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VA AG Cuccinelli to fix primary ballot mess. [UPDATED]

By: Moe Lane (Diary)  |  December 31st, 2011 at 01:52 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

[FURTHER UPDATE] Drudge is not reporting that Perry/Gringrich are on the ballot; but Bachmann, Gingrich, Huntsman, and Santorum have joined Perry’s lawsuit.

The Attorney General of Virginia “plans to file emergency legislation to address the inability of most Republican presidential candidates to get their names on the ballot;” as everyone reading this already knows, the recent Virginia primary ratification process ended up with only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul getting on the ballot. Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry had too many of their signatures invalidated by the process; the other candidates didn’t even try. As I understand the situation, emergency legislation will require a super-majority in the state (well, Commonwealth) legislature; but the fact that Cuccinelli is already getting bipartisan backup (and the reported support of the Governor) suggests that such a thing may be actually achievable.

Particularly since it is becoming increasingly clear that the VA GOP itself is aware that it has mucked up its own primary certification process; frankly, the fact that it apparently violated state election law* itself via the hasty enactment of a loyalty oath (such things require ninety days’ notice, you see) should have made that clear. I understand that it may be more, well, satisfying to blame five out of seven Presidential campaigns for this situation; it may be even more satisfying to blame only two out of those seven. But I have to say that actual party officials in Virginia are certainly acting as if the entire thing is their doing; I know that noting that bothers some people, but it’s not exactly my fault.

Moe Lane (crosspost)

[*A reader has pointed out that the Virginia Board of Elections has since decided that the ninety day requirement applies to the party, not to them. These people are entertaining, no?]

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COMMENTS

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  • goodgovernance

    What was that even about, aside from the Establishment putting its finger on the scale?

    It’s not like Dems planning to sabotage the Republican primary are going to be held by it to vote for Romney in the general, or keep them from dirty tricks.

  • ghostship

    Just what is going on in VA? Not only does this loyalty oath violate their own state election laws apparently but the mere act of requiring Republicans to sign an oath of loyalty is insulting.

    If anyone needs to sign a loyalty oath it’s the politicians who need to sign one to the voters.

  • mikeymike143

    after next years presidential election. virginia sure is going to be lucky to have him as their next governor.

  • sunshinek67

    :)

  • Scope

    has many Virginians breathing fire, and further insuring that many voters won’t even bother to vote in the primary.

    The State Board of Elections gave the RPV permission to require the loyalty oath. The reports are that every polling location would require every primary voter to sign the loyalty oath, or they would not be allowed to vote in the primary. Problem is, it has no teeth, as in the General election if you changed your mind and voted for Obama, choke choke, nothing can be done to you. There is no such thing as the loyalty oath police tracking the votes.

    It is a useless and senseless RPV project that many see as another mandate to the GOP voters. Huh, and imagine that, Cuccinelli is fighting in court to stop the Obamacare mandate.

  • lizzie

    Title 7.1 – BOUNDARIES, JURISDICTION AND EMBLEMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH….
    Chapter 4 – Seals and Flag of the Commonwealth.

    ? 7.1-26. The great seal.

    The great seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of two metallic discs, two and one-fourth inches in diameter, with an ornamental border one fourth of an inch wide, with such words and figures engraved thereon as will, when used, produce impressions to be described as follows: On the obverse, Virtus, the genius of the Commonwealth, dressed as an Amazon, resting on a spear in her right hand, point downward, touching the earth; and holding in her left hand, a sheathed sword, or parazonium, pointing upward; her head erect and face upturned; her left foot on the form of Tyranny represented by the prostrate body of a man, with his head to her left, his fallen crown nearby, a broken chain in his left hand, and a scourge in his right. Above the group and within the border conforming therewith, shall be the word “Virginia,” and, in the space below, on a curved line, shall be the motto, “Sic Semper Tyrannis.” On the reverse, shall be placed a group consisting of Libertas, holding a wand and pileus in her right hand; on her right, Aeternitas, with a globe and phoenix in her right hand; on the left of Libertas, Ceres, with a cornucopia in her left hand, and an ear of wheat in her right; over this device, in a curved line, the word “Perseverando.”

    (Code 1950, ? 7-26; 1966, c. 102.)
    copied from:
    http://www.netstate.com/states/mottoes/va_motto.htm

    ok, I thought Virginia’s state motto was “birthplace of democracy”, but “Thus ever to Tyrants” works in the case of ballot access and loyalty oaths…

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    “Sic Semper Tyrannis!” I’ll bet this has some people fuming (RINO Establishment, Karl Rove, Bill Bolling, and some Romneybots and Paulbots on this here site.) Let ‘em fume! Virginians should be allowed to vote for the candidate of their choice, whether that’s Newt Gingrich or Rick Perry; they shouldn’t be forced to vote for Romney/Paul or stay at home.

    Praise God for courageous lovers of liberty like Ken Cuccinelli. It’s people like him who give me hope for our country’s future leadership.

  • Scope

    This is getting more than a little embarrassing folks. Right now I’m ashamed to say I’m a Virginian.

