Gillespie's statement on canvassing process

On Wednesday, Ed Gillespie issued the following statement on the canvassing process in Virginia.... (continue reading here)

VPAP update on certifying U.S. Senate race

VPAP has the latest information about certifying the results from Virginia’s U.S. Senate race.... (continue reading here)

LynnRMitchell.com endorsement: Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate

LynnRMitchell.com Editorial

LynnRMitchell.com enthusiastically endorses Republican candidate Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate 2014. His vision for the Commonwealth has re-energized Virginia’s citizens who have felt unrepresented by incumbent Mark Warner and, in the gridlock that is Washington politics, Mr. Gillespie brings fresh ideas with his proposed EG2 economic plan for Virginia. He is positive and optimistic, and has carried that upbeat attitude on the campaign trail with his belief that “the old normal is the new mediocre. We can do better.”  (continue reading here)

Gillespie runs ad during Monday Night Football, suggests jobs, economy more important than Reid’s bill to change Redskins name

Boom. The Gillespie for U.S. Senate campaign ran a great ad during Monday night’s football game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.

In a smack-down to Senator Mark Warner’s rubber-stamping of....(Video, continue reading here)

Sabato: ‘This is not a good development for Mark Warner’

Since Monday night’s debate between Mark Warner and Ed Gillespie that the Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin called Warner’s debate from hell and noting that Gillespie had drawn blood, Warner has ducked from reporters and is keeping a low profile while Puckettgate continues to grow.


On Wednesday night.... (continue reading here)

October surprise for Mark Warner? Game changer for Virginia?

Fallout from the former Democratic State Senator Phil Puckett case in the Virginia General Assembly seems to have now hit U.S. Senator Mark Warner (see Warner discussed job for Puckett’s daughter by Laura Vozzella in the Washington Post).

October surprise? Game changer for Virginia’s.... (Continue reading here)

Mark Warner, Ed Gillespie meet at Shad Planking ... and Bob Brown catches it in classic political photo

One of the best photos taken during Wednesday's historic Shad Planking showed Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner laughing as he greets a laughing Republican Ed Gillespie who is seeking to boot him out of the seat, so to speak. Under the pines in Wakefield, Warner was wearing a blue long-sleeve Oxford shirt while Gillespie was dressed in a blue shirt and navy jacket. No ties on either.

The picture was captured by photographer Bob Brown who has done it again with his photography  magic. Classic. Kudos to Brown and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The photo can be found on page B-1 of the Metro section in hard copy. The online version can be found here.

It wasn't unusual to hear that the two senate candidates kept it "clean and cordial, " according to RTD political reporter Jim Nolan who has an account of the day's activities and sightings ("Politicians walk the Shad plank").  That's what the Shad planking is all about:

In its early days the event functioned as a political Miss America pageant for the Byrd Democratic machine, where groups of white men in coats and ties would gather to look over candidates and decide the slates for local and statewide offices.

Over the years, the shad has stayed the same — cooked over a fire on wooden planks by members of the Wakefield Ruritan Club. But the event has evolved to be more inclusive and bipartisan, reflecting a diversity that has Democrats in U.Va. baseball caps sipping red Solo cups next to cigar-smoking Republicans.

“It’s much more relaxed,” said [former Governor George] Allen. “It’s not pretentious. People from all over Virginia go to it and they get together, and you can talk to people and they can look you in the eye and ask questions, and follow up questions,” he said. “It’s the way politics ought to be.”

Politics and fish and beer, and a way to remember it. Love that photo, Bob Brown....

Gillespie rakes in record $2.2 million in first quarter fundraising

Ed Gillespie's Facebook message said it all: "More than $2.2 million raised." It's a monumental milestone for the Republican going up against incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Warner for a number of reasons.

• 3 out of 5 individual donors are from Virginia.
• The median donation amount was $500.
• There were 827 donations of $100 or less totaling nearly $40,000.
• Donors reside in 89 of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities.
• The $2.2 million raised by the Gillespie Campaign in part of the first quarter is more than any other non-incumbent Republican Senate campaign
• 15 Gillespie donors had previously given to Mark Warner

Today's numbers prove that not only is Gillespie capable of raising impressive amounts of money but he is also able to chip away at Warner's polling numbers, holding him beneath 50 percent in the last two polls. Gillespie's high name recognition in political circles is playing out in his quest for the Republican nomination and confirms he is the only one in the field of four candidates who can make a serious run against Warner.

