Bill Bolling: 'Compromise ... elevate policy above politics'

By Bill Bolling
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Everyone saw it coming.

When the 2014 session of the Virginia General Assembly convened Jan. 8, everyone knew that the key debate would be over Medicaid expansion or coverage expansion, as proponents now prefer to call it.

Unfortunately, although everyone saw it coming, no one was able to avoid what everyone feared — another impasse that leaves the state without a budget agreement at the close of the annual legislative session.

At this point, there are two questions that matter: (1) Why did this impasse occur, and (2) What can be done to forge a compromise between the governor and the state Senate, who favor expansion, and the House of Delegates, which opposes expansion?

While it is easy to try and blame one party or another for the impasse, the reality is that this is a difficult issue to resolve because no one is necessarily right or wrong in the positions they have taken.

When Gov. McAuliffe and Senate leaders say they believe the business case for expansion has been made, they are right.

Over the next 10 years, Virginia families and businesses will pay about $26 billion in higher taxes and fees to finance the Affordable Care Act. Literally, the only way that we can get a portion of this money returned to Virginia is through the expansion of Medicaid. That is a compelling argument for expansion.

In addition, some studies have estimated that a full Medicaid expansion could provide as many as 400,000 Virginians, most of whom are working full-time, with health insurance and access to health care, coverage they do not currently have. That is a noble goal.

On the other hand, when Republicans in the House of Delegates express concern regarding the federal government’s ability to fund the Affordable Care Act over time, they are also right. Experts have estimated that the Affordable Care Act could cost the federal government $151 billion when fully enacted. At a time when our country already faces a national debt of $18.2 trillion, and an annual budget deficit of $514 billion, everyone should be concerned about the federal government’s ability to support another costly entitlement program.

And, if the federal government decides that it cannot afford to continue paying its share of the cost of Medicaid expansion, it could pass a larger portion of these costs on to state governments. Should this happen, it would be very difficult for the commonwealth to continue to pay for the cost of Medicaid expansion and continue to fund its other important priorities at the same time.

These are also legitimate concerns.

While it is tempting to criticize both sides for the impasse that has occurred to date, in reality both sides have set forth positions that are eminently justifiable. No one is necessarily right or wrong in the positions they have taken, and their respective positions should be respected and considered.

So, the question becomes: Where do we go from here? Two options remain.

First, the parties can continue to stand firm on their respective positions and refuse to negotiate or compromise. This is the wrong course and it will ultimately prolong the impasse and bring us closer to the possibility of a government shutdown.

While this type of high-stakes political brinksmanship may excite the most ideologically driven voices in both parties, it would clearly not be in the best interests of the commonwealth. Now is the time for the voices of reason to rise above the voices of unreason.

The second course is more preferable, but it will require the parties to recognize the legitimacy of the positions taken by their adversaries and try to find common ground — common ground that would enable us to reach an agreement on the issue of Medicaid expansion and pass a budget that addresses the other important priorities of state government.

Having spent 18 years in state government, I am confident that there is a way to resolve this dispute that enables us to move forward with some form of coverage expansion under acceptable terms and conditions that recognizes legitimate concerns regarding affordability and the need for continuing Medicaid reforms.

Those who know anything about the successful operation of government know that compromise is an indispensible part of a working democracy. With it, differences can be respected and bridged. Without it, ideology trumps practicality and government simply does not work.

The question is, are our elected officials willing to provide the leadership that is necessary to forge such a compromise against a political backdrop that too often considers compromise a sign of political weakness?

Or put differently, are our elected officials willing to elevate policy above politics, and keep their focus on the next generation, as opposed to the next election? The people of Virginia are watching closely to see which course they choose.

Bill Bolling is chairman of the Virginia Mainstream Project, a political action committee dedicated to promoting a mainstream approach to government and politics in Virginia. He is the former lieutenant governor of Virginia and a former member of the Virginia state Senate. Contact him at www.billbolling.com.

Dinner with Lt. Governor Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann.

