Bob McDonnell

Bob McDonnell

71st Governor of Virginia
Incumbent
Assumed office 
January 16, 2010
Lieutenant William T. Bolling
Preceded by Tim Kaine
Attorney General of Virginia
In office
January 14, 2006 – February 20, 2009
Preceded by Judith Jagdmann
Succeeded by Bill Mims
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 84th district
In office
1992–2005
Preceded by Glenn McClanan
Succeeded by Sal Iaquinto
Born June 15, 1954 ( 1954 -06-15) (age 56)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Maureen Patricia McDonnell (nee Gardner)
Children Jeanine, Cailin, Rachel, Bobby, Sean
Residence Virginia Beach, Virginia
Alma mater University of Notre Dame (B.B.A.)
Boston University (M.S.B.A.)
Regent University (M.A./J.D.)
Profession Politician
Attorney
U.S. Army Officer
Religion Roman Catholic
Website www.bobmcdonnell.com
Military service
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1976–1997
Rank US-O5 insignia.svg Lieutenant Colonel
Unit Army Reserve (1981–1997)

Robert Francis "Bob" McDonnell (born June 15, 1954) is the 71st and current Governor of Virginia and a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. McDonnell served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1993 until he was elected Attorney General in 2005. After campaigning as a pragmatist,[1] McDonnell was elected as the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, defeating state Senator Creigh Deeds by a seventeen point margin in the 2009 general election. McDonnell was inaugurated on January 16, 2010 on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol and succeeded Tim Kaine.

Contents

Early life, education, and career

Robert Francis McDonnell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a family of Irish descent. His family moved to Fairfax County, Virginia when he was one year old. McDonnell spent four years of his early childhood in Germany when his father John McDonnell, a United States Air Force officer, was sent out on assignment. After returning to Virginia four years later, the McDonnells permanently established residence in Fairfax County. His mother, Emma, worked at Mount Vernon. McDonnell graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia in 1972.[2][3] While attending Bishop Ireton High School, McDonnell played football and broke the T. C. Williams High School shut out streak of 20 quarters by scoring a touchdown with minutes left in the game.[4]

McDonnell attended the University of Notre Dame on an ROTC scholarship, graduating with a B.B.A. in management in 1976. Immediately following graduation, he served as a medical supply officer in the United States Army for four years.[5] His military posts were medical clinics in Germany from 1976 to 1979, and in Newport News, Virginia from 1979 to 1981.[6] In addition, McDonnell took night classes and received an M.S.B.A. from Boston University in 1980. After leaving active duty in 1981, McDonnell worked for the American Hospital Supply Corporation, primarily in the custom products regional division.

McDonnell's career path shifted from business to law and public policy when he selected a joint degree program at Regent University.[7] He obtained a M.A./J.D. there in 1989.[2][3] During his studies, McDonnell interned under Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-California).[8]

Personal life and family

McDonnell is married to Maureen Patricia McDonnell (née Gardner), with whom he has five children. The oldest, Jeanine, served as a U.S. Army platoon officer in Iraq.[2][3] Their younger daughter Cailin coordinated youth outreach for the Republican Party of Virginia's election efforts in 2009.

House of Delegates

McDonnell first ran and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1992, serving seven terms (14 years). He represented the 84th district in Virginia Beach. Under the 1998–2001 power-sharing arrangement between House Republicans and Democrats, he was Co-Chair of the Committee on the Chesapeake and its Tributaries in 2000–2001. He became Chair of the Courts of Justice Committee in 2003. He also served on the Rules Committee 2000–2005, and was Assistant Majority Leader.[2][9][10]

McDonnell continued to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army reserve, ultimately retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1997.

Attorney general

Campaign

Jeri Thompson, wife of former Senator Fred Thompson, speaks with Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell

In 2005, McDonnell ran for Attorney General. He campaigned on issues including protecting children from sexual predators, drug enforcement, identity theft, gang violence, and terrorism. The first result showed him with a victory of 323 votes, out of over 1.9 million votes cast, over his opponent, Democratic state Senator Creigh Deeds. Deeds filed for a recount, which began on December 20, 2005. After preliminary figures revealed 37 more votes for McDonnell and that Deeds would not make up the difference, he conceded the next day, giving McDonnell a 323 vote margin of victory.[11] McDonnell outspent Deeds in the general election by nearly one million dollars; the VA Republican State Leadership Committee donated $2,084,089 to McDonnell's campaign.[12]

He was inaugurated on January 14, 2006 in Williamsburg along with Democratic Governor Tim Kaine and Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Other acts

In 2007, McDonnell "played a key role in early negotiations" on the transportation package that was the key issue of contention in the General Assembly.[13] However, subsequently the package was declared unconstitutional based on a challenge filed by a Republican state senator.[14] Prior to a performance of the Sex Workers' Art Show at the College of William and Mary in the Spring of 2008, McDonnell forbade the sale of the group's books on school grounds.[15] McDonnell took the side of defecting Northern Virginia Episcopalians in a property lawsuit over the right of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia to retain church properties.[16]

In February 2009, McDonnell resigned as Attorney General to campaign full time for the Governorship of Virginia in the 2009 election.[2][17]

Candidate for governor

McDonnell announced his candidacy for the 2009 Virginia Gubernatorial election at American Legion's Boy's State of Virginia 2007, making him the seventh consecutive elected Attorney General to run. The statewide candidates, including McDonnell as Governor, were selected at a Republican State convention rather than a primary.[18] Less than two weeks later, State Senator R. Creigh Deeds won his party’s nomination in a primary, setting up a “rematch” from the state attorney general’s race four years earlier.

In early June, Creigh Deeds possessed a slight edge with a 47%-41% advantage in the early polls.[19] As the campaign continued to progressed, the polls shifted toward McDonnell's favor, giving him even a commanding lead in some.[20] When the Washington Post released McDonnell's thesis from Regent University, McDonnell's lead dwindled to only two percentage points per Rasmussen polling.[21] As the election proceeded, McDonnell's campaign regained steam. McDonnell defeated opponent Creigh Deeds in the general election by a vote of 59%-41%, receiving the highest percentage of the vote for any candidate for governor since 1961.[22] At the same time, the other two statewide offices on the ballot were also won by Republicans.[23]

Issues

McDonnell promised that his priority as Governor would be employment for Virginians. He supported right-to-work laws, low operating cost of government and a simplified tax code.[24][25] Having lived in various parts of the state, his road-side billboard varied with geographic location, describing him as "Tidewater's Own", "Northern Virginia's Own" and "Fairfax's Own."[26][27][28][29]

The McDonnell campaign strategy also focused on economic issues, transportation, and public safety.[30] Bob McDonnell's proposals included new job initiatives, boosting Virginia’s tourism, hospitality, and film industries, making Wallops Island the top commercial spaceport in America, and expanding growth in rural Virginia.[31] McDonnell’s education proposals would move $480 million per year from school administration and put it directly into the classroom; establish more specialized high schools to support high-demand industries; increase online learning through virtual schools; and support educational mentoring programs.[32][33] McDonnell has frequently expressed his support for President Barack Obama’s ideas on increasing parental choice through charter schools.[34]

Abortion

McDonnell is pro-life. As a state legislator, he was the lead sponsor for legislation that would have banned partial birth abortions, as well as legislation requiring parental consent before a minor has an abortion and informed consent for women seeking an abortion.[35] He opposes state and federal government funding for elective abortions.

