2009.10.26
Editorial endorsement: Shannon for attorney general
Shannon for attorney general
The Fairfax delegate promises legal leadership free from ideology, unlike his opponent.
When Virginians choose their next attorney general on Nov. 3, they will either continue the levelheaded, no-nonsense approach preferred by most previous holders of that office or install an ideological firebrand who would impose his radical morality on the commonwealth. We recommend they select the former in Steve Shannon.
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I would like to, once again, dispel the myth of the "far-right extremist". There is no such animal, using the criteria the RTEB uses; pro-life, pro-heterosexual marriage, actively Christian; and moving over into Bob McDonnell's thesis, oppositional to condoms being given to unmarried couples, and believing that the traditional family does better with the mom at home. The majority of Virginians as well as Americans agree with all these points.
The reality is those who oppose the views above are the minority, and in many cases the extremist minority.
I get tired of the distorted image being painted day after day in the leftwing press, and I am going to dispel this lie at every opportunity, just as I do the lie that conservatives are less generous.
Comment by Suzie — October 26, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Keeping birth control options from consenting adults is not an extreme position?
Good luck selling that one.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — October 26, 2009 @ 9:11 am
For those who did not figure out what Dan's editorial of 10-18 was let me spell it out for you. It was that "endorsements matter". It was, of course, trying to establish credibility for what was going to follow, a virtual broad brush endorsement of every democrat candidate running for state office that was being opposed by a republican.
It was an inept and lame attempt to state that "endorsements matter" when what really matters is party affiliation to the RTEB.
For the RTEB to believe that any candidate can exclude his or her idelogical views from how they conduct the business of their offices is for the ostrich to stick its head in the dirt and pretend it is not storming outside. It simply cannot be done because it is impossible for any human to take ideological views out of the equation of how they live their life or make any decisions.
What is surprising though is the "con job" the RTEB is trying to pull on us all that there was some process involved in the endorsements selected. Oh, I am sure they went through the motions, and that is about all.
And the RTEB attacks Rush Limbaugh for blatant partisanship? How hypocritical is that? RTEB is every bit as partisan and even more. Pot, meet the kettle.
Comment by Bob H — October 26, 2009 @ 9:31 am
Suzie, you need to hang out a little more with some different folks. You will find you are in the minority on those subjects. Step outside the Roanoke Valley and enjoy all the fresh liberal thought out there.
Comment by Richard — October 26, 2009 @ 9:40 am
How long ago was that Dan? Just curious? You guys are going for a clean sweep aren't you, democrat across the board regardless of which candidate is more qualified. Given that law enforcement seems to be squarely behind Cuccinelli, are you also saying that all law enforcement officers are "radicalfirebrands" who seek to impose their own "radical morality" on the public? Perhaps you could also define "radical morality" as well.
Comment by Another Chris — October 26, 2009 @ 9:50 am
OK, I mistakenly thought the ruling was government supplying condoms to unmarrieds, rather than just permitting them to buy them. I believe most people would oppose the former. And practicing Christians believe sex outside of marriage itself is wrong.
So on that issue, even though McDonnell's position may or may not be the minority position (some polls say it is), it is certainly the moral position.
Comment by Suzie — October 26, 2009 @ 9:54 am
Let's keep birth control from unmarried people for moral purposes. Yeah, that would be the ticket to stopping premarital sex and cutting back on abortion and unwanted pregnancy.
Like it or not, in the U.S. anywhere between 75 and 95 percent of people have premarital sex, depending on the survey and what age groups you include. When you get age 44, 95 percent have had premarital sex at some time. These people include many, many, many practicing Christians. Even people participating in a Christina no-sex type of program eventually have premarital sex at a very high percentage. They do have that sex at an older age on average, though.
Comment by gdad — October 26, 2009 @ 10:44 am
Frankly, if the RTEB had endorsed Cuccinelli, I would have had to rethink my support.
Comment by Glen Franklin Koontz — October 26, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
#8,
It makes perfect sense that the RTEB endorsed the candidate that has no law enforcement backing. At least, to the RTEB it does....
