Attorney General Bob McDonnell to Live Blog at 3PM ET Today

Bob will be holding a press conference to make a special announcement at 11 am ET today. Following the press conference, Bob will be here at 3 PM ET to live blog and discuss issues, his candidacy, and other various topics.

Bob wants to answer your questions! Please leave a comment and let him know what is on your mind. He will answer as many questions as possible.

Thanks and see you at 3 PM today!

Posted by Vincent Harris on 02/03 at 11:45 AM in (49) Comments

Comments

#1. Posted by Eric Reed on February 03, 2009

Mr. McDonnell,

How do you believe the next governor should go about handling the current budget deficit here in the state of Virginia?

#2. Posted by David Freidman on February 03, 2009

AG McDonnell,

I just want to thank you for actually resigning, instead of subjecting the citizens of Virginia to ANOTHER part-time PAID Government employee such as our “part-time” Governor has chosen to do for the next 1 1/2 yrs.

#3. Posted by Jim on February 03, 2009

Bob- How do you expect to win Virginia after the GOP has lost for so many years?

#4. Posted by Keith Kunkel on February 03, 2009

Mr. McDonnell,

Just wanted to say this is a great way to reach out to voters to get your message out, but in what other ways is your campaign planning on attracting voters, especially the youth vote?

#5. Posted by Robert Connelly on February 03, 2009

Bob—what will be your top three priorities if elected governor?

#6. Posted by Kenny Harkins on February 03, 2009

Mr. McDonnell -

I’m currently attending CNU in Newport News getting my degree and then my masters to be a public scool teacher. As a college student, what should I expect from you as the next Governor? Then, as a public school teacher in VA, what can I expect from you?

Thanks!

#7. Posted by Taylor on February 03, 2009

You can win this Mr. Mcdonnell! It is in the hard, testing times that individuals, and yes parties, are refined. We can win this election. We must win this election. Our party will be stronger and more unified now that so much is at risk. This election will be a defining moment in history. Will we stand together for what we believe is right? For values like faith, freedom, life, and justice?

#8. Posted by Donna Andrews on February 03, 2009

On the front page of the Washington Post today is a feature article about a major problem for northern Virginians, in particular those who live in Prince William County. Transportation is a major concern, especially for those who live great distances from their jobs in Washington, D.C. According to this article, Prince William residents have the “Lengthiest Commute in the Nation.” This is unacceptable! In spite of the terrible economic situation, SOMETHING must be done about the ever-increasing traffic and transportation problem in our area. We need a better solution than spending hard earned taxpayer money on just adding even more lanes to Route 66 which only adds more traffic congestion! Should we not be in favor of promoting public transportation? Why is no one proposing extending Metro’s Orange line to Gainesville, or at least Manassas? That just seems to me to provide a much better solution to this very pressing problem. As governor, how would you address this issue? Thank you.

#9. Posted by Luke on February 03, 2009

AG McDonnell,

Thank you for doing this! What are the “coffee shop talk” issues that are hitting home with rural Virginians?

#10. Posted by Steven Osborne on February 03, 2009

Mr. McDonnell,

I am a student from the Lynchburg area. Since 1973 at least 48 million of Generation X and the Millenial Generation have been eliminated through abortion. What is your position on the Commonwealth’s tax dollars going to abortion provider Planned Parenthood?

Thank You for a job well done as AG.

#11. Posted by Chris Dunn on February 03, 2009

1) How will you deal with the stimulus bill likely foisted on virginia?

2) How do you intend to promote growth?

#12. Posted by Mark on February 03, 2009

Will you continue to engage faithbased and community organizations to help serve the neighborhoods of Virginia when you are Governor?

#13. Posted by James DiVirgilio on February 03, 2009

Mr. McDonnell

Thank you for your decision to resign.  I admire your integrity.  My question is, will you commit to protecting Virginians and not raising taxes during your administration?

#14. Posted by Taylor on February 03, 2009

Please address your stance on homosexual rights, hate crimes legislation, abortion rights, and parents rights to choose how to educate their children. (i.e. homeschool, private school, school vouchers…)

#15. Posted by Jason Dagley on February 03, 2009

I am eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Fairfax Chairman’s race today. What do you think the outcome will be?

#16. Posted by Ryan Winn on February 03, 2009

AG McDonnell,

I am a College Republican in DC and I am wondering how you plan to use the DC Federation of College Republicans and other conservative youth groups as a part of your grassroots strategy for your campaign

#17. Posted by Dena K. on February 03, 2009

bob- how are you going to reach out to women during this campaign?

