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Video: NC Motorcycle Safety and Abortion Restriction Legislation Offers Preview for VA?

By
lowkell
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0

I wanted to post this video, by Eric Byler and Annabel Park, for two reasons. First, to say THANK YOU to Annabel and Eric for the great work they’ve been doing – as part of their Story of America documentary film project – in covering North Carolina’s meltdown from a model for the “new South” into a right-wing loony bin, under Teapublican misrule of course. Second, to show yet again the types of extremism that could await Virginia if we’re foolish enough to elect Ken Cuccinelli and his Tea Party clones this November.

P.S. See the “flip” for Annabel and Eric’s explanation of what happened today.

Motorcycle safety and abortion restriction measures passed the North Carolina House today and will be referred to the NC Senate, which has already passed similar abortion restrictions attached to a “Sharia Law” bill.

In the House version, requirements of health clinics that offer abortion are less stringent than in the Senate. It is understood that closed-door negotiations between House Speaker Thom Tillis and Gov. Pat McCrory led to this vote, which many believe could clear the way for McCrory to sign the legislation, saying he had succeeded in making abortion restrictions more moderate.

Read about the changes here:

http://www.wral.com/house-appr…

This debate was not as interesting as the Senate debate, nor was it as passionate. Or, perhaps it just seemed that way because we were shut out of the House floor and could not get a good angle filming from the gallery above.

This video was edited and uploaded while we were still inside the North Carolina General Assembly waiting for the historic session to end. As this video was uploading, we were able to get an interview with House Rep. Rick Glazier, who figured prominently in today’s debate. Video soon.

Human Rights Campaign Endorses Virginia Democratic Ticket

By
lowkell
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2

The following press release is from Sen. Donald McEachin’s office. Also, Sen. Mark Herring says, “I was honored to be endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign this morning and I am proud to be an ally in the fight for equality with Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam for Lt. Governor…As Attorney General, I will be committed to protecting the civil rights of all Virginians and to use the powers of the office to promote equality. Virginia cannot afford another four years of an Attorney General like Ken Cuccinelli, and that is exactly what my opponent, Mark Obenshain, represents. It’s time for an Attorney General who believes in equality; it’s time for fundamental change.”

Senators Speak of Progress Here in Virginia on LGBT issues

Richmond – Today, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor, Ralph Northam for Lieutenant Governor and Mark Herring for Attorney General in a press conference with Senators Donald McEachin and Adam Ebbin and the president of the HRC, Chad Griffin and James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia.

Mr. Griffin said, in announcing the endorsement, “Virginians have a choice to make this November. One option, [the Republican ticket,] represents harmful beliefs that are not indicative of the mainstream values of either Party. But Virginians can reject that radical fringe, and instead elect candidates who support fairness, freedom and dignity for all.”

In accepting the endorsement, Senator Ralph Northam, Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, said, “I want to thank the Human Rights Campaign for their support and confidence in me to advocate for equality as your next Lieutenant Governor.  Virginia businesses need access to the best and the brightest workforce, teachers, professors, innovators, job creators, and that includes the LGBT community.  That is why we need to turn the ‘open for business’ light on across the Commonwealth by making Virginia a welcoming and inclusive place for all our families,” said Senator Ralph Northam.

Senator Herring, Democratic nominee for Attorney General thanked the HRC for their confidence and support. “As Attorney General, I will be committed to protecting the civil rights of all Virginians and to use the powers of the office to promote equality. Virginia cannot afford another four years of an Attorney General like Ken Cuccinelli, and that is exactly what my opponent Mark Obenshain represents. It’s time for an Attorney General who believes in equality; it’s time for fundamental change.”

Senator Ebbin spoke of the progress being made here in Virginia. “Thomas Jefferson said laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. And minds are progressing and being enlightened every day. And Virginia is ready to wake up from history.”

Senator McEachin elaborated on the progress being made by the LGBT community and that he is sure that, with hard work, equality will be achieved. “As it says in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 54:17, No weapons formed against you shall prosper. Today that prophecy is coming true. Don’t ask, don’t tell – gone. No weapons formed against you shall prosper. DOMA – gone. No weapons formed against you shall prosper. And someday, very soon the egregious ban on gay marriage shall be gone for no weapons formed against you shall prosper. We will not stop fighting until ALL Virginians are treated equally under the law.”

