Cross posted from Blue Virginia
Another day, another controversy for Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R-Confederacy).
For the second time in a week, Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has angered black leaders and civil rights groups, this time when they learned of his plans to add another step for nonviolent felons to have their voting rights restored.
McDonnell (R) will require the offenders to submit an essay outlining their contributions to society since their release, turning a nearly automatic process into a subjective one that some say may prevent the poor and less-educated from being allowed to vote.
"It's another roadblock,'' Sen. Yvonne B. Miller (D-Norfolk), a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said when she was told of the change.
Miller has repeatedly introduced unsuccessful bills to allow nonviolent offenders to have their rights restored automatically. "This is designed to suppress the rights of poor people," she said.
Can McDonnell, Attorney General Ken "Cooch" Cuccinelli, et al. go even one day without angering someone or stirring up yet another controversy? One minute it's telling colleges NOT to prevent anti-GLBT discrimination; another minute it's suing the federal government on health care; another minute it's suing the federal government on climate change; another minute it's...well, you get the idea. It's hard to believe these guys have only been in office since January 2010; at this point, it seems like an eternity. Also, I must say that this is yet another example of why Tim Kaine should have restored all non-violent, ex-felons' voting rights before he left office. Big mistake.
P.S. One commenter, Green Miles, asks at Blue Virginia, "Is McDonnell going to reinstate the "voucher system" & "literacy test"? How about a poll tax?" In contrast, a Republican commenter, former Bush Administration official Brian W. Schoeneman writes, "How much of a burden is this really, Frank? I think this would actually be in your favor, as you can explain all the things you've been doing." Compassionate conservatism strikes again! :)
P.P.S. In other news from the Old Dominion, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia wants everyone to know that he fully supports Michael Steele as RNC Chair. Also, the 3rd Congressional District Republicans have selected a candidate to get utterly crushed by Rep. Bobby Scott (D). Fun times in Virginia these days. Not.