Comment by Bob H — October 26, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
@9 Nope, no law enforcement backing at all. Well, except
Virginia Police Benevolent Association
Fairfax Coalition of Police
Fairfax Deputy Sheriffs Coalition
Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs
Virginia Law Enforcement Leaders Who Have Endorsed Steve Shannon
Fred P. Newman, Sheriff, Washington County
Stan G. Barry, Sheriff, Fairfax City
H.S. Caudill, Sheriff, Tazewell County
Herald Holt, Sheriff, Roanoke County
Beth Arthur, Sheriff, Arlington County
J.T. Whitt, Sheriff, Montgomery County
Gabe A. Morgan, Sheriff, Newport News City
Bill Watson, Sheriff, Portsmouth City
Paul W. Higgs, Sheriff, Fredericksburg City
Stephen Bittle, Sheriff, Falls Church
Vernie W. Francis, Sheriff, Southhampton County
John Puckett, Sheriff, Scott County
Streve Draper, Sheriff, Martinsville
Robert J. McCabe, Sheriff, Norfolk City
W. Randolph Hamilton, Sheriff, Buena Vista City
Lenny Millholland, Sheriff, Winchester City
Vanessa Crawford, Sheriff, Petersburg City
Kevin Pittman, President, Fairfax Deputy Sheriff's Coalition
Bobby Mathieson, Delegate and Former Virginia Beach Police Officer
Marshall Thielan, President, Fairfax Coalition of Police
Mike Scanlon, Vice President, Fairfax Coalition of Police
Dan Kalbacher, Executive Board Member, Fairfax Deputy Sheriff's Coalition
Bob Horan, Former Commonwealth's Attorney, Fairfax County
Ray Morrogh, Commonwealth's Attorney, Fairfax County
Dennis Godfrey, Commonwealth's Attorney, Washington County
Michael Doucette, Commonwealth's Attorney, Lynchburg City
Joan Ziglar, Commonwealth's Attorney, Martinsville City
Gregory Underwood, Commonwealth's Attorney, Norfolk City
Paul B. Ebert, Commonwealth's Attorney, Prince William County
It just takes checking the Web site before you write something demonstrably false and embarrass yourself.
Comment by C. Trejbal — October 26, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Richard #4
I should hang out with more couples who shack up and who think abortion is great and who are non-religious? Why would I want to do that unless it was to counsel them?
Gdad #7
I don't place a lot of stock in sex surveys. If somebody called my house asking personal questions like that, I'd say, "I'm sorry, you are asking very personal questions which I refuse to answer." I suspect a lot of people respond the same way. What's left are the type of people who don't mind sharing intimate details with perfect strangers. That's where you get your 75 to 90% figure.
Comment by Suzie — October 26, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
@#10:
Nice try Christian. How many of those elected officials (commonwealth attornies and sheriffs) listed in your post are Democrats? Party line endorsements are about as surprising and relevant as those endorsements made by the RTEB.
I would also think that Sheriff Holt would appreciate you spelling his first name right.
Comment by Ed — October 26, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Not that it matters, but a small correction. Stan Barry is the sheriff of Fairfax *County*. I do not believe the City of Fairfax has a sheriff, just a city police dept.
Comment by Ed S. — October 26, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Sorry Suzie, but if you don't believe that the vast majority of people, including Christians, have sex before marriage, then you're living in a complete fantasy world.
Comment by gdad — October 27, 2009 @ 10:49 am
#11 Suzie, if you only meet and see the same people who have the same views then yo are locked in a closet. The world has many views some differ from yours and just might be better for the world. Its called being open minded. That is the problem with the current Republican Party, they have set a party line that has a closed door mentality and wil not consider anything else. Only they are right.
So mingle with a few adulterers at Church and see why they run around. Talk to a few pro-abortion people at Church, they do exist you know. You might find they have very rational and religious reasons for their beliefs. You don't have to change your mind, but you really should listen to what others have to say. Just because your party says it, or even your preacher says it, does not make it true or right.
Comment by Richard — October 27, 2009 @ 11:00 am
gdad #14,
I thought this issue was whether they believed in sex before marriage or not; not whether they've done it. I don't think 75% or even half of the population think it's acceptable. Certainly Christians who try to adhere to their faith don't think it's OK, even if they themselves have faltered a time or two.
Comment by Suzie — October 27, 2009 @ 11:08 am
#16 Suzie, it seems to me much worse to not believe in it and do it than to believe in it and do it.
