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Cuccinelli Declares Candidacy for Governor in 2013
Wow, the end of the week has certainly been busy in Virginia politics, as Ken Cuccinelli has declared he will be running for the Republican nomination for Governor, and Mark Obenshain has declared that he will be exploring a bid for Attorney General in 2013. While Cuccinelli’s decision to run for Governor caught many by surprise, it will nonetheless provide some excitement at the RPV Advance this weekend. (I am sad to say that I will not be in attendance this year, due to some other scheduling conflicts…i.e., it is the last road race of the season…more on this later.)
Cuccinelli said in a letter to his staff at the Office of the Attorney General (Source: WTVR):
OAG colleagues,
You have likely heard in the media the many rumors about an announcement of a run for governor. While I wanted to wait to announce a candidacy until after the General Assembly session, as the rumors swirl, I find it necessary to put them to rest.
After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to run for governor in 2013. I have always intended to let you know before the media. Shortly after you receive this email, I will be sending a statement to the media announcing my candidacy.
Being attorney general is the best job of my life, and working with so many bright and dedicated professionals in this office has made it a true joy.
We have protected vulnerable citizens from fraud, worked to get gangs off the streets through intervention as well as prosecution, saved taxpayers from millions in Medicaid fraud, fought for fair utility prices for consumers, provided our clients with official legal opinions that have never been overruled by any court, and stood up to the federal government when it broke the law and infringed on the sovereignty of Virginia and the liberty of her people.
We will continue this work together until the last day of my term. Just as I had intended not to resign as attorney general to run for a second term, I will not resign as attorney general to run for governor. The people of Virginia trusted me to be their attorney general, and I intend to give them their full four years. I also think it is important to see these lawsuits against the federal government all the way through, as they are unprecedented battles for liberty in our lifetimes.
I am committed to you and to the citizens of this commonwealth to leading this office and making this job my priority. I have no right to ask the voters for a promotion if I cannot continue to do my current job well.
I know many of you are wondering why I decided to run for governor instead of for re-election. As so many former attorneys general know from being legal counsel to every agency of state government, this job gives you tremendous insight and perspective on the inner workings of state government that no other job can provide.
Being governor of the commonwealth and all its agencies is truly a massive task, and with only four years to do it, there is little time for on-the-job training. That is especially true when Virginia and the entire country are facing unprecedented economic challenges, a bullying federal government, and financially strapped citizens who are demanding that we ensure every dollar taken from their families to pay for government is a dollar that is spent wisely. When Governor McDonnell finishes his successful term, I am convinced his successor needs to hit the ground running to keep the momentum moving forward in the face of federal and economic challenges.
I hope you have known me long enough to know that I do this out of my love for our commonwealth and to further the principles on which this country was founded. Although I originally expected to serve as attorney general for another term, my job is that of public servant, and I feel that two years from now, I can best serve the people of Virginia from the governor’s office.
Thank you for your dedication to this office and to the people we serve. I look forward to our continued work together and our successes during the remaining two years of my term.
Ken
With the announcement, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling released a statement saying that he was shocked by Cuccinelli’s decision.
“Needless to say, I am very disappointed by Mr. Cuccinelli’s decision to run for Governor in 2013. During the 2009 campaign, and since taking office in 2010, Mr. Cuccinelli had repeatedly stated that he intended to seek re-election as Attorney General in 2013 and that is what I and other Republican leaders had expected him to do. Unfortunately, he has now decided to put his own personal ambition ahead of the best interests of the Commonwealth and the Republican Party.
“In 2009, Governor McDonnell and I gave Virginia Republicans a blueprint for how to win statewide elections in Virginia. It started with our decision to join together and offer a united vision for the future of our state. In order to make that possible, I decided to seek re-election to the office of Lieutenant Governor and support Bob McDonnell’s campaign for Governor. Unlike Mr. Cuccinelli, I set aside my personal ambition and did what was right for the Commonwealth and our party.
“I have consistently stated my intention to run for Governor in 2013, and Mr. Cuccinelli’s announcement will not alter my intended course. After serving 10 years in the State Senate and 6 years as Lieutenant Governor, I am uniquely prepared to succeed Governor McDonnell and lead Virginia into the future. I have also served for 2 years in Governor McDonnell’s cabinet, which has provided me with the experience and knowledge of the executive branch of state government that is necessary to continue our successes. Throughout my public service I have provided conservative, results oriented leadership, and I have worked with Republicans and Democrats to get things done for the people of Virginia. That experience and record of results enables me to reach out to conservative and independent voters and makes me the strongest candidate for Governor in 2013.