Energy

McDonnell advocated making Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast.[36] He supported drilling for oil off of the coast of Virginia while simultaneously developing new technologies for wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable energy resources.[37] He intends to expand investments in renewable energy sources and incentivize green job creation.[36]

Gun rights

McDonnell is a gun rights advocate. He holds a "A" rating from the NRA and won their endorsement in his campaign for Governor.[38]

Same-sex marriage

McDonnell advocated for a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Transportation

McDonnell's campaign also addressed transportation, a major issue in heavily congested areas of Virginia. His plan advocated issuing $3 billion in transportation bonds that had been approved by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007 but not funded with a revenue source; modernizing the Virginia Department of Transportation; and encouraging public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure.[39] He has supported widening I-66 inside the Beltway, improving I-95, and finishing the Metrorail to Dulles Airport project.

Transparency

During McDonnell's campaign, he criticized then-Governor Tim Kaine for not disclosing his full schedule and for making out-of-state political appearances as Chair of the Democratic National Committee. McDonnell said, "The citizens must be certain that the governor is attending to the duties for which he was elected. The governor is Virginia's chief executive and represents the commonwealth at all times."[40] In March 2010, McDonnell received similar criticism for disclosing very few meetings or political appearances on his publicly released schedule.[40]

Thesis

McDonnell's 1989 thesis for Regent University[41] was a 93-page document titled The Republican Party's Vision for the Family: The Compelling Issue of The Decade. The document explored the rise in the numbers of divorces and illegitimate births, and examined public policies that may have contributed to that increase and proposed solutions.

The document gained attention in the campaign because it outlined a 15-point conservative agenda, including 10 points McDonnell pursued during his years in the General Assembly, according to press analysis.[42] This agenda includes opposition to abortion, support for school vouchers and covenant marriage, and tax policies that favor heterosexual families.[43] In his thesis, McDonnell wrote "government policy should favor married couples over 'cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators.'"[44] McDonnell also "described working women and feminists as 'detrimental' to the family."[44] McDonnell "criticized a landmark 1965 Supreme Court decision" which legalized the use of contraceptives and wrote that "man’s basic nature is inclined towards evil, and when the exercise of liberty takes the shape of pornography, drug abuse, or homosexuality, the government must restrain, punish, and deter."

McDonnell responded to the article, stating "Virginians will judge me on my 18-year record as a legislator and attorney general and the specific plans I have laid out for our future -- not on a decades-old academic paper I wrote as a student during the Reagan era and haven't thought about in years." The Washington Post reported McDonnell maintains: "Like everybody, my views on many issues have changed as I have gotten older." McDonnell says his evolved position on family policy is best represented by his 1995 welfare reform legislation where he "worked to include child day care in the bill so women would have greater freedom to work."[42]

Campaign organization and financial support

McDonnell's campaign headquarters was located in Richmond. His campaign finance report for September 15, 2009 indicates that he had nearly 1,500 more new donors than the Deeds campaign had total donors, a total of 6,239 donors, 4,946 of them new.[45]

One of the many bumper stickers the campaign used. This one features the campaign's slogan "Bob's for Jobs"

The McDonnell For Governor campaign printed a variety of bumper stickers appealing to many interest groups, including "Women for McDonnell," "Sportsmen for McDonnell," and "Independents for McDonnell." Some appealed to the diverse minority groups throughout the Commonwealth. Some featured the mascots of select public universities such as The University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Virginia Military Institute, and Old Dominion University. "Irish for McDonnell" stickers were printed for the select Virginia residents who attended the University of Notre Dame as well. His road-side billboard varied with geographic location, describing him as "Tidewater's Own", "Northern Virginia's Own" and "Fairfax's Own."[26][27][29][46]

Endorsements

Bob McDonnell was endorsed by Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and owner of the Washington Mystics;[47] Virginia AgPAC: the Political Action Committee of the Virginia Farm Bureau, representing over 147,000 members;[48] the Virginia Association of Realtors, the largest trade association in Virginia with over 33,000 Members;[49] The Virginia Credit Union League, a trade association representing the Commonwealth’s 194 not-for-profit credit unions and the 3 million member-owners residing in Virginia;[50] The Virginia Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a group whose membership consists of over 6,000 small businesses across Virginia;[51] and the National Rifle Association, which reversed its 2005 decision wherein it endorsed Deeds for Attorney General.

Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Bob McDonnell takes the oath of office to become the 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia

On January 16, 2010, McDonnell was inaugurated as the 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, replacing Tim Kaine as governor. This was the first inaugural ceremony to occur on the newly renovated steps of the Virginia State Capitol. In keeping with tradition, McDonnell signed executive orders after taking the oath. Instead of keeping with tradition[52] by signing an executive order banning discrimination in state employment (which he later signed on February 5), McDonnell signed orders establishing a Commission on job creation and a Virginia Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring.[53]

Two of McDonnell's appointments drew criticism. On May 7, 2010, McDonnell appointed Fred Malek to chair a 31-member advisory commission on reforming state government.[54] On May 10, 2010, several Democratic members of the Legislature criticized the appointment due to Malek's controversial actions as personnel director in the Nixon White House and due to a 2007 SEC investigation settlement.[55] On May 25, 2010, McDonnell was asked about the Malek appointment and stated that he was not aware of Malek's role in the Nixon Administration,[56] a remark which State Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Richmond) told the Washington Post that McDonnell's claim was "absolutely stunning and, frankly, beyond belief."[55][57][58][59][60] McDonnell also nominated Robert C. Sledd to Secretary of Commerce and Trade, but withdrew the nomination in the face of bipartisan opposition prompted by Sledd's refusal to give up paid outside corporate directorships.[61][62][63]

On January 27, 2010, McDonnell delivered the Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address. The response was delivered to GOP lawmakers and invited friends in the chamber of the Virginia House of Delegates.[64][65][66] Critics have argued that the use of House chamber for McDonnell's speech did not comply with House Rule 82.[65][66]

Since McDonnell's election as Governor in November 2009, he has shifted his fundraising activities to his "Opportunity Virginia PAC" which has raised $1,194,934 through June 2010.[67] Many of these donations came from industries regulated by the state.[68]

McDonnell was criticized for outsourcing the state's computer operations to Northrop Grumman that experienced a week-long computer outage from August 25 through September 2, 2010. As a result, as many as 45,000 citizens could not renew their drivers licenses prior to their expiration. Computer systems for 26 of the state's 89 agencies were affected.[69][70][71] An estimated 4,240 driver's license and ID card applicants have been asked to return to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get their photos taken again after an Aug. 25 computer outage left their original photos unrecoverable.[72] The system also experienced an unrelated outage on August 9.[71]