    Right after the ballot mess happened, and for the next few days, one of our VA conservative sites started posting article after article screaming that us Virginians need to stop the whining, and get over it already. We were told more than once that it wasn’t the fault of the RPV, it was the fault of the shoddy, incompetent campaigns, mainly the Newt and Perry campaigns that were at fault for not being able to organize enough to get a very reasonable number of signatures. Nope, that number was not difficult at all, hey Romney got enough to not even have to be verified. Paul’s all checked out we were told, after we were told that Paul’s signatures were not verified as he came close to the number. And hey, time was of the essence as Christmas was in a few days, and we have to have it wrapped up before then, even though they had until the following Tues to complete the verifications. There were some commentors saying that in 2008 10,000 signatures were required, and then no verification would be necessary. One of the most arrogant and condescending people writing articles at that site, told us that it’s “Time that the conservatives take another look at Mitt Romney” or else we will wind up with Ron Paul.

    Today I find a post there with “2012 Predictions” with no author listed.

    As if things are depressing enough in VA with one mess after the next, this prediction insured that I will never click on that site again, and will keep the names of those self described insiders in mind-

    * “Obama wins a second term over Mitt Romney. VA goes blue for the second time in 4 years.”

    In other words, rather than the RPV calling the candidates incompetent, and saying that they didn’t work hard enough, need to look in a mirror. They will scream from fright just as they have made me do.

  • lizzie

    “Texas comes from the word “teysha” meaning “hello friend” in the language of the Caddo Indian tribes. Spanish explorers and settlers used this word to refer to the friendly tribes throughout Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.”
    http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/tx_intro.htm

    Sorry – but this is a really cool URL, for all the State mottoes:
    http://www.netstate.com/states/tables/state_mottoes.htm

    I think New Hampshire really is the winner: “Live Free or Die”.

    compared to Michigan: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”

    off topic, for sure!

  • Scope

    I guess swearing off Fox news keeps you in the dark at times huh. I can’t wait to read more about this.

    I had read, and linked an article, where the VA House majority leader said there was zero to none chance of the legislature taking up this issue. A spokesperson for Gov. McDonnell said the Gov. didn’t feel sorry for the candidates that didn’t make the ballot, and that they all knew the rules, they’ve been in place for a long time.

    I am surprised with Ciccinelli’s plans, as it doesn’t appear that many of the uppers here want anything changed.

    Even if Cuccinelli’s plan doesn’t work, this effort on his part will go very very far in his election as the next Gov. of VA in 2013. Of course the uppers have already predicted that Romney will be the nominee, and that he will lose to Obama. They have part of that right anyway.

  • westcoastpatriette

    I was not aware that AG’s could file emergency legislation but that is exactly what I was saying yesterday needed to be done. Maybe there is some hope for our Republic still. And to hear so many Dems are supporting the emergency measure is also shockingly encouraging.

  • sunshinek67

    Chatter from Twitter: Peter Hamby on CNN reporting 1,500+precinct leaders in Iowa and growing, plus State Troopers. Haha, go get’em Team Perry!

    Bringing it to Virginia shortly lol!

  • trickamsterdam

    If Romney and Paul could do it, then Newt and Perry should have been able to too. Period.

    I wonder if the ones that didn’t even bother to submit any signatures get a second chance too? If not, then how is that fair? They could make the argument that maybe they didn’t even try because it was too hard.

    The law is the law is the law. People on this site cheering it because the want to bail Perry out for his mind-blowing and shameful incompetence will regret it one day. Mark my words…this will be used as a precedent by some clever liberal to bring down Voter ID laws. And it should be.

  • Scope

    The idea of doing emergency legislation had already been floated out there, but according to an article I linked here somewhere, the R VA House majority leader was questioned, and he said there was “zero to none” chance of it happening. If the R majority leader was saying that, I didn’t think it would ever happen. The Gov’s spokesperson also said that the Gov. wasn’t inclined in getting involved, as the candidates all knew the rules for a long time.

    I’ve said before, since 2004 the DNC has waived the number of signature’s required down to 5,000, for any Democrat running for office in the state. The Democrats have been trying to get this changed with the legislature for a long time. I have little doubt that the Democrats will be more in favor of this proposal than the Republicans. Yes you read that correctly, the Democrats will be more supportive of this than the Republicans. Remember that Lt. Gov. Bolling was the LT Gov in the last administration as well with Tim Kaine, and Bob McDonnell was the Atty Gen. in Kaines administration. I believe the House and Senate have been split. It was interesting to read that a former state prosecutor said that the VA election laws are a “legal and constitutional embarrassment.”

    If Cuccinelli’s efforts fail, look at who it will be that will kill it. I think it’s possible that McDonnell and Bolling may go along with passing this legislation, as this mess makes their administration look like complete and total fools, and as incompetent as they are claiming the Perry and Newt campaigns were.

    I am going to be glued to my seat to see what happens with the Jan. 13th lawsuit. I mistakenly picked up the wrong name for the judge in that lawsuit when I said it was a George Bush appointee. It was in fact an Obama nominee that was approved by the Senate in Dec. 2010. That may help, as the Democrats are vehemently against voter disenfranchisement.

    I’m stocking up on popcorn folks.

  • westcoastpatriette

    Maybe you need to slow down, catch your breath and get over yourself.

    You say, “The law is the law is the law.” And I say, some laws are really stupid and very unworkable when put into practice. And that’s what responsible lawmakers are supposed to do — fix stupid laws.

    To compare what’s going on in VA with requiring a photo ID to vote is apples and oranges and if you cannot see the difference, you are either very naive or you have not followed the story in VA very closely.

