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American Conservative Union • 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 • (202) 347-9388 • conservative.org
The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battle-ground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.
ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.
This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on successful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.
Table of Contents
ACU Board Members
A Letter From The Chairman
How We Selected the Votes
Conservative All-Stars
VA House Vote Description
House Scores
VA Senate Vote Descriptions
Senate Scores
2
3
4
4
6
9
13
16
ACU Presents 2012 State Legislative Ratings
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSGUIDE
VIRGINIA
Virginia State Capitol Building, Richmond, VA
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
22
Al Cardenas (Chairman)Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer)Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary)Joe BastJeffrey BellMorton C. Blackwell Ambassador John BoltonFloyd BrownMuriel ColemanDr. Larry Eastland Paul EricksonCarly FiorinaCharlie GerowAlan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr.
Asa HutchinsonDavid A. Keene Suhail A. KhanJames V. LacyMichael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. MorrisGrover G. NorquistRon RobinsonAllen RothMatt SchlappFred L. Smith, Jr.Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur
ACU Board Members
Cleta Mitchell (Chairman)Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer)Carolyn D. Meadows (Secretary)Al CardenasAmy Noone FrederickTim Goeglein
Millie HallowColin A. HannaDavid KeeneRobert LuddyAmbassador Roger F. NoriegaThomas S. Winter
ACU Foundation Board Members
3
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 347-9388 Fax: (202) 347-9389www.conservative.org
October 5, 2012
Dear Fellow Conservative,
On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union’s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Virginia General Assembly.
Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Congress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues facing our nation. Last year we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, by rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year. 2012 is a critical election year in the life of our nation and it is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office. Now approaching four years under the failed leadership of President Barack Obama, America needs decisive change to rein in reckless spending, restore our standing in the international community and return to the traditional values that made our nation so great. The liberal policies of the Obama administration have energized a national g rassroots conservative movement, bringing change to state and local governments nationwide. Because of this, our 2012 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation, especially in battleground states.
We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of courageous conservative leaders fighting for limited government, promoting prosperity and individual freedom, and defending traditional values. Standing by voters around the nation, ACU is leading the way to encourage and help the next generation of conservative leaders, beginning at the state level.
Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America’s best days are still ahead.
Sincerely,
Al CardenasChairman, American Conservative Union
Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman
4
VIRGINIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
How We Selected the VotesThe American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.
ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.
This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on success-ful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.
Conservative All-Stars of the Virginia General AssemblyDefenders of LibertyACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Virginia General Assembly who scored 100 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.
Richard P. BellRobert B. BellKathy J. ByronBenjamin L. ClineM. Kirkland CoxL. Mark DudenheferC. Matthew FarissPeter F. Farrell
T. Scott GarrettThomas A. GreasonChristopher T. HeadWilliam J. HowellManoli LoupassiDaniel W. Marshall IIIJames P. Massie IIIDonald W. Merricks
J. Randall MinchewRichard L. MorrisJohn M. O’Bannon IIIDavid I. RamadanRoxann L. RobinsonBeverly J. SherwoodTony O. Wilt
Richard H. BlackStephen H. MartinStephen D. NewmanMark D. ObenshainRalph K. SmithWilliam M. Stanley, Jr.
Virginia House of Delegates:Virginia Senate:
ACU ConservativesACU Conservatives are those members of the Virginia General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.
Charles W. Carrico, Sr.Thomas A. Garrett, Jr.Emmett W. Hanger, Jr.
