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Winning elections is one thing. But the real work is the constant vigil to ensure that those who got elected follow through on their promises and platforms. With a sweep of pro-family statewide officials and a wider majority in the House of Delegates after November’s election, it would be easy to sit back and watch.

However, late last week Governor Tim Kaine (contact), already intent on creating mischief  for the incoming administration by proposing tax increases in the new budget he will introduce before he exits office, lobbed a grenade into the room when he announced his intention to expand health care benefits for state employees to include not only same-sex partners, but anyone living in a house with a state worker. A peculiar legacy indeed, but he’s leaving office as he came in — promoting tax increases and special rights for homosexuals just as he did in his first week in office, despite campaigning to the contrary. Already, the state’s largest homosexual “rights” lobby, Equality Virginia, is actively promoting the change.

While expanding benefits to same-sex relationships is a clear violation of the Marriage Amendment passed by Virginia voters just three years ago, it is obvious that Governor Kaine has no intention to abide by it. Currently, only spouses and children are eligible for state health care benefits. Because these types of benefits have traditionally been “benefits of marriage,” expanding beyond marriage violates both the spirit and the language of the Marriage Amendment. Health benefits have been tied to marriage for decades because the state understands it has a compelling interest in benefitting and encouraging marriage —ultimately because children benefit the most from marriage. As the vast majority understood in 2006 when 2.1 million of us voted in favor of the Marriage Amendment, we need to protect and elevate traditional marriage for our children’s sake.

Attempts at expanding this beyond marriage makes any and all relationships equal to marriage, thereby undermining that foundational institution. Interestingly, the “Notice of Intended Regulatory Action Agency Background Document” that announces the regulation change makes several astonishing claims, such as saying the proposal “should have little impact on the family or family stability.”

Really? By allowing non-married couples the identical benefits as those who are married, does that not make marriage less necessary? The notice also claims that the only “alternative” to the proposal is nationalized health care, such as the current Congressional proposals.

Kaine’s plan, as proposed, borders on the ludicrous. It would seemingly allow a recent college graduate who gets a job with the state to add any and all of his or her housemates to his or her health insurance.

One of the most influential proponents of this type of domestic partner benefits has been the presidents of Virginia’s taxpayer funded colleges and universities, claiming that they can’t bring qualified professors to our college campuses because other states offer such benefits. Yet, only 16 other states currently offer such benefits.

While the proposed benefit expansion will ultimately be decided upon by Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, who expressed reservations about it due to possible costs, proponents of the policy claim that there will be no cost to the state. However, such an expansion of benefits, certainly will increase the cost of health insurance for the state and consequently, Virginia taxpayers.

But don’t think you can’t do anything about this: There is a public comment period until midnight December 23, where the Department of Human Resources Management is seeking your opinion.

Please contact the Department of Human Resources Management by clicking here. 

Once on the site, click “Enter a comment” and express your opposition to Governor Kaine’s proposal.

Annotations & Elucidations

Who’s Controversial Now?

Our top story’s headline is misleading and is an excellent example of media bias. The abstinence-only speaker invited to a Henrico County high school is not causing controversy. She was invited and people may or may not attend. No student or parent said a word. It is 10 teachers and two outside groups — radical pro-abortion and homosexual advocacy organizations — who got wind of it and raised a stink. So, who’s being controversial?

On another front, Governor Tim Kaine now is staking his legacy to pre-K. It will be anything but that, but what’s amazing is that even as he shuns the liberal tag, he takes credit for a large expansion of government in the face of a backlash to that philosophy. Accordingly, Delegate Kirk Cox (R-66, Colonial Heights), the majority whip and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, broached eliminating it today on a Richmond radio station. Good for him.

Nationally, James Pethokoukis of Reuters uncovers a backdoor method Congressional Democrats and President Obama hope to raise taxes by three trillion dollars! It’s a very short, but revealing, read. Also of note, the Washington Post published a lengthy feature on Family Foundation friend Bishop Harry Jackson, who has become, perhaps, the nation’s leading defender of traditional marriage. Very much worth the read.