  • Scope

    the support for Perry will grow in VA if I have to kill myself doing it. That is if Cooch is successful with his legislative effort. Don’t forget, Cooch is not exactly the favorite guy with the VA party elitists, and the Gov. and Lt. Gov. He doesn’t march in lockstep.

    I’d love to see Cooch as the next Atty. Gen. in Perry’s administration, but I also want him as my next Gov here in VA. The Gov. election isn’t until Nov. 2013, and when Perry is inaugurated Cooch can always withdraw his candidacy and go to Washington. Then I get stuck with a moderate R as Gov, if he can manage a win, which is questionable.

  • Xasteius

    A better comparison would be Romney using his influence to move up the caucus dates so that he could be elected without too much fuss.

  • texasref

    Romney didn’t want a 2-man race. It allows all the anti-Romney vote to cluster around the other man. It would have been a blowout, given Romney’s ceiling of 25% throughout 2011.

    This “emergency legislation” is the establishment’s doing, panicking that the other person who qualified to be on the ballot, Ron Paul, may unify the not-Romney vote.

    Romney needs the not-Romney candidates to splinter up, not just in Iowa, but in South Carolina, Virginia, and beyond.

    Romney and Paul would have standing to appeal any legislation to the courts as changing the rules of the game in the 4th quarter to benefit the losing team. Romney probably loves that the not-Romney vote will be splintered, so Paul would be the only one who might complain about this. It’ll be interesting to watch.

    I guarantee you this will ram through next week. Whether it holds up between then and March is another question.

  • jimmyg

    AG Cuccinelli, by statute, is the lawyer for the Commonwealth. He is not a legislator. He has previously been requested by the trial judge in the Federal Court case to file a brief and explain why his office does not have a conflict of interest because of AG Cuccinelli’s prior comments regarding the ballot mess, and the current statute. In other words the Judge is pointing out to the Virginia AG that his comments have put him sideways with his client, the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    This action by AG Cuccinelli will confirm to the Judge that the AG cannot zealously represent the Commonwealth, and defend the statute at issue.

    It would seem to me, for the benefit of all concerned, that any proposed legislation should have emanated from the legislature.
    If the legislature does not pass the proposed legislation, the VA Attorney General’s office will be removed from representing VA by the presiding Judge, and the lawsuit will be further delayed until such time that the Commonwealth is adequately represented. Of course if it does pass the legislation, the lawsuit is moot.

    What a mess.

  • Scope

    the RPV rules changed late in the game with the signature verification requirement. The RPV didn’t “follow the law” in every past election, and 10,000 signatures were not verified. All of a sudden this year, they get tough.

    From what I’m reading the legislation would allow candidates on the ballot if they in fact qualify for matching federal funds.. Yes, that obviously mean that Cain would get on the ballot if he decides to restart his campaign which is unlikely.

    The law may be the law, but all laws are not always good laws. What Cuccinelli is trying to change is the law to a more legal and constitutional law through the proper channels, legislation.

    BTW- It’s the Democrats and the Ron Paul supporters who are against the Voter ID laws. The liberals need the illegal vpotes, and the black helicopter crowd is afraid their individual rights will be destroyed. Oh, and that the government would bury cameras in the Voter ID’s to track your every move.

  • westcoastpatriette

    nono

  • texasref

    *immaculated*
    *elevated*
    *annointed*

    without too much fuss.

    Fixed Your Post (FYP).

  • joecollins

    So, we have a situation where two candidates (Romney and Paul) managed to abide by the rules as established in Virginia. And now Virginia is working feverishly to change those rules so other candidates can be on the ballot too.

    I prefer both Gingrich and Perry (instead of Romney and Paul), but I don’t get how this is fair to the two who successfully got their names on the ballot. The rules are changed when we don’t like the results?

    Virginia was stupid. This is true. So, how does Virginia act fairly to all parties given that Virginia was stupid to start???

  • romansdaughter

    I am sure there are a lot more voters than just Scope who would like to vote for someone besides Mitt or Ron Paul grief, in my opinion the two worst candidates. Yes, God bless Cuccinelli!

  • seanl

    nt

  • snowshooze

    I would laugh until I threw up if they were subjected to the scrutiny, and none were qualified.
    Good work Virginians. Keep the pressure on.
    Pitchforks and torches to the end.
    Oh… and clean out that VA GOP completely while you are at it.
    The dumb laws and rules being bad enough.. ditch the arrogant Prima-Donnas.. I am thinking that is all but a done deal. The stuff they put out was so insulting..
    Every once in a while you have to make an example of someone.
    We have a Volunteer.

  • westcoastpatriette

    is that this isn’t a football game in terms of fairness after the fact. And if Romney and Paul have any decency or sense of patriotism, they would willingly acknowledge that there is something wrong with the rules when only two out of seven candidates were able and/or willing to put forth the effort to get on the ballot.

    When the laws are so onerous that they obviously cannot be complied with or they have to be relaxed for some but not for others, there is enough blame to go around or should we say evidence that something is wrong with the law itself. I really doubt that either Romney or Paul will object to emergency legislation to make the election fair to all Virginians. And you cannot factor out the inconsistent manner the law has been enforced. This all smacks of too much unfairness as it stands and cries out for correction, IMO.

  • sunshinek67

    I just want to express appreciation to Red State for providing a forum that allows Rick Perry supporters the opportunity to connect and fellowship on the strongest GOP candidate there is with a consistent solid record of economic success and jobs creation that would be an excellent President of the United States. I am amazed right now the chatter in the blogosphere, the vitriol against Mr Erick in particular. From shameful Hot Air to so-called conservative journalists and bloggers tweeting into infinity stumbling frantically over their keyboards right now as I speak to attack Mr Erick, and the Red State forum in general.