The 2010 session of the General Assembly passed a bill exempting certain veterans' organizations from the registration and reporting requirements that apply to most charities which solicit donations in Virginia.[73] The bill was introduced at the request of Bobby Thompson, who was director of the U.S. Navy Veterans Association and who has made large contributions to certain Republican candidates.[74] After the bill passed both the House and Senate, newspaper accounts of that charity's questionable practices caused a sponsor of the bill to request McDonnell to veto it, however the governor signed the bill into law notwithstanding those requests.[74] As a result, the organization, which is under investigation in New Mexico (which barred the USNVA before the Virginia bill was signed),[75] Florida and Missouri, as well as other non profit veterans' organizations will not have to report to Virginia on how they spend the donations that they receive.[74]. However, McDonnell later donated to charity the $5,000 campaign contribution that he had received from Thompson.[76] In August 2010, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray announced that a nation-wide arrest warrant had issued for Bobby Thompson, who had stolen the identity and Social Security Number of a victim who was not connected to the USNVA. Corday stated, “We know he bilked Ohioans out of at least $1.9 million, and we estimate that nationally he collected at least $20 million.”[77]

Social issues

On February 5, 2010, McDonnell signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination "on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities," as well as veteran, reversing protections for gays and lesbians in Virginia, and rescinding the order that Gov. Tim Kaine signed on January 14, 2006, that covered all of these groups. McDonnell previously challenged Kaine's executive order (which was similar to the one issued by Kaine's predecessor Mark Warner) by issuing an opinion as Attorney General stating that issuing such a change in public policy was "within purview of General Assembly and, therefore, beyond scope of executive authority and is unconstitutional."[78] After criticism from some gay rights groups, McDonnell issued an executive directive (which unlike an executive order, does not have the force of law) to extend nondiscrimination protections to all state employees, citing sexual orientation specifically.[79][80][81]

On April 2, 2010, at the request of the Sons of Confederate Veterans,[82] Governor McDonnell issued a proclamation designating April 2010 as "Confederate History Month" following similar designations by two of his Republican predecessors, George Allen and James S. Gilmore. However, the last two governors, who were Democrats, did not designate such a month. Unlike Gilmore's proclamation, which included anti-slavery language, McDonnell's initial proclamation left out any direct mention of slavery, drawing criticism from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and the NAACP.[83][84][85][86][87] On April 7, 2010, McDonnell conceded that omitting slavery from his proclamation was "a major omission", apologized and amended the document.[82] McDonnell had previously refused to rule out the possibility that he would run for Vice President in 2012;[88] while news analysts Chris Cillizza, Mark Plotkin, and Teddy Davis have speculated that the mistake may have a significant adverse impact on McDonnell's chances for a future Vice Presidential nomination, a May 22 Time Magazine article described McDonnell as "a politician who inexplicably kneecapped himself is clawing his way back."[1][89][90]

In December 2009, Governor Tim Kaine started a process which would extend Virginia employee health benefits to same-sex partners.[91] At the request of McDonnell, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion that this change to the coverage of the state's health plan could not be made without explicit legislation authorizing it, thereby halting the administrative process to make the change.[92] However, McDonnell did sign a law which wouid allow Virginia employers to offer private insurance coverage for employees' same-sex partners, after the bill passed with bipartisan support.[93]

Voting rights restoration for felons

In April 2010, McDonnell drew criticism from black leaders and civil rights groups when a draft policy proposal was mistakenly sent to 200 felons, informing them of his decision to require a written essay from each applicant seeking to have voting and other civil rights restored.[94] Previously, applicants for restored voting rights were required to fill out a one page application.[95] Only Virginia and Kentucky require the Governor to act on individual requests for restoring voting rights.[95][96] On May 21, McDonnell announced new policy on the issue of restoration of rights, imposing a 60-day deadline for his administration to act on an application once all of the required documentation is received from the applicant and the courts; reducing to two years from three years the time nonviolent felons must wait to apply for restoration of rights, and cutting to one year from two years the waiting period for reapplication if a request is denied.[97] Of the new policy, Democratic Delegate David Englin commented, "By establishing a timely and more clearly defined process for non-violent ex-offenders seeking to have their rights restored, the Governor’s new policy has the potential make an important step in the right direction."[98] On July 19, McDonnell restored voting rights for 506 felons out of a total of 574 eligible applications.[99]

Transportation

On April 30, 2010, McDonnell authorized issuing $493 million in transportation bonds in May 2010 and an additional $1.493 billion over the five years to finance previously approved transportation projects. The bonds were a part of a transportation package enacted three years ago, but the bonds were not issued while Republican State Delegate Robert Marshall filed a lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of that package and while certain transportation notes issued during the Gilmore Administration had not been paid off. Critics note that Virginia lacks a revenue source to amortize these new bonds.[100][101] On May 10, 2010, McDonnell filed an application with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) seeking permission to collect tolls on Interstate 95 near the North Carolina border. The highway had been constructed with taxpayer funds, 90% from the federal government and 10% from Virginia gasoline taxes. However, Virginia claims that they do not have sufficient revenues to maintain I-95 at a safe level and proposes a toll booth to raise a projected $30 to $60 million annually. McDonnell is asking FHA to authorize the toll under its "Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program."[102]

In 2008, the Federal government and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reached an agreement for federal funding of $1.5 billion in capital improvements contingent on Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia pledging to develop dedicated funding for the Metro system. WMATA is an interstate compact founded in 1967 with a board of directors whose members are appointed by each local jurisdiction in its service area, including four from Virginia appointed by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC). In June 2010, McDonnell threatened to withhold Virginia's WMATA funding unless the composition of WMATA's board is modified to allow Virginia's Governor to appoint two of the four Virginia seats. Currently, the interstate compact establishing WMATA specifies that its Virginia members are selected by the NVTC.[103] In turn, Virginia law specifies that local jurisdictions appoint that Commission's members.[104] Rather than proposing to amend either law, McDonnell merely threatened to withhold Virginia's "dedicated" matching funds if the NVTC did not appoint two people that he selected instead of appointing representatives from local jurisdictions.[105][106][107] On June 17, 2010, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff required a formal commitment from Virginia to match its share of the federal funds if the federal funding is to continue.[108] On June 24, 2010, McDonnell withdrew his request to appoint two members of the Metro Board as a precondition for making the scheduled "dedicated" payment under the 2008 agreement.[109] On July 1, 2010, the WMATA Board of Directors approved an agreement with Virginia to provide its share of matching funds without regard to McDonnell's request for Board seats. Based on this agreement, the federal funds were reconfirmed, and WMATA was able to activate a $886 million contract for 428 new metrorail cars.[110]