Finally, in news that must horrify liberals (other than an abstinence-only speaker at a high school) a CNN poll has found that 61 percent of Americans oppose taxpayer funded abortion, 51 percent oppose allowing insurance policies to cover abortions, and — sit down for this liberals — between 63 and 73 percent oppose legal abortions under any circumstance except for the 2 percent of abortions done each year in the cases of rape, incest and when the mother’s life is endangered. No wonder they’re reduced to protesting abstinence speakers.

News:

Abstinence-only speaker stirs controversy (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Virginia budget outlook poor; shortfall could grow (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Va. might have to cut $2.9 billion more by ‘12 (Washington Post)

Kaine cites pre-K success during his term (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Hamilton case ignites calls to overhaul ethics rules (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

Allen tax plan backed by Crusade (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Analysis:

Is Obama planning a $3 trillion income tax increase? (James Pethokoukis/Political Risk Blog Reuters.com)

National:

CNN Poll: 61% Oppose Tax-Funded Abortions, 63%  Oppose All or Most Abortions (LifeNews.com)

Internal Results of CNN/Opinion Research Poll on Abortion, Health Care (CNN/Opinion Research)

Seeking to put asunder (Washington Post)

D.C. vote on gay marriage denied (Washington Times)

AP Turns Heads for Devoting 11 Reporters to Palin Book ‘Fact Check’ (FoxNews.com)

This coming Monday, October 5, is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the November election. If you are not registered, or if you have recently moved, be sure to go to your local voter registrar’s office and register to vote. You may also download the Virginia voter registration from the State Board of Elections’ Web site by clicking here.

All eyes are on Virginia and New Jersey this November, as the only two states with statewide elections. The outcomes will be crucial and it is vital that your voice is heard. Will Virginia continue down the path of secular progressivism, the seeds of which are being planted by the Obama Administration, or will we say, “enough is enough,” and return to the proven principles of freedom, respect for life, traditional marriage and smaller, limited government? We are blessed in this nation to be able to choose our governmental leaders. We must do all that we can to ensure that we elect men and women who understand that the greatness our nation is in its Judeo-Christian foundation and that we must uphold those principles if we are to remain a great nation.

If you already are registered to vote, make sure your friends and family members also are registered. Offer to take them to the registrar’s office or help them download the registration form (you can also register at places such as libraries and the DMV). If possible, hold a voter registration drive in your church this Sunday.

Four years ago, the Attorney General’s race was decided by just 360 votes. Every vote counts!

In addition, the military deadline is approaching as well! If you are a Virginia resident serving in the military outside of the commonwealth or have a son or daughter deployed who needs to register, military personnel may use the Federal Post Card Application to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot both at the same time. The application must be received by the local registrar by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5. There is a provision for these to be faxed or e-mai as well as through the U.S. Postal Service. For more information, click here for the Virginia State Board of Elections page on the military.

Tickets for The Family Foundation of Virginia’s 2009 Annual Gala, featuring keynote speaker Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and current host of his own show on Fox News Channel, now are available online!

To purchase tickets, sign up for sponsorships and find other details online about this marquee event, click here to visit our Web site.

Space is limited so sign up now before tables and seats fill up!

The Gala is Monday, October 26, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. A private sponsors reception and photo line with Governor Huckabee will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Suggested dress is business attire. Sponsorship benefits for the various levels include seats at Governor Huckabee’s table, a photo with him, a private reception and autographed books.

Click here for complete details.

Mike Huckabee is the host of the number one rated weekend cable hit, Huckabee, on the Fox News Channel. Known for his strong stand in defense of the unborn and traditional marriage, he is a former Baptist minister who ran for and won elected office. He is the embodiment of everything the angry far left in our nation hates — a combination of church and state!

There is a discounted group rate available at The Richmond Marriott-Downtown, for out of town guests who wish to stay overnight. The hotel is located directly across the street from the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Please call the Marriott at (804) 643-3400 and mention The Family Foundation Annual Gala for more information.

