The Senate met yesterday in Richmond for its "veto session," a 10-hour marathon that did not conclude until late in the evening. 

 

We took up a dozen vetoes and 100+ amendments issued by the Governor in the aftermath of the 2009 Assembly.  The most pressing issue was the Governor's proposed extension of unemployment assistance using $125M in Federal stimulus money. 

 

Inexplicably, the bill barely passed the Senate on a party-line vote (21-19) and then was killed by the House Republicans.  Yes, we just refused assistance for our citizens at a time when Virginia's unemployment is approaching 7%, the highest in 25 years.  If that vote represents "pro-business" principles, then this recession could last a while. 

 

It wasn't all failure.  We had our victories too. 

 

The most significant stopped the Republicans' attempted expansion of the death penalty.  Currently, Virginia's death penalty statute is limited to certain discrete homicides, e.g. the killing of a police officer or criminal witness.  It is a popular practice in Richmond to expand the death penalty by adding new crimes to the list.

 

I mean who's going to speak in favor of murder?

 

This year's principal effort was to eliminate the "triggerman" rule, which restricts capital prosecutions to those who actually kill their victim.  This is not a minor distinction.  It's the difference in responsibility between the man who pulls the trigger and the man who drives the getaway car.  In my book, that is a significant difference. 

 

The Governor vetoed all bills which expanded the death penalty, including the "triggerman" elimination bill.  The State Senate sustained all three vetoes in floor votes today. 

 

I voted to sustain Governor Kaine's vetoes.  I have traditionally supported (and still support) the right of Virginia juries to choose death in the most heinous murder cases.  However, it's time to stop the expansion of this law.   

 

Right now, Virginia is second in the nation in number of executions.  There is no compelling need to expand the death penalty.  We need to be reforming the system to reserve this ultimate sanction for only the most extreme cases. 

 

Thank you to everyone who contacted me with their opinions prior to this vote, especially my friends from the Catholic community.  Your thoughts were much appreciated. 

 

JCP Notes:  Mark the calendar.  On May 13th, we are hosting our annual "Young Lawyers" gala with special guest U.S. Senator Jim Webb.  Time is 7-9 pm at the Hard Times Cafe in Fairfax City.  There will be cold beers and spicy chili.  You do not need to be "young" or a "lawyer" to attend!  This event is open to everyone.  See our invite [link] for details.   Please consider a sponsorship.  You can donate at www.fairfaxsenator.com or by mail to PO Box 1066, Fairfax VA 22038. 

 

We are back full-time at our home office, 4010 University Drive in Fairfax.  If you have anything you need, please contact us at 703-349-3361 or kathy@fairfaxsenator.com.