Its Bravo Sierra and Retribution

10 QUICK THOUGHTS ON U.S. v. McDONNELL

Chris Ashby, a very well respected DC area attorney, provides a great summation of the incredibly weak indictment filed by the federal government against Governor Bob McDonnell.  

If you care about due process and fairness under the law, take the time to read his excellent thoughts on this false indictment built upon a discredited witness. 

The Restoration Fund

http://www.restorationfundva.com/

http://www.ashby-law.com/first-take-u-s-v-mcdonnell/

http://storify.com/VApolitico/chris-ashby-reacts-to-mcdonnell-legal-issues#

First Take: U.S. v. McDonnell

Ten Quick Thoughts on the Case Against Bob McDonnell

The indictment of Bob McDonnell is a gut punch to all who knew him, worked for him, admired and believed in him and his leadership style. Earlier today, on Twitter, I posted these ten quick thoughts on the law and politics of the case against him:

1. I was struck by the outburst of snark and schadenfreude from the chattering class on Twitter as news of the indictment broke. Whatever your policy disputes with him, Bob McDonnell played politics in a different way - thoughtful, respectful, fair - even with his opponents. The political chattering class would do well to learn to play Twitter that way, too. There but for the grace of God go we.

2. There has been much focus on the sensational facts of the indictment, but little if any focus on the law.

3. Bob McDonnell was the Governor of Virginia, elected by people of Virginia, exercising authority granted to him by the Constitution and laws of Virginia. And the conduct Bob McDonnell is accused of was entirely legal under Virginia law. For years, the Virginia General Assembly has determined that, without an express quid pro quo, no gift in any amount can corrupt or appear to corrupt a public official. Now, however, the Department of Justice apparently regards Virginia's law as insufficient to protect the people of Virginia from the man they elected to lead them, so it's indicting Bob McDonnell under federal law. In so doing, DOJ is substituting its policy preferences for will of the people of Virginia's elected representatives - charging Bob McDonnell federally for legal state conduct.

4. And where is that quid pro quo? DOJ has Jonnie Williams, so if there was a quid pro quo, wouldn't he have given it to them? But the indictment of Bob McDonnell pleads no facts proving any express quid pro quo.

5. Of course, the law on the requirement of a quid pro quo in Honest Services and Hobbs Act cases is all over the map. In some cases, it must be express. In other cases, it may be explicit, meaning it can be implied from the facts and circumstances. In campaign contribution cases, the quid pro quo generally must be express - because the underlying act is legal. In gift cases, the quid pro quo generally may be explicit (i.e., inferred) - because the underlying act usually is illegal. The McDonnell case is a gift case, but it's more akin to a contribution case, because unlimited gifts were expressly legal under Virginia law. DOJ clearly believes it doesn't need an express quid pro quo to convict Bob McDonnell. Expect this to be a central issue in the case.

6. Speaking of quid pro quos, how about DOJ's deal with Jonnie Williams? And what about the former Bob McDonnell staffer who Williams actually may have offered a six-figure private sector salary to in exchange for her help? Does she have a deal with DOJ too?

7. I don't know a single fair-minded Virginian who thinks Bob McDonnell deprived us of his "honest services," whatever that even means. And I also don't know anyone who thinks Bob McDonnell used his official position to EXTORT Jonnie Williams, as the Hobbs Act requires. As for the cover-up counts, I don't think the government should be able to imprison people for covering up crimes they are acquitted of.

8. Everybody's asking, "Is prosecution of Bob McDonnell political?" Of course it is. That's not the right question. The question is, "Is this prosecution fair?" From the beginning, the prosecution of Bob McDonnell has been conducted unfairly. Government agents leaking info to Washington Post reporters obtained in course of supposedly confidential law enforcement investigation of presumedly innocent man? DOJ cutting deals with the alleged briber, and possibly his co-conspirator, charging Bob McDonnell's wife as an accessory instead? Withholding evidence that is clearly exculpatory of Bob McDonnell?

