McDonnell bids farewell to Sen. John Warner

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

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

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

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

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

55 mph speed limit again? Noooooooooo.....

Anyone else remember when the national speed limit on interstates was 55 mph "to save gas"? Now our own Virginia senator John Warner has suggested we go back to that awful time and reinstate a national speed limit of 55 mph. If you disagree with his proposal, please contact him.

The blog Left Lane News called it correctly, in my opinion:

Republican politicians are supposed to stand for less government intervention in the lives of Americans. But don’t tell that to senator John Warner of Virginia. The lawmaker is considering asking Congress to reimpose a national speed limit similar 55 mph directive to the one introduced in 1974.

That abomination took 21 years to repeal. U.S. states have been free to set their own speed limits for the last 13 years, but if Warner has his way that could end — again. In a letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, Warner cites a study showing the 55 mph speed limit saved an average of 167,000 barrels of oil a day.

What’s unclear is how reducing oil consumption by 2 percent will ease the pain at the pump caused by $4 a gallon gas.

Come on, Senator ... please do not go that route again. Drill here. Drill now. Pay less.