    Without RedState, I wouldn’t have realized the vast number of supporters that Rick Perry has outside of Texas. It’s not a Texas thing, Governor Perry is the real deal. Thank you again, Mr Erick and Red State. KWilson :)

  • pj2012

    this website’s load time… way too slow on page loading… it can’t be my computer, it’s brand new and fast! I could get a great manicure in the time it takes these pages to load… lol… sorry guy’s.

    Thank you Cuccinelli… ;-)

  • keepithonest

    does not have his best interest at heart. This information was given out of school. I suspect that it came from a member of the team that did not come with him from previous campaigns. Also, as you might take note, the other big boys are keeping their ground organization close to the vest. That is the way it should be, never give away your battle plans.

    Someone that came from another presidential campaign is sowing the seeds of discontent within his organization. Perry campaigns are well known for keeping things close to the vest. I would look to anyone from the Pawlenty(who is with the Romney camp) or Bachman campaigns. Bachman’s campaign people are notorious for bad mouthing, leaking information and conversations.

    I would say at this point that my comments are only opinions, observations and conclusions arrived at by watching as much news I can on all of the cable networks and websites. No proof of anything, just very worried for the integrity of the system. Fox website today has a picture of Gov. Perry and his Oops moment on their website for their article about flubs in this years campaign. A subtle but not so subtle subliminal message. There was also an article abouit Gov. Perry TRYING to make a come back. Also another subtle but not so subtle subliminal message. They never mention his name unless it involves a disparaging remark. PsyOps is well underway, not sure of my spelling here.

    I was always a Fox News fan but I find it very biased these days and not because I am a Perry fan. No, because it is the truth as I see it. I find it very hard, although very necessary, to watch. I have to check all channels or websites to know the lay of the land. One has to honor the truth even though it might not make them happy.

    I wish everyone a very prosperous and happy new year, I really enjoy this website for it’s civility.

  • carolynr

    Just broke on Drudge…they’re on the ballot.

  • papabear

    Trying to apply reason.

    TA is a Romneybot. Their thinking is that if the voters want to choose anyone but Romney, then they just need to have their choice restricted to a certifiable conspiracy theorist and Romney.

    As long as there is a way to suppress democracy, there is a path to nominate Romney!

  • keepithonest

    My posting above was supposed to be in response to sunshinek67′s comments about Gov. Perry’s ground organization in Iowa.

  • carolynr

    I’ve just blogged on the site. I don’t know which campaign…but it was leaked and printed as truth….and it’s bs.

    As far a Fox is concerned…haven’t watched it in days. Did blog on Gretawire this pm concerning Perry.

    His interviews are really getting good and I hope he keeps trucking along…I’m not giving up…but Fox and their commercials…well…I don’t watch anymore…I’m on the Internet.

  • snowshooze

    nt

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and a Ron Paul, its not logical for the Romney camp to even think all the candidates would even make it.

  • pj2012

    there only this at the top of Drudge… “Results of the final Des Moines Register Iowa Poll of likely Republican caucusgoers before the Iowa caucuses will be released at 7 p.m. at DesMoinesRegister.com.”

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and we do seem to be growing.

  • rickhendrix

    In the interest of accuracy, the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia voted to require the loyalty oath at its meeting on December 3, more than 90 days before the March 6 primary. However I don’t know when this was communicated to the State Board of Elections, so I don’t know for sure if the deadline was met.

  • snowshooze

    Leaves plenty room for doubt in my mind.

  • carolynr

    They state this as fact…but here is the thread

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/12/31/virginia-attorney-general-intervenes-in-gop-primary-ballot-dispute/

  • renl57

    As a Romney supporter, I think it’s fine if VA can pass legislation to change this. Just as long as it’s all done strictly legally.

    We can afford to be gracious here.

  • http://moelane.com/ Moe Lane

    As I understand it, the SBE is taking the position that the ninety day rule applies to the party’s request, not their own approval of it. I assume that straightening that out would take another lawsuit. :)

  • renl57

    1. Romney is still the odds-on favorite to get the nomination anyway. (77.2% chance on Intrade) After Iowa and New Hampshire, he’ll be unstoppable.

    2. He’ll need a unified party behind him if he’s to defeat Obama and his billion dollar smear machine. He can’t afford to anger any part of it.

    If you still won’t support Romney in the general campaign against Obama, then it will be clear that’s not Romney’s fault.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Certainly confirms what most of us have been concerned about.

    Happy New Year to you as well!

  • lizzie

    I just read it, and, it has nothing to do with the Virginia ballot issue, but one heck of an expose of the Perry campaign trials and tribulations. Mostly it makes Dave Carney look bad.

    I doubt it will impact the outcome in Iowa.

    And, I have to admit, some of what was in this Politico expose did make some sense – I was surprised at the decision for Perry to take Sheriff Joe to New Hampshire.

    But, I totally disagree that Perry should have ignored New Hampshire as being “too alien a culture” for him. He should have gone deer hunting instead of taking Sheriff Joe. Heck, everyone I see (and I am sitting about 20 miles south of the NH border in rural western Mass) is wearing Carhartt and driving pickup trukcs. Tons of veterans and hunters.
    Ok, not everyone I see. There are also tons of Obamabots, but not so in NH.

    writing as a native Floridian transplant to New England.