For questions, more information or to register by phone, please call The Family Foundation office at (804) 343-0010.

Governor Huckabee, the host of the number one rated weekend hit Huckabee on the Fox News Channel, is known for his strong stand in defense of the unborn and traditional marriage. A former Baptist minister that ran for and won elected office, he is the embodiment of everything the far left in our nation hates — a combination of church and state! 

I can’t tell you how excited we are that Governor Huckabee will be joining us for the annual Richmond Gala, Monday, October 26. The dinner will be at 7:00 p.m. and a private sponsors reception and photo line beginning at 5:30 p.m.

We’ve moved the Gala up from previous years to accommodate Governor Huckabee’s schedule, and we hope you will be able to come to Richmond to join us for what promises to be an incredibly motivating evening just a week before this year’s crucial elections.

Details for the evening are being finalized, but invitations will be in the mail soon!

The invitation will include details of the sponsorship benefits including the private reception, photo line, and autographed book by Governor Huckabee. A discounted hotel group rate is also being negotiated for people desiring to spend the night in Richmond. 

So please mark your calendar today and plan to be in Richmond the evening of Monday, October 26, to hear Governor Mike Huckabee at The Family Foundation’s Richmond Gala!

Yesterday,we reported on the VEA’s proud go-along at the NEA national convention endorsing same-sex marriage (see here). Instead of concetrating on issues that matter to teachers and improving education, the VEA has endorsed advocating a radical left-wing policy in contradiction of the Virginia Constitution and statutory law.

The president of the VEA, Dr. Kitty J. Boitnott, responded to our post with a long comment on the thread stating that our take on the VEA/NEA position wasn’t exactly what the convention meant with its lock-step adoption of the radical homosexual agenda. She goes on about “social justice.” What any of this has to do with teaching clearly is beyond most parents’ concerns for their children’s education. 

Not only is the  homosexual marriage resolution contrary to the views of a majority of Virginians, she did not answer our concern about whether the VEA, with this policy position, now will encourage its member teachers to ignore the new traditional marriage guidelines to the Family Life Education curriculum. A true conflict of interest now is on the record.

Adopting a radical agenda contrary to Virginia law. Wasting time on matters completely non-germane to education. A significant conflict of interest.

We report. You decide. Below is the resolution:

NEA Representative Assembly New Business Items (NBIs)
NEW BUSINESS ITEM E
ADOPTED

“Resolutions B-13 (Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identification Discrimination) and I-13 (Civil Rights) set forth NEA’s opposition to the discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples. The Legislative Program is in accord: NEA supports “obtaining, preserving, and strengthening basic civil and human rights under law,” and specifically calls for “passage of a federal statute prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” Section IV(b). In implementation of the foregoing policies, the Representative Assembly adopts the following action plan with regard to same-sex couples:

1. NEA will support its affiliates seeking to enact state legislation that guarantees to same-sex couples the right to enter into a legally recognized relationship pursuant to which they have the same rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples, including, without limitation, rights and benefits with regard to medical decisions, taxes, inheritance, adoption, and immigration.

2. NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized “equal treatment” relationship, and recommends that each state decide for itself whether “marriage,” “civil union,” “domestic partnership,” or some other term is most appropriate based upon the cultural, social, and religious values of its citizenry.

3. NEA will support its affiliates in opposing state constitutional and/or statutory provisions that could have the effect of prohibiting the state and its political subdivisions from providing the same rights and benefits to same-sex couples as are provided to similarly-situated heterosexual couples.

4. NEA will take such actions as may be appropriate to support efforts to (a) repeal any federal legislation and/or regulations that discriminate against same-sex couples, and (b) enact federal legislation and/or regulations that treat same-sex couples and similarly-situated heterosexual couples equally with regard to social security, health care, taxation, and other federal rights and benefits.

