McDonnell at Work: Eyeing 2016, Did He Convince Bolling to Drop Gov Bid?

McDonnell's endorsement of a losing candidate will ... (0.00 / 0)

be his demise. McAuliffe will beat Cuccinelli and than where will McDonnell be. Bad move for the governor backing a loser for a second time.

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by: ValerieInRke @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 12:21:25 PM UTC

Perriello 2017 (0.00 / 0)

If next year goes badly ...

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by: FreeDem @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 12:23:39 PM UTC

Even if it goes well . . . (0.00 / 0)

Remember, Virginia governors can't run for two consecutive terms.  Even if McAuliffe wins next year, Perriello would be a potential choice for 2017.

The Richmonder

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by: The Richmonder @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 12:54:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I bet Chap runs in 2017 as well. (0.00 / 0)

Probably a few other Dems as well (e.g., I hear Charniele Herring has statewide ambitions; I'm pretty sure Jennifer McClellan does as well; Gerry Connolly? Bobby Scott? other?).

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 12:56:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Names (0.00 / 0)

Adding those names at least better fits the emerging coalition of voters for the Democrats, even if the names are for 2017: minorities, young people, women. It really would help a Dem ticket to have a woman on the ballot in 2013.

Virginia has a dismal record of women in government posts: one statewide as AG for two terms (Mary Sue Terry), one in Congress for two years (Leslie Byrne). In the General Assembly, of 140 members, 24 are women (17%).

That said, women are the majority of Virginia's population and registered voters....

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by: Elaine in Roanoke @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 13:54:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Chopra 2017 (0.00 / 0)

If things go well, it's all aboard on the Chopra express ...

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by: FreeDem @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 13:04:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

As the saying goes... (0.00 / 0)

Paul, "maximum low regard" may be the adage in Richmond. Up in Washington, we prefer "minimum high regard." A sharper knife.

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by: JimWebster @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 13:44:58 PM UTC

Is there a "middling medium regard" category? (0.00 / 0)

Just curious. ;)

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 14:04:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Or "mindful malicious regard" (0.00 / 0)

n/t

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by: Dan Sullivan @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 14:09:28 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I kinda feel sorry for Bolling (0.00 / 0)

He's like the fat kid on the playground who never gets picked to play on anyone's team.  

Crush "Crimes Against Nature" Cuccinelli! Now on Twitter.

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by: kindler @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 13:55:35 PM UTC

He Can Always Run For LtGov Again (0.00 / 0)

A sort of fully employed Harold Stassen.

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by: Dan Sullivan @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 14:00:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That's about as tempting... (0.00 / 0)

...as considering taking another bite of that sandwich that's been sitting in your fridge for a couple of weeks...

Crush "Crimes Against Nature" Cuccinelli! Now on Twitter.

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by: kindler @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 23:49:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Statement by Bill Bolling suspending his campaign for governor (0.00 / 0)

Friends,

When I was growing up my dad was a coal miner and my mom waited tables. We didn't have much, but my parents instilled in me a love of Virginia. I never dreamed that I would one day have a chance to help lead this wonderful state, but thanks to you, that has been my privilege.

Throughout my 21 years in public service I have done my best to stand strong for our shared conservative values, while at the same time working with Republicans and Democrats to get things done in state government. I think that effort has been successful, and I hope you agree.

For the past seven years I have had the honor of serving as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, and it had been my intention to seek the Republican Party's nomination for Governor in 2013. However, not everything we want in life is meant to be.

I am writing to advise you that after a great deal of consideration I have decided to suspend my campaign for the Republican Party's nomination for Governor of Virginia. Needless to say, this was a very difficult decision for me, and I know it will come as a surprise and disappointment to you, but I am confident it is the right decision.

Four years ago I decided to set my personal ambition to be Governor aside and join with Bob McDonnell to create a united Republican ticket. Time has proven the wisdom of that decision. Governor McDonnell and I were elected in 2009 by historic margins, and for the past three years we have successfully worked together to get Virginia back on the right track.

I had hoped that Attorney General Cuccinelli and I would be able to form that same kind of united Republican ticket in 2013. However, late last year Mr. Cuccinelli unexpectedly announced that he intended to challenge me for the Republican Party's nomination for Governor.

While I was surprised and disappointed by Mr. Cuccinelli's decision, I was confident in my ability to win our party's nomination for Governor in a statewide primary election, which was the method of nomination that had previously been adopted by the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia.

However, in June of this year the newly constituted State Central Committee voted to change the manner in which we will nominate our candidates in 2013 from a statewide primary to a closed party convention. While I did not support that decision, it had a dramatic impact on the 2013 campaign.