9. For yrs, DOJ has said that public corruption is the federal government's #1 domestic law enforcement priority. I get that. Corrupt politics strikes at the very foundation of our democracy & undermines the legitimacy of its government. Dishonest politicians stretch the law and push the envelope, so DOJ and the Public Integrity Section must push and stretch to keep them in check. But poor personal and political judgment are not federal crimes. The facts alleged in Bob McDonnell's indictment reflect poorly on his personal and political judgment, but were expressly legal under Virginia law. DOJ was right to investigate this matter, but given legal state law conduct and the absence of an express quid pro quo, it should not have indicted Bob McDonnell. He has paid and will continue to pay very high price for his mistakes - shamed, disgraced, and flat broke by end of this case. He should not lose his freedom too.

10. Our adversarial justice system depends on defendants having the will and resources necessary to fight the relatively limitless will and resources of the government. Bob McDonnell faces a long, costly, draining fight versus a merciless adversary. I pray he'll have the resolve and funding he needs to see it through.

Drill-Jobs-Drill-Jobs-Drill-Jobs

Governor Bob McDonnell Calls for Virginia Offshore Energy Development
As Gas Prices Continue to Rise, Governor Offers Strong Support for Congressional Legislation That Would Open Commonwealth to Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

RICHMOND – During his visit to a Richmond-area gas station this afternoon, Governor Bob McDonnell discussed rising gas prices and the need for more domestic energy production, including production of oil and natural gas off of Virginia’s coast. The Governor specifically highlighted two bills before Congress that would restart offshore energy exploration and production: H.R. 1230 and H.R. 1372. Governor McDonnell was joined at the event by Delegate Jimmie Massie (R-Henrico), small business owners, and representatives from the energy industry.

Speaking about America’s domestic energy policy, Governor McDonnell commented, “America has an energy policy problem. Today, Virginia businesses and families are paying, on average, $3.88 per gallon for gasoline. That’s up $1.00 from a year ago. The Energy Information Administration estimates that gasoline will cost the average U.S. household $1,210 more this year than in 2009. That is money that could be spent by families on education, groceries and vacations. Instead it is money being spent at the pump. The pain at the pump is the result of many factors, one of which is the result of our ongoing dependence on foreign sources of oil. That is why I strongly support increasing domestic energy production from every possible source, including wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, oil and natural gas. A key part of that effort should be the environmentally responsible development and production of oil and natural gas off of Virginia’s shores.”

Governor McDonnell continued, “Last month I sent a letter to President Obama outlining the steps we can take now to ensure we have a stable and reliable supply of oil and natural gas. The House of Representatives will soon be considering two pieces of legislation that will restart offshore energy production in Virginia and in the Gulf, and I have urged the President to support this legislation. By allowing for offshore energy exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, and requiring the lease sale off the Atlantic Coast to move forward, we will be well on our way to restarting offshore energy production which will create jobs, lower energy costs, and generate revenue to help pay down the national debt. This legislation is essential to getting American energy production back on track. We must move forward in developing our own domestic resources to their maximum potential. America cannot afford to keep turning a blind eye to rising gas prices, which are detrimental to job creation, economic growth, and most importantly, our national security. When it comes to domestic energy production we must have an “all of the above” approach. That is why I strongly support efforts to develop our offshore wind resources, bring more nuclear power online, continue to utilize our vast coal deposits, and carry forth the ongoing research and development of renewable energy sources like solar power and biomass. When it comes to energy we must utilize every resource available. We know that oil and natural gas is available off our coast and we know we can develop those resources in a safe, smart and environmentally responsible manner. We should act immediately.”

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), who is carrying H.R. 1372, noted, “Virginians understand that a major component in lessening energy costs is to produce more energy. I believe that Virginia should have every tool available to access its energy supplies. That is why legislation like the one the Congress is considering today, that would provide for access to Virginia's energy supplies as well as legislation that I have introduced that would provide for revenue sharing with the Commonwealth for its energy resources are vital to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to helping us become energy independent, access to these resources will help create thousands of jobs for Virginians and infuse the Commonwealth with new capital growth.”

Delegate Jimmie Massie, who is also a small businessman, added, “Last week I had dinner with other business leaders and I ask them: ‘How is business? How are your sales doing?’ Their response last week was not good. Every one of them told me they had seen a noticeable drop in their sales over the past month as gas prices have been increasing, and, as a result, consumer’s disposable incomes have been constantly declining. We must act now to lower gas prices and develop a comprehensive energy policy, to curb our increasing gas costs that are creating a severe cash flow squeeze and destroying jobs.”