5. NEA recognizes that the term “marriage” has religious connotations and that same-sex marriages may not be compatible with the beliefs, values, and/or practices of certain religions. Because of its support for the separation of church and state and the right to religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, NEA supports the right of religious institutions to refuse to perform or recognize same-sex marriages.

The Executive Committee will monitor the implementation of this New Business Item, and keep NEA affiliates informed of actions taken to achieve its objectives.”

Who recently said that marriage between one man and one woman is the “traditional and universally recognized form of marriage”? If you guessed Carrie Prejean, who lost her Miss California crown last week (see Fox News) — after pageant officials said she could keep it — for speaking out in favor of traditional marriage, or some right-wing Christian fanatic you are . . . wrong.

However, if you guessed Tony West — Ding! Ding! Ding! — You win.

Who’s Tony West? He is the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division and he filed the legal brief defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act in federal court June 11 (see here). The Obama administration, in fact, is asking the federal court to dismiss the case, brought on by a “married” homosexual pair.

Now, major homosexual special interest groups are going ballistic, with a leader of one blasting the president in a personal letter (see Wall Street Journal). Not only that, but the New York Times is steaming mad, too. The poor president can’t get a break. 

In the brief, the administration sounds as right-wing crazy as the 57 percent of Virginians who voted for our Marriage Amendment, unintended consequences and all:

In allowing each State to withhold its recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, Congress was merely confirming longstanding conflict-of-laws principles in a valid exercise of its express power to settle such questions under the Full Faith and Credit Clause. That Clause ensures that each State retains the authority to decline to apply another State’s law when it conflicts with its own public policies. DOMA is fully consistent with that constitutional principle, as it permits States to experiment with and maintain the exclusivity of their own legitimate public policies — such as whether that State chooses to recognize or reject same-sex marriages. Similarly, in relation to plaintiffs’ purported “right to travel” claim, DOMA simply does not impinge upon anyone’s ability to travel among the States. Again, it merely permits each State to follow its own policy with respect to marriage.

Although the administration says it wants to repeal DOMA legislatively, it also says that while it is still the law, it is constitutional, and must be defended. Admittedly, this position is surprising coming from a president who, as a law professor, said restraints had to be put on the Constitution (hear for yourself) and believes in courts making policy rather than inerpreting the law, but it is refreshing — and correct — nonethesame.

It’s also fun to see liberals disillusioned with their ”anointed one” whom they unceasingly, thoughtlessly adore. A little wedge on the left is never bad.

Now the Obama administration has itself in a pretzel, not only casting doubt on his sincerity on homosexual “rights” (he’s abandoned other promises as well), but establishing a precedent for defending laws it disagrees with by abandoning its advocacy of judicial activism. That said, we doubt it has established a pattern, but will still watch whether the administration continues this intellectual honesty regarding the proper roles of the legislative and judicial branches.

Tomorrow, at a  1:30 p.m. Capitol Square news conference, TFF Action will release its 2008-09 General Assembly Report Card (click here for  information on obtaining it). The TFF Action Report Card is released every two years and rates all 140 members of the General Assembly on their voting record on five principles: Life, Traditional Marriage, Religious Liberty, Parental Authority and Constitutional Government. 

Who will rate high? Who will rate low? Will there be any surprises? Do you want to know if your delegate and senator tell you one thing, but vote another way? Or, is their rhetoric consistent with their voting record (either liberal or conservative)? Logon here tomorrow (as well as Twitter) for coverage, and later here and on our YouTube channel for video.

Looks like the the governor got a little jealous of his boss in Washington and issued his own threat assessment, which demonized several groups, as did the federal manifesto. A college professor often told us, “Never generalize. It’ll get you in trouble some day.” Some never learn from even the most basic of life lessons. The report knocked the gubernatorial campaign off the radar a bit, which probably didn’t win Governor Kaine any thanks from his would-be Democrat successors. But below we have some reports on the increasing acrimony of the Dem candidates toward each other. Are they a threat to anyone (other than the taxpayer)?