    I also just read the NYT hit piece on the ground game, at an Iowa news site.
    Completely deleted any mention of Perry’s ground game and precinct organization. Front page in the NYT, but NOT good that a small (Osceola?) Iowa site is featuring it.

    I can not find any news about VA except that everyone else just joined Perry’s lawsuit.

  • acat

    If you visit this page you can see how you can help.

    Mew

  • unitedwestood

    That stated that the rules were 10,000 names up until this last nov. Then it changed to 15,000 If you got the 15,000 they didn’t check the names against the roles.. but if you got the 10,000 then the checked them. Now, I want to know, what exactly is right about that? Also, considering that Paul and Romney have been running for President since the dawn of time ( or it sure seems like it) they are more then likely more organized then the rest are. But, in the case of Romney, he’s buddy-buddy with the gov. There? He’s in with somone.. can’t remember who right at this moment. I’ll try to find it.

  • sunshinek67

    as to the Politico hitpiece designed to create chaos and disorganization, is that Perry in these recent Iowa events is anything but. He is sharp as a tack, taking out a “gotcha” questioner yesterday in the process. Seriously, what does Lawrence v Texas have anything to do with job creation? Probably a plant job in the townhall. At any rate, Perry looked him in the eye and said he wasn’t gonna play, lol!

  • trickamsterdam

    Wow, really? I think that’s the exact point I was making. Thank you for agreeing…I guess…dude (or dudette).

    They’ll (liberals) use this as a reason that they can challenge any legitimate requirement for someone being able to vote (voter ID law). After all, being able to RUN isn’t a right…but being able to VOTE is. Oh, this WILL be used as PRECEDENCE, “PerryBots”…

    Speaking of which: someone on this thread called me a “RomneyBot”. LOL!

    Check my posts before the VA primary fiasco, dude or dudette. You’ll quickly see that that’s not true. Unfortunately, the charge that you “PerryBots” (normally I wouldn’t use that term,, but since people apply it to me) have thrown away your conservative honor to make excuses for your favorite candidate is very, very true.

    I was a Newt guy, actually. But unlike you Perry people, I don’t accept or excuse failure. How is accepting and excusing failure working out for you, BTW? And how’s it working out for America?

  • pj2012

    nt

  • 1bunny

    was googled by a reporter on his cell phone as he was exiting the bus. I read this on Rick Perry Report. Evidently Joe or someone from RPR was there and saw the reporter googling it to get the names right. Total hit question.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    because anytime only two candidates get ot be on the ballot and one is the establishment pick then it will harm their image, and I suppose it is just another reason for some to think this whole thing has been rigged to favor Romney all along.

  • unitedwestood

    I can’t find exactly what I was reading, but this is close enough….. VA is NUTS! I’m glad I do not live there. You can read about it here, if you want to… but it’s not the orginal one that I read… I might of even read it on a comment, and if that is the case, I apologize to you for even mentioning it. http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Gingrich-VirginiaLawsuit/2011/12/29/id/422539?s=al&promo_code=DD13-1

  • sunshinek67

    and a narrative that is disingenuous. I let Arlette know how much I appreciated her news coverage on Twitter, but didn’t like her running to her news org. with a hit piece with misleading information, namely any candidate could be asked these kinds of Q’s, of which have absolutely nothing to with jobs creations and the economy.

    Naturally I received no response, not of the media elite I am but a mere mortal :)

  • greyeagle

    You wish. He can’t win Texas and it is doubtful that he will win Florida as well as other southern states. I will be voting for Perry and not Romney period.

  • greyeagle

    is Romney’s VA Campaign Chairman. Interesting huh?

  • znjs

    That didn’t last long –

    DES MOINES ? Virginia?s attorney general on Sunday backed off of a proposal to loosen the state?s ballot access rules to allow more Republican presidential candidates to qualify.

    Ken Cuccinelli, a Republican, on Saturday had proposed that the legislature pass a new, retroactive, law to allow anyone who qualifies for federal matching funds to be listed on the state?s March 6 primary ballot.

    That would have allowed Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry to be on the ballot even though they failed to qualify under the state?s existing, rigorous, system.

    But Mr. Cuccinelli said in a statement a day later that he had concluded there was no way to make a new system fair to candidates like Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, both of whom managed to qualify for the ballot under the existing rules.

    ?My intentions have never focused on which candidates would be benefited or harmed,? Mr. Cuccinelli said in a statement released by his office. ?While I will vigorously support efforts to reduce the hurdles to ballot access in Virginia for all candidates, I will not support efforts to apply such changes to the 2012 Presidential election.?
    http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/virginia-attorney-general-backs-off-ballot-proposal/

  • sunshinek67

    What a loser, must have been GOP establishment $, or Romney. Or both~

  • aesthete

    He’s one of those rare consistent conservatives who enforces laws equally — you know, the kind that conservatives yearn for when talking about illegal immigration, but not when Perry or Gingrich aren’t on the ballot.

  • jimmyg

    nt

  • Scope

    but if true, he was warned by the Gov. and Lt. Gov, and the Republican VA house majority leader Kirk Cox, who said a few days ago that there was “zero to none” chance of this being taken up with the legislature. Unfortunately Ken Cuccinelli is being locked into a box by the uppers, and the VA GOP leaders to not interfer with their agenda. Do you now see that the game is on to get Romney elected in VA, and even more so to squash the Atty Gen’s voice in this whole fiasco. I’ve been saying for days that the Republican elites in VA, and the RPV have an agenda.