Health care

In April 2010, McDonnell signed a bill seeking to nullify the insurance purchase requirement in the then proposed federal health care legislation. On March 10, 2010, before Congress finished its final consideration of the package, a bipartisan Virginia Healthcare Freedom Act passed the General Assembly by a 80-17 majority[111], which McDonnell signed on March 24, 2010.[112] McDonnell supports Virginia's legal challenge to the Constitutionality of the final Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[113] Although abortion funding was not debated during the regular session of the General Assembly, McDonnell raised the issue through the use of his amendatory veto power. During the April 21, 2010 veto session, the Virginia legislature passed restrictions on state public funding for elective abortion except in the instances of rape, incest, life of the mother, or life threatening fetal anomaly.[114]

Education

In Virginia, public schools are funded from both local real estate taxes as well as state general funds under a formula that attempts to assure minimum state-wide standards called "The Standards of Quality." Virginia also earmarks revenues from its state lottery for education. Outgoing Governor Tim Kaine proposed $11.4 billion for K-12 education in the 2010-2012 budget.[115] On February 17, 2010, McDonnell proposed $268.8 million in additional cuts.[115][116] McDonnell's cuts included 1) changing the formula for measuring the ability of localities to pay for education, 2) reducing funding for technology expenditures, and 3) reducing funding under the Standards of Quality.[115]

The House adopted $620 million in education cuts, and the Senate adopted a budget with $133 million in education cuts.[117] The final, signed budget cut over $646 million for public schools.[118]

Because K-12 education comprises 37% of the general fund budget, critics note that McDonnell's proposal to fund transportation bonds from the general fund would result in further education cuts in future years. McDonnell disagrees, saying he’ll lean heavily on growth in revenues rather than pulling from existing money.[119][120]

Although McDonnell supported the Race to the Top federal education funding program during McDonnell's campaign for governor,[121] on May 26, 2010, McDonnell withdrew Virginia from the second round of "Race to the Top". Virginia had finished 31st out of 41 states in the first round; McDonnell decided that Virginia should not file its application for the second round because he erroneously believed the competition required the use of multi-state education performance standards instead of Virginia's current standards.[122] However, the use of common performance standards were not required and counted for 40 points out of a possible 500 total points in evaluating state proposals.[123][124] McDonnell later went on to claim on his June 1 appearance on MS-NBC that the Race to the Top rules precluded participating states from adopting more rigorous standards in addition to whatever multi-state standards they join.[125][126] However, the "Race to the Top" regulations award the points even if states adopt standards more rigorous than the optional, common standards.[127]

Offshore drilling

On March 11, 2010, McDonnell signed into law bipartisan offshore drilling legislation that would allow the drilling for oil and gas in federal waters 50 miles or more off the coast of Virginia if also permitted by the Federal government.[128] (see Offshore drilling on the US Atlantic coast). The plan has been criticized by some environmentalists and Democrats who argue that tourism and wildlife would be threatened and that oil drilling would not make a difference in achieving long-term energy independence.[129][130] Critics argued further that most of the proposed drilling area was located in an area reserved for naval operations.[131]

McDonnell advocated drilling off the Virginia coast of the Atlantic Ocean as a possible revenue source for the state. However, under current law, Virginia will not receive any revenues from drilling in federal waters, which includes all drilling sites more than 3 miles off the coast.[128] On May 6, 2010, the Department of Interior suspended the proposed auction of offshore Virginia leasing rights.[132] Congressman James P. Moran (D-Va), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Interior Department, issued a statement commending the decision.[133] On May 18, Moran forwarded to McDonnell a Department of Defense report finding that the proposed lease site would interfere with naval operations.[134] On May 25, McDonnell reaffirmed his interest in having oil drilling off the Virginia coast notwithstanding the BP oil spill and the inability of Virginia to get any of the royalty income from such drilling under current law.[135] On May 27, President Obama announced that the offshore Virginia lease sale was cancelled.[136][137] Subsequently, McDonnell has proposed continuing a federal environmental study of drilling off the Virginia coast or drilling for just gas and not oil. However, experts have said that liquids are almost always produced with gas offshore.[138]

Budget

On December 18, 2009, outgoing Governor Tim Kaine proposed a two-year $76.8 billion spending plan for adoption by the incoming state legislature. Kaine's budget proposed to rationalize state revenues by increasing the income tax while lowering property taxes and other fees. As incoming Governor, McDonnell refused to publicly recommend any modifications to Kaine's budget and instead worked with the House of Delegates to bring Kaine's plan up for a quick vote and defeat. Privately, McDonnell advocated cutting $300 million from health programs, $730 million from K-12 education, changing the state retirement system, and requiring 10 days of furloughs for state employees, all to offset a $2.2 billion budget shortfall over 2010-2012.[139] On February 17, 2010, after political pressure, the Governor publicly released his proposed cuts.[140][141] The Democratic-controlled Senate adopted a budget which restored a number of budget cuts to education, health and human services, and a House-Senate conference managed to work out a compromise on March 14 containing about $250 million in cuts before the expiration of the legislative session.[142] However, a number of interest groups lobbied the Governor to use his amendatory veto power to alter the adopted budget.

On April 14, 2010, McDonnell proposed 96 budget amendments to the two-year 2010-2012 budget resulting in $42.1 million in spending increases and $51 million in additional budget cuts, tax increases, and court fees for criminals.[114][143] He proposed to increase spending by $15 million to give incentives for SRI and Bank of America to keep offices in Virginia. To boost revenue, McDonnell proposed raising $7.2 million by increasing the fines on motorists who exceed the speed limit. He proposes to cut an additional $9.9 million from state funded programs for at-risk and troubled children and proposed cutting $600,000 from state grants to public radio and television stations. McDonnell also issued amendatory vetoes on non-budget legislation. For example, although Virginia has provided free electronic filing of tax returns for years, his veto would outsource electronic filing to firms that would charge a fee for that service. McDonnell also amended a bill that would authorize Planned Parenthood car license plates to prohibit Planned Parenthood from spending the funds raised from those "affinity" license plates on abortions.[144] The Legislature met to vote on the Governor's amendments on April 21. A bipartisan majority accepted some of McDonnell's proposed cuts while rejecting others including those to public broadcasting, the funding for at-risk and troubled children and the shifting of Virginia Medicaid mental health program to a managed-care plan.[145]

Results from 2010 Fiscal Year

The first budget enacted under the McDonnell administration took effect on July 1, 2010.[146] Two of McDonnell's legislative initiatives did increase the surplus for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. First, the budget bill accelerated the payment of state sales taxes resulting in a one-time shift of revenues that would otherwise have been collected in July 2010 into the old fiscal year. Second, the budget bill deferred a $620 million payment to the Virginia Retirement System to future years.[147] The end of year surplus will trigger the payment of a 3% bonus to state employees in December 2010.[148][149]

Liquor sales

In August 2010, McDonnell embarked on a promotional tour advocating legislation to sell Virginia's liquor stores to private owners. McDonnell argues that retail alcohol sales is not an appropriate state activity and proposes that any sales proceeds could be used to finance transportation needs. Opponents note that the liquor stores generate $248 million per year for Virginia's general fund.[150]