Tell McDonnell and Cuccinelli to Come Clean Now!

By
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus
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0

It’s time Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli come clean with Virginians.  It’s clear that together they have received almost $200,000 in “gifts,” “loans,” cash, vacations and fun-filled trips around the country from just one company, Star Scientific.  And that is just what we know about.

Please sign our petition asking McDonnell and Cuccinelli to “Come Clean!!”  

https://services.myngp.com/ngp…

The latest revelation in this scandal “is rapidly recasting the state’s image for clean government” according to today’s Washington Post.  McDonnell and Cuccinelli either failed to report these “gifts” at all or reported them late “inadvertently.”

We deserve to know not only all the gifts they received from Star Scientific, but what other gifts did they and their family members receive from other high profile companies?  What favors have McDonnell and Cuccinelli provided?

Sign this petition demanding accountability.

Also please forward this to your friends, tweet it, and post it on Facebook.  Let’s get as many signatures as we can demanding that McDonnell and Cuccinelli come clean with the folks they are supposed to serve.

Sincerely,

Donald McEachin

Chair, Senate Democratic Caucus

Authorized and paid for by Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus.  

Video: Top VA GOP Donor Pat Robertson Says Gays are Really Straights with “chromosomal damage”

By
lowkell
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0

For more about this top Virginia GOP donor‘s latest bigoted ravings, see here.

Cuccinelli Falsely Claims He’s Never Done Anything for Jonnie Williams

By
lowkell
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0

From the Democratic Party of Virginia:

Last night at a campaign stop, Ken Cuccinelli tried to convince reporters that he'd never done anything that benefited scandal-plagued Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams. That statement is not true.

The truth is while Cuccinelli was buying stock and accepting Williams’ lavish gifts, his office was sitting on a lawsuit that could have forced Williams to pay $1.7 million in state taxes. Cuccinelli has yet to release information about whether or not his inaction on Williams’ lawsuit was directly related to the stock and gifts, but there is no question that letting that tax bill go unpaid for two years is the direct opposite of Cuccinelli’s claim that the only thing Williams ever got from his office “is opposition.”

Letting his friend and financial patron slide by on his tax bill isn’t the only favor Cuccinell did for Williams. In 2011 the Attorney General flew to Kentucky on Jonnie Williams' dime to campaign for Williams' favored Attorney General candidate there.

“Ken Cuccinelli’s desperate rhetorical gymnastics won’t be enough to convince Virginians that Jonnie Williams showered the Attorney General with gifts simply out of the goodness of his heart,” said DPVA spokesman Brian Coy. “The truth is Cuccinelli’s inaction led to a more than two year delay in a case that could force Williams to pay $1.7 million to Virginia taxpayers, and Cuccinelli was all too eager to travel out of state and campaign for Williams’ favored Kentucky candidate.

“It's long past time for Ken Cuccinelli to stop hiding the truth and give Virginians the accountability they deserve by fully disclosing his relationship with Jonnie Williams and Star Scientific.”

Background:

 “Cuccinelli said that he's never offered Williams any favors – “only thing he's gotten from my office is opposition.” [National Journal,7/11/13]

Star Tax Case Sat Dormant under Attorney General Cuccinelli since August 2011 

In March 2013 the AP reported, “Henrico-based Star Scientific Inc. sued Virginia's Department of Taxation in Mecklenberg Circuit Court in July 2011 over a $700,000 tax dispute with the state. A deputy attorney general filed an answer to the complaint the following month. There have been no new motions, pleadings, filings or hearings in the case since.” [AP, 3/22/13]

 

…Despite $1.7 Million on the Line for Virginia Taxpayers

The Roanoke Times editorial board stated, “The stakes are significant for Star Scientific, which is making a push to market a plant-based dietary supplement designed to reduce inflammation. The company could be on the hook for at least $1.7 million in taxes, penalties and interest if it loses the dispute, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.” [Roanoke Times Editorial, 4/2/13]

 

After Getting “Flak” for Gifts From Star Scientific CEO Cuccinelli Recused Himself From Case “Only Under Pressure”

