Sears speaks in Henrico; VPBA endorses Republicans; Politifact dings McAuliffe; a lawsuit is trying to force House candidates to run against next year; and more.
The latest in Virginia politics
This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics with a special focus on the gubernatorial race. Please consider supporting independent journalism and Virginia Scope by becoming a paid subscriber today!
Special Note: Governor Northam will be viewing original copies of four of Virginia’s constitutions and provide remarks commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Constitution of 1971 today.
Subscriber Content: Winsome Sears speaking at Henrico County Club
Check out the audio from the Republican lieutenant governor candidate Winsome Sears as she speaks to a crowd of more than 300 in Henrico Monday.
ICYMI: Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin campaigns in Henrico
Virginia Police Benevolent Association Announces Endorsement of Glenn Youngkin for Governor - Roanoke Star
The Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA) today announced its endorsement of Glenn Youngkin for governor, citing the Republican nominee’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and supporting law enforcement across the Commonwealth. Youngkin sat down with VAPBA representatives in Richmond last week to discuss pressing issues facing Virginia.
“Glenn Youngkin has displayed an in depth understanding of the complex issues currently facing law enforcement in the commonwealth. We feel that Mr. Youngkin is uniquely positioned to promote our common goal of professionalism and increasing public safety and trust. It is with great pride that our board of directors makes public our endorsement of Glenn Youngkin for Governor of Virginia,” said Joe Woloszyn, Virginia Police Benevolent Association President.
Politifact VA: McAuliffe Misleadingly Claims Youngkin Praised Him
Once and possible future Gov. Terry McAuliffe says in a web ad that his opponent this year, Republican Glenn Youngkin, was a “big fan” of McAuliffe’s governorship from 2014-2018.
Youngkin said this right after McAuliffe told the audience of business people, “I hope you’re all thinking about coming to Virginia.” Youngkin said he was merely adding a hometown pitch. “By the way, I’m a native Virginian, so I’m doing just a little recruiting,” he told the audience.
Virginia Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee Endorses Terry McAuliffe for Virginia Governor
“Terry McAuliffe has the strongest record of accomplishments and the boldest agenda to support Virginia’s women, children, and all hard-working families. As Virginia’s 72nd Governor, Terry fought Republican extremists in the legislature and stood firm against attacks on women’s reproductive health, the LGBTQ+ community, and commonsense gun safety laws,” said Connie Cordovilla, President of VA NOW and Treasurer of VA NOW PAC. “As we rebuild from this pandemic, we need a post-COVID economy that is inclusive, creates jobs, and lifts families up. As Virginia’s next governor, we know Terry will create economic opportunities for women and hard-working families, protect reproductive rights and access to health care, keep Virginia open and welcoming, champion gun violence prevention measures, protect voting rights, and reform our criminal justice system. That is why Virginia NOW PAC is proud to endorse him for governor.”
Republican Nominee for Attorney General Jason Miyares Announces Endorsement from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association:
“The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is proud to endorse Jason Miyares for Attorney General. With crime skyrocketing and Virginia’s murder rate at its highest this century, it is more important than ever to have an Attorney General like Jason Miyares. Through his work as a prosecutor and in the House of Delegates, Jason has shown a dedication to public safety and we are confident that he will put forward policies to stop the rise in crime.”
Redistricting Commission Works to Find Law and Communications Firms - WVTF
By JAHD KHALIL
The Redistricting Commission should have census data by August 16th and only have 45 days from the receipt of the data to draw maps.
The commission has been soliciting help to make sure the process can up stand legal and public scrutiny.
Paul Goldman filed a lawsuit against the governor asking the court to force the House of Delegates to run again in 2022
For more context on this redistricting issue, read Brat Kutner’s coverage in Courthouse News
Supreme Court will not hear transgender bathroom rights dispute, a win for Va. student who sued his school for discrimination - Washington Post
By Robert Barnes and Hannah Natanson
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a legal battle over the rights of transgender students, handing a victory to Gavin Grimm over the Virginia school board that denied him the right to use the boys’ restroom.
As is its custom, the court did not say why it was rejecting the appeal of the Gloucester County school district. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. said they would have accepted the case.
U.S. House Passes Spanberger’s Legislation to Strengthen America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Allow Continuous Manufacturing Research to Receive National Science Foundation Funding
According to Rep. Spanberger’s (VA-07) office, the Continuous Manufacturing Research Act would allow the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants for research into advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing — including continuous manufacturing research. Currently, the NSF can use existing grant funding to support manufacturing research and education in six key areas — nanomanufacturing, robotics, advanced sensing and control techniques, manufacturing enterprise systems, materials processing, and IT for manufacturing. The Spanberger-led legislation would establish advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing as another area of manufacturing research.
“In Central Virginia, I’ve seen the ability of cutting-edge biopharmaceutical manufacturing to strengthen our domestic supply chains, increase quantities of American-made pharmaceutical ingredients, and build a highly-skilled workforce to keep us competitive in a 21st century economy. There is exciting work being done in this field across our Commonwealth — especially through advanced manufacturing partnerships between the public and private sectors — that promises to decrease our dependency on foreign-manufactured medications, like those made in China,” said Spanberger. “I am encouraged that my colleagues in the House recognize the importance of investing in continuous manufacturing research, and I look forward to continuing the work to improve the resiliency of our domestic supply chains and help prevent shortages of lifesaving medications.”
Reeves: 'I'm not for legalizing it July 1' - Star-Exponent
tate Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, is not happy with the timing of this week’s cannabis legalization in Virginia, which will become the first southern state to allow recreational use of marijuana.
“I am not for legalizing July 1. I’m pissed about it to be honest because I was on the subcommittee and we had laid out a plan by 2024,” the local state senator said in an interview with the Star-Exponent following a recent local business anniversary celebration.