On September 8, 2010, McDonnell presented his plan for auctioning liquor licenses to his government reform commission. Under the plan, the number of stores selling liquor would triple to 1,000, with the licenses to operate these new stores being auctioned. McDonnell estimates that winning bidders would pay $265 million for the licenses, and that the state could receive $33 million from selling existing state-owned liquor store properties. In addition $160 million would be collected in wholesale license fees. To make up from the annual loss of revenues from the current state-owned stores, McDonnell proposes a $17.50 per gallon excise tax (which is above the national average and above that charged in neighboring states). He would also charge an annual fee of $500 to $2,000 to each store license holder, and would impose a new 1% gross receipts tax on wholesalers of liquor. Restaurants and bars that chose to purchase alcohol from wholesellers instead of retail outlets would pay a 2.5% tax. Just before the presentation, McDonnell dropped his proposed 1.5% fee on all restaurants and retail establishments that was in earlier drafts of his plan.[151][152]

The plan drew immediate opposition from conservative lawmakers as a "tax increase." It is also opposed by the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association. The Commission is expected to vote on the plan on October 4, and McDonnell plans to call a special session of the legislature to consider it in November.[152][153]

Electoral history

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2009
Party Candidate Votes Percentage
Republican Bob McDonnell 1,163,523 58.61%
Democratic Creigh Deeds 818,909 41.25%
Independent Write-in candidates 2,502 0.12%
Totals 1,984,934 100%
Voter turnout 1,984,934 of 4,955,755 40.05%
Virginia Attorney General Election, 2005
Party Candidate Votes Percentage
Republican Bob McDonnell 970,886 49.96%
Democratic Creigh Deeds 970,563 49.95%
Independent Write-in candidates 1,801 0.09%
Totals 1,943,250 100%
Voter turnout 2,000,052 of 4,448,852 44.96%