#18. Posted by Ken on February 03, 2009

What are your thoughts on the Stimulus bill making its way through Congress?

#19. Posted by Not Jim Moran on February 03, 2009

Hello Mr. McDonnell,

How do you formulate a strategy to reach out to Democrats and Independents, while keeping a conservative message?

#20. Posted by Gracie on February 03, 2009

What is your take on funding for medicaid waivers?
This year the GA was talking cutting services for our Disabled what will you do as Governor to ensure parents like me that we can rest assured our loved ones will not lose sevices.

Also what will Tucker Martins’ Job be now that you are leave the AG office? Are you taking Tucker with you?

#21. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Hey everyone, thanks for stopping by today. It’s been a big one for me, and I have to say not an easy one. I announced I am stepping down as Attorney General of Virginia effective February 20th in order to ensure that the Commonwealth of Virginia has a full-time Attorney General during this upcoming campaign season. It is the right thing to do for the taxpayers, and that is why every Republican and Democratic AG running for Governor since 1985 has made this decision. But that didn’t make it any easier!

Now I look forward to taking your questions during this hour, and getting this campaign up and running. We are ready to win and bring jobs and prosperity to Virginia. I hope you are too!

#22. Posted by Willie Deutsch on February 03, 2009

One of the key issues in the last governor’s race was transportation.  What is the essence of your transportation policy, and how do you plan on getting it passed by the legislature?

#23. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question:AG McDonnell

I just want to thank you for actually resigning, instead of subjecting the citizens of Virginia to ANOTHER part-time PAID Government employee such as our “part-time” Governor has chosen to do for the next 1 1/2 yrs.

Answer: David, thanks for the kind words. It was a very hard decision to leave the great team at the Commonwealth’s law firm. But its a full time job requiring a full time Attorney General. It would be unfair to the employees and the taxpayers to remain here and campaign full time for Governor. I believe this is the right and proper thing to do.

#24. Posted by W. McKinnon Johnstone on February 03, 2009

Our GOP Organization has been woefully inadequate in the last several elections. Pricipally because we have not had the proper focus on the issues and have resorted to attack campaign measures. The following issues need to be addressed:

IAD (Intellectual Asset Development) as a component this would allow the State, Fed and Private sector to build a comprehensive ongoing employment facility which would replace the UNEMPLOYMENT COMMISSION with a highly effective commission which would reduce unemployment while recruiting employers nationwide…...........

Send Illegals Home! All of them! No favoritism! Those who wish to become citizens must take the route of those before them!

Eliminate Income (State) Tax for all citizens who earn less than $35,000.

Allow citizens over 65 to be tax exempt!

Create a tax shelter for an person or persons operating a business which can prove they create an automotive or energy product which reduces energy usage by more than 20%!

Offer perks to Solar Energy mgfr’s which are based in and offer discounts to Virginian’s!

Organize a para-malitia which is made up of Virginia residents whose background is clear of corruption which has hooks with Local and State Law enforcement to track and augment homelend security.

I have over 100 other things but we need a P L A T F O R M

You Think?

#25. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question:Bob- How do you expect to win Virginia after the GOP has lost for so many years?

Answer: Jim, thanks for coming by the site. I hope to win this year by inspiring our conservative base to work hard for a unified Republican ticket while, at the same time, seeking to win the the hearts and votes of independents and Democrats by presenting real solutions to the quality of life issues that they care about. I am going to take my message to every citizen and every community in Virginia. I can’t wait to get started.

#26. Posted by Willie Deutsch on February 03, 2009

One other idea, my Dad keeps saying that if someone could reduce the hassle, lines, lack of clarity in regards to forms needed to do things etc, and the mindless focus on filling out boxes over helping people that occurs at the DMV he would be a hero.  Just an idea of something that could appeal to everyone no matter what the party lines are.

#27. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question: #5. Posted by Robert Connelly on February 03, 2009
Bob—what will be your top three priorities if elected governor?

Answer- Robert, good question. The first, and foremost, will be to use innovation and opportunity to revitalize Virginia’s economy and to create good jobs for our people. I will be focused every single minute in office on bringing new jobs to Virginia. Second, I want to dramatically improve the quality of education for all Virginia students to equip them for a rapidly changing high-tech world. Third, I want to use creative solutions, accountability and public-private partnerships to dramatically improve Virginia’s transportation system.
To sum up: Get new businesses here. Have a well-educated population ready to go to work, and have that workforce there on time through using a 21st century transportation system.

