Bob McDonnell Live-Blog

We will be starting momentarily . . . again I want to that the Attorney General for taking time to come on here. I hope you like the action shot below.

Comments

[nickfinity]

Regarding the recent lawsuits filed by New York against Virginia gun dealers. Is there any legal action that can be taken against those who committed the supposed straw purchases? I'm not a lawyer, but it seems to me that if you have someone who says they committed an illegal act (without the consent of Virginia or Federal officials) that they could be prosecuted.

[Tom James]

I would like to know what the procedure is for investigating an elected public oficial (specifically county BOS) by the State Police?

I was told the order has to come from the AG's office and that is very hard to get one politician to investigate an other.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

Also what are the procedures to investigate a doctor who is prescribing medication for minors and not keeping records on the medications? It's my understanding this is illegal. I have written the Department of Health Profession Regulation nearly a year ago and have yet to hear of or see any action.

[Happy Feet]

Hello General

I am a practicing attorney and would like some clarification about the Virginia State Bar ethics rules. Has the Bar Association done away with the "the mere appearance of impropriety standard" as the supporters of "a certain state senator" has alleged. If not, how can an experienced lawyer/public servant not see that there is in fact an appearance of impropriety?

Finally, I just think that this situation is absolutely unfair. Why does this senator get the rules changes to suit his personal situation? God knows that there were many past potential candidates who had to let forego their dreams due to economic reasons.

[Chris]

I guess I'll ask a question too.

Mr AG,

As a parent with a child that has been too (is she back?) Iraq, what is your feeling on the congressional Democrats resolution that passed the House and failed the Senate? And if you can, what are your feelings on Virginia Republicans Tom Davis and John Warner supporting this measure?

[Tigers2004]

After reading through several blogs and hearing in the news, we know that your daughter, Jeanine, has served our country proud in the United States Army. I know you and your family must be very proud of her and of her service. How is Jeanine doing and is she expected to make another tour anytime soon? If so, how do you feel about her making another tour during a war where there seems to be not end in sight?

[RICInsider]

AG McDonnell,

Thanks for taking time to join us today and for all of your hard work on the transportation bill.

I've heard some people around the Capitol say that the abusive driver fees in the GOP compromise are retroactive to drivers who have already had speeding tickets and other traffic violations. This doesn't seem particularly fair. Would this be a for of double jeopardy?

Thanks for you clarification.

[Chris]

lets keep track here, Brimur. I'm trying to keep this only for questions. Post that on any other thread. Thanks

[Phantom08]

Thank you, Mr. Attorney General, for taking the time to blog with us today.

The compromise transportation plan that you helped craft would increase taxes and fees by $250 million statewide and nearly $600 million regionally. In press releases, you have extolled this as a conservative plan. How does such a significant hike in taxes represent a conservative plan?

[Neil Miller]

Thank you Mr. Attorney General for taking the time today to answer our questions.

As a northern Virginian, I am concerned about many public safety issues. Can you please tell us what progress you have made or raised an issue during this legislative session with the General Assembly in working to protect citizens in northern Virginia from violent gang members, identity theft and those violent predators who would dare harm our young children?

With the recent scandal of a 29-year old sexual predator using a false name to pose as a 12 year old, 7th grader, it seems that the two issues of using a false identity and sexual predators have merged into one horrific example. Thank you for your leadership in Richmond and for the people of northern Virginia.

[Ms. E]

Good Evening General,

Thank you for blogging with us. In following this year's General Assembly session, I have a question. I have heard some discussion about whether or not the Lt. Governor has the ability to vote to break ties on the transportation bill. Since this is a revenue and appropriation bill, does the Constitution prevent him from voting
in the event of a 20-20 tie?

Thank you for your help with this question.

[Tom James]

Any thoughts on more checks and balances in the system for Sheriff's, since they answer to no one and have total control over law enforcement in their jurisdictions.

The public should be able to police these elected officials through the ballot, but unless the public is aware of what they are up to, how will they be able to make informed decisions? So much of what happens in a Sheriff's office "stays in a sheriff's office."

Just seems to me there should be more accountability and sunshine.

[Churchill Mayor]

Attorney General, I recently learned that you supported sales tax referendums in 2002. During the 2006 transportation tax debate, you were curiously silent. Now, you are fighting for statewide and regional tax increases in an effort to court financial contributions from NOVA.

If you run for Governor will you continue to support raising taxes and fees on Virginia families?

[novamiddleman]

Two questions

Softball

What are your goals for the rest of your term as attorney general

Hardball

If the republican presidential primary for 2008 was held today who would you vote for and why

[Scott's Morning Brew]

You have supported legislation requiring sex offenders to register email addresses and other "online identifiers" with the State Police.

With the ease of email addresses, instant messaging names and such, the preponderance of free internet access sites...

How exactly do you intend to enforce this new law if enacted?

To be fair, I have only read the piece introduced by Delegate Paula Miller.

[James Atticus Bowden]

Bob,
Why are you supporting a plan for Hampton Roads that INCREASES the number of congested miles over 20 years?

Why are you supporting a plan for Regional Government in Hampton Roads when the voters rejected it twice ('98 and '02) and some when they voted against Jerry Kilgore?