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1991039,00.html#ixzz0pCET0IhO
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Session 2005; McDonnell, Robert F. (Bob)". Virginia House of Delegates. http://dela.state.va.us/dela/Membios.nsf/94f6e9b9c9b5678f85256b1b00732227/6a49db3d3873131685256f7e00694fe5?OpenDocument. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Queen, Karen Haywood (2006). "Commonwealth Conservative; As Attorney General, Regent graduate Bob McDonnell is poised and present.". Christian Leader. Regent University. http://www.regent.edu/publications/cl/features/ss_06/mcdonnell.cfm. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  4. ↑ Titans Taking Aim At Regional The Alexandria-Gazette, Sports Section Monday November 15, 1971 By Clay Kemp, Staff Writer
  5. ↑ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Bob McDonnell - US News and World Report". Usnews.com. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/politics/2009/11/03/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-bob-mcdonnell.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  6. ↑ "Bob McDonnell". Wavy.com. http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_wavy_va_bob_mcdonnell_for_governor_20090514. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  7. ↑ "Regent University - Vision & Mission". http://www.regent.edu/about_us/overview/mission_statement.cfm. Retrieved 2010-04-18. 
  8. ↑ "Governor Robert F. McDonnell - Bio". Governor.virginia.gov. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/TheAdministration/mcdonnell-bio.cfm. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  9. ↑ "Session 2003; McDonnell, Robert F. (Bob)". Virginia House of Delegates. http://dela.state.va.us/dela/Membios.nsf/94f6e9b9c9b5678f85256b1b00732227/953f4812c1d5bef085256ca500690acd?OpenDocument. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  10. ↑ "Session 2000; McDonnell, Robert F. (Bob)". Virginia House of Delegates. http://dela.state.va.us/dela/Membios.nsf/94f6e9b9c9b5678f85256b1b00732227/3dadefec321df09c85256b35005fb591?OpenDocument. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  11. ↑ O'Neil, John (2006-11-08). "A Virginia Recount Would Not Come Soon". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/us/politics/08cnd-recount.html. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  12. ↑ "Attorney General". Virginia Public Access Project. http://www.vpap.org/candidates/election_seat/3?year_and_type=2005regular. 
  13. ↑ Nuckols, Christina (2007-04-05). "General Assembly approves compromise transportation plan". The Virginian-Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/node/246691. Retrieved 2008-11-26. 
  14. ↑ "Court rules transportation taxes unconstitutional". News & Messenger. March 1, 2008. http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/court_rules_unconstitutional_northern_va_taxing_authority/5028/. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  15. ↑ Barnes, Lindsay (February 7, 2008). "Lust bust: Porn case prompts statewide crackdown?"". The Hook. http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2008/02/07/NEWS-Obscenity-B.rtf.aspx. 
  16. ↑ Benton, Nicolas (May 29-June 4, 2008). "Batttle for Episcopal Properties Back in Court". Falls Church News-Press: p. 5. 
  17. ↑ Kumar, Anita (2009-02-03). "McDonnell Resigns To Run for Governor". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/02/mcdonnell_resigns.html. 
  18. ↑ Kumar, Anita (2009-05-31). "Robert F. McDonnell Accepts GOP Nomination for Virginia Governor". washingtonpost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/30/AR2009053001314.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  19. ↑ "Toplines - Virginia Governor Election - June 10, 2009 - Rasmussen Reports™". Rasmussenreports.com. 2009-06-10. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/virginia/toplines/toplines_virginia_governor_election_june_10_2009. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  20. ↑ "Election 2009: Virginia Governor Election - Rasmussen Reports™". Rasmussenreports.com. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/virginia/election_2009_virginia_governor_election. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  21. ↑ "Toplines - Virginia Governor Election - September 16, 2009 - Rasmussen Reports™". Rasmussenreports.com. 2009-09-16. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/virginia/toplines/toplines_virginia_governor_election_september_16_2009/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  22. ↑ "Can the Clinton Coalition Survive Obama?". RealClearPolitics. 2009-11-13. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/11/13/can_the_clinton_coalition_survive_the_age_of_obama_99046.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  23. ↑ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS041_20091104-001202/303560/
  24. ↑ 20 mei 2009 (2009-05-20). "Bob McDonnell - A Jobs Governor VA". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKV4EoJmPWg. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  25. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Issues". Bobmcdonnell.com. 2008-03-26. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/issues. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Kumar, Anita (August 13, 2009). "Virginia Notebook: Where Is McDonnell From?". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/08/post_293.html. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Bobby McSlick: Virginia's Own - Zelig?". Aug 28, 2009. http://www.bluecommonwealth.com/showDiary.do%3FdiaryId=1123.html. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  28. ↑ "“Fairfax’s Own” Bob McDonnell". 28 Aug 2009. http://www.tooconservative.com/?p=4803. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 McCartney, Bob (Oct. 8, 2009). "Can Northern Virginia trust McDonnell's promises?". Washington Post. http://www.standard.net/topics/opinion/2009/10/08/can-northern-virginia-trust-mcdonnells-promises. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  30. ↑ "McDonnell: “I am focusing on the economic issues” « Decision Virginia". Nbc12.wordpress.com. http://nbc12.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/mcdonnell-i-am-focusing-on-the-economic-issues/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  31. ↑ "Candidate Bob McDonnell promotes tourism in the Commonwealth - WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville |". Wdbj7.com. http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=10989417. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  32. ↑ "McDonnell Releases Virginia Education Funding Plan | NewsChannel 8". News8.net. 2009-09-02. http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0909/655700.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  33. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Issues". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/issues/issue_education. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  34. ↑ Kunkle, Fredrick (2009-08-23). "Fact Checker". washingtonpost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/22/AR2009082202242.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  35. ↑ "News and Features". Richmond Magazine. http://www.richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=8820ca41c0c677283494ebf538a97bbf. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "McDonnell for Governor | Issues". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/issues/issue_cardcheck#Making%20Virginia%20the%20Energy%E2%80%A6. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  37. ↑ "McDonnell Asks Candidates to Support Offshore Drilling". Whsv.com. http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/40441792.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  38. ↑ http://www.nrapvf.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=12891&T=1
  39. ↑ "Virginia's Transportation Mess". washingtonpost.com. 2009-07-29. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072802412.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Kumar, Anita (March 7, 2010). "McDonnell's public schedule omissions draw complaints". Washington Post: p. C1. 
  41. ↑ The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/McDonnell_thesis_082909.pdf. Retrieved 2010-04-26. 
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "'89 Thesis A Different Side of McDonnell: Va. GOP Candidate Wrote on Women, Marriage and Gays" by Amy Gardner, Washington Post, August 30, 2009. Retrieved 8/30/09.
  43. ↑ Gardner, Amy (2009-08-30). "Va. Candidate McDonnell Says Views Changed Since He Wrote Thesis". washingtonpost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/29/AR2009082902434_2.html?sid=ST2009082902758. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Gardner, Amy (2009-08-30). "Va. Candidate McDonnell Says Views Changed Since He Wrote Thesis". washingtonpost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/29/AR2009082902434.html. Retrieved 2010-04-27. 
  45. ↑ Kumar, Anita (2009-09-15). "Virginia Politics Blog - McDonnell: $2.9 Million in July-August". Voices.washingtonpost.com. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/09/mcdonnell_xx_million_in_july-a.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  46. ↑ "“Fairfax’s Own” Bob McDonnell". 28 Aug 2009. http://www.tooconservative.com/?p=4803. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  47. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Press Releases | Sheila Crump Johnson Endorses Bob McDonnell for Governor". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/sheila_crump_johnson_endorses_bob_mcdonnell_for_governor/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  48. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Press Releases | McDonnell Endorsed by Virginia AgPAC: the Political Action Committee of the Virginia Farm Bureau Fed". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/mcdonnell_endorsed_by_virginia_agpac_the_political_action_committee_of_the_/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  49. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Press Releases | McDonnell Endorsed by Virginia Realtors". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/mcdonnell_endorsed_by_virginia_realtors/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  50. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Press Releases | Virginia Credit Union League Endorses Bob McDonnell". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/virginia_credit_union_league_endorses_bob_mcdonnell/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  51. ↑ "McDonnell for Governor | Press Releases | Virginia NFIB Endorses Bob". Bobmcdonnell.com. http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_releases/details/nfib_endorses_bob/. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  52. ↑ Helderman, Rosalind (February 10, 2010). "Virginia governor's anti-bias order removes language regarding sexual orientation". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/09/AR2010020903739.html. Retrieved 2010-06-10. "McDonnell is the first Virginia governor in more than 30 years not to sign an order on the issue of discrimination on the grounds covered by federal law as one of his first acts in office." 