But the Kaine administration report is very appropriately timed as people increasingly are concerned about the total takeover and make over of the country by the Obama administration, and you dare note complain. For example, read about how the very 1984 so-called “hate crimes” bill looks destined to get ram-rodded through the House, and possibly into law. Sandy Rios writes in detail about the totality of the liberals’ grand scheme. 

The Miss USA debacle continues to be discussed. Andrew Breitbart has a blunt commentary about the viciousness of homosexual activists who are anything but the tolerant they say they are, or who want anything but the tolerance they say they seek. Meanwhile, a pro-life leader, herself a former Miss Delaware, says she’s proud of Miss California, Carrie Prejean (who attends a Christian college). We also have an article and video of D.C. ministers rallying in favor of traditional marriage and against same-sex marriage, which the D.C. government is contemplating.

Lastly, the much publicized polling that says evangelical Christians are all of a sudden tree-hugging-greenies has been debunked. A study of the phrasing of the questions proves they were designed to provoke answers to fit the pre-conceived template of the organization sponsoring the poll.  

Admin’s note: The News Stand may be intermittent the next 10 days or so as the Communications Department, who compiles the articles that make up much of the News Stand, takes a well-deserved vacation.

News:

Kaine orders investigation of report on terrorism threats (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

State terrorism report concerns university officials, rights watchdogs (The Daily Press)

Va. Democrats debate words vs. actions (Washington Times)

Democrats’ Digs Deepen as Forums Continue (Washington Post)

Major Front in Va. Race Is Online (Washington Post)

National News:

‘Hate crimes’ bill likely to pass House, thanks to Dems (OneNewsNow.com)

Climate-change report on evangelicals debunked (OneNewsNow.com)

Pro-life leader proud of Miss California (OneNewsNow.com)

Commentary:

We’re here, we’re queer and we’re hypocrites (Andrew Breitbart/Washington Times)

American Left attempts a bloodless coup (Sandy Rios/OneNewsNow.com)

Video:

Ministers Lead Protest of D.C. Legislation (Washington Post) 

One would assume that “Family Life Education” would include instruction about the basic make up of the “family.” Guess again.

After researching the commonwealth’s Standards of Learning requirements for family life education, the only reference to marriage found is not very encouraging at all:

“The student will provide examples of difficult family situations: abusive behavior, financial problems, separation or divorce, illness, injury or death, loss of job, family has to move, birth of a baby, remarriage, etc.”

Gee, that’ll make kids want to grow up and get married, won’t it?

Earlier this year, The Family Foundation’s marriage commission met to discuss legislative proposals that will encourage and strengthen traditional marriage in Virginia. One idea was to make sure that the benefits of marriage are being taught to the next generation in Family Life Education. Most people are simply not aware that marriage is beneficial to everyone involved, as well as the community. But the science doesn’t lie.

According to Brad Wilcox, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia and a member of The Family Foundation’s marriage commission, “In general, the research shows that children who grow up in an intact, married family, are about 50 percent less likely to experience serious psychological, academic, or social problems as children or young adults, compared to children who grow up in single or step-families.” Social science also shows that both men and women benefit from marriage as well.

Unfortunately, our culture and media portray marriage as archaic and even dangerous. Virginia is one of a growing number of states where the marriage rate, the number of people choosing to get married, is declining. It also is one of the few states where the divorce rate continues to climb.  

One way to reverse these trends is to begin showing our kids the positive benefits of marriage. Delegate Brenda Pogge (R-96, Yorktown), who, along with her husband Roger, ran our marriage amendment campaign in 2006, and state Senator Ralph Smith (R-22, Roanoke) have agreed to carry this priority legislation on behalf of The Family Foundation. The bill simply adds a line to the commonwealth’s Family Life Education requiring that the benefits of marriage be taught to our kids.

Teaching the next generation that marriage is a positive instead of something to be dreaded is just one step toward restoring marriage in general. Of course, the General Assembly should pass this bill without any decent because it is based on science, something that many members are always advocating.