William Wampler Sr. RIP

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement following news of the passing of former Congressman William Wampler, Sr.


“William Wampler, Sr. passed away last night at his home in Bristol.  At the age of twenty-six, he had already served in World War II and been elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he championed the causes of his constituents in Southwest Virginia throughout his distinguished career of public service. I have personally been touched by the passion the Wampler family has for Virginia and for creating opportunity for all of the people of the Southwest. As I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends for their loss, William Wampler, Sr.’s legacy and the fruits of his years of public service to Southwest Virginia will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.”

Commonwealth Posts 10.6 Percent Revenue Growth in April

The following is a release from the Governors office:

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that April revenue collections rose 10.6 percent over the same month a year ago. April is a significant month for revenue collections. In addition to regular collections of withholding and sales taxes, final payments for tax year 2011 and the first estimated payment for tax year 2012 were due from corporations on April 17. Also, a large portion of estimated and final payments from individuals, which are due May 1, are typically received in April.  May, however, normally contains the high income tax returns, therefore April and May payments need to be looked at together.

 On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 5.9 percent, ahead of the revised annual forecast of 4.6 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 5.6 percent, ahead of the economic base forecast of 4.7 percent growth.

Statement of RPV Chairman Pat Mullins on President Obama's VCU Campaign Stop

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins gave the following statement regarding President Obama's appearance at VCU: 

"What we heard from President Obama today was as unsurprising as it was disappointing.  For years now, Barack Obama has been telling us how he just needs more time, how the economy is going to get better, how none of this is his fault.

You've had three years, Mr. President, and yet unemployment is still over 8 percent. Fewer people are working now than at any time since the 1980s. You promised to do something about the deficit, but you've added $5 trillion to the debt. You promised to deal with the economy, but instead you wasted two years 

In the first days of your term, you said that if you didn't have the country's economic ship righted in three years, that your presidency would be a one term proposition. Time's up, Mr. President. You had three years, and you haven't done the job.  

Virginians are tired of excuses. They deserve better than your three years of broken promises, distractions, and blame shifting. And come November, they're going to vote for better."

Tim Donner endorses George Allen in GOP primary for U.S. Senate

Today, in a letter to supporters former candidate Tim Donner endorsed George Allen for U.S. Senate, praising Allen’s commitment to “reducing the size, scope and control of government.”  In response to the endorsement, George Allen issued the following statement:

“It is truly encouraging to have Tim Donner’s endorsement and his strong, thoughtful voice for the Constitutional values of Freedom, individual responsibility, limited government and opportunity for all.  Tim will be a most welcomed key, respected leader carrying our positive message of envisioning a better future for families and job creating small business owners.  Tim and I share the same serious concerns that America’s freedoms and opportunities are at risk because of an over-spending, over-regulating federal government.  We both want to see the repeal of Obamacare, while advancing personal health care options rather than government-rationed care.  This election will be pivotal in restoring the promise of the American Dream.  We will move ahead together, united for proven solutions to reinvigorate our economy with pro- job growth economic, reasonable regulatory and productive American energy development. I’m certain that Tim Donner’s passion for creative, common-sense conservative ideas will make him a persuasive advocate on our growing grassroots team.”

March Virginia Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.6%; Lowest in Over 3 Years

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning following news that Virginia's unemployment rate has declined for the fourth straight month. The unemployment rate for the month of March was 5.6%. That is the lowest unemployment rate in Virginia in over 3 years, and a decline from 5.7% in February. Virginia has the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast, and the third-lowest unemployment rate east of the Mississippi River. The national unemployment rate for March was 8.2%.

"Virginia is growing strong again. Today we received word that the state unemployment rate has now declined for the fourth straight month. At 5.6% our unemployment rate is far below the national unemployment rate of 8.2%. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeastern United States. And we have fallen far below the 7.3% unemployment rate we inherited when taking office in January 2010. All of this means: more Virginians are working today. That is a good thing. It is a bipartisan accomplishment.

Webb Says Health Care Hurts Obama

Virginia Democrat Jim Webb now says Obama Care may cost Democrats the White House.  Webb made the remarks at a Bloomberg Breakfast in Washington. He remarked:

“The manner in which the health-care-reform issue was put in front of the Congress -- the way that the issue was dealt with by the White House -- cost Obama a lot of credibility as a leader,” Webb said. “From that point forward, Obama’s had a difficult time selling himself as a decisive leader.” 

 Funny, I believe Webb voted in favor of Obama Care.

Colgan Caves

It seemed as if Democrat Senator Charles J. Colgan (D-Prince William), was going to break the budget deadlock and side with Republicans in the State Senate. Colgan recently signed off on a budget conference report, and by doing so, he essentially endorsed a budget plan that added millions for schools and health care which Democrats say they care about but the agreement did not include the $300 million Democrats had sought for Dulles rail.

However, looks like the Democrats got to him.  Colgan is now opposed to the budget agreement and there is the possibility of a partial state government shutdown.  What a disgrace!  This is not the Virginia way.