Gillespie's campaign manager Chris Levitt commented about the fundraising total:

“In less than a full quarter, the Gillespie campaign raised more money than any other Republican Senate challenger in the country. Virginia voters know that they have an opportunity not only to replace a Senator who’s voted 97 percent of the time with President Obama, but to replace Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader. Our first quarter report shows strong support from across the Commonwealth and reflects enthusiasm for Ed Gillespie’s plans to put Virginians first and unleash job creation.

“In addition to having the funds to take our message to all Virginians, the Gillespie campaign has absorbed an overwhelming amount of support from grassroots activists, college students, and even independents who supported Mark Warner in 2008. Ed has been publicly endorsed by 49 of the 83 voting members of the RPV State Central Committee members and 51 unit chairs from around the Commonwealth. With unemployment among 20-24 year-olds continuing to be in the double digits, we have seen young people and college students flock to Ed’s message of growth and opportunity. Over the last five years, Virginians have seen a stagnant economy with work hours cut, too few jobs, higher energy prices, skyrocketing health care premiums and policy after policy from Mark Warner and President Obama that makes the problem worse. They know that Ed will be effective on day one to take us in a better direction.”

The Republican state convention to determine the U.S. Senate candidate will be held in Roanoke on Saturday, June 7.

Ed Gillespie holds Warner below 50 percent in second poll

Ed Gillespie last week on the campaign trail in Roanoke.

In the latest poll, this one from PPP/MoveOn.org, there is more good news for Republican Ed Gillespie as Virginia Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner once again polls below 50 percent.

Political strategist Glen Bolger commented that "while we do not typically highlight PPP polls, these results are noteworthy for what they say about Mark Warner’s rapidly eroding standing with the Virginia electorate."

A March 27 Quinnipiac Poll came up with similar results and noted that the political atmosphere in Virginia is toxic this year for Democrats. Mark Warner's Achilles heel has been, and continues, to be his vote and support for Obamacare.

Bolger pointed out the following from the Public Policy Poll which traditionally leans Democratic:

Mark Warner continues to operate in the danger zone for a well-known incumbent by failing to capture 50% on the ballot. He is additionally underperforming among several key groups. Warner trails among Independents (39%-41%), 30-45 year olds (35%-48%), and even among Hispanics (34%-39%). Twenty percent (20%) of Independents are undecided, and historically, Independents tend to break for the challenger.

 Bolger concludes:

The political environment continues to look bleak for Senator Mark Warner. He is struggling on the ballot among several key midterm groups versus a challenger who is not yet well-known. The Democrats have also overestimated their hand on Medicaid expansion. Not only do the numbers prove less than inspiring for Democrats in Richmond, they are hampering Mark Warner's re-election as well.

Last week's Quinnipiac poll elicited a similar response from the political strategist:

Senator Mark Warner faces a tough political environment in his fight for a second term. Frustration with the president and his administration are significant factors in Warner’s underwhelming showing on the ballot test, as is Warner’s support for Obamacare, which a majority of Virginia voters oppose. In an already-difficult year for Democrats due to those factors and more, Warner’s 46% on the ballot is a dangerous baseline heading into the November election.

Gillespie continues to crisscross Virginia on his campaign to become the Republican nominee, stopping last week in Roanoke before continuing on to Virginia Beach and the Republican Women's convention. It is generally expected that he will win at the upcoming GOP state convention although last year's free-for-all convention proved anything can and will happen in these closed events. Considered by UVa's Dr. Larry Sabato as a long shot for beating Warner, the polling numbers show that Warner is vulnerable, something Republicans plan to take advantage of in their question to chip away at Democratic office holders.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 4, 2014

Former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey endorses Ed Gillespie, Quinnipiac poll shows Warner is vulnerable