    Does anyone now have any doubt that the VA party elders are now interceding in this election cycle? Cuccinelli is in a rock and a hard place with the elders because he is still the VA Atty. Gen. He once again stepped out of line with the elders with an agenda. He apparently was threatened somehow. This will not be a wasted effort, on Cuccinelli’s part with the voters in VA. Most here, outside of the party shennanigans, love Ken Cucinelli, therefore he has to be stopped by those that rule VA like it is their kingdom.

    Gov. McDonnell has made it well known that he really really wants to be the VP. The only candidate he has campaigned for is Romney. Lt Gob Bolling, Romney’s VA campaign chair has called for a president Romney’s support in out next Gov. election. This all cannot be ignored by the “nation” as VA is now known to have some really shady politics, and they absolutely favor the next in line mentality.

  • sunshinek67

    Vote for Romney, or protest and vote for Ron Paul. Or none of the above? I would think this is going to hurt other issues/races on the ballot, or is this VA ballot solely for the purpose of the Presidential primary? Sorry, if you have posted information before, I missed it. I have heard, probably from you, this is going to hurt VA in advertising/campaign generated revenues. Is the Romney campaign, er GOP going to compensate VA for lost $$? Bad optics just as you said.

  • Scope

    forgetting that it is also the job of the state atty gen. to call foul where he sees it. Cuccinelli has been a spokesperson in the fight to have VA to be considered a relevant state in the 2012 elections, which is a major swing state that can give the re-election efforts back to Obama. If you doubt me, go over to what is considered the premier conservative website for VA, Bearing Drift, already predicting an Obama re-election, and not even willing to fight to keep Obama from winning, and not even willing to keep VA red. Go look over there, the party elites have already predicted a loss in VA, even before the first vote has been cast.

    I prefer an Atty Gen that is willing to fight for me, and the relevance of my vote.

    Now jimmyg, come back and tell me again how much of an idiot I am. Then I will suggest that anyone reading your posts go back and hit your profile page where you have smashed, bashed, and trashed every Perry supporter here on RS. Uh, maybe it’s time to readjust your message.

  • jimmyg

    1) I have never engaged in name calling, called you a name or specifically an idiot
    2) I have never smashed, bashed or trashed Perry supporters
    3) Early on (Sept) I noted that Perry’s staff have not served him well
    4) AG Cuccinelli, in this case, should have kept out of the political side of the ballot case in that he was representing VA in the lawsuit brought by Gov. Perry against the VA. Board of Elections.

    This is my post from yesterday and this is most likely why he is walking back his statement of yesterday.

    “AG Cuccinelli, by statute, is the lawyer for the Commonwealth. He is not a legislator. He has previously been requested by the trial judge in the Federal Court case to file a brief and explain why his office does not have a conflict of interest because of AG Cuccinelli?s prior comments regarding the ballot mess, and the current statute. In other words the Judge is pointing out to the Virginia AG that his comments have put him sideways with his client, the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    This action by AG Cuccinelli will confirm to the Judge that the AG cannot zealously represent the Commonwealth, and defend the statute at issue.

    It would seem to me, for the benefit of all concerned, that any proposed legislation should have emanated from the legislature.
    If the legislature does not pass the proposed legislation, the VA Attorney General?s office will be removed from representing VA by the presiding Judge, and the lawsuit will be further delayed until such time that the Commonwealth is adequately represented. Of course if it does pass the legislation, the lawsuit is moot. “

  • carolina

    Now there is only the court case, which doesn’t sound too promising.

  • JSobieski

    He never talked about overturning the election laws in court–he focused his comments exclusively on changing the law through the legislative process.

    People (including both MSM types as well as Joe Citizen) need to read more carefully in interpretting what people say.

    Cuccinelli was consistent in saying he thought the law was kind of stupid. He was also consistent in suggesting that it be changed.

    Cuccinell sees things from a rule of law perspective. You mistakenly characterize everything as politics.

  • JSobieski

    I seem to recall numerouus instances when Holder’s crying “foul where he sees it” led to all sorts of scorn and howling here at Redstate.

    AG’s are more than free to lobby the legislature for changes in the law.

    AG’s are not free to ignore to the duly authorized laws of their jurisdictions.

    Cuccinelli is a great AG, and he never cried “foul” over the election law issue. He never asserted or even implied that anyone’s legal rights were being trampled on. He merely suggested that legislatures look at changing the law through the normal process.

    Cuccinelli is a class act, a conservative lion, and a lawyer in the best sense of the wor.d

  • bdirks

    Are you saying Romney can’t win Texas in the general election?

  • Scope

    for the VA primary. I am staying home, if my only choices are Romney and Paul Not only is it insulting to have to choose between bad or worse, but I would have to sign the stupid loyalty oath, saying I will support the eventual nominee in the General, even if it is Ron Paul. Gingrich won’t qualify to vote in his own state primary, as he already said that he will not vote for Paul.

    Someone in VA suggested that you go to the polls, but register an undervote, but they still have to sign the stupid pledge, that no one will ever monitor. I’m against giving the RPV my stastics in the primary. Let them figure out how many R voters there may be in 2012. In VA, you don’t register to vote by party. As in many other states, anyone can vote in the open primary, and the D’s have every ability to vote for the weakest R in the field. Does the RPV really think that a D crossing over now will promise to vote for the R in the Gen.? How stupid can anyone get?