For the past several months my campaign team has worked hard to restructure our campaign to effectively compete in the convention process. While we have made a great deal of progress, I reluctantly concluded that the decision to change the method of nomination from a primary to a convention created too many obstacles for us to overcome.

In addition, I know how divisive conventions can be, and I was concerned that a prolonged campaign between Mr. Cuccinelli and me could create deep divisions within our party. The convention process would have forced Republican activists to take sides against their friends in local committees all across our state. The wounds that can develop from that type of process are often difficult to heal.

Conventions are by their very nature exclusive, and at a time when we need to be projecting a positive image and reaching out to involve more Virginians in the Republican Party, I am unwilling to be part of a process that could seriously damage our image and appeal.

While it may have been in my self-interest to have continued the campaign and done my best to win without regard to the consequences of those actions, I have never chosen to place my self-interest ahead of our Party's best interest, and I will not do so now.

I know that my decision will surprise most people and disappoint many people, but I'm confident it is the right decision. I hope that my friends and supporters, as well as those who have chosen to support Mr. Cuccinelli, will respect and appreciate the reasons for my decision.

It has been a great honor to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia for the past seven years, and I wouldn't trade the experiences and opportunities we have had for anything in the world. You helped make that possible, and for that I will always be grateful.

I look forward to serving the remainder of my term as Lieutenant Governor and as Virginia's Chief Jobs Creation Officer, and working with Governor McDonnell and the rest of our great team to build a better Virginia.

I want to personally thank everyone who has done so much to support Jean Ann and me over the years, and I especially want to thank the thousands of people who had already pledged their support to my campaign for Governor. Your support means more to us than words can express. My greatest regret in suspending my campaign is the thought that I have let you down.

In the coming days Jean Ann and I will be evaluating our future political options. I love Virginia and I value public service a great deal. I assure you that I will continue to look for ways to make a contribution to the public life of our Commonwealth.

I can tell you this, I intend to remain actively involved in the 2013 campaigns - perhaps not as the Republican nominee for Governor, but as a more independent voice, making certain that the candidates keep their focus on the important issues facing our state and offer a positive and realistic vision for effectively and responsibly leading Virginia.

Thanks again for your friendship, confidence and support. It is a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to seeing you soon in our travels across Virginia.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 14:06:58 PM UTC

Hmmm... (0.00 / 0)

Interesting ending to Bolling's statement,

"I intend to remain actively involved in the 2013 campaigns - perhaps not as the Republican nominee for Governor, but as a more independent voice, making certain that the candidates keep their focus on the important issues facing our state and offer a positive and realistic vision for effectively and responsibly leading Virginia."

Perhaps....

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by: Elaine in Roanoke @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 16:42:13 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No, He's the Consummate Team Player (0.00 / 0)

and really, a back bench kind of guy.

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by: Dan Sullivan @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 16:45:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Terry McAuliffe statement on Bolling's withdrawal from gov. race (0.00 / 0)

It is disappointing that more mainstream Virginia Republicans are being driven out of leadership by the far-right. Virginia voters have repeatedly made clear that they prefer mainstream leaders building consensus instead of politicians pursuing their own ideological agenda. I intend on running a campaign that will unite Virginians across parties who share my focus putting job creation and common sense fiscal responsibility above divisive partisan crusades.

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 15:52:04 PM UTC

Democratic Party of Virginia: "Cuccinelli-Akin-Mourdock Politics on the Ballot in 2013" (0.00 / 0)

To: Interested Parties
From: Democratic Party of Virginia Communications
Memo: Cuccinelli-Akin-Mourdock Politics on the Ballot in 2013

On November 6th, 2012 voters in Virginia and across the country chose results-oriented Democrats like President Obama and Tim Kaine to serve them in Washington. One of the key takeaways of last year's elections was Americans' widespread rejection the divisive agenda of politicians like Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock, who made national headlines and alienated voters in their states and across the country. The high profile losses of hyper-partisan Tea Party candidates are instructive as Virginia Republicans prepare to nominate Ken Cuccinelli for Governor in 2013.  While Cuccinelli was not on the 2012 ballot, his extreme and divisive ideology was and it lost by wide margins in Republican states.

Their stories are similar: Akin, Mourdock and Cuccinelli all gained prominence because they feel that most elected Republicans are too moderate, especially on issues like women's health. They all took power by activating a vocal minority within the Republican Party.

And they have succeeded in driving more reasonable leaders and mainstream voters away from the GOP.

In Indiana and Missouri, Cuccinelli's allies each lost large polling leads after their voters came face to face with their radical agenda. They each lost moderates by over 30 points, independents by over 10 points, and women by double digits. Those results were a direct outcome of their desire to use government to impose a radical and divisive social agenda.  But for Cuccinelli, the election results are evidence that his party is actually too moderate.