“In the months to come I will keep my focus on doing a good job as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, fulfilling my responsibilities as our state’s Chief Jobs Creation Officer, and working to elect Republican candidates in 2012. I will also continue doing the work I have been doing to lay the foundation for my own gubernatorial campaign in 2013. If I do that work well, the political future will take care of itself.”
Granted, Bolling has every right to be upset. However, he stepped aside during the 2009 election for Bob McDonnell to run, and Cuccinelli never promised that he would step aside to allow Bolling to remain unopposed for the Republican nomination. However, Bolling’s response did not come across that great. He should have welcomed Cuccinelli into the race and make this an opportunity to address the issues facing the Commonwealth in 2013.
With Cuccinelli entering the race, this will provide a choice. Cuccinelli has been popular with tea party activists and has always stood on principle, even when it might not have been the most popular choice.
2013 is still a long way off. We do have an election to focus on in 2012, and it is one that is especially crucial, as we will be deciding on whether to continue our country down the wrong track or bring it back to a climate for economic prosperity and job growth.
Blogger's Day Recap
On Wednesday, I joined with conservative bloggers from throughout the Commonwealth in Richmond for Bloggers Day, which was hosted by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his staff. Upon arriving, we were briefed by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, his Chief of Staff, Randy Marcus, and Tucker Martin, Director of Communications for Governor Bob McDonnell. Transportation and Economic Development legislation were the main topics discussed during the morning session.
We also heard from Bob Holsworth, Managing Partner of DecideSmart and Founder of VirginiaTomorrow.com, who talked about the 2012 U.S. Senate Race. Boyd Marcus, Partner of Marcus & Allen Consulting talked about the impact of redistricting in the 2011 elections. Del. Bill Janis (R-Goochland) and Sen. Ryan McDougle (R-Mechanicsville) talked about the issues being addressed during this General Assembly session.
The Bloggers Day festivities ended with a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. It was great talking with Governor McDonnell. The Governor’s Mansion was beautiful and well preserved.
Thanks again to the Lieutenant Governor and his staff for hosting us.
Bill Bolling: Chief Job Creation Officer
Recently, the Roanoke Times had an article focusing on Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his role as Chief Job Creation Officer. The McDonnell Administration is focused on making Virginia a better place to do business, as their focus has been on economic development. Bolling has done an exemplary job in his role. As the Roanoke Times highlighted in their article, Bolling saved one of the NASCAR races from being moved to Kansas City.
Bolling’s star continues to shine through his role as Chief Job Creation Officer, as well as his overall service.
Bill Bolling at the RPV Advance Luncheon
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling was one of the featured keynote speakers during the Republican Party of Virginia Advance luncheon. In a speech that focused on the victories and the challenges ahead, Bolling gave an overall motivational talk about the direction of our party. Bolling discussed the improvements in the Commonwealth when it comes down to job creation and economic growth that has happened over the course of the past year. Citing Former Governor Tim Kaine’s lack of leadership as Governor, Bolling mentioned that the Republicans have turned around Richmond. Bolling also mentioned that we have turned a $6 million shortfall into a $400 billion surplus. Bolling also mentioned the success of government reform with the recent VDOT audit and that they found $1.5 billion for highway maintenance needs.
During the luncheon, Bolling applauded Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for holding Washington accountable with the recent lawsuits against President Obama’s health care plan.
Bolling also mentioned the successes of the recent Congressional victories. Bolling also cautioned Republicans that Virginia is not a red state and that this election was a referendum on the Obama/Pelosi policies. Bolling said, “We need to stand strong for conservative principles. We need to take those conservative principles and values, and present them to businesses and families. We need to be focused on solving problems consistent with our conservative values. We have to reach out to the changing face of Virginia and grow our party.”
Cross posted at Bearing Drift
Politics as usual for the Obama Administration
There have been a lot of references within the blogosphere and mainstream media recently comparing the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as President Barack Obama’s “Hurricane Katrina.” Why would such an analogy be posed? Well, take a look at today’s editorial in The Washington Examiner (reminder: the language in the editorial is a little salty) into why this crisis is being mismanaged by the Obama Administration.
An angry, frustrated President Obama reportedly exhorted aides to just “plug the damn hole” a week after the crude oil and natural gas began blowing out of BP’s Deepwater Horizon well a mile below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s a better piece of advice for Obama, his aides, and everybody else in Washington dealing with what is rapidly becoming the worst environmental disaster in American history: Stop the damn politics, quit pointing fingers, and focus on finding a solution. Nothing else matters until the well is capped. What has been desperately needed from the beginning of this tragedy is leadership. What we’ve gotten instead from the White House has been blame shifting, bureaucratic gamesmanship, and political opportunism.