Randy Seibert, President & CEO of Manchester Marketing, Inc, remarked, “Just like rising oil prices affect our customers, even gas stations are impacted because we have to pay more for gas too. For example, one year ago it cost me about $23,000 to purchase a truckload of gas. This morning, that same delivery to this station cost us about $33,000. This is creating cash flow problems for businesses like ours across the Commonwealth.”

Mike Ward, Executive Director of the Virginia Petroleum Council, concluded, ““The oil and natural gas industry stands ready – and waiting – to do more to help grow the economy, create American jobs, and provide the energy this country needs. The energy markets are constantly looking for signals to guide today’s investment strategies for producing tomorrow’s energy. Regrettably, the signals this administration has been sending encourage less investment in future domestic energy production. Our economy will still need oil and natural gas for decades to come. America must pursue policies that encourage responsible development of our resources instead of relying on imported energy from unstable parts of the world.”

Mike O’Connor, President & CEO of the Virginia Petroleum, Convenience and Grocery Association, said, “Our members are impacted in much the same way as our customers. The only real difference is in the size of our tanks. A year ago it cost $54,000 to supply a station with 20,000 gallons of storage capacity. Today that same delivery costs the station owner $76,200. As a result, credit lines are stretched to their limits, which has brought new investment in the petroleum marketing industry to a halt.”

The letter Governor McDonnell sent to President Obama is attached to this press release. To read Governor McDonnell’s op-ed in today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch outlining the critical need to develop our domestic energy resources, please visit: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/may/05/tdopin02-mcdonnell-americas-energy-insecurity-ar-1017440/

From the Governor

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Attorney General’s Decision to Seek Expedited Review of Health Care Suit in Supreme Court

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning regarding Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s decision to seek an expedited review of the Virginia health care lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the United States.

“Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is taking the proper and necessary step in seeking an expedited review of the Virginia health care lawsuit. Immediately following Judge Henry Hudson’s December decision that the individual mandate component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, I contacted my fellow governors to seek their support for this course of action. Regardless of where one stands on the issue of the federal health care law, it is imperative that the constitutionality of the matter be settled expeditiously. States, businesses and individuals are already incurring expenses of time and money as they seek to understand and prepare for the implementation of this unprecedented law in 2014. That preparation is taking place at the same time that recent court decisions in both Virginia and Florida are calling into question whether or not this law can withstand judicial review. It is a confusing situation, and there must be clarity and finality on such an important national issue. That finality will only be achieved through a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. All other court decisions and reviews prior to that moment will serve simply to exacerbate the uncertainty and continue the delay.

I thank the Attorney General for moving forward with this action. The Virginia health care case must be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States at the earliest date possible.”

The Daily Grind

The Daily Grind

BY Mary Katharine Ham

Tom Tancredo thinks Arizona law goes too far.

Time: You know who's having an awesome year? Obama.

Bronx soda buy-back flops: A dumpster labeled "soda toilet" contained very few deposits; only a couple of children surrendered containers of Tropical Fantasy and other sugar-sweetened juices. Those drinks joined a lone bottle of soda -- ironically, a Sprite Zero, which wouldn't be subject to the tax at all.

We need a guide: Is this righteous vandalism and Nazi imagery? I haven't seen much on the news about it.

Bob McDonnell isn't still talking about "inherited" problems, and he's only 100 days in: "We rejected that massive tax hike and balanced the budget through the implementation of tough but necessary spending reductions."

In related news, how much does the Washington Post hate Bob McDonnell?

"Those in the upper income strata [$200K/$250K and more] in each of these 15 [top earning professions] account for only about 1.3% of all income producers but will account for 40.5% of all those who will be burdened by the 'tax on the wealthy.'"

Tea Party bombing plot disrupted...oh, wait...I mean environmentalist bombing plot.

"What kind of U.N. environmental ambassador builds a 20,000 square-foot home with a six-car garage, an elevator and a lagoon?"

See every painting in the Museum of Modern Art in just two minutes, if you're into that kinda thing.

Live-blogging the Goldman Sachs hearing at WSJ.