Conservative leader Dick Armey has joined the growing list of those endorsing Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate. The former Texas Republican Congressman, who served as House Majority Leader from 1995-2003, publicly came out for Gillespie on Thursday: I first met Eddie Gillespie in 1985 when he came to work for me in my first month in office as a newly-elected member of congress. His hard work and leadership were critical to the success of the 1994 Republican Revolution and our subsequent legislative victories, like balancing the budget and passing welfare reform. I know Ed will bring those same skills to the table as Virginia’s next senator, which is why I’m supporting him all the way. With a nod to Gillespie's longtime leadership in the Republican Party, Armey continued: If you take a look at conservative victories of the last twenty years, you’ll see the fruits of Ed’s labors. From the groundbreaking Contract with America to President Bush’s historic re-election in 2004 to the Republicans winning control of state legislatures in 2010, Ed has been at the center of these successes. Conservatives in Virginia have a real opportunity this November. Ed has the principles and the experience necessary to defeat Mark Warner, who has gone to Washington and voted 97% of the time with President Obama, including his critical vote for Obamacare. Since leaving Congress in 2003, I’ve been working on advancing conservative solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges. This has included founding Freedom Works, one of the nation’s top conservative grassroots organizations. Trust me, I know conservatives--and Ed Gillespie is one of us. Quinnipiac just released a new poll that shows Virginia's Senator Mark Warner ahead by only 15 points when in a head-to-head contest with Gillespie, numbers that show the very popular Warner is vulnerable because of the unpopularity of Obamacare. With a little over seven months left until the November election, the poll showed Warner at 46 percent, Gillespie at 31 percent, and Robert Sarvis at 6 percent. An analysis of the poll by Glen Bolger with Public Opinion Strategies can be found at www.edforsenate.com.

Four GOP candidates file to seek nomination to run against Mark Warner

Four candidates filed by the 5:00 p.m. deadline on Saturday, February 1, 2014, to seek the Republican nomination for U.S Senate. The election, to be held in November, will pit the Republican against Democratic incumbent Mark Warner.

Besides submitting the necessary paperwork, a filing fee of $6,900 was required.

The four candidates, in order of filing, are:

- Edward "Ed" Gillespie, of Alexandria, a communications consultant, former White House aide, and former chairman of the Republican National Committee.

- Anthony "Tony" DeTora, of Fredericksburg, a senior policy adviser for a member of Congress.

- Wayshak "Shak" Hill, of Centreville, retired Air Force pilot and financial planning consultant.

- Charles "Chuck" Moss, of Nokesville, owner of a small network consulting business.

The Republican Convention will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014, in Roanoke. Go to the Republican Party of Virginia website for more details.

Ed Gillespie responds to Howie Lind's decision to withdraw from GOP U.S. Senate race

Howie Lind removed his name from the Republican race for U.S. Senate to challenge the seat now held by Democrat Mark Warner.

Republican front-runner Ed Gillespie issued the following statement upon that news:

“I’ve enjoyed spending time with Howie Lind over the past few weeks as we’ve both pursued the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Mark Warner.  I’m proud to call him a friend, appreciate his service to our nation and our party, and hope all the best for him in the future.”

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

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.

---------

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#

----

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

Governor McDonnell recognized by tech council for extraordinary leadership

Governor Bob McDonnell has excelled the past four years leading Virginia in the right direction, and Wednesday night he was recognized for that accomplishment. McLean-based Northern Virginia Technology Council presented their Chairman's Award to the Governor in recognition of "his extraordinary leadership of the Commonwealth and his successful efforts in ensuring Virginia remains a top state for business."

For a man who campaigned as "Bob's For Jobs," it is a recognition that he kept that campaign promise, and more. He joins a Who's Who of leaders including former Senator George Allen, former Congressman Tom Davis, former Senator John Warner, Senator Mark Warner, and Senator Tim Kaine.