This is great advice. Instead of playing politics and ahem…attending political fundraisers or vacationing in Chicago.
Now, the ramifications are being passed down to other offshore drilling sites. Recently, President Obama canceling the sale of the coast line off Virginia. This decision has been met with unfavorable reactions. Governor Bob McDonnell released this statement regarding the cancellation of the sale.
It is my hope that the President’s action does not signal the end of offshore energy exploration and production off Virginia in the years ahead. Once we have learned the lessons from this tragic accident, and made the necessary changes and improvements in the offshore industry and government oversight, we should move forward with environmentally responsible domestic offshore energy production for oil and natural gas. This nation needs more domestic energy production. If we decrease the amount of energy produced here in the United States, we will only increase the amount of energy we must import from overseas. We must have the foresight and objectivity to not let this tragic accident cripple our ability to increase energy production in the United States. That would be a tragedy in its own right.
Just as Americans did not quit or retreat from innovation after tragedies in space exploration, so must we learn, change and persevere in advancing energy independence by using all our natural resources. The spirit of American progress is to overcome adversity and conquer obstacles, not quit and accept failure. Our nation needs domestic energy production and the jobs and security that come with it. I am a strong proponent of a comprehensive energy policy for Virginia and America. We should greatly increase our domestic production and utilization of all energy sources. That includes offshore and onshore wind, coal, solar, nuclear, biofuels, waste to energy, natural gas and, with the appropriate improvements in the industry incorporated moving forward, offshore oil and gas. I have great confidence in American ingenuity, intelligence and innovation, and our ability to properly and reasonably move forward following this major setback.”
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling also released a statement saying:
“I am extremely disappointed that President Obama has chosen to cancel the Virginia lease sale for offshore energy exploration that was scheduled for 2012. While I certainly agree that we need to learn from the accident that recently occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and take additional steps to minimize the chance of an incident of this nature occurring again, I remain convinced that offshore energy development can occur safely and I do not believe that we should abandon or postpone responsible efforts to develop our offshore energy resources.
“Proceeding with this lease sale would enable our country to achieve a greater degree of energy security, while enabling Virginia to achieve a greater degree of economic security. The President’s decision will deprive Virginia of the economic resources and jobs that could be created as a result of offshore energy development, resources that are needed to help address critical needs like transportation; and it will keep our country dependent on foreign nations for large amounts of our energy resources. I do not believe that this is the right policy for our country, and I will continue to work to advance the exploration and development of Virginia’s offshore energy resources at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Perhaps, it is time for President Obama to quit playing the politics card and actually display true leadership.
Obama Allows Offshore Drilling in Virginia
President Obama cleared the way for offshore drilling off America’s coastlines today. This will also allow for the sales two years from now. According to The Washington Post, Obama said:
“Given our energy needs, in order to sustain economic growth and produce jobs and keep our businesses competitive, we’re going to need to harness traditional sources of fuel even as we ramp up production of new sources of renewable, homegrown energy,” Obama said. “So today we’re announcing the expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration — but in ways that balance the need to harness domestic energy resources and the need to protect America’s natural resources.”
We can thank the hard work of Governor Bob McDonnell, both of Virginia’s U.S. Senators, and some members of Virginia’s Congressional Delegation for taking leadership on this issue.
McDonnell released the following statement upon learning of Obama’s decision.
“I thank the President and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for ensuring Virginia will be the first state on the East Coast to explore for and produce energy offshore. The President’s decision to allow energy exploration off Virginia’s coast will mean thousands of new jobs, hundreds of millions in new state revenue and tens of billions of dollars in economic impact for the Commonwealth. It will also help our nation take a further step towards energy independence. Environmentally-safe offshore energy exploration and production is good for Virginia workers, the Virginia economy and national security. Just this session the General Assembly passed, with bipartisan support, legislation I requested to authorize offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling and to allocate 80% of revenues to transportation and 20% to green energy research and development.
The effort to ensure that Virginia stayed on track to hold an offshore lease sale as expeditiously as possible has been a bipartisan one at the federal level as well. I want to specifically thank Senator Mark Warner, Senator Jim Webb and Congressman Eric Cantor for their leadership and advocacy on the issue. I also want to thank all the Republicans and Democrats in our Congressional delegation who have strongly advocated for offshore energy production.
