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At the beginning of this year’s General Assembly session, pregnancy resource centers were in the crosshairs of the abortion industry. From a press conference releasing a now debunked report about PRCs, to legislation that would have burdened them with unnecessary regulations, Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia must have thought they were well on their way to putting their competition out of business.

What a difference a few weeks — and the truth — makes.

Yesterday, instead of finalizing anti-PRC legislation, the House (HJ 435) and Senate (SJ 265) passed identical resolutions honoring the work of pregnancy resource centers across the commonwealth. This took place despite a frantic effort by NARAL to derail the resolutions (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog). The resolutions were introduced at the request of The Family Foundation.

Earlier this session, the anti-PRC legislation was defeated in House and Senate sub-committees, with the Senate patron, Dr. Ralph Northam (D-6, Norfolk), actually asking for his own bill (SB 188) to be defeated. This happened in a sub-committee meeting, that he chaired, where the truth about the work of PRCs was presented through personal testimonies from young women who received support from PRCs in their time of need.

The Family Foundation was honored to work with so many great PRC directors who serve women and families in crisis each and every day. (Click here to read more about the battle in this Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star op-ed.) We especially thank Senator Jill Vogel (R-27, Winchester) and Delegate Chris Stolle, MD (R-83, Virginia Beach) for introducing these commending resolutions on behalf of Virginia’s pregnancy resource centers.

Virginia’s PRCs are grateful, too. Below is a letter we received from one center after the news the two resolutions were passed:

Thank you so much for all your work on the front lines for family values in Virginia. We continue to thank God for you all. The help and guidance that you and the FF team provided to the Virginia Directors in mid January was deeply appreciated. Weren’t we all amazed by the miraculous ways in which God moved in the Health subcommittee on January 26, 2010. I truly will never forget that day!!!!

News from the Family Foundation this morning regarding the resolutions honoring the work of PRC’s across the Commonwealth, requested by the FF and passed in both House and Senate yesterday, has truly been humbling in light of all you have already done for us. Thank you so much for your partnership in standing for life in the Commonwealth of Virginia and for the tremendous work that you do both in session season and out. May God continue to bless you all.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Earlier this session we celebrated one of our most significant victories — defeating draconian regulations of our Commonwealth’s pregnancy resource centers. The effort to frighten women in crisis away from these important ministries was led by NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and Planned Parenthood.

In yesterday’s Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, I was given the opportunity to present the case for PRCs in an opinion piece (click here).

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia was given the opportunity to make its case against PRCs here. I urge you to read both opinion pieces.

Once again, I also ask you to support the pregnancy resource center in your community. As you will read in my op-ed, they make an incredible contribution to our communities by helping women in crisis realize they have a real choice other than abortion when faced with a crisis pregnancy. I hope you will join the PRC in your community today.

Annotations & Elucidations

Houck Not Going Anywhere

The hot rumor going around was that Senator Edd Houck (D-17, Spottsylvania) would accept a job in the new McDonnell administration, thus opening up a potential re-take of the Senate by Republicans by winning that seat in a special election. Democrats hold a one seat majority in the chamber, but a tie would flip it back to the GOP because of the re-election of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling. However, Senator Houck has dampened that speculation in today’s Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star.

In other news, Senator Robert Hurt (R-19, Chatham) has hired Chris LaCivita as his consultant in the crowded 5th Congressional District Republican nomination campaign. LaCivita, formerly a consultant to former Governor George Allen, is most noted for running the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry, and is fresh off Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli’s landslide victory. Those who hire LaCivita mean to win. Elsewhere, a Democrat big gun is brought in for the recount in the 21st House of Delegates district election (where Republican Ron Villanueva defeated incumbent Democrat Bobby Mathieson); the effect of the Liberty University student vote is looked at in the 23rd district campaign (where Republican Scott Garrett defeated incumbent Democrat Shannon Valentine); and Public Opinion Strategies offers insights into the Obama affect in the Virginia campaign. But mainly, we’re happy to bring back editorial comics to the News Stand.  