Appreciative of the award, McDonnell noted:

“Over the past four years we’ve worked across party lines to bring Virginians together to get positive results for the Commonwealth. In this effort we’ve had no greater partner than the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

"Through the leadership of President Bobbie Kilberg, the group has been a consistent and effective advocate for a number of our policy proposals including our successful efforts to make college more affordable and accessible for Virginia students, help Virginia’s technology community thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, and finally put in place the long overdue, long-term transportation funding plan Virginia businesses needed to keep creating good paying jobs for our citizens. Today, unemployment is down and the Commonwealth is headed in the right direction. I thank the members of the NVTC for their hard work in helping make these accomplishments possible, and I greatly appreciate tonight’s award.”

NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg was complimentary of McDonnell, commenting:

“We are very pleased to present the 2013 NVTC Chairman's Award to Governor Bob McDonnell in recognition of his exceptional service to the Commonwealth. During his four years in office, Governor McDonnell has advocated for policies that promote technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, backed increased funding for education with a focus on producing more graduates with science, technology, engineering and math degrees, and championed much-needed comprehensive transportation funding legislation. His extraordinary leadership and policy initiatives have helped ensure that Virginia remains a top state for business.”

Congratulations to Governor McDonnell for this well-deserved recognition.

McDonnell, Bolling, Warner, Kaine to honor fired AP reporter Bob Lewis

Virginia's top politicos plan to honor fired Associated Press reporter Bob Lewis at a reception on November 18, according to the Huffington Post. Governor Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine will be on hand to honor the 57-year-old respected wordsmith.

In an interesting revelation, the Huffington Post wrote:

The McAuliffe campaign responded immediately after Monday's firing to say they did not push for actions to be taken against the journalists and noted having a "professional relationship" with Lewis, Potter and the AP's Virginia. (The Washington Post reported Tuesday night that Ken Cuccinelli, his Republican challenger in the Governor's race, passed the bogus tip to both the AP and the Post.) [emphasis added]

Indeed, the Post wrote about the tip:

Several journalists, including some at AP, said the McAuliffe story was pushed to news organizations by the campaign of McAuliffe’s rival, Ken Cuccinelli II (R). The Washington Post was among those that received a tip about it from Cuccinelli’s campaign, but The Post passed on the story after checking it.

When the news hit that night, many were quick to jump on it. Within two hours the story had been retracted. Response to Lewis' firing has come from all sides of the political aisle, a testament to the man who has long covered Virginia politics. The reception by top leaders is further evidence of that.  Here's hoping my invitation is in the mail....

AP uses sledge hammer on reporter Bob Lewis - UPDATED

The news heard 'round the internet on Monday was long-time Richmond-based reporter Bob Lewis' firing by the Associated Press. Social media lit up as supporters from all sides of the political aisle expressed shock that his earlier suspension had turned into a pink slip as he was booted out the AP door.

The entire episode began two weeks earlier, as reported by Andrew Cain with the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

AP erroneously reported the evening of Oct. 9 that documents in a federal fraud case in Rhode Island alleged that McAuliffe “lied to a federal official” investigating Joseph Caramadre, a Rhode Island estate planner who is accused of defrauding terminally ill people.

In a bulletin that night killing the story about 90 minutes after it was first posted, AP said “the indictment did not identify McAuliffe as the ‘T.M.’ who allegedly lied to investigators.”

To hear the AP retract a story sent a shiver throughout the news world. To have the questioned article be authored by Bob Lewis was even more stunning after his 28 years with the AP.

It certainly has caused a stir in Virginia's political atmosphere. From the RTD:

Lewis and Potter “have always been fair, tough and smart. Virginians deserve dedicated reporters like them,” Gov. Bob McDonnell tweeted.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling tweeted: “Sorry to see the AP fire Bob Lewis. Bob is one of the most respected reporters in Richmond. We all make mistakes. Bob did not deserve this.”

Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., tweeted: “AP’s Bob Lewis has been a fixture at the Va Capitol and his reporting will be missed by Virginians. Best wishes at a tough moment, Bob.”

Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, D-Va. tweeted: “Big loss for Virginia. @APBobLewis is an even-handed, talented reporter & a class act.”

As many question whether Lewis' firing was overreaction by AP, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore took to Facebook to advocate on Lewis' behalf Monday, writing, "I add my voice calling for the AP to reinstate Bob Lewis and Dena Potter. Bob Lewis is 'Mr. AP.' They made a mistake but corrected it immediately. What if they fired every reporter who made a mistake? I got a list."

