Special Session: Include Whitfield

Far from a partisan issue here, with Bob McDonnell, Del. Sal Iaquinto and Sen. Ken Stolle advocating that the General Assembly broaden the upcoming special session to address the issue of restitution to wrongfully convicted Arthur Whitfield.

Claims from some that special sessions must have only one purpose were dashed today by Vivian Paige, who has championed this issue for a while, by just going back to last summer with two special sessions that had up to 4 purposes each.

Because in each case, the resolutions took up other issues. See for yourself – HJ5002 and HJ6004. In both cases, in addition to the primary purpose, the General Assembly took up the issue of the judges, a hot topic last year, appointment confirmations and commending and memorial joint resolutions.

Wait – “commending and memorial joint resolutions?” Yep. They were so important that the General Assembly used time in both special sessions to pass a TON of them. Again, see for yourself – here’s the list of all bills that passed in Session I and Session II. There was so many of them that they don’t fit on a single page!

Well said! Governor Kaine has moved from his original caution against it to not exactly being opposed.

It should happen. I don’t see any reason that the General Assembly could not consider this while they’re up there if there is agreement on the solution. If they can appoint judges during a transportation special session, they can certainly do this.

Contribute for Conservatism!

About the author

Brian Kirwin

The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.