By Lynn R. Mitchell
During the weekend of April 4, 2015 and the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the fall of Richmond during the Civil War, tourists were invited for a brief walk-through tour of Virginia’s Executive Mansion.
Terry, were you home? We stopped by to visit….
Governor Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling at Executive Mansion, 2011. (Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell)
By Lynn R. Mitchell
As former Governor Bob McDonnell’s appeal continues in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, bipartisan legal voices from around the country have voiced support for the reversal of his unjust conviction. The unprecedented support has come from some of the nation’s most recognized legal scholars, former federal judges, former state Attorneys General, and Virginia business leaders (see Strange bedfellows defend Bob McDonnell):
Signers of the briefs include a number of former government officials with skin in the game — 44 former state attorneys general (23 of whom are Democrats), two former U.S. attorneys general, attorneys for the past five presidents, and the Republican Governors Association — as well as conservative and liberal scholars united around a separate idea that states should be allowed to determine their own corruption laws.
Dr. Kurt Michael, Governor Bob McDonnell at Executive Mansion, 2013. Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell.
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Posted yesterday on former Governor Bob McDonnell’s Facebook page:
Governor McDonnell’s attorneys are reviewing the Government’s filing and preparing his response.
In the meantime, Governor McDonnell remains buoyed by the unprecedented broad support his appeal has received from bipartisan state attorneys general who served in states stretching from Maine to Hawaii, bipartisan federal officials including White House counsels to every President since Ronald Reagan and two United States Attorneys General, nationally recognized law professors, including one of President Clinton’s most well-regarded district court appointees, bipartisan state and national legislators, the association that represents 31 sitting governors across the country, countless business leaders, the nation’s leading criminal defense lawyers association, as well as one of the country’s most prominent civil rights leaders.
Governor McDonnell further remains hopeful he will succeed in demonstrating on appeal that he never abused his office or committed any crime. He considered it an immense privilege to serve as governor and worked tirelessly with his team of public servants to improve the quality of Life in the Commonwealth. Governor McDonnell’s deep faith in God and the remarkable support of friends and family continue to sustain him during this appellate process.”
Earlier this month the Virginian Pilot reported that 44 former attorneys general backed McDonnell’s appeal, noting that they “support Mr. McDonnell’s appeal because his convictions represent a drastic, legislatively unsanctioned expansion of the federal police power, Basing federal criminal prosecutions on common political pleasantries would extend the federal government’s reach far too deeply into state political life” (see 44 former attorneys general back McDonnell appeal).
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Former Augusta County GOP Chairman Kurt Michael, Staunton Councilwoman Andrea Oakes, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell at Augusta Health, 2013
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Revealed this week was the rest of the story, so to speak, with revelations that Maureen McDonnell was prepared to testify in court about her activities with Jonnie Williams, according to reporter Andrew Cain at the Richmond Times-Dispatch (see Maureen McDonnell planned to testify about concealment from husband):
Maureen McDonnell was prepared to testify last year that she concealed from her husband many of her activities involving Jonnie R. Williams Sr., including his lavish gifts and her purchases of Star Scientific stock.
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By Lynn R. Mitchell
Monica Crowley has a piece over at The Washington Times about Hillary Clinton and email-gate (see The real reason Hillary is in trouble). In it, Crowley notes all the issues swirling about Hillary but boils her troubles down to one thing: “No one likes her.”
Crowley goes on to say:
This is the hard truth that has popped up like a vicious migraine: No one — not even many of her fellow Democrats and leftists in the mainstream media — likes her very much. Her negative poll numbers (particularly on issues of honesty and trustworthiness) have always been high, except during much of her tenure as secretary of state. But her negatives are now back with a vengeance.
By Brian Kirwin
Guest Post
Originally posted at Bearing Drift
Anyone involved in Virginia Beach politics has heard speeches of the now-retired Del. Bob Purkey. Anyone very involved has heard them hundreds of times. The supremely involved can recite them verbatim.
One thing Del. Bob Purkey always said goes like this:
“Diversity is the future of this country and the future of this party”
He meant it. In endorsing Bill DeSteph two years ago, Del. Purkey said “diversity is the future of America, Virginia, and the 82nd House of Delegates District.”
By Lynn R. Mitchell
In 2009 Virginia Republicans faced a possible blood bath between their top two state officials. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell both had their eyes on the gubernatorial race, and long-time activists, volunteers, and supporters were dreading the split a battle between the two could do to the party. As a result, Bill Bolling stepped away from the plate, leaving the nomination for Bob McDonnell, and a unified Republican Party went on to sweep the Top 3 state offices with Bob McDonnell winning governor and Bill Bolling reelected as lieutenant governor.