  53. ↑ "Press Release". January 16, 2010. http://www.reform.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=18. Retrieved 2010-06-09. 
  54. ↑ "Press Release". http://www.reform.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=161. Retrieved 2010-06-09. 
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 "Va. delegate says commission chair anti-Semitic". WTOP. May 10, 2010. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1954037. Retrieved 2010-05-29. 
  56. ↑ "McDonnell unaware of reform chairman's past". WTOP. May 25, 2010. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1965663. Retrieved 2010-05-26. 
  57. ↑ Helderman, Rosalind (May 26, 2010). "McDonnell Says he didn't know of Malek disputes: Made List of Jews for Nixon". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  58. ↑ "Nixon aides discussed job offers to get candidates out of primary races". June 3, 2010. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/06/think_president_obamas_aides_w.html. Retrieved 2010-06-09. 
  59. ↑ Smith, Jeffrey (June 3, 2010). "New memos detail Republican Frederic Malek's role in Nixon campaign against Jews". http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/02/AR2010060204611_pf.html. 
  60. ↑ Kumar, Anita (June 1, 2010). "Malek apologizes for his role in compiling a list of Jews for Nixon". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/06/malek_apologizes_for_his_role.html. Retrieved 2010-06-10. 
  61. ↑ Bowman, Rex (December 31, 2009). "McDonnell commerce appointee intends to keep corporate board positions". Roanoke Times. http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/231441. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 
  62. ↑ Whitley, Tyler (January 18, 2010). "McDonnell withdraws Sledd nomination for commerce post, makes him unpaid adviser". http://www2.newsvirginian.com/wnv/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_withdraws_sledd_nomination_for_commerce_post_makes_him_unpaid_adv/51137/. Retrieved 2010-05-26. 
  63. ↑ Whitley, Tyler (January 18, 2010). "McDonnell withdraws Sledd nomination for commerce post". Richmond Times-Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/jan/18/sled18_20100117-222606-ar-17280/. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 
  64. ↑ "Bob McDonnell to Give GOP State of the Union Response - Political Hotsheet". CBS News. 2010-01-21. http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/21/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6125701.shtml. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Kumar, Anita (February 2, 2010). "Howell challenged on use of House chamber". Washington Post: p. B4. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020103590.html. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 Slipek Jr., Edwin (Feb. 9, 2010). "Hollow Hall". Style (Richmond, VA). http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=50B4786B1C1A48DA91BD840C109F94CA. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  67. ↑ "Opportunity Virginia PAC". http://www.vpap.org/committees/profile/home_financials/2936?end_year=2010&lookup_type=year&order=amount&page=1&start_year=2009. Retrieved 2010-09-05. 
  68. ↑ "Opportunity Virginia PAC". http://www.vpap.org/committees/profile/home/2936. Retrieved 2010-06-07. 
  69. ↑ Rosalind Helderman and Anita Kumar (September 2, 2010). "Computer crash has tech world watching". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  70. ↑ Jeff E. Schapiro and Peter Bacque (September 3, 2010). "Northrop Grumman regrets computer outage". Richmond Times-Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/news/2010/sep/03/vita03-ar-485147/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StatelineorgRss-Virginia+(Stateline.org+RSS+-+Virginia). Retrieved 2010-09-03. 
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 Ly, Sherri (August 31, 2010). "Computer Problems Persist at Virginia DMV, Other Agencies". Fox News Channel 5. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/virginia/computer-problems-persist-at-dmv-other-agencies-083110. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 
  72. ↑ Kumar, Anita (September 3, 2010). "Driver license applicants must return to DMV following computer outage". http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/09/driver_license_applicants_must.html. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 
  73. ↑ "Bill Tracking SB563". http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+sum+SB563. Retrieved 2010-06-22. 
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 Helderman, Rosalind (May 18, 2010). "Democrats criticize Cuccinelli donation: Donor's group scrutinized". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  75. ↑ "Letter barring USNVA from soliciting in New Mexico". April 1, 2010. http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2010/PDFs/newmexiconavyvets040710/ipra%20navy%20vet23.pdf. Retrieved 2010-09-06. 
  76. ↑ Sluss, Michael (May 18, 2010). "McDonnell to give away $5K from Navy vets charity". Roanoke Times. http://hamptonroads.com/2010/05/mcdonnell-give-away-5k-navy-vets-charity. Retrieved 2010-06-22. 
  77. ↑ Cornwell, Lisa (Aug 5, 2010). "Ohio AG: Navy vets group leader stole identity". Associated Press. http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/08/ap_navy_vet_fundraising_charges_080510/. Retrieved 2010-09-05. 
  78. ↑ http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/02/virginia-gov-bob-mcdonnell-rolls-back-non-discrimination-protections-for-gay-state-workers.php?ref=fpblg
  79. ↑ http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0311/Republican-governor-as-gay-rights-defender-a-sign-of-the-times
  80. ↑ "0206_Marshall" (PDF). http://www.oag.state.va.us/OPINIONS/2006opns/05-094w.pdf. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  81. ↑ "Executive Directive 1 (2010)" (PDF). http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Issues/ExecutiveDirectives/pdf/Directive-1.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-14. 
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 Kumar, Anita (April 8, 2010). "McDonnell admits a 'major omission'". Washington Post: p. A1. 
  83. ↑ Antia Kumar and Rosalind Helderman (April 7, 2010). "McDonnell revives storm over VA.'s Confederate past". Washington Post: p. A1. 
  84. ↑ Antia Kumar and Rosalind Helderman (April 7, 2010). "McDonnell's Confederate History Month proclamation irks civil rights leaders". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/07/AR2010040705100.html. 
  85. ↑ http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99627&catid=48
  86. ↑ Ricks, Dhomonique (April 7, 2010). "NAACP Reacts to Confederate Month Announcement". http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0410/723531.html. Retrieved 2010-04-10. 
  87. ↑ "Why Does McDonnell Think This Is A Good Time For 'Confederate History Month'?". National Public Radio. April 7, 2010. http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2010/04/great_timing_for_confederate_h.html. Retrieved 2010-04-10. 
  88. ↑ "Gov. Bob McDonnell doesn’t rule out running for Vice-president in 2012". Richmond Times Dispatch. February 24, 2010. http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/state_regional/govtpolitics/article/mcdonnell_doesnt_rule_out_running_for_vice_president_in_2012/83378/. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  89. ↑ Cillizza, Chris (April 8, 2010). "Bob McDonnell, the Confederacy and the Veepstakes". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2008/bob-mcdonnell-the-confederacy.html. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  90. ↑ "McDonnell's Mea Culpa: Virginia's GOP Governor Says Slavery Omission Was 'Mistake'". ABC News The Note. April 7, 2010. http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/04/mcdonnells-mea-culpa-virginias-gop-governor-says-slavery-omission-was-mistake.html. Retrieved 2010-04-10. 
  91. ↑ Kumar, Antia (December 4, 2009). "Kaine plans to extend health benefits to same-sex partners". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120304329.html. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  92. ↑ Walker, Julian (February 1, 2010). "Same-sex partner benefits tossed out: Outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine proposed the policy change, but the state's new attorney general advised against it.". Roanoke Times. http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/235015. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  93. ↑ Johnson, Chris (April 27, 2010). "Pro-gay life insurance bill becomes law in Va.". Washington Blade. http://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/04/27/pro-gay-life-insurance-bill-becomes-law-in-va/. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  94. ↑ "Restoration of Rights". http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/JudicialSystem/Clemency/restoration.cfm. Retrieved 2010-04-27. 
  95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 Kumar, Anita (April 12, 2010). "Another squall for McDonnell". Washington Post: p. C1. 
  96. ↑ Kumar, Anita (April 14, 2010). "McDonnell spokesman says voting rights letter sent to felons 'without approval'". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/13/AR2010041304600.html. 