Cuccinelli's worldview is far from Virginia's reality. This year, 45% of Virginia's diverse electorate identified as moderate, far surpassing both liberals and conservatives. The vast majority expressed mainstream views on issues like the economy and women's health. Few would align themselves with Cuccinelli's identity as an extreme ideological firebrand pursuing a divisive agenda.

The more mainstream Republican Party of the past may have isolated these fringe extremists. Now, those extremists control the Republican Party and the people being isolated are the mainstream Republicans. Here in Virginia, the Cuccinelli wing of the Republican party has seized control over party infrastructure from more mainstream supporters of Governor Bob McDonnell and cleared the path for Cuccinelli's nomination.

That coups sets up yet another choice for voters between a results-oriented Democratic agenda and a radical, hyper-conservative partisan whose approach to government has more to do with advancing his personal ideology than making people's lives better.

Background

In Indiana, Richard Mourdock lost most key voting groups. Mourdock lost moderates by 33-points, women by 12-points and independents by 11-points. [CNN Exit Poll]

In Missouri, Todd Akin lost most key voting groups. Akin lost moderates by 42-points, women by 22-points, and independents by 12-points. [CNN Exit Poll]

In Virginia, 45% of 2012 voters identified as moderate, substantially more than either conservatives or liberals. [CNN Exit Poll]

Cuccinelli "the most overtly partisan attorney general in Virginia's history." According to the Washington Post, "KEN CUCCINELLI II, the most overtly partisan attorney general in Virginia's history, has waged war on Obamacare, harassed climate-change scientists, sanctioned discrimination against homosexuals and embraced Arizona's (now mostly gutted) immigration law. He has clung to his post after declaring his candidacy for governor, thereby parting ways with past attorneys general, Republicans and Democrats alike, who resigned to run rather than entangle the office in politics." [Washington Post, 7/27/12]

Cucinelli Criticized Romney for Being Too Moderate; Aligned Himself With Santorum. According to the Washington Times, "Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II, who has led the state's fight against President Obama's health care law, warned Thursday that Republicans would be "effectively giving up the issue" if they tap Mitt Romney as their presidential nominee. The claim echoes the message of Rick Santorum, Mr. Romney's chief opponent for the party's nod, who has said the health care law the former Massachusetts governor signed is too close to Democrats' national law to leave Mr. Romney any room to criticize it." [Washington Times, 3/15/12]

Cuccinelli Supporters Forced Virginia GOP to Change Governor Selection to Convention, Hoping to Reduce Moderate Republican Influence. Supporters of Ken Cuccinelli forced the state Republican Party to eliminate a primary for Governor and instead hold a convention where the most conservative Republicans decide. According to CBS 6 Analyst Bob Holsworth, "Most people believe that if the GOP switches to a convention, this would give an added advantage to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.He has fervent supporters among the Tea Party and social conservatives, and the thought is that [voting bloc] might be more likely to get on a bus from all over the state and come to Richmond on a Saturday morning." [WTVR, 5/29/12; Washington Post, 5/24/12]

Cuccinelli Used His Office as "blatantly partisan bully pulpit." According to the Washington Post, "IN THREE YEARS as Virginia's attorney general, Ken Cuccinelli II (R) has demeaned his office by using it as a blatantly partisan bully pulpit to attack Obamacare, illegal immigrants, homosexuals and climate-change scientists. Now he has managed to bully Virginia's Board of Health into a stance - unprecedented in state history - that could force most of the commonwealth's 20 or so abortion clinics to close. Mr. Cuccinelli, who was a champion of the anti-abortion movement as a legislator, has clung to his current office even as he runs for governor. In doing so, he ignores the example of former Virginia attorneys general of both parties who resigned to run rather than politicize the office. In the Cuccinelli worldview, rendering dispassionate legal advice takes a back seat to agenda-pushing." [Washington Post, 9/20/12]

Cuccinelli Running Against "Mainstream." According to Washington Post guest columnist Peter Galuszka, "Cuccinelli, who has gained national attention for his strong positions against climate change, homosexuals and abortion, had been riding the Tea Party wave of distrust and resentment of government and mainstream politicians." [Washington Post, 11/7/12]

The New Republic: Akin, Mourdock Represent "Increasingly Common" Position of Republicans on Choice. According to the New Republic's Amy Sullivan, "Let's get one thing straight. GOP Senate candidates Richard Mourdock and Todd Akin did not lose their races on Tuesday because they are extreme right-wingers whose opposition to abortion, even in the case of women who become pregnant as a result of being raped, is considered beyond the pale. Nor did they lose because of verbal gaffes about rape-although Akin's creative understanding of the female reproductive system should have been enough to disqualify him for a seat in the U.S. Senate, or in freshman biology. No, Mourdock and Akin lost because they each made the mistake of actually trying to explain an increasingly common position by Republican officer-holders, including Paul Ryan." [New Republic, 11/7/12]

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 15:55:06 PM UTC

DPVA Nails "Succinct" (0.00 / 0)

Masters of communication in the echo chamber.