In May 2013, the Daily Progress editorial board stated, “Mr. Cuccinelli took flak when it was revealed that he had received gifts from Mr. Williams while at the same time his office was representing the commonwealth in a tax dispute with Star Scientific. He recused himself from that case only under pressure.” [Daily Progress, 5/7/13]


Private Attorney in Norfolk: “This Looks Bad and Smells Bad”

Paul Campsen, a private attorney in Norfolk for whom tax litigation is a specialty, said, “To me this isn't just the appearance of a conflict, it is a conflict of interest. This looks bad and this smells bad.” [AP, 3/22/13]

 

Reports Showed Cuccinelli Bought More Star Scientific Stock AFTER The Company Filed Its Lawsuit against the Commonwealth

In April 2013, the AP reported, “Last weekend, the Post reported that Cuccinelli purchased some of his stock in the company after it sued the state. It is Cuccinelli's lone stock investment.” [AP, 4/5/13]

Williams flew Cuccinelli to Kentucky to Campaign for Republican Candidate

“Among the donations that were revealed after Cuccinelli revised his statement of economic interest was a $3,254 trip to Kentucky. While the trip itself has been reported, the purpose or timing of the trip remained a mystery.

NBC12 has confirmed that Williams help to fund Cuccinelli's trip to Kentucky to campaign for the GOP candidate for Attorney General Todd P'Pool. Cuccinelli appeared with P'Pool, who was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Jack Conwayat an event and fundraiser on September 29th. 

According to P'Pool's financial disclosure report, the Cuccinelli fundraiser brought in close to $15 thousand for the challenger's campaign.

The timing of the Kentucky trip falls right around the same time that the lawsuit was filed by Star Scientific. The event was in September of 2011.  The lawsuit was filed just three months earlier in July.” [NBC 12, 4/8/13]

Leaving McDonnell: Which Major Republican Jumps Ship First?

By
Goldmanusa
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2

( – promoted by lowkell)

by Paul Goldman

That big splash you heard was…? The 200-proof political question in Virginia today, which is:  Which major Republican will be the first to jump ship on Governor McDonnell? Splash!

So far, only two Democratic Senators have called on Governor McDonnell to resign. No splash. Both are considered NOVA “liberals” by the press, although this is rather silly in the case of Chap Petersen if you know his voting history. But a backbench Dem calling on a GOP Governor to give up the ghost isn’t going to shake McDonnell off his limb. Still, Virginia politics is in uncharted waters. What is liberal, what is conservative; it is all a jumble.

However, confusion doesn’t reign over this fact:  His Excellency Bob “I’ve got a Rolex and You Don’t” McDonnell is Dead Governor Walking. He is also Bankrupt Governor Walking, if he is really run up a $1 million fee by going all the way in a fight with the federales assuming they indict him.

Politics is a brutal business. Money talks, and everything else walks, as the saying goes. If you have enough money, if you pay off enough people, you can get away with what McDonnell did. Heck, it is penny ante corruption compared to what else goes on.

But this too is clear: Governor McDonnell is in denial, he just doesn’t get it. His Governorship is ruined. No Republican thinking about a future in VA politics can defend him. Which begs the question: Who will be the first major Republican to jump the shark and publicly call for McDonnell to either come clean or get lost?  

So far, only Delegate Bob Marshall, one of the body’s most conservative members, has dared speak out publicly, declaring the Governor’s gift taking as unacceptable, mind-blowing and if not illegal now, it has to be made illegal by the next General Assembly. But Marshall has always been the most anti-establishment of Republicans. Moreover, he is not in the GOP leadership.

So who jumps first? We should know by July 20. This is the day of the first debate between Cuccinelli and McAuliffe. The first question is almost certain be about McDonnell, don’t you think? Cuccinelli will need to have a kick-ass answer: and he will need to have lined up Speaker Howell, etc, to back him up. If not, his chances of winning will depend solely on McAuliffe making a rookie mistake.

Cuccinelli can dominate the debate and the headlines coming out of the debate with the right answer: or he can do the same but with everything highlighting the wrong answer. As Joe Louis famously said about Billy Conn: He can run but he can’t hide. Having thought about it from a 200-proof political angle, Cuccinelli does have one possible right answer: but it is high risk, meaning he would be playing without a net.

Right now, the bet is: He punts. This would then give the ball to McAuliffe. It is hard to see Terry missing such a softball pitch. Like it or not, the Governor’s race is now all about McDonnell.

