McDonnell Distancing Himself From Cuccinelli?
By Steven Osborne | Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 | Policy, PoliticsPolitico’s Andy Barr has written a article commenting on the supposed rift between Gov. McDonnell and the Attorney General. While I read Politico regularly and find it a great source of political news, this story is wrought with misconceptions and oversimplifications.
First, the article claims in absolutist terms that McDonnell has effectively distanced himself from Cuccinelli. However, if you actually read the response that McDonnell’s spokeswoman gives in the article, then you will see that is not exactly the case. It also claims that Cuccinelli suggested that President Obama was not a citizen of the United States. I have read the transcript and also listened to the video of what Cuccinelli actually said, and one would have to willing suspend disbelief to believe that Cuccinelli was not talking in a hypothetical fashion.
Secondly, this article could not resist bringing up the issue of “discrimination” that McDonnell and Cuccinelli have been involved with. The article correctly points out that McDonnell issued the original order that was devoid of specific recognition for “sexual orientation,” however, it incorrectly states that he reversed that order. If Politico knew Virginia law, then they would know the difference between an order and a directive. McDonnell’s directive did not reverse his order, it merely pointed out that all people have equal protection under the law, McDonnell and Cuccinelli have held the position, in the past, that all deserve equal protection; nothing more, nothing less.
The bottom line here is that between taking on Obamacare, the EPA, and the homosexual lobby, McDonnell and Cuccinelli have been effective and dynamic in the scope of what they are tackling. This scares the established order in Richmond who like to see politicians fall in line and not take on controversial issues. This also scares the snot out of the progressive establishment that want to destroy any future that McDonnell or Cuccinelli may have.
They are trying to play up a false narrative, and we would do well not to buy into it.
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About the author
Steven Osborne is a grassroots conservative activist from Central Virginia. He is currently furthering his education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In addition to writing for Bearing Drift he is also a columnist for the Christian Law Journal.
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14 Responses to "McDonnell Distancing Himself From Cuccinelli?"
It would be a smart move to provide distance between them if Bob McD has visions of a political office outside of Virginia. Cuccinelli’s vision will not float across the rest of this nation and McD will get painted with the negative brush if he supports that nut…
JMO
William Bailey, if Ken Cuccinelli alone were enough to sink any future aspirations of Bob McDonnell (I’m not going to get into any debates about how the AG is viewed right now, though I will note that many suggested that he was the one with coat tails in the recent election), then the Governor clearly has bigger problems than who he associates with. It is clear from the President that past and present associations do not undo a campaign.
I think you’re lending far too much credence to a fabricated story by the left. No reason for McDonnell to distance himself nor will something like this hurt Cuccinelli. His ‘they can track you’ comment was 10x worse then this, and that did little to dent his campaign.
This however is the second time that I’ve heard remarked Cuccinelli elected McDonnell. As big of a fan as I am of Cucci, I strongly disagree with that sentiment.
So seriously, are we going to start reprinting all the tabloid headlines now? This is a fabricated issue and a fabricated story. We’d all do well to remember that.
Because, if we pay attention to it this time, they’ll just do it again.
Cuccinelli is AWESOME!!!!
All he did was explain current law, not create it. Heaven forbid that an attorney general would know the law and respect the rule of law.
Unlike a lot of my Republican buddies, I strongly support the concept of civil unions or other “contracts”. Although, I reject the concept of “gay marriage”. Marriage being a matter of church/God, the govt. shouldn’t be even involved in “marriage”, only in enforcing the social contracts. I believe in a merit based system. If the gay guy is the best, you’d be helping the competion by not hiring him. You are a fool to let talent slip away just because you disagree with their choices in life.
Yet, I couldn’t be more excited about Cuccinelli being AG.
Cuccinelli has a brilliant mind and is the in the top tier as far as I am concerned. I can deal with some differences, this guy is just great. There once was a bit of a rift between the two during the AG nomination race, but McDonnell would be HUGELY mistaken to distance himself from Ken now.
Many Libertarians such as myself, adore Ken Cuccinelli. All the exaggerated spin and focus on every possible mistake, is simple to explain. Democrat fear! The Dems can attempt to isolate him like they failed to do during the election, however, this guy is no intellectual lightweight. Don’t cry just because democrat candidate Shannon wasn’t even in the same realm as Ken Cuccinelli.
This is just more fear filled & pitiful “divide, isolate, and conquer” bs from the far left. I’m not impressed.
