 “dogmatically conservative”
Washington Post Calls McDonnell's Agenda “Dogmatically Conservative;” Endorses Opponent
In a 2005 editorial endorsing his opponent for Attorney General, the Washington Post said that, “Mr. McDonnell is an able, articulate legislator, but we worry he would bring a dogmatically conservative social agenda to the job. He has been among the General Assembly's staunchest opponents of abortion rights and a supporter of state intervention in end-of-life decisions, as in the Terri Schiavo case.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 10/23/2005]
“strong ties to the religious right.”2005 Virginian Pilot Editorial Highlights McDonnell's Strong Ties to the Religious Right
“McDonnell, of course, needs no introduction around Hampton Roads. A Regent University law grad with strong ties to the religious right and seven terms representing Virginia Beach in the House of Delegates, McDonnell has been making headlines here for years. He could probably do without some of the controversial ones say, those involving his legal work before state regulatory agencies, or his role in the ouster of a Newport News judge a couple years back.” [Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 10/19/2005]
“McDonnell presumably would invite a society in which it is a crime for a woman to terminate her pregnancy … and taxpayer dollars are diverted to parochial education”Virginian-Pilot Editorialized on McDonnell's Far-Right Ideology; Called For Common Sense Limits
The Virginian Pilot said that “To be sure, parts of [McDonnell's] agenda, if ever fully realized, would bring division and harm to the commonwealth. As an advocate for the Christian Right, McDonnell presumably would invite a society in which it is a crime for a woman to terminate her pregnancy, prayer is mandated in public schools, and taxpayer dollars are diverted to parochial education. Only with caution can courts and common sense be counted on to limit this agenda's realization.“ [The Virginian-Pilot, 10/24/1999]
McDonnell is against abortion even for victims of rape and incest.McDonnell Won Support in 2005 Republican Primary Because of His Conservative Abortion Position
Explaining the difference between McDonnell and his 2005 Republican primary opponent, Stephen Baril, on the issue of abortion, the Washington Post explained, “McDonnell also is a leader of the antiabortion movement in the legislature, sponsoring legislation that would require a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could have an abortion and helping to write the 2003 law that banned a controversial late-term abortion procedure. That law was struck down last week. He said recently that he is against abortion in every case except those in which a woman's life is in danger. Baril has said he believes abortion should be allowed in cases of rape and incest, as well…centrist members of the party have been backing Baril, fearful that McDonnell's support is too heavily concentrated among social conservatives” [Washington Post, 6/9/2005]
McConnell Abortion Position was Issue in 2005 Attorney General Election
“They also differ on abortion. McDonnell is a leader in the antiabortion movement. He sponsored legislation to require a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could have an abortion and helped write the 2003 law that banned a late-term abortion procedure. He favors allowing abortions only in cases in which the mother's life is at risk.” [Washington Post, 11/03/2005]
Favors vouchers that would use taxpayer money for private schools.McDonnell Favors School Vouchers A 1993 The Virginian-Pilot Voters Guide profile of McDonnell described McDonnell's preference for school vouchers: “Favors voucher system or tax credits that would allow parents to send their children to private or public schools, using a set sum of public tax money in compensation. Favors more local control of school curriculum. Increase teacher salaries to or above national average.” [The Virginian Pilot, 10/26/1993] “Pat Robertson [is] an ally and political mentor”Washington Post Notes Pat Robertson is McDonnell's “Ally and Political Mentor “ In an article discussion suspect donations to McDonnell's Attorney General campaign, a Washington Post editorial noted “Democrats suspect, without offering any proof, that the RSLC is concealing huge "pass-through" donations from Pat Robertson, an ally and political mentor of Mr. McDonnell. Mr. McDonnell is a graduate of the law school of Regent University, a Christian institution founded by Mr. Robertson. The televangelist makes no secret of his support, having given $36,000 directly to the McDonnell campaign, its second-largest donation from an individual. But asked if Mr. Robertson had also given money to the RSLC, his spokesman said he was "in the midst of special programming" this week and unavailable for comment.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 10/21/2005]  “McDonnell has issued plenty of bad legal decisions as attorney general”
Roanoke Times: “McDonnell Has Issued Plenty of Bad Legal Decisions as Attorney General” McDonnell has issued plenty of bad legal decisions as attorney general. The Regent University law school graduate too often caters to the far right of the GOP over the good of the commonwealth and the law.” [Editorial, The Roanoke Times, 3/25/2008] “a consummate insider”Virginian-Pilot “A Consummate Insider” McDonnell, 50, came to the [Attorney General's] race as a consummate insider, having spent 14 years as an influential member of the House of Delegates. His candidacy was endorsed by more than 100 Republican congressmen, state legislators and local office-holders.” [The Virginian-Pilot, 06/15/2005] Over $700,000 from finance and insurance industries.McDonnell Raised $700K+ From Financial and Insurance Industries
Accodring to the non-partisan Virginia Public Access Project, Bob McDonnell has raised $713,230 from the financial and insurance industries. [Virginia Public Access Project, vpap.org; downloaded 3/29/2009] $131,000 from lobbyistsMcDonnell Raised $131,000 from lobbyists
Accodring to the non-partisan Virginia Public Access Project, Bob McDonnell has raised $131,887 from lobbyists. [Virginia Public Access Project, vpap.org; downloaded 3/29/2009] Over $500,000 from big drug companies and the health care industry.Over $500,000 from Big Drug and Health Care Companies
Accodring to the non-partisan Virginia Public Access Project, Bob McDonnell has raised $567,416 from the Health Care Industry. Of this amount, $65,850 came from pharmaceutical companies [Virginia Public Access Project, vpap.org; downloaded 3/29/2009] Who is the real Bob McDonnell? He’s not for you. |