Nixon resigned in August of 1974, a few months before the mid-term election, as the GOP leaders were calling for him to go in hopes of starving off disaster at the polls. It didn’t work. But they knew having Nixon stay would be worse. Moreover, Nixon knew that if he stayed, the election would be a referendum on him.

McDonnell now faces the same fate. So do the Republicans. Splash! Will we hear this sound prior to July 20 We will know in 9 days.  

Mark Herring to Mark Obenshain: Do You Agree With Cuccinelli’s Handling of Star Scientific Scandal?

By
lowkell
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1

From Sen. Mark Herring, the next Attorney General of Virginia.

HERRING TO OBENSHAIN: DO YOU AGREE WITH THE WAY KEN CUCCINELLI HAS HANDLED STAR SCIENTIFIC SCANDAL?

Herring Asks Obenshain To End His Silence And Tell Virginians Where He Stands

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Senator Mark Herring sent a letter to his Republican opponent Senator Mark Obenshain today asking him to finally tell Virginians whether or not he agrees with the way Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has handled the investigation into Governor Bob McDonnell and the company Star Scientific.

On July 3 the Washington Post reported that the Cuccinelli campaign said the Attorney General was “walled off” from the investigation and claimed he had no knowledge of the allegations of improper behavior made against Governor Bob McDonnell by former Executive Mansion chef Todd Schneider.

In his letter, Herring noted that Obenshain has been silent in regards to the scandal involving the close financial relationship between the company Star Scientific and its CEO Jonnie Williams with Governor Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli, and that the people of Virginia deserve to hear his thoughts on how this has been handled so they can better understand how he would address such issues if he were to serve as Attorney General.

“Senator Obenshain, I know you and the Attorney General have enjoyed a close working relationship and a personal friendship. Ken Cuccinelli personally endorsed your candidacy to succeed him at the Republican Convention in May,” the letter reads.

“My question for you is simple: Do you believe that the way this was handled by the Attorney General’s office was appropriate?”

On the campaign trail, Obenshain has talked about his close, personal relationship with the Attorney General and his office as one of his qualifications to replace Cuccinelli.

Prior to the convention, Obenshain told a conservative blog: “Finally, I know the personnel in the office.  Ken and I, we’re personally and politically close.  Four years ago, he invited me to serve on his transition team and I spent the better part of a month in conference rooms in Fairfax and Richmond recruiting, interviewing, and giving advice to the Attorney General as he structured and built his office.  I know the office, the job, and the work.  The experiences that I’ve had, I think make me a pretty darn well-rounded candidate, equipped to do the job, without missing – I can take the baton from Ken, build on his work, without missing a step.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Virginia News Headlines: Thursday Morning

By
lowkell
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4

Here are a few Virginia (and national) news headlines, political and otherwise, for Thursday, August 11. Also, see Sen. Donald McEachin’s FOIA request regarding Ken Cuccinelli’s ties to Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams on the “flip.”

*Boehner warns House GOP will be weaker without immigration reform (Just ditch the stupid “Hastert Rule,” and you can have bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform tomorrow. Of course, you won’t be speaker anymore when the crazy teahadists overthrow you, but…)

*Activist Adam Kokesh arrested after loading shotgun in Freedom Plaza (“An Internet talk show host was arrested at his home in Herndon on Tuesday night after a videotaped July Fourth stunt in which he loaded a shotgun in the District’s Freedom Plaza – a violation of the city’s gun laws”)

*Today’s top opinion: Drip to flood (The right-wing RTD gets it partly correct, but also has a howler about McDonnell’s supposed “accomplishments.” The transportation package was the big one, but that had a LOT more to do with the General Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – than with McDonnell, whose initial plan was HORRIBLE!)

*New poll finds majority of Virginians support same-sex marriage (55%-41%, eh? How about we put that Marshall-Newman amendment to a vote again?)

*Gov. McDonnell must answer questions about scandal (“Mr. McDonnell’s head-spinning hypocrisy has stained his reputation and shredded the bonds of trust that any governor must maintain with the public if he wishes to be effective and credible. It’s time for him to stop dodging hard questions and hiding behind legal niceties; it’s time for Mr. McDonnell to level with Virginians about what has become the state’s most toxic scandal in years.”)