Hilton Hotel, Richmond

January 9, 2014

More photos to come....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 9, 2014

Perhaps Bill Bolling should become the voice of Va Republicans

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling has some advice for the Republicans of Virginia and, after the thumping the GOP has taken in recent years, it may behoove some to stop the witch hunts, step out of the echo chamber, and listen. Where the Party was once welcoming to all, it has pretty much become a right-wing closed-club society complete with purity tests and requirements of lock-step mentality.

In today's Richmond Times-Dispatch, the lieutenant governor offers five points -- and he notes these are his opinion but that won't stop the bashing from the usual suspects -- for Virginia Republicans who have let victory slip through their fingers to the point that every statewide office is now held by Democrats. The state voted for Barack Obama for president twice.

Those who need to listen to this advice will scoff and make another personal attack on the LG. I saw one blogger link to a post about Bolling being the only viable Republican to take on Mark Warner with the comment, "I would vote for Warner. Dead serious."

With that mentality, we will never win again.

In his op-ed, Lieutenant Governor Bolling observed:

This weekend, Virginia Republicans will gather at the Homestead resort for their annual Advance. In light of the adverse results in the 2013 statewide elections, the focus should be on revitalizing the Republican Party and making it more competitive on a statewide level.

With his Virginia Mainstream Project, his 20-plus years of experience in the legislature, his record of working with all sides of the political aisle, and his roll-up-your-shirt-sleeves-and-get-it-done attitude, perhaps Bill Bolling should become the voice of Virginia Republicans.

Update: A lively discussion about this post is going on over at my Facebook page.

Bill Bolling and Virginia Mainstream Project ... good ideas for good government

From Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his Virginia Mainstream Project....

Friends –

Last week, through Virginia Mainstream Project, I released a series of proposals designed to improve the structure and operation of Virginia’s state government.  Full details of these recommendations can be found here.

The proposed changes would impact the election and role of the Lieutenant Governor, approve gubernatorial succession, create a bipartisan redistricting process, implement the merit-based selection of judges, establish a Government Performance Review Commission, change Virginia’s two-year budget cycle and mandate a review of all current exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act to improve governmental transparency.

I called on all candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General to support these proposals because they will make state government more efficient, more effective, and more accountable to the people of Virginia.

I’m pleased to report that these proposals have received enthusiastic support from opinion leaders all over the Commonwealth:

Today’s top opinion: Mainstream (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“We issue a full-throated huzzah to Bolling’s proposal for bipartisan redistricting. He would take the process out of the hands of the legislature by empowering a citizen panel to draw the electoral maps.”

Imagine: ideas, not ick (The Roanoke Times)

“He [Bolling] has done all Virginians a service by injecting meaningful policy proposals into a campaign otherwise mired in slime.”

Ideas from the man who isn’t running (The Virginian-Pilot)

“Free of political constraints, Bolling on Monday proposed a long slate of ideas to make Virginia a better state, a more democratic state and a more open state.”

Bill Bolling’s good ideas (Staunton News Leader)

“Many of these proposals are common sense. We used to employ that in government. Bolling reminds us we still can and indeed should.”

Many thanks to all those who have voiced support for these proposals.  The Virginia Mainstream Project will continue to promote responsible, common-sense solutions to the important challenges facing our state and make certain that we keep our focus on the thing that matters most … BUILDING A BETTER VIRGINIA.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

News Leader: 'Bill Bolling's good ideas'

Jean Ann Bolling, Dr. Kurt Michael, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling
Overlooking downtown Staunton, Virginia / August 17, 2013

Yesterday the Virginian-Pilot applauded Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's ideas presented by his Virginia Mainstream Project PAC. Today, the Staunton News Leader agreed:

Monday, as the federal government stumbled toward shutdown and Virginia’s lamentable gubernatorial campaign dragged toward November, we received a much-needed reminder that some elected officials are still serious about governing.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, the man who would be our next governor had Republicans had the sense to nominate him, released some excellent government reform proposals.

The Pilot noted the LG is not up for reelection, commenting:

In each case, Bolling's propositions settle right in the mainstream of Virginia politics. They are proposals that serve voters rather than political parties. They are neither obviously Democratic ideas nor clearly Republican.