With today’s announcement, oil and gas can be produced in an environmentally-safe manner 50 miles off Virginia’s coast. Virginians will benefit from the thousands of jobs that will be created and the economic activity and development that will accompany this vital industry’s arrival in the state. However, to fully participate in the positive impact of offshore energy development, the Commonwealth must be included in all royalty and revenue sharing arrangements, in a manner equivalent to what the Gulf Coast states currently receive. Congressman Bob Goodlatte has already introduced legislation, with bipartisan support, to ensure revenue sharing. I urge our federal representatives to immediately move forward in ensuring Virginia receives our fair share of the revenues derived from our natural resources. I am confident that the United States Congress will act appropriately and expeditiously to ensure this occurs.
Offshore energy production is one part of an “all of the above” approach to ensuring energy security. It is an important component of the comprehensive energy policy that we must enact to move towards greater domestic energy security. We will also do more in Virginia to promote and produce other sources of energy in our borders, including wind, solar, biomass, coal and nuclear. Today’s announcement means future new jobs for Virginians and much-needed revenue for our Commonwealth. Again, I applaud the President for his decision, and thank all the Virginia leaders from both parties who have worked together to make this announcement possible.”
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling also made a statement regarding the decision saying:
“Today’s decision is a significant next step in making Virginia the ‘Energy Capital of the East Coast’ and will help spur our economic recovery. It will also help Virginia address the need for improved transportation infrastructure, create thousands of new jobs and bring in hundreds of millions in desperately needed revenue for Virginia. I am confident that our offshore energy resources will become a critical economic development tool for Virginia as we move forward.
“I would like to thank President Barack Obama and Secretary Ken Salazar for allowing Virginia to move forward with the 2012 lease sale and become the first state on the East Coast to explore for and ultimately produce offshore oil and natural resources. This decision will help bring the nation closer to energy independence and provide a significant economic development and job creation boost to Virginia.
“I want to congratulate Governor McDonnell and our federal partners in the Senate and House of Representatives on their successful and tireless efforts to encourage the Obama Administration to allow the lease sale to move forward. While I am a long-time supporter of developing our offshore energy resources and active advocate to the Obama Administration to keep Virginia in the 2012 lease sale, Virginia was ultimately successful because of broad bi-partisan support from our elected officials, businesses and citizens.
“Lastly, I would like to thank Governor McDonnell, the General Assembly and other stakeholder groups for working to pass legislation in support of Virginia’s offshore energy exploration. The legislative authorizations passed this session set the stage for the development of these resources and will help Virginia address a number of critical challenges in the future.”
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins said:
“President Obama’s announcement on offshore drilling is a victory for the Commonwealth and the entire country,” Mullins said.
“For the first time in decades, we will be able to tap the massive reserves of energy just over the horizon, lessening our dependence of foreign oil,” he said. “Exploration will also bring new, high-paying jobs to our economy, and will eventually bolster our transportation system with royalties from drilling.”
“Today’s announcement wouldn’t have happened without the leadership of Governor Bob McDonnell and a bipartisan majority in the Virginia General Assembly. While past governors have opposed drilling, Governor McDonnell pushed forward, letting Washington, D.C., know in no uncertain terms that Virginia was ready to become the Energy Capital of the East Coast,” Mullins said.
“Earlier this year, while some opponents in the Virginia Senate said offshore drilling was a ‘fantasy’ and ‘a train going nowhere,’ Governor McDonnell and a bipartisan team of legislators pressed on, working with Democrats and Republicans in Washington to make this new opportunity a reality,” he said. “The Governor’s team fought hard for this, and now we will all reap the benefits.”
“I congratulate Governor McDonnell and the bipartisan group that made this day possible for their foresight and persistence. This is truly a momentous day for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.
Offshore drilling will bring more employment opportunities to Virginia and help boost the economy with new incentives, etc.
Recap from the Inaugural Ball
Capping off yesterday’s Inauguration of Governor Bob McDonnell, the festivities from last night’s Inaugural Ball provide a memory that will remain around for a long time. I arrived at the Ball around 9 p.m., decked out in a teal column dress that had back cutouts and lots of sparkle. I can tell you that I felt and looked like a princess…so special thanks to my sister, who selected the dress and has great fashion sense.
Upon arriving, I went into take pictures. Ed Gillespie was talking to the audience, and members of the Inaugural Committee were on stage. Soon after Gillespie introduced the members of the Inaugural Committee, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and his wife, Teiro joined them. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann joined them on stage. After an introductory video, Governor McDonnell and his family made their grand entrance onto the stage. Governor McDonnell and the First Lady, Maureen, danced to “You’re Still the One,” which their daughter, Jeanine sang especially for the event.