*State Sen. Barbara Favola calls for Gov. McDonnell’s resignation

*Gifts from donors have some asking for tighter Virginia rules (“Some” should be “ALL!”)

*Cuccinelli backs away from McDonnell as gift controversy swells (The problem is, Cuccinelli’s totally tied in with this, in multiple ways.)

*Bob McDonnell’s Growing Scandal Could Spill Over to Ken Cuccinelli (“The Republican nominee always kept his distance from the governor. Now it’s a political imperative.”)

*Once A Rising GOP Star, Virginia’s Governor Hits The Skids (I never understood why he was a rising star, and he’s hit the skids for a reason – personal corruption – I never would have suspected. It’s weird how things work out sometimes…)

*Star-Scientific to weigh heavily in Governor’s race (“Democrats plan to constantly remind voters that Cuccinelli has received plenty from Williams, including vacation stays, dietary supplements and plane rides. Most of which he failed to initially report.”)

*Sources confirm McDonnell negotiating resignation (Intriguing story by The Richmonder.)

*Bolling in shadows as McDonnell’s star plunges

*A new push  for redistricting reform (“Partisan redistricting leaves few competitive legislative races, but civic-minded leaders  are pressing for change.”)

*Obenshain makes a play for the Muslim vote?

*Herring, Obenshain back ban on gifts exceeding $100

*Cuccinelli says McAuliffe has rolled out no policies (PolitiFact gives that one a “FALSE”)

*McDonnell’s help sought by mental health training center families

*Latest deluge lifts July to rainiest on record in Roanoke (with photos) (Just remember, none of these freak weather events we’re constantly hearing about have ANYTHING to do with the massive global climate disruption we’re experiencing. Nope, just move right along, nothing to see here…snark.)

*Emails shed light on ABC case, response

*Disabled Metro train causes massive delays on Orange and Blue lines (This system seems far too brittle to me. Should be a lot more flexibility built in, so this kind of thing doesn’t happen for a simple disabled train…)

*Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes dismissed from school by student committee (“Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes has been dismissed from the school by a student judicial board after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault and battery charge last month.”)

*Nationals pound Cliff Lee for four HRs to back Gio Gonzalez in 5-1 win

Senator McEachin Submits FOIA Request on Cuccinelli Ties to Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams

Senator Donald McEachin is submitting a Freedom of Information Act request to the Office of the Attorney General today asking for all information provided to the Cuccinelli for Governor campaign about the Attorney General’s involvement in matters related to Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams.  

The Office of the Attorney General shared information with the Cuccinelli campaign which, in turn, released  some of that information to the Washington Post.  Senator McEachin is requesting that all Virginians be offered the same level of access as Cuccinelli’s campaign, a non-governmental political organization.

The FOIA specifically asks for:

1.  All communications between any member of the Office of the Attorney General and Jonnie Williams.

2.  All internal and external communications to which the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the Office’s potential conflict of interest in the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion.

3.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the allegations against Governor McDonnell made byTodd Schneider.

4.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party related to any “walling off” of the Attorney General in the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion.

5.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the Attorney General’s financial disclosures.

6.  All information concerning any fees charged by the Office of the Attorney General or paid by anyone for the preparation of the “Inquiry on Star Scientific” Memorandum dated June 27, 2013 from the Cuccinelli for Governor Campaign.

7.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the “Inquiry on Star Scientific” Memorandum dated June 27, 2013 from the Cuccinelli for Governor Campaign.

8. All Freedom of Information Act requests received by the Office of the Attorney General seeking information or documents related in any way to the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion, and the response provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

The full FOIA request can be found below:

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli

Office of the Attorney General

900 E. Broad St.

Richmond, VA 23219

Dear General Cuccinelli:

Your office recently released to your campaign a document, entitled “Inquiry on Star Scientific,” dated June 27, 2013.  Since you have shared information related to the claims made within that document with a non-governmental third party, your gubernatorial campaign, it is clear that your office does not consider anything related to those matters discussed in the memorandum to be privileged.  In any event, having released the information, any previous claim to privilege has been waived.

Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act follows Virginia’s tradition of an open and accessible government, and the public is legally entitled access to any information your office can release to third parties, and such documentation as would support that release.  At this point much of what I’m asking will have already been compiled by your office for your campaign for Governor, so fulfilling this request should be easy.

Your office has provided your campaign, a non-governmental organization, with information not currently available to the taxpayers who paid for your work.  The Freedom of Information Act is designed to ensure that Virginia’s taxpayers know how every elected official, including the Attorney General, is spending our tax dollars.  Pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, §2.2.3704(G) et seq., and as a Virginia resident, I therefore request copies of records of the following items:

1.  All communications between any member of the Office of the Attorney General and Jonnie Williams.

2.  All internal and external communications to which the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the Office’s potential conflict of interest in the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion.

3.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the allegations against Governor McDonnell made byTodd Schneider.

4.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party related to any “walling off” of the Attorney General in the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion.

5.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the Attorney General’s financial disclosures.

6.  All information concerning any fees charged by the Office of the Attorney General or paid by anyone for the preparation of the “Inquiry on Star Scientific” Memorandum dated June 27, 2013 from the Cuccinelli for Governor Campaign.

7.  All internal and external communications to which any member of the Office of the Attorney General was a party regarding the “Inquiry on Star Scientific” Memorandum dated June 27, 2013 from the Cuccinelli for Governor Campaign.

8. All Freedom of Information Act requests received by the Office of the Attorney General seeking information or documents related in any way to the Commonwealth’s case against Todd Schneider for embezzlement at the Executive Mansion, and the response provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

Per §2.2.3704(G) of the Virginia Code, please send the requested records to me electronically at dmceachin@mceachingee.com.  Many of these documents were, presumably, already prepared for your campaign, therefore I request that any fees associated with preparation of those documents be waived.

Sincerely,

A. Donald McEachin

Stargate: Scandal of the Year

By
kindler
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0

It’s been a tough stretch for us scandal connoisseurs lately. We’ve had to settle for a lot of pretty lame pseudo-scandals — Umbrella-gate, Climategate, IRS, Benghazi, birth certificate-gate, etc. — which have mostly turned out to be figments of fevered tea party imaginations.  

So I want to thank Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli for giving us a real live one — Stargate, the continuing saga of Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams’ herculean efforts to buy himself a few politicians.  Day by day, the revelations keep on coming about the gifts Williams showered on his politician buddies and their convenient ability to forget to report those gifts.

Stargate has now developed all the qualities of a great scandal — and like the Blob, it just keeps on growing.  Consider the scandal checklist:

– Salacious items: Rolex, Ferrari, limos, dog food, tobacco-based supplements…

– Drumbeat: new tidbits leaking out every week (thanks to Rosalind Helderman and her coworkers at the WaPo for sticking to this story like bloodhounds)

– Denials: McDonnell: “I…am not a crook.” (Makes V for victory sign with fingers); Cuccinelli: “Actually, I’m the hero who got all the investigations started.  Have I also mentioned that I invented the Internet?”

– Suspicious timelines: who knew what by when?

– A mysterious rich guy: Who is Jonnie Williams and how did he worm his way into the corridors of power in Richmond?  (And who stole the “h” in his name?)

– A pissed off whistle-blower — the governor’s chef of all people (which genius thought up that plot twist?)

– Big political implications: remember McDonnell’s presidential aspirations?  Now he’d be lucky to be named president of the Hair Club for Men.  Oh, yeah, and that whole Cuccinelli for Governor thing?  Well, take it as an omen that so many Republican donors are taking a pass on this one.

– Seedy family ties: wife’s gifts, daughter’s wedding, family business on the take

– Circling sharks: FBI, judge, state investigation, media, political opponents calling for McDonnell’s resignation

– Star lawyers (pun intended)– think Johnnie Cochran: “If the Rolex won’t fit, you must acquit!”

The good news is that Bob McDonnell has been pushing Hollywood to make more movies in the Commonwealth, and now they’ve got a perfectly good storyline for one.  

What should they call it?  How about “Star Trek: The Final Frontier for Bob and Ken’s Careers”?

Video: Virginia-Pilot’s Julian Walker Explains the McDonnell Scandals on the NewsHour

By
lowkell
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0

Nice job by Julian Walker, who’s been on top of this story for months, and who lays it out clearly for a national audience.

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