It’s July 21st, 2011. After months of negotiations, stalling until the last minute, pushing localities to the brink on redistricting, and waiting until the last minute on Congressional redistricting as well as judicial appointments, Governor McDonnell has sent a strongly worded letter to both Speaker Bill Howell and Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw.
The General Assembly has now been in regular or special session for over six months. The failure to timely complete redistricting and adjourn sine die is having a major negative impact on Virginia’s judicial system. Substitute and retired judges are working on many cases, and the Supreme Court is hearing fewer cases with smaller panels. The House previously sent a judicial nominations resolution to the Senate to fill the two vacancies on the Supreme Court, but the Senate has taken no action.
Since the General Assembly is unable to agree on the selection of judges, I am prepared to perform my constitutional duties and appoint justices to the Virginia Supreme Court and judges to fill the several other trial court vacancies. I have directed my counsel to begin the evaluation of judicial candidates. To bring this process to conclusion, the legislature must act promptly by finishing redistricting immediately and adjourn sine die, or elect the judges yourself. Our courts and our citizens cannot afford further delay.
Pretty stand up way of telling the General Assembly to quit emphasizing the “ass” and start moving.
