Bob McDonnell on Davis Retirement

First of all, I told you so.

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Bob McDonnell issued the best press release on the Tom Davis retirement.  It's really (unintentionally) hysterical.  Maybe even a violation of Virginia's sodomy laws?  Check it out. I bolded my favorite words:

“Today, my good friend Congressman Tom Davis announced he will not seek re-election this fall. I am saddened by this decision. The citizens of the 11th District, and all of Virginia, are losing a tireless advocate in the halls of Congress. After more than two decades of public service, I know this was a very difficult decision for Tom to make.”

“Tom Davis was one of the most effective members of Congress we have ever sent to Washington. Since first being elected in 1994, Tom Davis has been a stalwart defender and promoter of the people of the 11th Congressional District. He represented the citizens of his district with distinction. He worked tirelessly on the Wilson Bridge project, and other transportation priorities in the district. He led the fight to close Lorton Prison and redevelop the area. He played a leading role in attracting new businesses and high-tech interests to Northern Virginia, thus contributing greatly to Virginia’s 21st Century reputation as “The Silicon Dominion.” And Tom was appreciated for his statewide travels to advocate the principles of good and effective government”

“Tom earned a national reputation in Washington as one of the smartest, and most innovative, members of the House of Representatives. He constantly sought new ways to reduce federal spending, and to eliminate outdated and unnecessary programs. As Chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, Tom demanded fiscal responsibility and accountability from the federal government. Tom also emerged as a critical voice on homeland security issues, leading on an issue of immediate importance to all the residents of Northern Virginia. As one of the shrinking number of veterans serving in the United States Congress, Tom brought crucial insights to the efforts to keep our nation safe and secure.”

“I commend Tom for a career of exceptional achievement. His uncanny political knowledge, his terrific love of Virginia, and his sense of humor are admired by all. He has served the citizens of Virginia well. I count Tom Davis as a personal friend, and as a great friend of democracy. I wish Tom the very best, and I know he will continue to play a leading role in the life of our Commonwealth and our country. I sincerely hope Tom Davis’s departure from public service is only temporary.”

Comments

[Dan Kachur]

So, you get around to the Davis story while I type about your lack of getting around to the Davis story. Well played, Tribbett. But, you're behavior lately still have been a complete and total disgrace.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Today was bloggers day at the Capitol in Richmond- sorry I have been gone all day.

Talk about butt kissing and flattery, "most effective members of Congress we have ever sent to Washington"

I am a fan of Tom Davis but even I think this is an overstatement considering who has represented Virginia in Congress since our countries founding.

[Not Harry F. Byrd, Sr.]

I agree. Tom Davis' "effectiveness" does not come close to these federal legislators:

- James Madison
- James Monroe
- Harry F. Byrd, Sr.
- Carter Glass
- Howard Judge Smith
- John Warner

He's in the minor leagues compared to these guys.

[JMU Duke]

- Jim Webb ;)

McDonnell's mother taught him the importance of writing nice thank-you notes and he does so unfailingly. It's a nice trait and shouldn't be discouraged. It may be a small thing overall, but it's important in an age of political nastiness.

That's a very appropriate and commendable letter from McDonnell. He obviously has more class than Ben will ever dream of having. Especially since all Ben can do is mock a sincere thank you note. This post is no big surprise, considering the source.

[Dan]

Not Harry F. Byrd,Sr,

Judge Smith? Now there is a flash from our segregationist past. But then, you were rating them on effectiveness not what they did with that effectiveness. The Chair of the Rules Committee had much greater power in his day, so he did wield some serious power.

[Not Harry F. Byrd, Sr.]

I'm no fan of Howard Judge Smith or Harry F. Byrd, Sr., but if there's one thing that's for sure, Smith and Byrd buried a CRAPLOAD of legislation in their day. I don't agree with what they did, but they were damn effective at accomplishing their objectives and both wielded a mammoth amount of power relative to their actual positions.

[PhaedrusMack]

What a load!! If Tom Davis was that much of a friend to VA, where was he and where is he on traffic issues and the pollution that is a by product of this issue. Instead I believe his only contribution was to drive a Prius that was licensed before the restriction was imposed to stop single passenger access to HOV during rush hour.

[Grapes]

Perhaps these two should audition for Brokeback Mountain II.

The time McDonnell wasted on this drivel is time that he wasn't doing the job people elected him to do.

Tom Davis has never been a friend to pro-life, and, recently, neither has McDonnell.

[t]

If McDonnell spent a fraction of the effort drafting and sponsoring pro-life legislation as he does on this crap, then he would actually be making the type of progress that he advertised as a candidate.

How many pro-life bills are on the AG's list of sponsored legislation this year? Last year? The year before?

[Stonewall Brigade]

Bob McDonnell and Mark Earley were the only reason we got parental notification passed after 19 years of Dem obstruction in 1995. If fact they stayed up until one am plotting how to get around the Sen. Ed and Health committee and get it passed.

[t]

The year was 1997, and the Sponsor was Earley, not McDonnell.

The point is that Mcdonnell has dropped the ball on pro-life since he has been AG.