Once again, Democratic nominee for Attorney General Steve Shannon has failed to understand what exactly he is running for.
After having labeled Ken Cuccinelli’s call for a special session a “political stunt” but then findinig himself in Richmond for a day to attend said special session, Steve Shannon has now decided to show his lack of comprehension for the role of the Attorney General in regards to General Assembly ethics investigations.
When news broke of Del. Phil Hamilton’s efforts to secure a job at ODU after putting the position’s pay in the state budget, Steve Shannon was the first statewide candidate out of the gate calling for Hamilton to resign, all other statewide candidates following suit other than Ken Cuccinelli.
Steve Shannon is so proud of his achievement that he is out with a new radio ad in the Norfolk area touting how ahead of the curve he is on this issue.
To date Del. Hamilton has not resigned, but the House is launching an ethics investigation.
One possible outcome of this ethics investigation would be to have the Attorney General preside as judge in the case over determining Hamilton’s punishment.
Virginia State Code § 30-116.3:
3. If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator knowingly violated any provision of Article 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.), 3 (§ 30-104 et seq.), 4 (§ 30-107 et seq.) or 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) of this chapter, except § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the Attorney General for such action he deems appropriate.
The duty would fall to the new Attorney General. The one Steve Shannon hopes to be. The role he has now recused himself from filling in an effort to make him self appear more Attorney General-y.
In effect, Steve Shannon has just bought a radio ad announcing to the world how he, as Attorney General, has effectively removed himself from having any official say in the fate of Del. Hamilton.
In a related note, a PPP poll released September 1st gives Ken Cuccinelli a 13 point lead over Steve Shannon, 48-35.