They are, quite simply, legislative initiatives that should be - and no doubt would be - welcomed by the vast middle of the commonwealth's voters.

Unfortunately for all those voters, the man who proposed them will soon be out of state government, a victim of the same forces that kept those legislative ideas in a desk until Monday.

The Roanoke Times opined, Imagine: ideas, not ick. The first paragraph probably echoes what many are thinking in these final weeks of the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial race:

Another week. Another palm slap to the forehead. Another “Gee, we could have had Bill Bolling” moment for Virginia voters.

For those who will point fingers and again accuse of sour grapes (I'd like to see how they would handle how many in the Republican Party have been treated by the current crop), the editorial continued:

Cynics will say that Bolling found his moral high ground only after losing the GOP gubernatorial nomination to Cuccinelli. While we wish the lieutenant governor had shown more verve in his response to partisan machinations that thrust him aside in favor of his flashier opponent, it would be unfair to suggest Bolling’s motives are so shallow. He has a genuine heart for good government, as demonstrated by his long-time support for bipartisan redistricting reform despite its unpopularity within his own party.

Read all the proposals presented by the LG's Virginia Mainstream Project.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Bolling's Va Mainstream Project PAC taps 6 candidates for HoD support

In the second wave of flexing his political muscle, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's "Virginia Mainstream Project" (VMP) has made six more political endorsements backed with financial support and radio campaign ads leading into contested primaries on June 11.

With the goal of electing mainstream, conservative Republicans to public office, VMP announced it had endorsed the following candidates for their Virginia House of Delegates races, some who are being challenged by tea party or Ron Paul candidates and are in particularly contentious contests:

- House District 15 – Delegate Todd Gilbert
- House District 28 – Speaker Bill Howell
- House District 29 – Delegate Beverly Sherwood
- House District 33 – Delegate Joe May
- House District 54 – Delegate Bobby Orrock
- House District 85 – Mr. Scott Taylor

In addition to financial support, 60-second radio ads have been purchased and are airing for Orrock and Sherwood.

This is on the heels of VMP's endorsement and financial support to Delegate John Cosgrove who was successful in his May 9 firehouse primary seeking the Republican nomination for the 14th Senate District.

Bolling has stepped to the plate with his PAC, his experience, his reputation, and his willingness to endorse candidates interested in effective, common sense governing. That includes a pro-business attitude, fiscal responsibility, and a willingness to work toward searching for bi-partisan, pragmatic solutions. Reinforcing that commitment, Bolling noted:

"If we are going to win elections in Virginia, we must nominate candidates who will appeal to Republicans and Independents and attract new people to our party.  I believe these candidates will help us accomplish that goal, but they need your help to win."

The two-term lieutenant governor, who had been very involved and inviting with the grassroots of the party and conservative bloggers during his years in Richmond, unexpectedly found himself in his new leadership role as senior statesman after stepping away from the 2013 gubernatorial race. A series of maneuverings within RPV led to the takeover of the state central committee by the tea party and Libertarian activists who then reversed an earlier vote for a 2013 primary to a much more controlled convention, the one that recently took place in Richmond.

Because of that change, Bolling briefly flirted with the idea of running as an independent but decided against it in March, prompting the Lynchburg News and Advance to editorialize:

Bill Bolling is no tax-and-spend liberal, no R(epublican) I(n) N(ame) O(nly) as uber-conservative activists have tried to portray him. He’s a traditional Virginia conservative, a public servant who labored for his constituents as a Hanover County supervisor, then state senator and finally lieutenant governor for almost eight years.

But the type of public servant Bolling is just isn’t what’s in fashion with the Republicans right today. An elected official who actually believes government has a role in society but who wants it to operate efficiently, leanly and unobtrusively is not the politician the tea party loves who sees government as a beast to be starved.

In May, Bolling reflected on his new role in Virginia Republican politics with reporter Errin Whack at the Washington Post:

“I found myself in a position of being the voice of a lot of mainstream Republicans across the state who were trying to call our party back to a more mainstream approach to politics and policy,” Bolling said in an interview. “It’s not a role I envisioned playing, but it’s a role I was thrust into because of the way things have evolved, and it’s a role I’m comfortable playing.”

