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

Obenshain joins Cuccinelli in challenging Virginia GOP leadership

Amid reports from various sources reporting that Republican conservatives are challenging moderate leadership in the Senate comes this interesting post from Jim Bacon at Bacon's Rebellion. Senator Walter Stosch (R-Henrico) received a battering in the June primary in which he spent a reported $1 million against challenger Joe Blackburn and survived by a mere 200 votes. In his weakened position, he is facing challenges from his fellow senators.

Conservative Senator Ken Cuccinelli has made a move:

“I think this party needs new leadership from top to bottom,” said Cuccinelli, R-Fairfax. He plans to be part of a challenge at the leadership elections Nov. 26 against current Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch.

Now comes word that conservative 26th Senatorial District Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) has also contacted Stosch concerning a change in leadership.

In a November 13, 2007, letter Sen. Obenshain wrote:

Difficult as it is to address this issue, I believe that it is time for a change in the leadership of the Senate Republicans. I believe that we need a new leader who will help us come together as Republicans, stop the infighting, focus on the ideas that unite us as a party, and set about rebuilding for the future.

Any student of military history understands that dividing an army is undertaken only at great peril and when absolutely necessary. Since I joined the Senate, our leadership has consistently divided Republican ranks. Examples abound, including doing battle with House Republicans, dissolving the joint Republican Legislative Caucus, the functional dissolution of the Senate Republican Caucus and the establishment of the Republican Senate Leadership Trust.

It is imperative that we immediately refocus our attention on the ideas that brought the Republican Party to power in the 1990s. We must look for common ground, not just with a majority of our colleagues in the Senate, but also with our colleagues in the House. Towards that end, we must immediately move to reestablish the Joint Republican Legislative Caucus. Last, but not lease it is important that the Virginia Senate Republican Leadership Trust, with its exclusive membership and loyalty oath, be retired.

It is my hope that you will agree with my observations and that you will agree that it is time for a change in direction and new Republican Leadership in the Senate as we adjust to last week's setback, and prepare again to resume the majority in four years or sooner. I ask that you have a positive and productive dialog as we promptly make it known as to whether you plan to step aside as Republican Leader so that we can prepare for our meeting on November 26.

Also in agreement concerning a change in leadership is Delegate Bob Marshall who has lined up with Sen. Cuccinelli and Sen. Obenshain. The November 26 meeting will be very interesting ... stay tuned.