Fast forward to 2015 and the news that both Democratic Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring have indicated they will run for the gubernatorial nomination (see Ralph Northam confirms he’s running to become next Va. governor):
By Lynn R. Mitchell
the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Maureen McDonnell’s sentence from court Friday in Richmond:
Former first lady Maureen McDonnell was sentenced Friday to 12 months and 1 day in prison on federal corruption charges. U.S. Judge James R. Spencer also ordered two years supervised probation and allowed her to remain free pending appeal.
The sentencing came after an emotional hearing of more than three hours capped by the testimony of a visibly emotional McDonnell, making her first extensive comments on her case, and preceded by her daughter, Rachel, who told of the hurt and division the scandal had brought upon the her parents and the five children.
Maureen McDonnell riveted the courtroom when she said the “venom” from benefactor-turned-prosecution witness Jonnie R. Williams Sr. had “poisoned” her family, marriage and the state, resulting in the historic trial on accusations of trading access to the governor’s office for gifts, loans and favors.
The Governor was in the courtroom, according to McKelway and Moomaw, but did not address the court. However, Mrs. McDonnell spoke on her behalf, noting that, “We’re not ready for a second chance until we are broken”:
By Lynn R. Mitchell
With former Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell scheduled for sentencing on February 20, federal prosecutors are asking for her to serve 18 months while her lawyers are asking for community service (see Prosecutors seek 18-month sentence for Maureen McDonnell):
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s sister Maureen McDonnell, who happens to have the same name as his wife, talked candidly with WAVY TV-10 reporter Andy Fox about her brother’s legal issues (see Bob McDonnell’s sister opens up about trial, conviction).
By Daniel P. Cortez
After several bedridden weeks battling the flu and then watching the President’s State of the Union Address, I’ve realized Stafford voters need inoculation from Democratic political hypocrites and elitists’ moral turpitude. Fortunately, actions by former Governor George Allen and wife Susan provide hope for Virginia Republicans struggling for unity.
Raising conservative angst was President Obama’s depiction of a booming jobs market in our record deficit economy and free community college at taxpayer expense. While socialistically invigorating to Democratic partisans, they remain troublesome to Republicans and Independents.
Governor Bob McDonnell (photo by Lynn R. Mitchell)
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Monday brought the good news that former Governor Bob McDonnell would be allowed to remain free pending his appeals process (see Appeals court says McDonnell can remain free pending appeal).
Updated with this statement from Governor McDonnell:
“I am grateful for today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit allowing me to remain free on bond pending my appeal. I plan to spend time with my new granddaughter who was born this month, attend my sons’ graduation ceremonies, and embrace family time with my daughters. I want to thank my family, friends and legal team for their tireless support and unwavering belief in my innocence.”
Shortly after that news broke, the Restoration Fund released additional information about the appeals process and how McDonnell’s lawyers have working to vindicate a good man. The Restoration Fund was set up for those who wanted to provide financial assistance for the hugely expensive legal process of battling the federal government.
Bob McDonnell (photo by Lynn R. Mitchell)
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Once again the judge has struck down a request by former Governor Bob McDonnell. Reporter Frank Green with the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote (see Judge denies McDonnell bid to remain free):
By Lynn R. Mitchell
“I love that man. He’s a really, really good man. I’m so glad the judge gave him only two years for what is legal in the state of Virginia.” –Joe Scarborough on “Morning Joe,” 1/7/15
Wednesday morning after reporting that former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years for the federal government’s prosecution against him, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski had positive comments about the man that many have supported and defended with feelings that he has been unjustly prosecuted.
Scarborough has been critical of the federal government’s overreach into Virginia throughout this ordeal and, thus, his sarcastic comment, “I’m so glad the judge gave him only two years for what is legal in the state of Virginia.”
Joe Scarborough is former Republican congressman from Florida. Mika, on the other hand, is a solid Democrat but even she weighed in on the issue.
“I think he’s going to come back,” Mika said. “I don’t think his career is over.”
By Lynn R. Mitchell
Janet Kelly has worked with and for former Governor Bob McDonnell for years, a friendship and dedication that is mutual. More than a decade ago when he was planning to run for attorney general, she reached out to ask for help with a hospitality suite at the Republican Advance that was about to be held at the Homestead. During that time, she gained my respect for her dedication and hard work. That has not changed, and her loyalty to the Governor that continues to this day is something that is not often found in politics.
I have found with Bob McDonnell a dedication from many that is rare in politics where we all swim in a shark tank, where others are too eager to climb on the backs of others to reach a higher rung on the ladder of success, and if you have one or two friends (not to be confused with allies), you are fortunate.
Janet’s friendship with the Governor continued Tuesday when she testified at his sentencing trial, as reported by Rachel Weiner with the Washington Post:
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