Comment by Richard — October 27, 2009 @ 11:28 am
Christian,
I wouldn't, and didn't, say Shannon has no support from Law Enforcement. From your list he has apparently been able to muster 34 Democratic Sherriffs and Commonwealth's Attorneys plus the PBA. However, Given that Cuccinelli has more than double that amount of support from law enforcement:
Commonwealth's Attorneys:
Randy C. Krantz - Bedford City / County
Joel R. Branscom - Botetourt
Neil S. Vener - Campbell
Gregory G. Goad - Carroll
Nancy G. Parr - Chesapeake City
W. W. Davenport - Chesterfield
Gary L. Close - Culpeper
Lisa K. Caruso - Dinwiddie
Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr. - Goochland
Kimberley S. White - Halifax
Trip Chalkley - Hanover
Marsha L. Garst - Harrisonburg/ Rockingham
Wade A. Kizer - Henrico
C. Jeffers Schmidt, Jr. - Lancaster
Shawn L. Hines - Lee
James E. Plowman - Loudoun
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. - Louisa County
Bradley W. Finch - Montgomery
Phillip D. Payne, IV - Nelson
Diana H. Wheeler - Orange
John T. Hennessy - Page
Eileen M. Addison - Poquoson / York County
Earle Mobley - Portsmouth
Robert B. Beasly, Jr. - Powhatan
Edwin R. Leach - Roanoke County
Marcus McClung - Scott
Albert T. Mitchell - Shenandoah
Harvey L. Bryant III - Virginia Beach
Brian M. Madden - Warren
Ronald K. Elkins - Wise / Norton City
Matthew J. Britton - King George
David N. Grimes - Pittsylvania
Anthony Sylvester - Hopewell City
Glenn Williamson - Frederick
Daniel M. Chichester - Stafford
Tamara Neo - Buchanan
Jay Paul - Prince George
William B. Bray - Colonial Heights
Sheriff's Endorsements:
Alexander Caldwell - Staunton
Anthony A. "Tony" Lippa - Caroline County
Thomas D. Jones - Charlotte County
Greg L. Anderson - Hopewell
Farrar W. Howard, Jr. - New Kent County
Randall D. Fisher - Augusta
Jerry L. Thompson - Bland
Ronald N. Sprinkle - Botetourt
C. Ray Foster - Buchanan
Terry E. Gaddy - Campbell
H. Warren Manning - Carroll County
John R. Newhart - Chesapeake
Dennis R. Proffitt - Chesterfield
Bobby G. Hammons - Dickenson
Michael L. Wade - Henrico
Herbert R. Lightner - Highland
C. W. Phelps - Isle of Wight
Gary B. Parsons - Lee
Stephen O. Simpson - Loudoun
Ronald L. Gillispie - Lynchburg City
Danny R. Fox - Mecklenburg
Guy L. Abbott - Middlesex
Mark A. Amos - Orange
John B. Thomas - Page
Glendell Hill - Prince William
Mark R. Armentrout - Radford City
Don W. Farley - Rockingham
Timothy C. Carter - Shenandoah
Charles E. Jett - Stafford
Daniel T. McEathron - Warren
Joe Harris, Jr. - Waynesboro City
Robert J. Deeds - Williamsburg / James City
Douglas W. King - Wythe
J. D. Diggs - York / Poquoson
Ronnie Oaks - Wise
E.C. Walton - King William
Dusty Rhodes - Dinwiddie
Ewell A. Hunt - Franklin
Jim Branch, Jr. - Culpeper
Ronald D. Crockett - Lancaster
Robert Williamson - Frederick
plus the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police.
I'd say the numbers support my assertion that law enforcement stands squarely behind Cuccinelli. By the way, I'm still waiting for someone to define "radical morality". I think that may have been one of those terms coined in a fit of editorialist's poetic license run amok that doesn't really make sense when you think about it.
Comment by Another Chris — October 27, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
@AC #18: "I wouldn't, and didn't, say Shannon has no support from Law Enforcement."
You didn't. @Bob #9 did.
I'm curious, though: Did you actually check to see how many of Shannon's law enforcement endorsements were Democrats, or did you just assume? Second question: How many of Cuccinelli's law enforcement endorsements were Republican? Or do party-line endorsements from Republicans not count?
Comment by Dan Radmacher — October 27, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
#17 Richard wrote "#16 Suzie, it seems to me much worse to not believe in it and do it than to believe in it and do it."
For some reason "Christians", especially the fundamentalist variety have a difficult time with the concept of living the life they demand others live.
They seem more aligned with the concept of "do as I say, not as I do"
Perhaps it's because with a forgiving God giving them a free pass, with no sins on their record, they can start over and sin again.
It has been noted for some years that the states with the highest amount of teenage pregnancies occur in states that have large populations of fundamentalists.
Also the divorce rate is higher in the "red" states.
Comment by joe Mostowey — October 27, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Richard and Joe,
I think it's worse not to have principles than to have them and sometimes falter. I think that's the main difference between conservatives and liberals, by the way.
Comment by Suzie — October 27, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
Suzie wrote "Richard and Joe,I think it's worse not to have principles than to have them and sometimes falter. I think that's the main difference between conservatives and liberals, by the way."
--------------------------------
Yes that is the major difference between Liberals and Conservatives, Liberals feel that one's principles and convictions should be just that, guiding principles at a personal level - Not an excuse to bully people by claiming to "live" the right way, demanding everyone must live this way, and then not doing so ourselves with an excuse of "oops -I faltered".
You know, concepts such as freedom, equality, minding one's business, privacy, personal rights..... All of these seem to be embodied in people who don't go around trashing others for their sexual bent, their skin tones, the slant of their eyes, their cultural origins and place of birth.
Liberals actually believe in the preamble to the Constitution, and the ideals embodied within that document. Freedom isn't military might to a liberal - it having the right to make choices in life regardless of what other people may proclaim to be the "right" way - and then extending those rights to everyone.
So, yeah, there are major differences between those who believe faltered principles are normal and those who's principles demand that free will and choice are concepts that are not just for the "privileged", the "normals" or the "religious" but are basic human rights that belong to everyone.
Comment by joe Mostowey — October 27, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
Another Chris: Did you have any answers for my questions @19? I'm sincerely curious.
Thanks.
Comment by Dan Radmacher — October 29, 2009 @ 2:46 pm