Why are you supporting a Regional Government which is taxation without representation AND has the legislative, excutive and judiciary functions together (unseparated like all other governments) in this unelected and unaccountable government?

Don't you think the voters will remember where they got their tax increases, unelected, unaccountable regional government and plan that does NOT work to reduce congestion when you run for Governor in 2009?

[Spank That Donkey]

AG McDonnell:
Thank You for taking our questions! Being a statewide elected official gives you a great bully pulpit, and gives you much more reach than a member of the GA to provide Leadership for our Party.

Currrently it would seem that some of our Senators are voting in such a way (beneficial to the Gov.) that could possibly cost us seats in the House of Delegates, which of course would be very detrimental to the party.

Do you plan to endorse in any of the Senate Primaries such as my district Hanger vs. Sayre, and other districts such as Stosch, Bell, Hawkins etc.

Thank You,

[George Templeton]

There is a bill in Missouri dealing with immigration. Here is what the bill says:
The Division of Immigration Compliance is created inside the office of the Secretary of State to implement new provisions in the law that deny housing and employment to illegal aliens.

It is illegal to employ unauthorized aliens and the act mandates that every employer in the state participate in the federal Basic Pilot Program in order to verify an employee's work authorization status as a condition of employment. Certificates of incorporation and other business licenses and registrations will be suspended when an employer employ's unauthorized aliens. Steps for curing violations are enumerated.

It is also illegal, under the act, to rent any dwelling to an illegal alien. Rental licenses and occupancy permits will be denied or suspended for those who knowingly or recklessly rent to illegal aliens and steps for curing violations are enumerated. A process is created whereby the landlord may, through the Division of Immigration Enforcement, verify the immigration status of any individual.

Law enforcement officers must inquire into the immigration status of any individual detained for any violation unless the inquiry would significantly extend the duration of the detention. If the individual is found to be illegal, the officer shall cooperate with any request from federal authorities regarding detention and custody transfer.

The state shall enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government to designate state law enforcement officers to help enforce federal immigration law.

Illegal aliens are barred from attending all public universities in the state and shall not receive any type of public assistance or benefit.

The act also authorizes cities, villages, and towns to enact ordinances prohibiting the employment of unauthorized aliens or unlawful workers and may deny business licenses to employers who employ unlawful workers.

Will you consider offering something similar to this in next year's session?

[GOPJeff]

Mr. Attorney General,

Thank you for taking time to join us today. I wanted to ask you about the Hampton Roads portion of the GOP transportation compromise plan. It creates a regional government authority that would have the power to impose taxes and fees on people in localities even if those localities voted not to participate in the authority. How do you justify supporting this bill to a constituent in say York County if their Board of Supervisors votes not to participate in the authority, but they are taxed anyway?

[Fairfax Republican]

Why do you think Jerry Kilgore performed so poorly in Northern Virginia, while both yourself and Bill Bolling polled much better? And as a prospective statewide candidate, what lessons have you taken from Kilgore's defeat?

[Al]

General,

Thanks so much for taking questions. It's been over a year since you took office. How do you like the job? What are your biggest accomplishments thus far? And what's new for the upcoming year?

[Trey]

General--

Great to have you back in the blogosphere!

I've heard a lot in the last month or two about your involvement working with the General Assembly leadership to help broker a deal on transportation, but I haven't heard much about where the Lt. Gov. has been in these discussions. Where has he been? Have you talked to him or heard where he comes down on the creation of a deal on transportation?

[Herbert]

AG McDonnell- It seems like you spend alot of time in Northern Virginia, far more than any office holder I've seen in my time watching Richmond, why is it so important to you to be up there so much? I know you were raised there, but are you worried about not getting to other parts of the state enough as a result?

[Walker]

Attorney General McDonnell,

I work with Virginians for Sensible Energy Policies (VSEP) a non-profit coalition of local groups, electric customers, families, farmers, workers and Virginia citizens of all ages. Here is our website:

http://www.energypolicies.org/

and MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/nopowertowers)

Of particular concern to us is Dominion Virginia Energy’s proposal to construct high-voltage transmission lines across the state.

We appreciate your ongoing efforts to address the social and environmental impact of designating a National Interstate Electric Transmission Corridor through parts of the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia’s Piedmont region.

Could you tell us your thoughts on Dominion’s power tower proposal?

Thank you in advance for your time and for answering this important question that affects all Virginians (and thank you Mason Conservative for hosting this chat).

[BDM]

Mr. Attorney General,

I have two questions for you, sir. First, what ideas or plans do you have to curb illegal immigration into the Commonwealth? In a related follow up, what measures do you plan on taking the with MS 13's which presently plague Northern Virginia?

[Bob McDonnell]

Alright, the General Assembly is still going strong....can't say that I mind being down the hill in The Office of the Attorney General right now! Looking forward to the next hour, and Chris thank you for having me on. Great to be doing another live blog, especially one based in the area where I was raised, Northern Virginia.

Just a note, I will try to get to as many questions as I can, if I don't get to yours tonight I promise, I will be doing at least one blog-based event every month I'm in office, so there are going to continue to be plenty of opportunities for a vigorous discussion of policy and ideas.