Wherever he goes, Bob Lewis will have a built-in audience of those who have followed -- and respected -- his work for years. Count me as one of them.

Update:  The reaction from Lowell at Blue Virginia and the Richmond Democrat, er, The Richmonder, confirms that reactions to Bob Lewis' firing are bipartisan even among bloggers, a good reflection of a good reporter.

Update #2: The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a third person has been fired by the AP even as the News Media Guild has filed grievances on behalf of Lewis and his colleagues.

Two Virginians among richest members of Congress

Roll Call's annual list of the 50 richest members of Congress includes two Virginians -- U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Scott Rigell.

Warner, a Democrat worth $96.3 million, was ranked #3 behind #1 Rep. Darrell Issa ($355 million), a Republican from California, and #2 Rep. Michael McCaul ($114 million), a Republican from Texas. Rigell was ranked #28 with $12.6 million.

The list includes 29 Republicans and 21 Democrats. Roll Call provided brief bios including the source of their wealth ... makes for an interesting read.

Cuccinelli for Senate 2014?

Virginia's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli may have an eye on U.S. Senator Mark Warner's seat in 2014, according to Anita Kumar at the Washington Post.

In an interview, Kumar reports that Cuccinelli was critical of Warner:

“I understand from people he and I both talk to that he’s pretty frustrated with it,’’ Cuccinelli said. “[But] I don’t see him doing anything to change that system. He hasn’t even tried.”

Cuccinelli said Warner should challenge his caucus, including Sens. Harry Reid (Nev.), Dick Durbin (Ill.) and Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) , instead of voting alongside them.

“He has a really liberal caucus,’’ he said. “It wouldn’t be hard to articulate an alternative to Harry Reid in the Democrat caucus.”

While governor of Virginia, Warner passed the largest tax hike ever in the history of the Commonwealth with the help of Republicans. Rumors have circulated that he may not be looking to run for reelection to the Senate.

Republican McDonnell thanks Democrats Web & Warner for off-shore oil legislation

Will off-shore drilling ever come to Virginia? It may be a step closer after last week's news from Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner. Jim Hoeft at Bearing Drift wrote:

... both senators have co-sponsored legislation that will begin the process of lease sales off the coast of Virginia and ensure a 50-50 revenue split between the state and federal government.

“Our economy and national security will be strengthened by an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy, including the expanded production of our own domestic energy resources. We should not be sending hundreds of billions of dollars each year to oil-producing countries that do not like us, ” Senator Warner said. “This legislation jump starts a multi-year process that will include responsible environmental reviews, close consultations with NASA and our military partners in Hampton Roads, and this process will include multiple public hearings. Senator Webb and I firmly believe that Virginians should benefit from any energy resources that are developed off of our coast, and our legislation specifically requires the federal government to make reasonable royalty payments to the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing and appreciative for the Democratic senators' stand, Republican Governor Bob McDonnell thanked them:

“We need more safe and reliable sources of domestic energy. We need more jobs. Utilizing our offshore oil and natural gas resources accomplishes both of these goals,” said McDonnell. “I urge the United States Congress to take up this legislation immediately, and pass it swiftly. It is time we got serious about American energy security. This legislation does that. I thank the Senators for their efforts, and look forward to working with them to get this legislation passed and offshore oil and natural gas production underway in Virginia.”

Sometimes working for what is best for the residents of Virginia goes beyond my-way-or-the-highway party politics and requires statesmanship and leadership.

Byron York: "Amid crises, Obama declares war -- on Arizona"

I sent emails to Virginia U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner asking them to speak out against President Barack Obama's desire to sue the state of Arizona. The President wants to use American tax money to sue an American state.

As The Washington Examiner's chief political correspondent Byron York was thinking along the same lines:

Even if it didn't have so many other fights on its hands, it would be unusual for an administration to align itself against an American state. But that's precisely what has happened. Soon it will be up to the courts and voters to decide whether Obama's campaign against Arizona will succeed or fail.

Will voters still be paying attention when that time rolls around?