News:

Houck: No plan to leave (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

McDonnell disagrees with study on trimming tax breaks (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Falwell says he’s ’surprised’ by election results (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Counting in disputed 21st District race to resume at noon (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Al Gore’s Attorney helps Mathieson (BearingDrift.com)

Hurt signs up LaCivita (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Population, inflation fuel 10-year budget growth in Va. (Washington Post)

Analysis:

Don’t Tell Anyone, But Obama Hurt Deeds in Virginia (Public Opinion Strategies/TQIA Blog)

Commentary:

Are Republicans too giddy? (Julian E. Zelizer/CNN.com)

Editorial Comics:

“Wahtchya doing?” (Eric Allie/Townhall.com)

“DrainO” (Nate Beeler/Townhall.com)

On the heels of what surely was a shocking setback to his campaign Monday — Democrat activist billionaire Sheila Johnson’s endorsement of Republican Bob McDonnell for governor — Democrat gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds announced his own predictable list of former-Republican-legislator supporters. The lone somewhat surprise is former Senator Brandon Bell, but considering his record of voting for tax increases, perhaps not.

The leader of the group is John Chichester, the former-Democrat-turned- Republican-who-endorses-Democrats. His lackey, independent Russ “2-percent” Potts, also is among Deeds’ supporters. (Is Deeds’ that desperate?)

But the news here is that the endorsement and Deeds’ embrace is more twisted, more convoluted, more hypocritical and more disingenuous than anything politic in Virginia since Mark Warner promised not to raise taxes (or since Governor Tim Kaine said he wouldn’t, or since he said his DNC work wouldn’t interfere with his gubernatorial duties — take your pick):

From today’s Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star:

The legislators will help form “Virginians for Deeds” and according to a press release, support “Deeds’ efforts to carry on the tradition of keeping Virginia a low-tax state and the ‘best state for business’.”

Then . . .

Chichester, who retired in 2007 after nearly 30 years in office, said in a telephone interview that he’s backing Deeds over his own party’s candidate, Republican Bob McDonnell, because of Deeds’ support for Chichester’s budget plans during tough fiscal times earlier this decade.

Those “budget plans” were? . . .

In 2003 and 2004, Chichester — the powerful leader of the Senate Finance Committee — was a key player in the passage of a package of tax increases. …

Not just any tax increases. They were the largest in Virginia history and during a time when the budget was in robust surplus! So, Deeds wants to keep Virginia a “low tax state” but embraces Chichester, Potts and a host of the largest taxers and spenders in Virginia history? Huh????????????

Now, let’s not forget the second part of that equation. It’s not only the tax increase. It was the spending of it! Virginia was in a surplus, then raked in $1.4 billion more in taxes. Then those same men — Chichester, Potts, Bell, Marty Williams and others in this disgruntled group, as well as Deeds — spent it all and then some, raiding the Rainy Day fund to its lowest level ever!

Others in the group include pro-abortion, pro-homosexual ”marriage,” and tax-and-spend liberal Republicans such as Warren Barry, Panny Rhodes, and Jim Dillard, and liberal independent Katherine Waddell.

These former office holders are discontented former Republicans who lost primaries to conservatives or retired when they saw primary defeat coming, and haven’t supported Republicans in years. They call themselves “Republicans” to give their predictable endorsements of liberals a lame attempt at relevance. But the only people they are relevent to are the liberal Mainstream Media who play up the ideological lovefest as if it’s extraordinary. It will be interesting to compare the media coverage this gets as compared to the media coverage Sheila Johnson’s endorsement of McDonnell received.

Let the post-mortems and second-guessing begin! It’s analysis time. Better analyze all you can because the general election campaign will begin in earnest ASAP, if it hasn’t already. In fact, the Washington Times’ headline today says it all: “Deeds starts fast in denigrating GOP” (see below). Already going negative, are we? Does that mean Deeds sees himself as behind? We’ll have comment on what’s negative, who’s been negative, and some not-too-smart comments that a candidate said that he thinks were smart, before too long. 

News:

Candidates For Governor Get Fast Start (Washington Post)

Deeds’s Victory Renews McDonnell Rivalry — With a Difference (Washington Post) 

Democratic candidates show solidarity with Deeds (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

How Deeds defied expectations and changed the race (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot) 

Deeds lays groundwork for next phase of race for Virginia governor (Roanoke Times) 

Deeds prepares for fall rematch (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Deeds starts fast in denigrating GOP (Washington Times) 

How Moran’s Early Edge Unwound (Washington Post) 

Lack of Va. Roots Doomed McAuliffe’s Bid (Washington Post)  

House hopefuls face uphill battle against Carr, Cox (Richmond Times- Dispatch)