    I will not be voting in the GOP primary. I will be too busy that day to find the time to vote. You would not believe how many Virginians feel the same way. Ken Cucinelli knows this, and is trying to fight the utter irrelevance that VA has made itself to be.

  • jimmyg

    At the hearing on the TRO last week the presiding judge saw a potential conflict of interest on the part of AG Cuccinelli because of his prior comments

    “Judge Gibney, though, also questioned whether Virginia Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II had a conflict in the case, pointing to recent statements the attorney general made saying he was hopeful the General Assembly would remedy the situation.

    Mr. Getchell said there was no conflict, and the statement was one of policy, not of law. Judge Gibney on Thursday ordered a three-page statement from the attorney general regarding any potential conflicts.”
    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/29/perry-campaign-argues-be-included-va-ballot/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

    I saw last night that Cuccinelli, as a result of his proposal to change the ballot access law, was getting himself in deeper with the Judge in the Federal lawsuit and was likely to be removed from the case. I am not questioning his conservative bona fides but rather the strategy he employed in his approach to this case and the ballot access problem. He should not have suggested a change in the ballot access statute while defending the same statute.

  • sunshinek67

    one would think a legal professional would have reserved opinion on a case of this magnitude instead of interjecting random thoughts. No mischaracterization, as Scope has pointed out, bad optics for Virginia GOP, including Cucinelli.

  • JSobieski

    He said that the law should be changed.
    He didn’t say anything about the complaint filed by Perry or any litigation relating to the law as it currently exists.

    The problem is that people are projecting their own hopes and wants into what Cuccinelli said.

  • sunshinek67

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/virginia-attorney-general-changes-mind-wont-intervene-in-primary-ballot-case/2012/01/01/gIQAorjzUP_blog.html

    He interjected comments and attempted to work out deals to get it done. For the sake of integrity in a process that is already suffering bad optics, remarkable that he went public with his opinions and then backtracked within a 24 hour period timeframe.

  • JSobieski

    I disagree with the proposition that an AG can’t comment on desirable policy changes. AG have frequently lobbied the public and legislatures to enact certain tools for an AG to have.

    I think Cuccinelli conducted himself just find (he was careful not to comment on the case), but if he is removed—-so be it.

  • sunshinek67

    about policy change, emergency legislation, and then backtracked. Not good.

  • Scope

    If a states Atty Gen can’t cry foul with that states election laws, and inject himself into the battle for what many consider state’s rights of voters, who then can we call on when something this egregious happens? That’s like saying that any elected state official must conform to that state’s laws no matter what they are, good, bad or indifferent, and has no business in trying to get more fair and equitable laws that reflect the citizenship of that state. If everyone in state government is expected to walk in lock step because that has been the precedent for many years, how do you ever move the ball forward? Most especially in a state that has long honored the tradition of the “next in line” mentality? Who do you think should look out for the residents of that state with the current ballot fiasco?

  • JSobieski

    (1) Cuccinelli said unfavorable things about the law
    (2) Cuccinelli at one point urged that the law be changed
    (3) Cuccinelli has subsequently backed off from (2), at least with respect to changes impacting the 2012 ballot.
    (4) Cuccinelli NEVER said anything about “the case”
    (5) Cuccinelli NEVER said anything about not enforcing the law or using his discretion as AG to change the result.

    Public figures have free speech rights as well as private citizens. Points (4) and (5) are however critical, and nothing in the article you site refutes those points.

  • sunshinek67

    I think I have to wonder though why he went public only to backtrack within 24 hour timeframe? That is what seems to be unsettling. Do you think it was a rush snap judgment? I myself prefer a more steady approach to public policy or actions in high profile cases, one that is quick, true, but decisive. And one that falls in line with voter participation rather than suppression.

  • JSobieski

    Cuccinelli in the excess of caution (a good trait in an AG) decided to walk things back. I don’t fault him for it, but I find his prior comments both measured and proper.

  • aesthete

    suggested the probability that it was a long shot. The next day, he confirmed this by backing off. I agree with Ken that the ballot laws are problematic, and hope that they are fixed in the future, but 2012 is clearly not the year that this will happen. There was no contradiction; just a professional offering his qualified support for a proposal which turned out not to be feasible in the short-term.

  • sunshinek67

    No specific mention of Perry’s lawsuit, but the case of voter participation being suppressed was of concern with the need for emergency legislation. That caused a flap from the other side, and he backed down. Regardless, he made headlines for 24 hours as a Virginia political figure that wanted to do something about it. And then suddenly 180′ed. I would have preferred he used different language in handling the case. Something like, Yeah, I’m the AG and I represent the State of Virginia and it’s citizens and the rules are bad….not I’m going to propose emergency legislation and then retract 24 hours later. Bad PR

    It’s not over, earnest voter’s like Scope now are refusing to participate. Not good for Democracy.

  • JSobieski

    Not much Cuccinelli could do. He did what he could by suggestiong that the law be changed. He never said he would take the lead in changing the law.

    People projected their hopes too much in to what Cuccinelli said. What he actually said was quite specific. He was never going to do anything besides defend the constitutionality of the law in court.

  • JSobieski

    The absence of being on a ballot is NOT voter suppression.