The Governor’s favorite band, America, provided the entertainment. It was a great time to celebrate the victory and meet up with friends. Below are some pics from the event (including one of myself in my gown).
**All pics with the exception of mine were taken using the iPhone 3GS. My picture was taken by a friend.**
Recap from Last Night's Victory
Last night, I reported live from the Richmond Victory Party for Bearing Drift. However, I wanted to provide a glimpse into my thoughts on the Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey.
The victories of both Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie have definitely been a blow to President Obama, and even more so, it served as a referendum to the way Democrats have been handling the economic issues. When I worked at my polling location in the Centreville precinct in Western Fairfax, some of the voters I spoke with mentioned their disdain with the President’s handling of the economy and the current rise of unemployment numbers. One voter even mentioned that he never understood where Creigh Deeds or the rest of the Democratic ticket stood on the issues, and for the first time, this man was voting Republican for all of the statewide offices. Similar responses have been heard by many poll workers here in Virginia, as well as in New Jersey.
These victories are sweet, but we need to keep the momentum going. Both McDonnell and Christie will have to stick to their campaign promises and work to getting their proposals through. At times, this will be difficult, but it is not impossible, if they work across the aisle to implement common sense, limited government approaches. Another thing is that we should not be overly comfortable with being the dominant party, and I believe this point was best stated by Brian Kirwin’s post at Bearing Drift, when he said,
“Which brings me to what I’ve told most people for the past month: I think 2009 was 1993, and I’ve been saying so all year. That means we Republicans are ripe to have a 1994.
That ain’t good.
1994 for the rest of the nation was a great year. 1994 in Virginia and Hampton Roads wasn’t exactly stellar. The supremely vulnerable Sen. Chuck Robb won. Congressional Democrats across Hampton Roads won easily. Tom Davis defeated Leslie Byrne in the 11th, our sole pickup in the Gingrich Revolution, and a seat we no longer hold.
My memories of 1994 are full of a crowd of Republican candidates all anxiously and viciously destroying each other to win a nomination, and once it was won, the wounds didn’t heal at all (Ask any Democrat if they’ve seen how much fun that is lately.)
So, if we Republicans treat McDonnell’s victory like Allen’s victory, and go into 2010 like we went into 1994, we’ll be stuck with Nye and Perriello and Connelly while the rest of the nation has winning Republican campaigns.
Let’s think this time around. Now that we’ve beaten Democrats, let’s not make the mistakes they made in 2009 or the ones we made in 1994.”
I am overjoyed by the Republican tidal wave victory here in Virginia. Congratulations to Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli on their victories. Also, a special congratulations goes out to newly elected Delegates, Barbara Comstock, Rich Anderson, Tag Greason, and Jim LeMunyon, as well as those who were re-elected. Now, let’s get to work and follow through with the promises made during the campaign to move Virginia forward.
Election Day is Finally Here!
Well, the day we have been waiting for is finally here: Election Day. I will be providing some coverage throughout the day at Bearing Drift, but there will be some highlights here at CCC.
Here’s a voter’s guide for you based on some of my posts, yet it shouldn’t surprise some with my endorsements:
Governor: Bob McDonnell
Lieutenant Governor: Bill Bolling
Attorney General: Ken Cuccinelli
13th District: Bob Marshall
32nd District: Tag Greason
34th District: Barbara Comstock
35th District: Jim Hyland
38th District: Danny Smith
40th District: Tim Hugo
41st District: Kerry Bolognese
42nd District: Dave Albo
43rd District: Tim Nank
44th District: Jay McConville
47th District: Eric Brescia
48th District: Aaron Ringel
50th District: Jackson Miller
51st District: Rich Anderson
52nd District: Rafael Lopez
67th District: Jim LeMunyon
86th District: Tom Rust
Overall, if predictions and history are true, we are looking towards a Republican tidal wave in the House of Delegates.
Poll Numbers Showing GOP Victory
Yesterday, both Survey USA and Public Policy Polling released polls showing Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli all leading their opponents in double digit margins.
McDonnell leads Democrat Creigh Deeds, 58-41% (Survey USA) and 55-40% (PPP).
Bolling leads Democrat Jody Wagner, 56-42% (Survey USA) and 50-38% (PPP).
Cuccinelli leads Democrat Steve Shannon, 57-41% (Survey USA) and 52-36% (PPP).