Britt….we’re speaking about the ‘birther’ audio, the left’s newest fabricated story, not the sexual orientation nonsense
Thanks for the clarification. I didn’t go to the link provided. “My bad”.
Still, my overall sentiment remains the same.
cuckoo-nelli is crazy and everyone who supports this inbred, is cfrazy too
I was not a Cuccinelli supporter at the convention – but when he won, I got behind him a 100%, and I am still behind him a 100%. I am tired of Republicans that won’t tell the Socialists to shove off! We finally have some fighters, and we need to stay behind them 100%.
Here’s my piece…
I’m not so sure why a lot of folks don’t appreciate an individual w/ grounded beliefs, regardless of whether you agree w/ him or her.
I’m not in agreement w/ all of Cuccinelli’s views on social issues – especially dealing w/ a political agenda focusing sexual orientation descrimination, but his integrity should be admired. Ken’s vote couldn’t be purchased and his beliefs can’t be swayed. This perspective should be kept in mind w/ respect to any elected official. I won’t defend his beliefs, but I do defend his integrity.
Yes, he’s distancing himself from Cooch. That’s obvious. He’s backing Bolling in a possible 2013 face off. Despite what McDonnell stood for during his years in the House, he ran as a moderate, not a proponent of social issues or a John Birch Society-level of hostility to the federal government.
Steve, where have you been? Not in Virginia!
1. Cuccinelli did not legislate any of that. His comments were his professional opinion of current law. The governor and G. Assembly play roles in legislating. Ken C. was doing his job as AG.
2. McDonnell is more socially liberal? Just who in heck was it that fought so hard to make sure anyone that had oral sex was a felon in Virginia? Steve…..it was MCDONNELL! Fortunately, my fiancee and I are no longer unconvicted felons. The US Supreme Court effectively struck most of that law down along with the Texas Sodomy law, which only affected gays.
Who was blasted for being too chummy with Pat Robertson? Who had pictures with him and Robertson displayed by democrats? Was it “super extreme” Cuccinelli?
Ummmm……NO! Steve,………it was Bob McDonnell. Just where are the pictures of Cuccinelli and Robertson?
I just googled “Cuccinelli Robertson” for images. What did I find? Pictures of Cuccinelli by himself or someone else and….a picture of Pat Robertson sitting accross from…..Bob McDonnell.
Do you just want to believe the Democrat talking points, or are you exagerrating the truth on purpose?
3. Now if you want to say that McDonnell was a hard core social conservative, but on the fiscal liberal side during his last several years, you’d be correct. He championed HRTA which was struck down by the court as unconstitutional……..something about taxation without representation. (kinda like Deeming transportations taxes to be passed.
)
He championed along with Terrie Suit some bs excuse for eminent domain reform that would have left the door open for localities to condemn for development and not really reformed anything. Thankfully that failed and REAL reform was passed next year.
Hey, I really like his current performance. He gets good grades so far during his term as governor, but you’re totally rewriting history, Steve. Seriously, if I was a gay pagan, I’d far more be afraid of McDonnell. Seriously. Actions speak volumes.
Considering that Bolling stepped aside for McDonnell, can you blame McDonnell backing Bolling? I think Cuccinelli could even understand that.
Beyond McDonnell being far more willing to embrace big government (in the past)than Cuccinelli, you are so very wrong in your account of recent Virginia history.
Britt,
did you purposefully misread what I wrote>
1. I didn’t say anything about Cuccinelli legislating anything. I said he turned attention to social issues, which he did with his otherwide unprovoked opinion on discrimination against gays and lesbians. And the Obama birther stuff.
2. did you miss wherr I said “despite what McDonnell stood for when he was in the House?” Of course he’s not a social liberal, but he ran for office last year as a social moderate, smiling “Bob for Jobs” McDonnell. Where you out of state for that?
Doo you just want to make up your own reality or are you ignoring the one that actually exists ON PURPOSE?”
3. Not interesting enough to answer.
Aren’t the Gay Pagans a motorcycle club?
Steve,
1. No, he gave a legal opinion, which is what he is supposed to do. Based on a topic that was brought up BY OTHERS, he advised on it.
2. To you maybe running as and rhetoric is more important than actual actions. To me, actions are what matter. Yes, I was here for the words. I was also here for his past actions. Also, his present actions which I am very happy with.
3. Of course not. Along with highlighting taxes, this point takes a jab at “Deem to Pass” which Democrats should be embarrassed by.
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