Text of Governor's Proclamation

Confederate History Month

WHEREAS, April is the month in which the people of Virginia joined the Confederate States of America in a four year war between the states for independence that concluded at Appomattox Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has long recognized her Confederate history, the numerous civil war battlefields that mark every region of the state, the leaders and individuals in the Army, Navy and at home who fought for their homes and communities and Commonwealth in a time very different than ours today; and

WHEREAS, it is important for all Virginians to reflect upon our Commonwealth’s shared history, to understand the sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War, and to recognize how our history has led to our present; and

WHEREAS, Confederate historical sites such as the White House of the Confederacy are open for people to visit in Richmond today; and

WHEREAS, all Virginians can appreciate the fact that when ultimately overwhelmed by the insurmountable numbers and resources of the Union Army, the surviving, imprisoned and injured Confederate soldiers gave their word and allegiance to the United States of America, and returned to their homes and families to rebuild their communities in peace, following the instruction of General Robert E. Lee of Virginia, who wrote that, “...all should unite in honest efforts to obliterate the effects of war and to restore the blessings of peace."; and

WHEREAS, this defining chapter in Virginia’s history should not be forgotten, but instead should be studied, understood and remembered by all Virginians, both in the context of the time in which it took place, but also in the context of the time in which we live, and this study and remembrance takes on particular importance as the Commonwealth prepares to welcome the nation and the world to visit Virginia for the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War, a four-year period in which the exploration of our history can benefit all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 2010 as CONFEDERATE HISTORY MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Former SEAL Scott Taylor Candidate VA-02

Scott Taylor Responds to President Obama's State of the Union Address

Congratulations to our Governor Bob Mcdonnell for delivering an eloquent Republican rebuttal to the President's State of The Union address last night.

I agree with President Obama's assessment that the national debt and diminishing jobs are critical problems we now face. When the President took office the unemployment rate was 7.7 percent. One year and $1.4 trillion dollars spent later, the unemployment rate stands at 10 percent and 3.4 million more jobs have been lost.

I believe freezing spending is a step in the right direction, however, Obama's spending freeze would apply to a narrow portion of spending ( around 1/8th of total spending). What is more disturbing is the fact that his freeze exempts the three entitlement programs (Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security) that are bankrupting this nation. We are on an unsustainable path that threatens our future.

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the President restated his commitment to a flawed health care reform being forced on to Americans. I will never support a bill that gives un-Constitutional mandates for health care coverage.

I was pleased when I heard President Obama talking of building new nuclear power plants and drilling offshore, but was saddened when he talked of his support for the Cap and Tax bill (he referred to it as the "climate bill"). We have to take the handcuffs off our own natural resources. That means safely exploring and drilling off the coast of Virginia. I will fight for royalties of at least 37.5%; which the 4 gulf states now enjoy. If we are serious about building new nuclear power plants as China, India, and Russia have already planned; we must reduce regulations and expedite permits.

Also very concerning was that 40 minutes into the speech and for only 10 sentences the President mentioned Terrorism. We are in a time when Guantanamo Bay is being shut down, enemy combatants are receiving civilian rights, and tax dollars are being spent defending terrorists at trial. The President's 10 year budget plan would dramatically cut defense spending in real terms and as a percentage of the economy. We need to ensure the funding and constant innovating of our military to combat ever changing threats. It's much easier and cheaper to "keep up, than to catch up".

I look forward to campaigning on the principles that have made this nation the best experiment in democracy. The best is yet to come.

GO

Vote!!!!!





And if you don't think your vote matters.......






Go vote for McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli.



You know, since it doesn't matter.........to you.....

Just Re-stating the Obvious

Deeds dwindles
The Democrat gets desperate in Virginia governor's race

Memo to Creigh Deeds - If an admirer compares you to a tested wartime president, that's gratifying. When you compare yourself to Harry Truman, you look small and desperate. Truman faced millions of Japanese soldiers and the choice to use nuclear weapons. You face some transportation problems and a state government that spends more than it takes in.

Bombast has been the story of the last few weeks in the Virginia governor's race. With every dishonest attack ad, Mr. Deeds shrinks. Every editorial from Virginia newspapers pointing out campaign whoppers trims the Democratic gubernatorial candidate a little further. By the time Monday's debate hit the airwaves, Mr. Deeds needed to sit on a phone book to look the moderator in the eye.

From his perch at the big boys' table with his opponent, Republican Bob McDonnell, Mr. Deeds managed to both reconfirm his reputation as a waffler and diminish himself still further, accusing Mr. McDonnell of "lying" in the debate. Once Mr. Deeds made the decision to cross that line, he couldn't even stick by it. Immediately after the showdown, the candidate had second thoughts, musing "maybe that was too strong of a word."

