This is a major victory for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Virginia. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson ruled in favor of Virginia’s challenge to the federal health care law by striking down the individual mandate that requires nearly every American to purchase health insurance or face a steep penalty.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Hudson denied the petition to stop the law from being implemented in the state.
Cuccinelli, in a note to supporters said: “This won’t be the final round, as this will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, but today is a critical milestone in the protection of the Constitution.”
The decision also sparked responses from George Allen, who is considering a run for U.S. Senate against Jim Webb in 2012 and RPV Chairman Pat Mullins.
Allen said:
“This case is a reminder that Sen. Jim Webb ignored the views and values of the people of Virginia with his many votes, including the one for Senate passage last Christmas eve, for this unfair, harmful, unconstitutional federal government takeover of health care and its odious mandates.
“This decision is a victory for the rights and prerogatives of Virginians and potentially people throughout our United States.
“I heartily commend Judge Hudson for his sound, Constitutionally-based decision and also thank Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli for defending liberty against federal usurpation and dictates.”
Mullins said:
“Today’s ruling is not just a victory for the Commonwealth of Virginia, but for our entire country. Attorney General Cuccinelli and his team recognized early that the legislation that came to be known as ObamaCare was more than just an ill-advised government take-over of the entire health care system – it was an assault on the very idea of limited government.
If Congress can require Americans to purchase health insurance, there are truly no limits to what government can do. The entire concept of enumerated powers – one of the pillars of Federalism – would be fatally undercut.
Voters understood from the very beginning that this legislation was fatally flawed. But Democrats in Congress, including our own Democrat Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner not only failed to listen to the voters, but also failed in their most fundamental responsibility: to protect the Constitution.
While there are still multiple hearings left before the U.S. Supreme Court issues a final ruling on this case, Monday’s decision is a clear indication that Virginia’s case is strong and will eventually prevail.”
Cross posted at Crystal Clear Conservative