Lots of campaign news today, as one might expect, as Brian Moran racks up more endorsements, and Virginia Republicans gear up for their nominating convention this weekend. But most of the big stuff concerns yesterday’s California Supreme Court decision upholding that state’s recently ratified constitutional amendment defining marriage as a between one man and one woman, and President Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

There are several good articles and commentaries on these subjects in the National News and Commentary sections below. Also, please read Bobby Eberle’s rejoinder to retired General Colin Powell regarding his campaign to minimize conservatism in the Republican Party. Finally, be sure to read about a bill one congressman has introduced that would make 2010 “The Year of the Bible” — and his co-sponsors include members of both parties, as well as Christian and Jewish members. 

News:

Virginians critique nominee (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Moran picking up local support (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star) 

Democrats’ Inside Man Steps Into Spotlight (Washington Post)

GOP hopefuls for Fralin’s House seat hold forum (Roanoke Times) 

McDonnell backs Mullins for chairman of state GOP (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

GOP will choose slate of state candidates this weekend (Winchester Star)

LU Democrats club to meet with Falwell today (Lynchburg News & Advance) 

National News:

Calif. Ruling Shows Hurdles Remain for Gay Marriage (Washington Post)

Don’t expect smooth sailing for Sotomayor (OneNewsNow.com)

For Sotomayor, discrimination case likely issue (AP/GOPUSA.com)

2010: The year of the Bible? (OneNewsNow.com)

Commentary:

‘Empathy’ in Action (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Sotomayor: Racial Politics and Making Policy (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

To Gen. Powell . . . Just Where Have We Gone Too Far To The Right? (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

The News Stand isn’t the only one returning today: Looks like the missing Musketeer, Senator Creigh Deeds of Bath has finally poked his nose out in the Democrat gubernatorial primary campaign. He garners two headlines around the state today and prominent mentions elsewhere. Perhaps he’s been there all along and we just didn’t know it, as the Washington Post and Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star attest to the lackluster campaign thus far. But maybe Terry McAuliffe’s comment on a Richmond radio station will perk things up. Dems also tell The Post they think dreariness and fatigue are what led to some Republican wins in their NoVa bastion as of late.

In national news, the current governor’s boss, the president, appears poised to take a page from Tim Kaine’s policy book and eliminate abstinence education funding. Then there are the tales of two states and approaches to education: A California Senate committee passed what’s being called “Gay Day” legislation for schools’ curriculum where parents, according to one report, can’t opt out their children. By contrast, Texas officials chose a prominent historian to restore basic and traditional lessons, that have slowly evaporated over the years, to its public school curriculum.  

News:

After GOP Wins, Democrats Are Worried About Fatigue (Washington Post)

Delegates urged to attend meeting (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

In the Race for Governor, a Drizzle of Ads Portends a Deluge (Washington Post)

Dems’ primary appears lackluster (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Ousted GOP chairman takes aim at ‘insiders’ (The Daily Press) 

Deeds: Education, technology key (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Facing uphill battle in governor’s race, Deeds still presses ahead (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McAuliffe touts green energy (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Democrat to challenge incumbent in 6th District (Roanoke Times)

National News:

Obama would ax abstinence-only funding (OneNewsNow.com)

History scholar hopes to revamp Texas curriculum (OneNewsNow.com)

‘Gay Day’ Bill Passes California Senate Committee (CNSNews.com)

Welcome to the end of the week. But the news is only beginning. Leading off, we have a Virginia-based pro-life organization, Life & Liberty Ministries, which says it’s been put on a domestic terrorist watch list by the Virginia State Police. Very curious, to say the least.

Also of note, Americans For Tax Reform took notice of the work we did on spending transparency and this blog’s comment on how it all played out, especially with Governor Tim Kaine’s nice veto session surprise (making the bill better). We’re honored such a prestigious national organization took notice and we thank them for the help it provided in the long road it took to get transparency passed and signed into law. When you read in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star how the state paid a company $40,000 just to sit by and wait, you understand why spending transparency is important.

It’s not yet time for the Colonial Downs season, but the horse race known as the gubernatorial campaign is well underway and Republican Bob McDonnell is ahead by a couple of lengths and pulling further ahead — as of now. We have the poll info directly from the pollster, Rasmussen. Enjoy your reading.