Maybe? For a man whose cock-and-bull stories have been called out in major papers all across the commonwealth, it was a word Mr. Deeds doesn't have the stature to utter.

At least he's a stalwart for waffling. Who knows what he really thinks about taxes. He's for them. He's against them. He's against most of them, but he's for them if they're bipartisan. The same incomprehensible fence-straddling goes for other issues, but he gets mad at reporters when they don't understand what he's trying to say.

The whole rationale for his campaign is diminutive: Mr. Deeds wants to be just like Sen. Mark (Marky-Mark) Warner and Gov. Tim (Little Timmy) Kaine - two popular, moderate (say what?!?!) Virginia Democrats - when (if) he grows up.

If the polls are any guide, when faced with a recession, Virginians would rather have a governor who knows who he is and what his beliefs are. With less than a month before Election Day, it's not clear who Creigh Deeds is. (oh contraire, mon frere') The first primetime debate just reconfirmed what was already obvious.

Actions Speak Louder than Deeds

Deeds is a typical dhimmicrat and will never be governor of the Commonwealth.

As pundits try to predict the backlash for Democrats in 2010, the outcome of Virginia's gubernatorial race may provide the biggest clue. Next month's elections in the Commonwealth are the first in what many are calling a repudiation of the President and his party. As of this week, Republican candidate Bob McDonnell is leading his opponent, Democrat Creigh Deeds, by nine points in the polls. Part of the reason is that Deeds's radical pro-abortion, pro-homosexual record doesn't resonate with a largely conservative state.

Today, the Virginia Values Voter PAC, a political action committee connected to FRC Action, weighed in on the race with a new TV ad that asks, "Which is the real Creigh Deeds?" In 2006, Deeds voted for man-woman marriage and, in 1998, he voted for a ban on partial-birth abortion. Now it's 2009 and Deeds has finally decided to tell the truth: he favors same-sex "marriage" and no limits on abortion.

None.

As Connie Mackey, President of the PAC said, "It appears that [Deeds] will do anything for votes except stick by his own." To see the ad--or support it--check out the Virginia Values Voter PAC website.

This Is Really A No-Brainer

With Zero's and his Sugar Daddy Soros' sudden support of Brazil's Big Oil, (not OUR big oil) and with cap and tax right around the corner, we need to stay informed.

Why We Should Explore for Energy Offshore Now! -- April 2009

On February 19th, 2009, Governor Kaine asked the Federal government to delay oil and gas exploration off the Virginia coast. Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bolling, in separate letters to Interior Secretary Salazar explained why it is in the interest of Virginia and the United States to maintain the current exploration schedule, a position reflecting a large majority of Virginia and U.S. citizens. As this issue has become a political matter, the Thomas Jefferson Institute's Center for Environmental Stewardship has prepared this fact sheet and powerpoint briefing to ensure the debate is based on the best information available.

The Thomas Jefferson Institute is committed to sound science and careful analysis. In preparation of our original fact sheet on Virginia Off-shore Oil and Gas, the Institute made a computational error that our peer reviewers missed. An associate discovered it a few days later and that error has now been corrected. That revised fact sheet is now posted here, but despite the original computational error the important conclusion remains the same: There are significant oil and natural gas resources off our coast, and their development can not only help Virginia create new jobs but add to the state treasury.

View Powerpoint
View "Fact and Fiction" Briefing Paper

Leadership Counts

Everyday Virginians are seeing firsthand that in this pivotal race for governor, Bob McDonnell is THE candidate of new ideas and strong leadership.

A new Public Policy Poll released today shows Bob McDonnell leading Creigh Deeds by 14 points. This comes on the heels of a Survey USA poll last week that showed Bob leading by 15 points.

It is clear: Bob has momentum because he is demonstrating the strong leadership and bold vision Virginians want in their next Governor.





Creigh Deeds, meanwhile, is stuck following Bob’s lead on issue after issue. And while he follows, he and his surrogates also continue to ramp up their attacks and criticism.

That’s not what Virginians want to see. It’s not what our Commonwealth needs.

With unemployment over 7%, Virginians want leadership. They want ideas. They want solutions. That’s why they are rallying behind Bob’s positive campaign!

Thank you for your support. Together we are going to win this race and bring new jobs and more opportunities to every region of Virginia.

