The previously announced live blog interview with Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-37, Fairfax) now has a date: It will be Friday, March 7 at 2:00 or upon adjournment of the floor.
Please post your questions at this thread. This will be an exciting opportunity to ask one of the most principled conservatives in Virginia questions about the General Assembly, his future plans (perhaps a run for attorney general), the budget, today’s Supreme Court decision invalidating last year’s transportation plan, and his stunning victory on the Senate floor this week when Senator Cuccinelli’s amendment to ban state funding to Planned Parenthood was adopted 21-20.
We also have lined up some question-and-answer interviews (where we e-mail a series of questions and receive the answers back within a day) with some very influential members of the General Assembly. Please check back for those exciting announcements at the beginning of next week.
Senator Cuccinelli: Thanks a million for joining us today! Let me start off with the questions.
Can you tell us what it was like during the vote on your budget amendment banning funding to Planned Parenthood? For example, there were some long recesses called by the other side to sweat out Senator Colgan and perhaps sew some disaray in the GOP caucus. What was it like trying to hold everyone together?
Also, do you think that amendment and some other positive developments in the Senate this year (for example, defeating Senator McEachin’s sex-ed bill) would have happened if the Republicans remained in the majority?
Thanks Senator for your work with your budget amendment banning funding to Planned Parenthood.Thanks for your great work for the State. You, your family and staff remain in our prayers.Have you found this year to be a different year as compared to most with the Bills that were presented this year.?
Dr. Marietta Brown
Senator Cuccinelli: Thanks for taking my questions.
My first one is, a lot of people talk about issues, but not many politicians talk about principles. I find it refreshing that you talk about principles in every speech I hear you make. Why is that important? Don’t people just want to know you’re getting the streets fixed and the police paid, and don’t care how or why you do it? (at least that’s what many want us to believe.)
Along those lines, I really appreciate the work you and others did on eminent domain reform last year. That bill took more twists and turns but still, as important as it was, got little media attention. Why are property rights so important for our society — what is the principle behind that? Also, what are the odds of getting a good eminent domain constitutional amendment on the ballot within the next two years?
Senator Cuccinelli,
Thanks so much for taking all of our questions today. My question is, in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the unconstitutionality of unelected boards having taxing authority, what do you think the upcoming Special Session will decide to do in order to make up for the funding shortfall that causes?
–Peter Foster
Chester, VA
Dear Senator Cuccinelli,
I am grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made on behalf of ALL Virginians. Thank you for being the epitome of what a true Public Servant is all about. William Wilberforce would have been honored to serve with you, I am sure.
Here is my question: Why did the budget transparency bill(s) fail? Are you hopeful we will have an opportunity to see our Commonwealth utilize the 21st Century’s technology, in disclosing how our government is spending OUR money? Do you think the Governor will establish it by executive order? Do you think he even wants the public to be aware of how OUR taxes are being spent?
Thank you for being and for this opportunity.
1) How close are we to getting vouchers for school
choice? And,how can we help this process?
2) How can we help support transportation funds to be dispensed for transportation needs only?
Senator Cuccinelli,
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I imagine that the failure to pass the transparency bill would rank high on the list of disappointments – any other big disappointments this year? Any pleasant surprises?
Thanks,
Nick
Senator: What’s the future of conservatism in Va.? Do you think Conservatives can win statewide with NOVA seemingly lost?