News:

Virginia pro-lifers labeled ‘potential terrorists’ (OneNewsNow.com)

Election 2009: Virginia Governor Election — GOP’s McDonnell Pulls Further Ahead in Virginia Governor’s Race (RasmussenReports.com)

Poll gives McDonnell lead in hypothetical governor matchups (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Bill Clinton, Trump among McAuliffe’s donors (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

McAuliffe won’t take Dominion cash, but donations from executives OK(Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Candidates in governor’s race casting wide nets (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Moran Campaign Contributors Have Business Before Brother (Washington Post)

State paid $40,000 in fees for towing firms to stand by (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

VA Transparency Gets Unexpected Veto Session Boost(FiscalAccountability.org Blog)

Del. Shannon Valentine tops in campaign funds (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Concert to benefit Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center in Lynchburg (Lynchburg News & Advance)

Delegates Defend Internet Use on the Floor (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

National News:

Senate Republicans Reply to DHS ‘Rightwing Extremists’ Scaremongering(RedState.com)

ACLU demands schools allow access to gay Websites (Nashville Tennessean)

It’s April so that means three things in Virgilankingnia politics: Veto Session, Shad Planking and campaigns in full swing. They usually coincide to some (or large) degree. But there’s something different this year:  Gubernatorial candidate Senator Creigh Deeds (D-25, Bath) is avoiding the Shad Planking. That’s almost unheard of for a statewide candidate. Who knows? If he wins the governorship, maybe it’ll start a trend.

Meanwhile, Governor Tim Kaine faces veto override threats on several bills, including those dealing with the death penalty and accepting strings-attached “stimulus” money for extended unemployment insurance — paid for by tax increases on business, since the fees it pays into that program fund it.

In another state’s news that may have national implications, Iowans are fighting back against the edict by its supreme court inventing a “right” to same-sex “marriage.” Also, Newt Gingrich talks, albeit briefly, about his conversion to Catholicism. Finally, check out one legal organization’s unique avenue to challenge the federal bailout to AIG. 

News:

Kaine’s vetoes facing his foes (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Deeds Will Not Speak At Shad Planking (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Big money flows to Virginia race for governor (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Deeds files petitions for Virginia governor’s race (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

McDonnell calls for unity after leading ouster of party chairman (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Rejected GOP Chief To Run Again in Va. (Washington Post)

Battle over bingo laws in Va. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National News:

Conservative Iowans fight to preserve traditional (OneNewsNow.com)

Does AIG Bailout Violate Establishment Cause? (OneNewsNow.com)

Gingrich tight-lipped on Catholic conversion (OneNewsNow.com)

The News Stand doesn’t have a large inventory today, but what we have is interesting as usual. The gubernatorial campaign is rolling along with Bob McDonnell and Terry McAuliffe continuing to get the headlines. Where are Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran? It’s enough to prompt House Republican Whip Eric Cantor to call it for T-Mac already.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sounds the warning on President Obama’s war on churches and charities, squeezing them out in favor of a care-for-all, omnipresent government. Speaking of McDonnell, he’s promised to run the most technologically savvy campaign in Virginia history. It’s a hard lesson Republicans have learned from Democrats who have outpaced them by far in use of the Internet via social networking and the like. But according to Rachel Alexander, there is a conservative tech revolution going on.

Speaking of revolutions, do they have tea or corn parties in Iowa? For all those gearing up for the various Virginia tea parties on April 15, you might want to read and view what went on in Iowa’s legislature recently, where the Democrat House Speaker, Pat Murphy, tossed out taxpayers opposed to his tax increase plan. Ah, yes. Freedom of speech in the Age of Obama!

News:

McDonnell pledges support for business during campaign stop (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

McDonnell’s gubernatorial campaign makes local stop (Winchester Star)

McAuliffe’s Fundraising: High-Dollar, High-Mileage (Washington Post)

Does Cantor Really Think McAuliffe Wins? (TertiumQuids.com)

Ex-Lobbyist, Kaine Brother-in-Law, Among 4 Proposed For U.S. Attorney(Washington Post)

Analysis:

Web 2.0 and the New Conservative Revolution (GOPUSA.com)

National News:

Obama’s ‘war against churches and charities’ (OneNewsNow.com)

When the American Tax Payer Becomes a Nuissance (GetLiberty.org)

Video:

Taxpayers Kicked Out Of Capitol During Tax Debate — Iowa (YouTube.com/KCCI-TV)