It all led to the Virginia Mainstream Project. As the News and Advance wrote in the conclusion of their editorial:

In announcing his decision earlier this week, Bolling lamented what he — and we — see as the “Washingtonization” of Virginia politics. Political battles, achieving the label of most ideologically pure, hyper-partisanship and just plain meanspiritedness seem to be oozing their way into the halls of the state Capitol.

That’s not Bill Bolling’s way of leading. That’s not “The Virginia Way” of governing, or at least it hasn’t been.

Editorial: 'Virginia Mainstream Project Seeks a Wider GOP Current, Which Would Benefit Us All'

If Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling hadn’t announced formation of the Virginia Mainstream Project prior to the GOP’s convention, he certainly would have done so afterwards.

So begins Thursday's Farmville Herald editorial by Ken Woodley as he noted the lack of transparency and lack of inclusiveness currently in the Republican Party of Virginia.

Mr. Woodley continued:

There is nothing mainstream about the trio of Republican candidates emerging from the convention, which was held for the specific purpose of deep-sixing the gubernatorial aspirations of Bolling and handing the party nomination to Ken Cuccinelli.

The attorney general is joined by E. W. Jackson as the party’s nominee for lieutenant governor and Mark D. Obenshain, who’ll run for attorney general. Jackson made the most headlines following his nomination, with reports he has called the Democratic Party “anti-God” and labeled gays and lesbians as “sick” and “perverted.” Writing an opinion piece last fall for The Washington Times, Jackson, a minister, wondered how Democrats have “managed to hold on to black Christians in spite of an agenda worthy of the Anti-christ.

As the dust settles from the Republican convention held two weeks ago in Richmond, more are beginning to understand what Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling said after the convention:

Bolling issued a post-convention statement rightly saying that “some of the things he (Jackson) has said are simply indefensible. These kinds of comments are simply not appropriate, especially not from someone who wants to be a standard-bearer for our party and hold the second-highest elected office in our state. They feed the image of extremism, and that’s not where the Republican Party needs to be.”

The entire editorial can be read here.

Bill Bolling announces Virginia Mainstream Project PAC

“Politics is not about ideological purity or moral self-righteousness, it’s about governing. And if you cannot compromise you cannot govern.” --Henry Clay

There's a new direction in Virginia politics today, thanks go Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who has rolled out the Virginia Mainstream Project that will focus on electing mainstream, conservative Republicans to public office and promote responsible policy solutions to the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth.

Paperwork for the new political action committee was filed on Tuesday with the State Board of Elections.

Bolling, who dropped out of the race in November after a takeover within the Republican Party of Virginia by the Ken Cuccinelli-backed tea party and Ron Paul Libertarians who overturned a vote to hold a primary in 2013 for the gubernatorial candidate, has transferred the remaining assets from his campaign committee to the Virginia Mainstream Project. He will be raising additional funds to help support the important work of this new initiative.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude for the new adventure, commenting:

“I’m proud to announce the creation of the Virginia Mainstream Project.  As I’ve said many times over the past several months, there is a growing need in the Republican Party in Virginia to recruit and elect mainstream, conservative candidates to state and local office and promote responsible policy solutions to the most important challenges facing Virginia. The Virginia Mainstream Project will work to address these issues while encouraging bipartisan cooperation and compromise on the major issues facing the Commonwealth.  I am excited about this opportunity to continue to serve Virginia and remain actively involved in the public debate.”

The primary missions of the Virginia Mainstream Project include:

1. Recruit, advise and support mainstream Republican candidates for state and local office, with particular emphasis on the House of Delegates in 2013 and the State Senate in 2015.

2. Provide a platform to continue discussing the need for mainstream approaches to governing in Virginia that put policy ahead of politics and seek to promote compromise and bipartisan cooperation to solve the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth.

3. Develop and promote responsible conservative policy solutions to the most important issues facing Virginia, with an emphasis on fiscal policy, economic development, tax reform, education reform, transportation and health care.

In March, Bolling decided against an Independent run and now will concentrate on the new PAC.