State and National Government
It’s on to November now for General Assembly candidates, and Virginia Tech Professor Bob Denton says the primary results may benefit Republicans in some swing districts. He says Democratic primary winners statewide are leaning more left than before, and some GOP candidates may be able successfully portray their opponents as too far left. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
As parts of Virginia prepare for primary elections tomorrow, one of its Democratic Senators is calling for tighter security measures for all elections. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has more.
Photo: Ken Cuccinelli Twitter
WASHINGTON (AP) — An outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies has been named acting director of the agency that manages legal immigration. Ken Cuccinelli (koo-chih-NEHL’-ee) will oversee U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Cuccinelli is a former Virginia attorney general and has advocated for denying citizenship to the American-born children of parents living in the U.S. illegally and for limiting in-state tuition at public universities to citizens or legal residents. Cuccinelli’s name has been mentioned for months to become part of the administration, including as possible Homeland Security secretary or as an immigration czar. It’s unclear if Trump will nominate Cuccinelli for the permanent position. That would require Senate confirmation, which could be difficult. The position opened after Trump forced the resignation of Lee Francis Cissna, who Trump believed wasn’t doing enough. Cissna said he worked “passionately.”
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court could throw a wrench into Virginia politics with a decision expected this month.The state is readying for primaries Tuesday. But a case the justices have yet to decide could mean revisions to about two dozen state House voting districts and, in theory, a new primary within months.Experts say it’s almost unthinkable that the justices’ would decide the case in a way that creates so much drama.The state is currently operating under a plan to have voters choose lawmakers to the 100-member House of Delegates using a map seen as favorable to Democrats in November’s general election.The Republican-controlled House has urged the Supreme Court to reinstate a previous map that a lower court said improperly factored race into the drawing of 11 districts.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s governor has set a July 9 start date for a special legislative session on gun-related legislation after last week’s deadly shooting rampage in Virginia Beach. Gov. Ralph Northam announced the date Friday. The Democratic governor says the best way to respond to the May 31 mass shooting at a municipal building is with “votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers.” He wants the Republican-led General Assembly to consider gun-control measures including universal background checks and a ban on silencers . Police say the gunman who fatally shot 12 people used a silencer. Northam can call the session but can’t dictate how it’s conducted. Republican leaders have given little indication they plan to follow his agenda. Instead, they’ve said they’ll propose tougher penalties for those who use guns to commit crimes.
WFIR Political Analyst Bob Denton says a special General Assembly session on gun laws — with November elections looming — is likely to be highly charged, political and polarizing. More on what likely lies ahead from WFIR’s Evan Jones:Republican leaders in the House of Delegates responded to Governor Northam’s call for a special session on gun control by saying they will press for gun laws that hold criminals accountable for their actions — and not infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. Their proposals would stiffen penalties who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences.
From House Speaker Kirk Cox: “The terrible shooting that occurred in Virginia Beach just four days ago is still painfully fresh for everyone, especially the 12 families that lost loved ones. First and foremost, we continue to pray for the victims, thank the first responders, and extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication to the safety of that community.
“The Governor’s call to Special Session is hasty and suspect when considered against the backdrop of the last few months. While the Governor can call a special session, he cannot specify what the General Assembly chooses to consider or how we do our work. We intend to use that time to take productive steps to address gun violence by holding criminals accountable with tougher sentences — including mandatory minimums.
“Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007 and 2017’s shooting in Parkland, Florida, Virginia took a very deliberative approach that ultimately ended in substantive and bipartisan reforms to keep our communities safer. The governor’s call to Special Session is more likely to inflame political tensions than produce substantive public policy changes that will keep people safe.
“We believe addressing gun violence starts with holding criminals accountable for their actions, not infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. When the Special Session convenes, Republicans will put forward a package of legislation to stiffen penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences. These steps, combined with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the mental and behavioral health system, are the best ways to keep our communities safe from those who commit violence with guns.
“The House of Delegates will convene upon the Governor’s call as constitutionally required and work within the rules we adopt and the regular legislative process to consider any matter before us. Our actions will be based on sound public policy and the best interests of the Commonwealth.”