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by: Dan Sullivan @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 16:39:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The only thing they had to say to get the 2012 OBAMA (0.00 / 0)

VOTERS.... HE WAS THE FIRST TO SUE OBAMA FOR THE AFFORABLE HEALTH CARE ACT!

End of discussion - This press release was way to freakin long - there be plenty of time bring out all of those points - but to get the Obama supportors who are still on a victory high engaged in 2013 - we only have to start with OBAMACARE!

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by: totallynext @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:24:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

HuffPo reports Tom P. is considering gov. bid (4.00 / 1)

See here. I'm highly skeptical of this, not sure who their sources are, but I guess we'll see...

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 17:07:41 PM UTC

Highly Skeptical (0.00 / 0)

But good to have his name out there.

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by: FreeDem @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:02:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

They must have read that from Tribbett's ranting ... (0.00 / 0)

and more like "wishing and hoping" for Tom Perriello to run. I guess he could be talked into it but he told me in Roanoke "Don't hold your breath" on running for any office anytime soon.

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by: ValerieInRke @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:06:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Don't think it would be a good move to have ... (0.00 / 0)

a primary between McAuliffe and Perriello. It certainly didn't work well in 2009. Tom should have floated his intentions sooner if this is serious.

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by: ValerieInRke @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:19:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

What gives me pause (0.00 / 0)

is that the article states:

"Sources close to Perriello confirmed to The Huffington Post that he is considering a gubernatorial bid."

Obviously, "sources close to Perriello" could mean a lot of things, but Terkel and Grim are pretty good reporters.

Now, beyond that, I'm not sure what to make of all this immediately, beyond it being a trial balloon to gauge just how weak (or strong) McAuliffe's grassroots Democratic support is.

It's also possible that Perriello is seeking some statewide exposure for a future run, which a primary, or even just the exploration of a run, could provide. I would just note, however, that if this were the case, wouldn't a run for AG make more sense?

And, of course, as Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and maybe Perriello just wants to run for and serve as governor.

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by: aznew @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:46:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

AG (4.00 / 1)

The Virginia Attorney General, by the Constitution, must have the "qualifications required for a judge of a court of record." Which means that he must be a member of the bar of the Commonwealth for five years prior to holding office. Tom is not a member of the Virginia Bar, and although Virginia has reciprocity with New York, one requirement is being active in the practice of the law for five of the last seven years. I don't think CAP and being a member of Congress (or candidate) would count.

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by: FreeDem @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 19:16:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh, interesting (0.00 / 0)

Thanks for the info.

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by: aznew @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 19:38:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Cuccinelli statement on Bolling's announcement (0.00 / 0)

I am honored and proud to have served with the Lieutenant Governor over the last decade, in the State Senate, as running mates for statewide office and as leaders of Virginia State Government.

Throughout this race, I have kept to the premise that Bill and I are allies in governance, even if temporary competitors in politics. Bill Bolling is a good man - a true public servant who has worked hard throughout his career to make Virginia a better place to live and raise our families. I cannot speak highly enough of his service.

I will honor the Lt. Governor's service by campaigning for Governor as we both pledged to govern when we were sworn in, in 2010. I will continue the challenging work of advancing first principles in Virginia's policy arena by creating an environment for maximizing job creation, preserving life, liberty and opportunity, and working to make Virginia a beacon of hope and prosperity in these tough economic times.

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 17:22:23 PM UTC

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia statement (0.00 / 0)

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has spent his career in politics attacking women's rights, working to restrict access to essential reproductive health care, and putting his political ideology before the lives of Virginia women. Make no mistake: if elected governor, Ken Cuccinelli will continue the war on women in Virginia - this time from the highest office in the Commonwealth.

We cannot and will not allow this to happen. NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia will spend the next eleven months making sure that every Virginian knows exactly what's at stake in this election, and exactly how Cuccinelli's anti-choice policies will hurt her and her family.

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by: lowkell @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 17:48:46 PM UTC

PS - tell someone to turnon Terrys Contribution (4.00 / 1)

link...time to get this party started.

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by: totallynext @ Wed Nov 28, 2012 at 18:28:07 PM UTC