    Lawyers don’t care about optics, politcians do.

    Passing laws is always something that requires the legislature to do, and the legislature failed to piock up the batton and run with it.

    Did you interpret anything he said as an assertion of some kind of power to make laws? He essentially asked for the legislature to act, and they essentially told him to go away.

  • JSobieski

    That is not his job, and would be contrary to his job. The most he should do is say “please change the law”. The legislature responded with a “no thanks” and that is the end of the story.

    Elections laws are generally poorly written. Whether its hanging chads, recount timelines that are incompatible with certification deadlines, etc. the laws are a mess and nobody pays attention until something weird happens.

  • jimmyg

    If you took some action in reliance on a state statute, and as a result of the action you took you were sued, wherein the plaintiff alleged that they were injured as a result of your actions, and the statute you relied on was unconstitutional. How would you feel if the attorney that you hired to defend you in the lawsuit, prior to a trial, made public comments which would lead you and others to believe that he agreed with the plaintiff’s contention.

    That what was happening in this case.

    The proposed legislation easing ballot access laws, should have emanated from either the executive branch or the legislature, not the AG while he is in the process of defending that same statute in a lawsuit attacking that very statute as unconstitutional.

    AG Cuccinelli has every right to comment on proposed legislation, the problem he confronts is if his comments conflict with his duties as the lawyer for the Commonwealth.

  • sunshinek67

    Well, of course there is an element of emotion and sensitivity to why I am unsettled, I am a staunch supporter of Governor Rick Perry. Everyone here knows that. I’ll be around until the last dog dies with my b.s.

    Having said that. I will also submit this, I favor voter participation. I want to see all of the serious major candidates appear on the Virginia ballot, especially the ones that actually turned in voter signatures. Whether it’s 11,000 or 6,000….there are names of folks that wished to have a choice. These onerous rules, now gospel, have prohibited that from happening.

    Honestly I want to see my candidate of choice, Rick Perry, knock out his opponents by way of actual votes cast, not by default from some “fix”. That is truth. This is bad for Virginia politics, everyone is a “loser” and indirectly affected by these actions of one state. I hope more voters take the same action as Miss Scope and just refuse to vote, or protest vote in line with that despicable excuse for a GOP candidate that wants to “cancel the war on drugs” and let Israel be obliterated. On second thought, I would never give him the satisfaction, unconscionable. Just stay home.

    As a college student and ardent supporter of then Governor Bush, I watched that whole 2000 election debacle of hanging chads. I was a cable news addict toggling between Fox, CNN and MSNBC. Lol, count the petitions! By the way, “b.s. = belief system” (borrowed fm Ps Leon Fontaine)

    :)

  • JSobieski

    I am a big proponent of federalism, but you have to accept the good and the bad. Some states are so permissive that the list of candidates is strikingly long. VA takes the opposite approach.

    The campaigns really did get caught with their pants down. The May 2011 memo from the Board of Elections recommended getting 15,000 signatures. The candidates would have been well advised to just comply with the law.

    Getting the signatures is really a matter of money more than anything else. The VA rules make it harder for a candidate to use of out of state labor.

    I too am a supporter of Perry. Newt is my number 2 choice. Both should be more than a bit embarassed by what happened. Newt was short on money at the time, so I can see why he might have taken short cuts.

    Perry is a great candidate, but there is something about his campaign that is troubling.

    Both the Perry and Huntsman campaigns seem to be poorly run—making little of a out a lot.

  • sunshinek67

    Or is that irrelevant. btw, am I “arguing” with a lawyer, lol, I knew I should have gone back to school for a JD

    :D

  • Scope

    statement that was issued, where he tells Cuccinelli in public to stop talking about the ballot mess, you can see Cuccinelli was pressured to back off. In addition, I had linked an article a day or so ago where the R House majority leader Kirk Cox said that there was “zero to none” chance that the legislature will take up any emergency legislation. If you read the original Cuccinelli story, he had the backing of former Democrats, but no Republicans that I can tell. Cuccinelli has been “reigned in” so to speak by the Republican elites in VA. I am sorry he didn’t stay with his original initiative, but I guess he knew it would really harm his 2013 Gov. run. That has already promised to be a very bloody race, as Cuccinelli was not supposed to challenge the current Lt. Gov. whose turn it is to be the VA Gov.

    I read an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch earlier yesterday, and it went through all of the election law changes in VA since the early 1900′s. I have searched again for the article but it has been scrubbed. I was surprised to see it posted there to begin with as the RTD is an arm of the Cantor team. His wife is on the board of that media enterprise. I had been lead to believe that the Democrats were responsible for the tough ballot requirements, but according to the article, it has in fact been the Republicans in the legislature that have imposed the tough requirements. The article actually named the names of the Republicans who have played a major role in the tough election law legislation.

    At one time the number of signatures required was a percent of the VA population. When the VA population numbers started growing rapidly, the number of signatures required would be around 17,000. A Republican in the legislature lowered that threshold to “only” 10,000, but also included the new requirement that 400 signatures must come from each of the state’s 11 districts.

    I knew that R VA politics was crooked and followed a next in line mentality, but it has taken this whole mess for me to see just how crooked the VA Republicans in charge are. I promise Cuccinelli is now being marginalized by the elites, and as Moe has said, this whole thing is all about the 2013 Gov. race. It is disgusting.

  • JSobieski

    So yes, he did have knowledge and possession of it.