#28. Posted by Susan on February 03, 2009

Bob- who would you rather face in the General Election?

#29. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question:posted by Gracie on February 03, 2009
What is your take on funding for medicaid waivers?
This year the GA was talking cutting services for our Disabled what will you do as Governor to ensure parents like me that we can rest assured our loved ones will not lose sevices.

Also what will Tucker Martins’ Job be now that you are leave the AG office? Are you taking Tucker with you?

Answer: Gracie hey! As always it is great to hear from you. I love our visits to Southside and running into you at Mary’s Diner, and being on the show this summer, and thanks for your great work raising money for charity with the law enforcement softball game.

Gracie, I know how tough it is for you as a parent and how hard you work for your child’s sake. For over a decade I’ve championed legislation to provide for more outpatient and community based mental health services. I would support funding more waivers as the budget allows and significant reform focused on the needs of the mental health consumers.

And a few folks from the OAG will be heading to the campaign trail with me, we will have some announcements coming up soon.

#30. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question: 15. Posted by Jason Dagley on February 03, 2009
I am eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Fairfax Chairman’s race today. What do you think the outcome will be?

Answer: Pat Herrity is a strong candidate with an outstanding record of service in the county. He has run a great race, focused on how to bring economic development and fiscal renewal to the county. Let me say this, rather than make a prediction- I urge everyone in Fairfax who is reading this to get to the polls before 7pm.  Take a friend, take two friends, take anyone you can! I am strongly supporting Pat, I was with him yesterday campaigning, and I know he will be a great Chairman if given the honor.

#31. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question:Posted by Kenny Harkins on February 03, 2009
Mr. McDonnell -

I’m currently attending CNU in Newport News getting my degree and then my masters to be a public scool teacher. As a college student, what should I expect from you as the next Governor? Then, as a public school teacher in VA, what can I expect from you?

Thanks!

Answer: Kenny- You’ve made a great choice in attending CNU where Paul Trible has led a terrific expansion. Thanks for choosing to be in public service. You can expect me to continue to build a strong opportunity society in this Commonwealth with a free enterprise system that holds the hope for all to pursue their dreams.  Growing the economy and creating jobs allows college graduates to get a great start and pay down their loans. My message to college students is I will be focused on turning this economy around and making sure there are good high-paying jobs for you when you graduate.

Public school teachers need to be supported and rewarded for their sacrifice and service. We will focus on innovative reforms in public education to give all Virginians their shot at the American dream. It is time for innovation in public education.

#32. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Question: Posted by Mark on February 03, 2009
Will you continue to engage faithbased and community organizations to help serve the neighborhoods of Virginia when you are Governor?

Answer: Absolutely Mark. Faith based initiatives at the federal and state level have shown terrific promise and results in rebuilding communities, preventing crime, and integrating prisoners back into society. In our GRIP program in Richmond, faith based organizations have played a key role in getting a positive message and providing mentors to young people in the City. In the past 3 years the City’s violent crime rate has dropped from 5th to 49th in the country. That’s a testimony to the good that can be done when everyone gets involved. As we know from 200 plus years of American history if people set high moral standards for themselves we will have a better country.

#33. Posted by Bob on February 03, 2009

Folks, amazing to say the hour flew by. And if I could type faster I would have gotten to more of your questions, they were all great. Thanks for taking the time to participate, and I hope that now you will keep coming back to this site to learn more about our campaign and to get involved.

I am dedicated to running an innovative, welcoming and vigorous campaign. I know our principles are the right ones to bring jobs and opportunity back to Virginia, and I know we can accomplish great things by working together, across party lines. This campaign is just beginning. We will be doing live blogs quite often, and constantly looking for every way possible to get our message to you, and hear from you what we can do better.

Thanks again and I’ll see you on the campaign trail!

And don’t forget, if you’re in Fairfax, go vote Herrity right now!

And if you’re in Charlottesville/Roanoke/Lynchburg or anywhere in Southwest Virginia, tune in to “Evening Edition with host Bob Gibson” tonight on your local public radio station. I’ll be his guest from 7:30 to 8:30, would love to take your calls.

Bob

#34. Posted by avandia lawyer on February 10, 2009

Bob- If you will win What wil be your top priority in favor of citizens of Virginia? and I’will be attending you conference today!

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