RPV Needs to Remember the Grassroots

Party Needs 75% To Out Del. Jeff Frederick
By 1140wrva.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Richmond, VA (1140wrva.com) – The Republican Party of Virginia could have a change in leadership by the end of the day. The Party's Central Committee is meeting to vote on the future of Del. Jeff Frederick. A 75% supermajority is needed to oust Frederick, who has held the post for less than a year.Officially, Frederick is facing a vote because of concerns how he has run the party. There are allegations he has used his own company for party business. Unofficially, James Madison University Political Scientist Robert Roberts says Frederick is facing opposition from moderates who believe he is taking the GOP too far right.
Roberts says if Frederick is forced out, conservatives could chose to sit out the November election, which would hurt Republican Candidate For Governor Bob McDonnell. If he stays, Roberts thinks the party could have trouble raising money for House of Delegates races.

The RPV would do well to remember and consider the grass-roots support Jeff Frederick carried last year. They would also do well to remember that it is the grass-roots that are the heart and soul of the conservative movement.

If the members of RPV do not like the direction Jeff Frederick is taking the Republican party in Viriginia, may I offer you the door and a bus ticket to the dhimmicrat side.

The members would also do well to consider these:
http://unitedconservatives.blogspot.com/2009/04/its-about-philosphy-not-party.html

Del Jeff Frederick is 10x th Conservative and the letter written and signed by the VA Congressional delegation asking Delegate Frederick to step down? Ya'll can take that letter, fold it til it's all pointy corners and stuff where the sun don't shine. Ya'll have lost the right to ask any conservative to do anything.Jeff Frederick is ten times the conservative and 100 times the American any current member of the VA Congressional delegation will ever hope to be.We're going to find some true conservatives, true Americans and we will run them in 2010 and 2012 and put this current crop of dhimmi wannabes out the door.

Thats a promise

A. G. Bob McDonnell Live-Blog At Good Sense 5p.m.

Charlie over at Good Sense is hosting a live-blog this evening with Attorney General Bob McDonnell. Advance questions for the A. G. can be left at Questions for the Attorney General or made online during the event this evening.

Live-blog with Bob McDonnell
at Good Sense
Monday, Sept. 24th, 2007
5:oo p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

McDonnell Lands Explosive Uppercut

Who saw this one coming? Holy smoke! Grab a Guinness, light up a cigar and read the letter Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R) sent out to the powers that be. We'll have no more whining from the peanut gallery about Republican leadership. Virginia has some remarkable men stepping into the ring and it is exciting as all get out!

The Press Release

09/05/07
McDonnell Letter Calls for Immediate Federal Action on Criminal Illegal Immigration

Letter Sent to President George W. Bush; Speaker Nancy Pelosi;
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Richmond- Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell released a 5-page letter today calling on the federal government to immediately act to combat the growing criminal illegal immigration problem in the United States. The letter was sent to President George W. Bush; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Copied on the letter was the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Timothy Kaine; United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff; and the Virginia Congressional delegation.

A few quotes from THE letter. It ain't pretty.

I write on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia to ask that you take immediate action to address the issue of illegal immigration, particularly illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Any crime committed by an illegal immigrant is one too many, and the recent news coverage of murders, DUI-related deaths, and fraudulent identification document crimes perpetrated by illegal aliens is resulting in an increasingly concerned citizenry. The borders are not yet secure, the administration and enforcement of the immigration system is cumbersome and ineffective, and the public safety problems caused by criminal illegal aliens are growing. This is unacceptable.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

The federal government has put the states in an untenable postition: Congress has enaacted laws which are not properly enforced due to the understaffing of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). At the same time, Congress has preempted enactment of state laws regulating emmployers who knowingly hire illegal aliens, and largely precluded states from enforcing federal immigration violations. It is intolerable that the federal government has failed to do its job, while severely limiting states from acting.

Watch out! He's got the Governor on the ropes.

I have repeatedly asked Virginia's Governor to exercise his authority to enter into agreements with ICE permitted by Section 287(g) of the 1996 Amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act, to permit limited state enforcement of federal immigration law concerning illegal aliens who commit serious crimes. The Governor has repeatedly declined to do so.

Whew! I haven't enjoyed a fight this much since Tom Daschle lost his Senate seat.

Other blogs at ringside:
blog.conservativa.com
update 09-06-07: bearing drift