Roanoke, Virginia’s WSLS reported on Sunday night that the state’s Attorney General was reversing course from his Saturday statement in which he pledged to work to get the other GOP candidates onto the Virginia ballot.
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced Sunday night that he has reconsidered and no longer backs emergency legislation that would seek to get additional candidates on the ballot for Virginia’s March 6 Republican primary.
“I obviously feel very strongly that Virginia needs to change its ballot-access requirements for our statewide elections,” Cuccinelli said in a statement.
“However, after working through different scenarios with Republican and Democratic leaders to attempt to make changes in time for the 2012 presidential election, my concern grows that we cannot find a way to make such changes fair to the Romney and Paul campaigns that qualified even with Virginia’s burdensome system.
“A further critical factor that I must consider is that changing the rules midstream is inconsistent with respecting and preserving the rule of law — something I am particularly sensitive to as Virginia’s attorney general.”
Only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul had passed the stiff requirements to appear on Virginia’s primary ballot. The other five candidates have joined together in a suit initiated by Rick Perry in hopes that a legal challenge will allow them to compete for Virginia’s 49 delegate votes.
Without the backing of the Attorney General to perhaps speed the process along, any hopes to see more than two GOP candidates on Virginia’s ballot are fading fast.
Well, it looks as if Cucciinelli has bigger political aspirations. He has caved into the party establishment of both parties who want Romney as the republicrat nominee. I am afread we are looking at a stacked deck throughout the nation.
While I agree that changing the rules midstream does not set a good precedent, it does frustrate me that conditions to get on the VA ballot are so draconian. Almost seems intentional when you consider that the VA GOP announced their endorsement of Romney even before the field was set. Add that to the rather strange exit Romney made in the last cycle and you get a very clear picture of establishment meddling. I have to agree with Bob, this really does reek of a rigged outcome. Too bad Romney has to resort to the same tactics as our current President to get into office.
Sorry to say, but I am angry and very tired of a bunch of political operatives telling me who I HAVE to vote for. Despite the fraud, harassment, and all sorts of other scandals, we should all do our civic duty and vote. This year I will exercise my right to write in the candidate I feel is best suited for the job – and it isn’t Romney – I want a country for my children and grandchildren.
“my concern grows that we cannot find a way to make such changes fair to the Romney and Paul campaigns” … What about what is FAIR to the voters of Virginia?