GOP Convention Vibrant and Unified
Editor, Times-Dispatch: My take on this year’s Republican Party of Virginia state convention is slightly different from what was reported in the newspaper article, “Cucchinelli, Bolling Join Republican Ticket.“ I saw a large crowd—in fact, the largest Virginia GOP convention in about 15 years. The more-than-enthusiastic crowd, over 11,000 in number, did not “fall short” in any way. Rather, the crowd stood tall quite often in united applause for its candidates. Gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell is perhaps the most qualified (veteran, business manager, member of the House of Delegates, accomplished attorney general) and philanthropic good guy who has ever pursued that office. McDonnell is also a man of ideas who will revive Virginia’s economy.

Barbara Keenan must have been born in robes. The General Assembly appointed her to a judgeship on a General District Court before she turned 30. She subsequently served as a Circuit Court judge and on the Virginia Court of Appeals. She currently sits on the Virginia Supreme Court. On Tuesday, Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb recommended her for nomination to the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Her résumé suggests she is qualified for the post.

Pitchforks Today marks the opening of Sunshine Week, which annually celebrates openness in government and public affairs. Sunshine Week recognizes the value of transparency. The principle is most often manifested in the Freedom of Information Act, requirements for open meetings by public bodies, and disclosure of finances and interests. Our focus today falls on judicial selection in Virginia.