RPV Convention: Interview with Danny Smith

On Friday, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview Danny Smith, who is running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 38^th District. The current incumbent is Bob Hull, who is facing a primary against Kaye Kory. Smith discussed how his campaign is going and addressed some of the core issues that his campaign will focus on. Right now, the residents of the 38^th District deserves better leadership in Richmond, and Bob Hull has dropped the ball in his service to his community. Danny Smith is the right candidate, who will provide solid leadership in Richmond.

Interview with CCC: Danny Smith, Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates from Krystle Weeks on Vimeo.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative and YR Dominion

Muldoon Web of Lies–Part Three

It was my intention to end the Muldoon Web of Lies series after the second part. However, #15 of Lieutenant Governor candidate Patrick Muldoon’s 30 reasons to “annoy a delegate with crazy rants” e-mail deserved some clarification.

Muldoon claims in his e-mail:

As many of you know, during the 2007 General Assembly session, House Bill 2035 was passed requiring that 12 year-olds girls be vaccinated for the sexually transmitted disease Human papillomavirus (HPV).

This legislation was a gross infringement on parental rights and put Virginia’s young girls at great risk by mandating an unproven vaccination for an STD that they have no chance of contracting in the classroom.

This legislation was the result of an aggressive multimillion dollar advertising campaign by Merck and other pharmaceutical companies.

In fact, House Bill 2035 mandates that 12 year-olds receive an STD vaccine that wasn’t even proven effective for their age group, unless their parents affirmatively opt out. Just try telling your pediatrician that you don’t want your middle schooler vaccinated … and get ready for an earful thanks to the mandate and Merck’s multimillion-dollar saturation advertising, PR and “physician education” campaign, which included funding for Bill Bolling’s “End Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime” effort.

I believe parental rights needs to be protected and mandating an untested STD vaccination for 12 year-old girls is not looking out for Virginia families. While I support the effort to end cervical cancer, I do not believe that forcing an unproven vaccine on young girls is the solution.

I will fight for Virginia’s parents and children, by seeking to repeal the STD vaccine mandate for young girls. And I will promote abstinence and monogamy, not the so called “safe sex” agenda.

Well, let’s look at the real truth. First, Bill Bolling does not, has not, and will not support mandatory vaccinations for HPV for anyone. Second, the program that Bolling participated in was a bipartisan national program that encouraged women to visit their doctors, and attempted to educate them about the link between HPV and cancer. The program recommended abstinence as the best method of avoiding HPV, and the vaccine only in terms of consultation with a doctor.

As for the “mandatory vaccine” claim, the State Senate passed legislation that added the HPV vaccine to the list of required vaccinations before a child enters school, but the opt-out basically neutralizes it.

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Muldoon Web of Lies: Part Two

This is the next part of the Muldoon Web of Lies two part series, unless another e-mail compels me to write another part.

Recently, Muldoon has claimed when Bill Bolling was a State Senator that he allowed a Medicaid bill to go down. The Muldoon campaign claims the following:

While he was a State Senator, Bill Bolling sponsored a bill related to Medicaid, to which Delegate Bob Marshall attached an amendment barring Medicaid money for abortion. When it returned to the State Senate, my opponent allowed his own bill to go down without a fight and, contrary to senate rules, without a recorded vote. All Bolling had to do as the bill’s patron to force his colleagues to go on record was to invoke the Senate rules. My opponent’s role in waving through this travesty remains the most astounding, puzzling and disappointing example of the go-along-to-get-along attitude that has characterized his tenure in the Kaine/Bolling Administration.

What a twist? Let’s be clear here, because it appears that the Muldoon does not understand what it is like to serve in the State Senate or any legislative body. Basically, it boils down to this point. Bolling made a motion to accept amendments, and State Sen. Dick Saslaw moved to send it to committee. Bolling, then called a parliamentary inquiry, and Governor Kaine ruled for Saslaw. Then, Senator Ken Cuccinelli called the previous question of accepting amendments, and the bill failed 13-26. The motion to re-refer to committee was passed with a voice vote and there were not eight hands for a vote on the board. You can read it for yourself: SB1247.