  97. ↑ http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/MCDO21_20100520-222604/345983/
  98. ↑ http://www.davidenglin.org/2010/05/21/englin-statement-on-mcdonnells-procedures-for-restoration-of-voting-rights/#more-2604
  99. ↑ http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/state_regional/article/mcdonnell_restores_rights_to_506_eligible_felons/112045/
  100. ↑ "Bonds to fund VDOT projects". Washington Post: p. B6. May 1, 2010. 
  101. ↑ Whitley, Tyler. "McDonnell authorizes sale of transportation bonds". Richmond Times Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/BOND01_20100430-223005/341364/. Retrieved 2010-05-01. 
  102. ↑ "Governor Files Application to Toll Interstate 95 Near North Carolina Border". Governor's Office. 2010-05-10. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=163. Retrieved 2010-05-10. 
  103. ↑ WMATA Compact, Article III Section 5
  104. ↑ Virginia Code § 15.2-4503.1
  105. ↑ Alpert, David (June 18, 2010). "McDonnell makes case for rider seats on Metro board". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-opinions/2010/06/if_wmata_board_seats_should_go.html. Retrieved 2010-06-19. 
  106. ↑ "McDonnell's Plan May Threaten Metro Funding". NBC 4. Jun 17, 2010. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/Bully-Bob-McDonnell-Threatens-Metro-Funding-96568144.html. Retrieved 2010-06-19. 
  107. ↑ McCartney, Robert. "Revitlizing Metro, not grandstanding, is a fitting tribute to crash victims". Washington Post: p. B1}date=June 24, 2010. 
  108. ↑ Lisa Rein and Anita Kumar. "Va. could jeopardize Metro plan". Washington Post: p. B5. 
  109. ↑ Kumar, Anita (June 24, 2010). "Virginia commits money to Metro, Connaughton says". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/06/virginia_transportation_secret.html. Retrieved 2010-06-26. 
  110. ↑ Lisa Rein and Anita Kumar (July 2, 2010). "Metro's directors back $300 million accord with Va.". Washington Post: p. B4. 
  111. ↑ http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/virginia/va-votes-to-block-health-care-mandate
  112. ↑ "Press Release". http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=88. Retrieved 2010-04-27. 
  113. ↑ Nolan, Jim (March 23, 2010). "McDonnell backs Cuccinelli on challenge to health-care bill". Richmond Times-Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/mar/23/cucc23_20100322-222404-ar-8078/. Retrieved 2010-06-25. 
  114. ↑ 114.0 114.1 http://hamptonroads.com/2010/04/mcdonnell-bid-restrict-abortion-funding-upheld
  115. ↑ 115.0 115.1 115.2 "K-12 Education". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/governorrecommendation.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  116. ↑ Kumar, Anita (February 17, 2010). "After weeks of pressure, McDonnell releases budget cut proposals". http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/02/post_595.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  117. ↑ "State Senate Passes 2010-2012 Biennial Budget". Rockbridge Weekly. February 26, 2010. http://www.rockbridgeweekly.com/rw_article.php?ndx=16795. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  118. ↑ Hightower, Ed (April 2, 2010). "Virginia: Hampton Roads schools face major budget cuts". World Socialist. http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/apr2010/virg-a02.shtml. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  119. ↑ "Vivian's Views on Budget and Taxes". Del. Vivian Watts. http://www.vivianwatts.com/views-budget.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  120. ↑ Stuart, Bob (October 18, 2009). "Deeds: Toll fix to road woes?". News Virginian. http://www2.newsvirginian.com/wnv/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/deeds_toll_fix_to_road_woes/47618/. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  121. ↑ Kumar, Anita (June 1, 2010). "McDonnell on MSNBC: Race to the Top too burdensome". Washington Post. 
  122. ↑ "Virginia's stance against national standards is a blow for students". Washington Post. June 5, 2010. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060404807.html?waporef=obinsite. Retrieved 2010-06-15. 
  123. ↑ Nick Anderson and Rosalind Helderman (May 27, 2010). "Virginia Withdraws from Obama's Race to the Top". Washington Post: p. B4. 
  124. ↑ "Race to the Top Program Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions". US Department of Education. May 27, 2010. http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/faq.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-11. "Race to the Top does not endorse any particular consortium or set of standards. Criterion (B)(1) specifies characteristics of consortia and standards that earn States points under this criterion." 
  125. ↑ Garofalo, Pat (June 1, 2010). "McDonnell Falsely Claims That Race To The Top Would Force Virginia To Lower Its Academic Standards". http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/06/01/mcdonnell-makes-things-up/. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  126. ↑ "McDonnell on MSNBC: Race to the Top would bring “burdensome” federal standards". http://virginiapolitics.mytimesdispatch.com/index.php/virginiapolitics/comments/mcdonnell_on_msnbc_race_to_the_top_would_bring_burdensome_federal_stan/#comment. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 
  127. ↑ "Overview Information: Race to the Top Fund". Federal Register. November 18, 2009. http://www2.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2009-4/111809c.html. Retrieved 2010-06-11. "A State may supplement the common standards with additional standards, provided that the additional standards do not exceed 15 percent of the State's total standards for that content area." 
  128. ↑ 128.0 128.1 Kumar, Anita (2010-03-17). "Virginia leaders express interest in offshore drilling". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/16/AR2010031604036.html. Retrieved 2010-04-26. 
  129. ↑ "Offshore Oil Benefits". WTVR. http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-offshore-oil-benefits031110,0,2735348.story. 
  130. ↑ Sullivan, Kathleen and Pratt, Marirose. Six Months of Oil Not Worth a Disaster on Southern Coasts, Says SELC.
  131. ↑ "Twelve Reasons Why Offshore Drilling for Natural Gas is Wrong for Virginia". Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter. July 8, 2008. http://www.hrsierraclub.org/NoOffshoreDrilling. Retrieved 2010-06-22. 
  132. ↑ Straub, Noelle (May 6, 2010). "Interior Suspends Planned Va. Offshore Oil and Gas Lease Sale". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/05/06/06greenwire-interior-suspends-planned-va-offshore-oil-and-73308.html. Retrieved 2010-05-09. 
  133. ↑ Press Release
  134. ↑ "Virginia Off-Shore Drilling Off-Limits, says DoD report". May 18, 2010. http://moran.house.gov/apps/list/press/va08_moran/DoDreport.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-26. 
  135. ↑ "McDonnell: Oil spill a setback to offshore drilling". WTOP. May 25, 2010. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1965273. Retrieved 2010-05-25. 
  136. ↑ "Transcript of President Obama's May 27, 2010 Press Conference". http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-gulf-oil-spill. Retrieved 2010-05-30. 
  137. ↑ Kumar, Anita (May 27, 2010). "Environmentalists cheer Obama's offshore drilling decision". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/05/environmentalists_cheer_obamas.html. Retrieved 2010-05-30. 
  138. ↑ Nealon, Cory (May 27, 2010). "Obama cancels Virginia's drilling plans". Newport News Daily Press. http://articles.dailypress.com/2010-05-27/news/dp-nws-offshore-moratorium-20100527_1_president-of-perry-management-lease-sale-drilling. Retrieved 2010-07-05. 
  139. ↑ Kumar, Anita (February 17, 2010). "In private, Virginia governor pushes deep budget cuts". Washinigton Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/16/AR2010021605819.html. Retrieved 2010-04-12. 
  140. ↑ http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/governorrecommendation.pdf Retrieved 2010-04-12.
  141. ↑ Nobles, Ryan (February 17, 2010). "Gov. McDonnell outlines budget cuts proposal". NBC12. http://www.nbc12.com/Global/story.asp?S=12000608. Retrieved 2010-04-12. 
  142. ↑ Sluss, Michael. "Virginia budget debate heads into overtime". Roanoke Times. http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/239878. Retrieved 2010-04-12. 
  143. ↑ "Governor McDonnell Returns Amendments to Biennial Budget". Press Release. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=123. Retrieved 2010-04-15. 
  144. ↑ Anita Kumar and Rosalind Helderman (April 15, 2010). "McDonnell favors development funding". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  145. ↑ Rosalind Helderman and Anita Kumar (April 22, 2010). "House bucks governor on some issues". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  146. ↑ http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GV2BT86.htm
  147. ↑ "The so-called Virginia budget surplus". Washington Examiner. July 19, 2010. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/local-opinion-zone/The-so-called-Virginia-budget-surplus-98767984.html. Retrieved 2010-07-22. 
  148. ↑ Whitley, Tyler (July 15, 2010). "State budget surplus assures bonus for workers". Richmond Times Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-politics/2010/jul/15/budg15-ar-296473/. Retrieved 2010-07-22. 
  149. ↑ Kumar, Anita (August 20, 2010). "In Va. bipartisan calls to reverse budget methods". Washington Post. 
  150. ↑ Helderman, Rosalind (August 5, 2010). "Va. liquor profits set a high bar for McDonnell privatization plan". Washington Post. 
  151. ↑ Kumar, Anita (September 4, 2010). "Virginia may add to fees on alcohol". Washington Post: p. A1. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/03/AR2010090306173.html?sid=ST2010090400391. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 
  152. ↑ 152.0 152.1 Anita Kumar and Rosalind Helderman (August 9, 2010). "McDonnell unveils plan to privatize liquor sales". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  153. ↑ Kumar, Anita (September 4, 2010). "Legislator says ABC special session will be in November". Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/09/abc_special_session_will_be_in.html. Retrieved 2010-09-04. 

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