in their last day in office and the official portrait unveiling. It was fun to see so many familiar faces, catch up with friends, and spend time in the General Assembly visiting a number of legislative offices. It's always exciting in Richmond during session. Best wishes for the next chapter in the Bollings' journey ... thank you for your service to the citizens of Virginia for 22 years ... the door is always open.

See also A farewell evening with Lieutenant Governor Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell & Kurt Michael
January 10, 2014
Many thanks to Kurt for helping with the Nikon while I used the iPhone

Judi and the Governor

 They met in the hallway of the Virginia State Capitol on Friday ... Dr. Judi Lynch and Governor Bob McDonnell ... two friends seeing each other on his last full day as governor of the Commonwealth.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

Governor 2014 ... giving Terry McAuliffe a chance

On Saturday Terry McAuliffe became Virginia's 72nd governor. The baton was passed. Republicans lost, Democrats won ... time to govern for ALL the people of Virginia.

He follows an impressive listing of famous Virginians who have served before him:

Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson Jr., Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Randolph, Henry Lee, James Monroe, John Tyler, Peyton Randolph ...

... Harry F. Byrd, Mills Godwin, Linwood Holton, John Dalton, Chuck Robb ...

... George Allen. Douglas Wilder. Jim Gilmore. Mark Warner. Tim Kaine. Bob McDonnell.

Governor McAuliffe's Cabinets picks have been bipartisan. In the words of the Washington Post:

In the nine weeks since Election Day, political observers say, Terry McAuliffe (D) has been shockingly gubernatorial.

With moderate Cabinet picks and an ardent courtship of Republicans, the colorful former Democratic National Committee chairman and political fundraiser has projected an image of seriousness, caution and bipartisanship that critics had doubted he could muster.

Some of the comments I've heard remind me of when I entered high school and the tradition for the upper classmen to harass the freshmen. I vowed that year that when I was an upper classman, I would not join in on that tradition, and I didn't.

As Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe takes the reins of Virginia, some conservatives are not willing to allow this man to get a day, never mind a General Assembly session, under his belt before judging. If we were to go on their words, he's doomed before he ever begins. As one who is tired of the vitriol from both sides of the aisle, I like what he's done so far and am willing to give this new governor a chance.

Congratulations, Terry McAuliffe ... you're off to a good start. Four years to go....

- McAuliffe sworn in as Virginia governor

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

Trixie and the Governor

Governor Bob McDonnell and Trixie Averill ... they've traveled hundreds of campaign miles together when she was his western Virginia political director and been friends for years. On Friday they met up in the state Capitol hallway outside the senate chamber. It was his last full day as governor of Virginia, a position Trixie worked to get him into four years ago. The photos say it all....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

6th Congressional District folks in Richmond ... 2014 General Assembly

 State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24th) from Augusta County and Dr. Kurt Michael, former Augusta County Republican Committee chairman, spent time Friday afternoon talking about uniting the party and winning elections.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." --Galatians 6:9

 For Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House) of Staunton now lives in the Richmond area.

Kurt and I ran into State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th) of Harrisonburg in Capitol Square.

Former 6th Congressional District Chairman Fred Anderson and his wife Ann attended Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's official portrait unveiling and afterward at the reception for guests, family, and friends. I always teased Fred about his many hats (literally) ... Ann always is a picture of fashion perfection.

"Do the Bolling" ... the Lieutenant Governor and Kurt. They go back many years together to SWAC Breakfasts and then the 2005 primary when Kurt and his wife hosted the Bollings for a fundraiser at their Fishersville home (the LG relayed a humorous story about that night at Thursday's dinner in Short Pump). After winning the primary, we organized a second fundraiser in October that was held at the horse farm of Vonda and Kevin Lacey in Augusta County -- a glorious fall day that also included then-AG candidate Bob McDonnell, many of the local electeds, and Ken Mehlman, then-chairman of the Republican National Committee who worked in the Bush administration with my sister. What a fantastic day ... and Bill and Bob went on to win lieutenant governor and attorney general on their way to leading the party to a sweep of the Top 3 a short four years later.

Trixie Averill ... the heart of the 6th Congressional District for 30 years. She worked with more candidates than we will ever remember but a few of them were George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Jerry Kilgore, George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling ... she was the go-to person for western Virginia. Here she reconnects with Randy Marcus who has been with the LG since the beginning, and whom I first met in late 1999 on the George W. Bush presidential campaign.

Bill and Trixie at the LG's official portrait unveiling in Richmond on January 10, 2014.

Trixie and Governor Bob McDonnell meet in the Capitol. They drove hundreds of campaign miles together and have been friends for years.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Richmond, Virginia
January 10, 2014