Bill Bolling has always been pro-life. In fact, he has received support from two pro-life, pro-family organizations. Holly Smith, who is the Chairman of the Virginia Society for Human Life PAC, said:

“The Virginia Society for Human Life Political Action Committee (VSHL PAC) is pleased to endorse you for reelection to the office of Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
During your term as Lieutenant Governor, you have advanced and defended pro-life principles. We particularly appreciate the deciding vote you cast on the amendment to the 2008 Virginia budget that would have banned taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, which operates the largest chain of abortion facilities in the United States.”

and Victoria Cobb, who serves as the Executive Director of the Family Foundation of Virginia, said:

“I can honestly say that no elected official in Virginia did more to encourage the passage of the [Marriage] Amendment than you. Your willingness to participate in va4marriage.org events and fundraisers was critical to our success, as was your personal contribution of radio ads across Virginia. Your passionate advocacy for traditional marriage clearly contributed to our victory.”

So, who can you count on to be an effective leader? I know that I can count on Bill Bolling to work on behalf of Virginians and to defend our core conservative principles.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

Muldoon’s Web of Lies–Part One

Well, I am certain you have been receiving a litany of e-mails from each of the Republican statewide candidates recently. While they all seem to tout some sort of positive achievement, there is one candidate who has displayed a negative streak that no one else wants to touch or even analyze. Patrick Muldoon, who is running against Bill Bolling at the Republican State Convention, has been sending out last ditch desperation e-mails to the delegates for support. However, each of these e-mails is filled with many fabrications of Bill Bolling’s record as a legislator and as Lieutenant Governor. Bolling has been a tireless leader and public servant, who has a proven record on behalf of working on behalf of families, whether it is having a 100% pro-life voting record, advocating for school choice, and fighting for lower taxes.

Muldoon’s desperation keeps getting more interesting. Each day up until the Convention on May 30^th, Muldoon plans to send out an e-mail each day stating why he should be elected, along with attacking Bolling’s record. Today, the 9^th District, Muldoon’s home district, sent an e-mail out stating they are supporting Bolling, because of his dedication and service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This e-mail also noted that they assisted Muldoon, when he ran for several public offices and failed to win, but he did not take their advice when they encouraged him to stop the attacks. If this is not a sign of desperation, I don’t know what else could be considered under this category.

The most recent fabrication is Muldoon’s recent attacks of the McDonnell/Bolling Energy Plan. Muldoon states in his e-mail that Bolling is taking a page out of Al Gore’s Global Warming Agenda by not signing Americans for Prosperity’s pledge to “oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.” The truth is that Bill Bolling has signed this pledge and remains devoted to ensuring that we address our energy needs in Virginia by utilizing offshore drilling, clean coal technology, and utilizing renewable resources. There is no correlation between the McDonnell/Bolling energy plan and Al Gore, so how can Muldoon claim this without proof.

Virginians do not need desperation or liars leading them, rather they deserve a honest leader, who will work tirelessly for them. Muldoon’s web of lies only hurts himself, not Bill Bolling, who is an effective leader.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

Delegate Tim Hugo’s Campaign Kickoff

Before a large crowd of supporters, Delegate Tim Hugo kicked off his campaign yesterday in Clifton. Hugo was introduced to the crowd by Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson. Peterson emphasized that Hugo has done a lot for the town of Clifton and for the 40^th District, while listening to the concerns of residents.

Tom Peterson’s remarks

After Peterson’s remarks, Hugo addressed the crowd by highlighting his list of accomplishments. When residents in Virginia Run were concerned by a high number of traffic accidents due to the fading of the road lines, Hugo helped to ensure that the roads were paved and marked clearly. In Centreville, there was a problem with loitering at the Centreville Library, Hugo sought to ensure that this problem was solved in a common sense matter. When there was a high number of accidents around Popes Head Road and drag racing, Hugo sought to have additional police enforcement and a traffic light at the intersection of Popes Head and Fairfax County Parkway. These are the accomplishments of a leader, who truly listens to the voters, and seeks common sense solutions.

Tim Hugo’s remarks

After Hugo’s remarks, he introduced Former Attorney General and candidate for Governor, Bob McDonnell. McDonnell discussed how important it is to ensure that Hugo is re-elected. McDonnell also talked about his proposals for education and energy.

Bob McDonnell’s remarks
**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative and YR Dominion

Amy Frederick out of the House Race

It appears that there will be only one candidate for the Republicans in the 52^nd District, as Amy Frederick decided not to seek the seat that her husband, Jeff Frederick once held. Citing the Republican party’s shift from focusing on core principles by playing politics, Frederick said she would not serve under “broken leadership.”

Now, Rafael Lopez will be the sole candidate for the Republicans in the 52^nd.

Here is the text of Amy’s speech:

Dear Friends:

Since first beginning to explore the possibility of campaigning to represent the people of the 52nd District in the House of Delegates, I have been humbled by the support and encouragement I received from across eastern Prince William county, and indeed, beyond. Having been honored to stand by Jeff’s side for the past six years as he has served, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of the people of this district. They have made this job a rewarding experience for both of us, and the lasting friendships will always remain.

Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my withdrawal from the race to succeed Jeff in the House of Delegates.

Unfortunately, some in the leadership of the Republican Party have demonstrated a greater interest in playing politics than in advancing our conservative principles and making life better for the families and the citizens of Virginia. I’m not interested in running for office to serve under broken leadership, where the Speaker compromises principle for what he perceives as immediate political gain. What so many entrusted with leadership in our party fail to recognize is that ignoring our core principles in pursuit of titles and power without purpose is exactly the behavior that severely reduced our ranks in the House, handed the Senate to the Democrats, and has resulted in one statewide loss after another.

Although my campaign ends today, it has been a pleasure to travel around the district and introduce myself as a potential candidate to so many wonderful people.

I want to first thank my friends and family for supporting me and encouraging me to run. I also want to thank Kris Morris and my supporters, who have spent hours volunteering on my behalf. To these people, I will remain forever grateful.

I’m excited about the future, and I will be working hard to make sure that people of principle who share Jeff’s and my commitment to service are elected and re-elected this year. I’m confident that in years to come, our party will have new leadership and a new direction, which will bode well for fresh, new ideas — and ultimately, handing our children a better Commonwealth than the one we inherited.

Most sincerely,

Amy Frederick

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative

Creigh Deeds is Mr. Popularity…huh?!??

Hmmm…is Creigh Deeds considered Mr. Popularity? Well, it depends if you ask the approximate crowd of 15 people (most of them dignitaries) who showed up at Stevens Miller’s campaign kickoff. Wow, one would think that one of the Democrats, who is running for Governor would be able to pack the house, even if it were for a third-tier House of Delegates candidate.

**Cross Posted at Virginia News Platoon

Scenes from the YRFV Convention

The Young Republican Federation of Virginia Convention on Saturday was no doubt exciting with the news of Sandy Liddy Bourne stepping aside to join Pat Mullins in his quest to become the next Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, but there were also other speakers who spoke.

Dan Mitchell of Cato Institute and author of Global Tax Revolution: The Rise of Tax Competition and the Battle to Defend It spoke about our current fiscal crisis with the bailouts and out-of-control spending by the Federal government. Mitchell emphasized that there is no way you can have a good tax system with massive government spending.

Speaker Bill Howell spoke to the YRs about the upcoming House races throughout the Commonwealth. He talked about the dynamic candidates who are running, along with several races to watch.

Budget was the topic of the Legislative Panel, which featured Del. Mark Cole and Sen. Ryan McDougle. Both Cole and McDougle discussed the smoking ban was also another issue that the media focused on this session, and mentioned that it was an intrusion on our liberties. Cole indicated that the strange thing about this year’s session was that there were very few, if any, proposals on transportation. When asked what were the strong points of the budget, the contentious points, and how the stimulus funds were used, both Cole and McDougle gave interesting perspectives.

Cole: The best thing about this budget is that it cuts spending. We cut $2 million dollars out of the budget. Last year, we had to create a two year budget, and this year, we edited the budget. Kaine is a political creature: politics first, work second. Cole voted for the budget, as it was a reduction in spending. Included limits on growth of support personnel within our schools, effort to do away with a reduction in the sales tax collections from businesses. Took the stimulus money. VA was given $4 billion in stimulus, and it was divided in two parts. It will be used in next year and the following year’s budgets. This would prevent cuts in first responders and teachers. We are in a depression, not a recession. Excessive spending and excessive debt.

McDougle: Budget was challenging. We went through this process. Revenue estimates. What we are projecting to collect, included increases in personal income growth (15% for the Commonwealth), we need to create new jobs or salaries have to go up. We can’t take more money than we take in. McDougle voted against the budget last year (July 1-June 30th Budget span).

After the legislative panel, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and former Attorney General Bob McDonnell gave insightful speeches about their campaigns. Bolling delivered his remarks first to get the crowd of YRs fired up. Bolling said we need to move forward, instead of looking back at past, unsuccessful elections. During his speech, Bolling mentioned that the united ticket with Bob McDonnell at the top of the ticket will provide the direction of how we can win again. Bolling also discussed how we need to focus on energy, protecting our status as a right to work state, and having fiscal integrity.

Bob McDonnell spoke next by touching upon his initiatives to bring more jobs to Virginia and working on a transportation proposal to help improve a problem that has plagued Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads for years. McDonnell also addressed how to improve education, and he mentioned that we need more charter schools and merit pay for teachers. While money is important, McDonnell said education needed to be about accountability and higher education standards.

Later in the afternoon, after the Attorney General’s Forum, the YRs heard from Brendan Steinhauser of FreedomWorks, who gave a great grassroots activism training.

Overall, the 63^rd Annual Young Republican Federation of Virginia Convention was a success, and we look forward to playing a key role in the 2009 elections.

**Cross Posted at Crystal Clear Conservative and YR Dominion

More on Bloggers Day

I know I am a little late in filing this, but I have had a busy week at work. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to be invited to Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling’s Bloggers Day at the Capitol in Richmond. Since this was held during the veto session, there was quite a bit of excitement over what legislative proposals the General Assembly would be overriding, etc. While I know most of the bloggers in attendance, there were others that I did not meet until bloggers day.

First, Lt. Governor Bolling spoke to the bloggers about his re-election campaign and discussed the veto session. It was a open discussion that focused on the economic and energy issues facing Virginia. Bolling recently was featured in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article that discussed offshore drilling as a means of not only increasing energy, but bringing more jobs to Virginia.

After Bolling spoke, former Attorney General Bob McDonnell stopped by to discuss his campaign for Governor and his campaign. McDonnell discussed his jobs initiative and touched upon principles of limited government. During McDonnell’s discussion, he also touched on the topic of eliminating the state income tax and mentioned the success of this initiative in states like Tennessee. This would raise the sales tax, but it would definitely be interesting to see how this works in Virginia. There will be more on this later, but it was a good talk.

Once McDonnell left, it was time to head over the Capitol gallery. Randy Marcus, Bolling’s Chief of Staff was very gracious, as he accompanied us throughout the day. After being seated in the gallery, we found out that Senator Ken Cuccinelli would be introducing us on the floor of the Senate. It was so cool getting the glance at the Senate gallery and be recognized. Cuccinelli announced our group of “rabble rousers.”

Photo Courtesy of Rick Sincere

After visiting the gallery, we were treated to a nice lunch at Richbrau in Shockoe Bottom by Ford O’Connell and Steve Pearson of Project Virginia. It was great talking with other bloggers from across Virginia during lunch. Once lunch was over, we went back to the General Assembly building, where we heard from Chris LaCivita, Project Virginia, Bob Holsworth of Virginia Tomorrow, Del. Chris Saxman, and Paul Haughton. We heard about the 2009 races, new technology, and an update of the veto session. It was very informative, and I learned a lot. Unfortunately, my BlackBerry video recorder did not function quite as well as I had wanted. Rick Sincere had some great video from Holsworth’s discussion, as well as Del. Saxman’s discussion of the veto session.

We ended the day at Peking Restaurant with Randy Marcus of Lt. Governor Bolling’s office. It was a very enjoyable time, and a great way to end the day. A very special thank you to Lt. Governor Bolling and his staff for their gracious hospitality. I look forward to future blogger days in the future.

**Cross Posted at Virginia News Platoon

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Other bloggers in attendance at this event:
Bearing Drift
Virginia Conservative
Rick Sincere News and Thoughts
Leslie Carbone
Bryan Pick of QandO
Jon Henke of The Next Right
Rightside VA
Red Virginia
Skeptical Observor
Norm Leahy of Tertium Quids
Jason Kenney of J’s Notes
Steve Rossie of the Family Foundation Blog

Here’s Some Clarification

I was not prepared to report about anything political this weekend, as I am spending Easter with my family in Maryland. However, after reading some leftist blogs in Virginia slam the Republicans in the House of Delegates for their recent decisions to expand unemployment benefits, while looking out for the taxpayers in Virginia by not placing more debt on them, I decided there would be no hiatus for the first part of the weekend.

Many of the blogs from the left believe that the federal stimulus money that was pushed aside will be bad for the workers, and it has even caused the full-time DNC Chairman/part-time Governor Tim Kaine to actually drop everything and spreading his anger around the state, because the Republicans in the House of Delegates actually did something fiscally responsible. In fact, the Republicans extended unemployment benefits eligibility from 26 to 59 weeks. Wow! This is an improvement. Where were the Democrats?

The other things to consider: First, the recent decision to expand unemployment benefits will actually say no to any part of the federal stimulus money allocated to Virginia. Delegate Tim Hugo (R-Centreville/Clifton) clarified the second part. Governor Kaine’s tax increase proposal would have increased a business’ tax from $98 per job in 2009 to $159 per job in 2010 and up to $199 per job in 2012. This would be an increase of $101.00 per job. Not only would this tax increase be detrimental to businesses, this would come during an economic recession, which would result in more layoffs.
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