Ryan T. McDougleJeffrey L. McWatersBryce E. Reeves
Frank M. Ruff, Jr.Walter A. StoschRichard H. Stuart
Jill Holtzman VogelFrank W. Wagner
Virginia Senate:
5
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
Richard L. AndersonMark L. ColeBarbara J. ComstockJohn A. CosgroveJohn A. CoxJames E. Edmunds IIIC. Todd GilbertGregory D. HabeebGordon C. Helsel, Jr.M. Keith Hodges
Timothy D. HugoSalvatore R. IaquintoRiley E. IngramS. Chris JonesTerry G. KilgoreBarry D. KnightR. Steven LandesJames M. LeMunyonL. Scott LingamfelterRobert G. Marshall
Joe T. MayJackson H. MillerIsrael D. O’QuinnRobert D. Orrock, Sr.Christopher K. PeaceBrenda L. PoggeCharles D. PoindexterHarry R. PurkeyLacey E. PutneyMargaret B. Ransone
L. Nick RushEdward T. ScottChristopher P. StolleRobert TataRonald A. VillanuevaR. Lee Ware, Jr.Michael B. WatsonMichael J. WebertThomas C. Wright, Jr.David E. Yancey
Virginia House of Delegates:
True Liberals of Old DominionTrue Liberals of Old Dominion are those members of the Virginia General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.
Mark R. HerringMamie E. LockeL. Louise LucasLinda T. Puller
Virginia Senate:
ACU Conservatives Continued
6
VIRGINIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
Virginia House of Delegates Vote Descriptions1. BPOL Tax Reform. HB 10. The Business and Professional Licensing Tax was enacted to pay for the War of
1812. This bill would prohibit a locality from increasing its BPOL tax above the rate of its BPOL tax imposed for the 2011 license year. The bill also authorized localities the option to impose the BPOL tax on criteria other than gross receipts. ACU supports this bill as it opposes job-killing taxes on businesses that are the engine of economic growth. The House voted to pass this bill 88-12 on February 2, 2012.
2. Virginia Hyde Amendment. HB 62. This bill would limit the funding of abortion to what is allowed in the federal Hyde Amendment. The ACU supports this bill and opposes taxpayer funding of abortion. This House voted to pass this bill 64-35 on February 3, 2012.
3. Enhanced informed consent for women seeking abortions. HB 462. This bill would update Virginia’s decades old informed consent law that provides that a woman seeking an abortion must see a static, generic ultrasound image of an unborn baby. Under this bill, the woman would be required to have an ultrasound prior and given the option of viewing the images of her unborn child. The ACU supports this bill and measures that protect the unborn. The House voted to pass this bill 63-36 on February 14, 2012.
4. Wrongful death cause of action for the unborn. SB 674. This bill would provide for a wrongful death cause of action for the unborn by the wrongful act, neglect or default of any person, ship, vessel, or corporation. The ACU supports measures that protect the unborn and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 79-18-1 on March 1, 2012.
5. Repeal of HPV mandate. HB 1112. This bill would repeal the HPV vaccine requirement passed in 2007. Virginia is the only state in the nation to require its school age girls to receive the controversial vaccine. The ACU supports this bill and is for allowing parents to make the best decisions for their children’s education and health, not government bureaucrats. The House voted to pass this bill 62-34-1 on January 27, 2012.
6. Education Improvement Scholarships. HB 321. This bill would provide tax credits for individuals and corporations that donate to scholarship programs that underprivileged students in failing public schools may then apply for and use to attend a private or parochial school. It is Virginia’s first substantive effort at school choice in decades. The ACU supports this bill and efforts to create choice and competition to improve K-12 education. The House voted to pass this bill 64-35 on February 14, 2012.
7. Proposed property rights amendment to the Virginia Constitution. HJ 3. A ballot measure that would amend the commonwealth’s constitution to place strict limits on state and local governments’ power of eminent domain from all Kelo-type takings. The amendment would also ensure just compensation for the land taken as well as for lost access and business profit in cases where eminent domain is justified. The ACU supports this amendment because securely owning private property is a fundamental right in a free society. The House voted to pass this resolution 80-18 on February 13, 2012.
7
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
8. Just compensation for lost property, access and business profits in cases of eminent domain. HB 1035. This bill provides that state and local governments provide for the just compensation for property owners and any lost business profits and access in cases where eminent domain is justified. The ACU supports this bill as a way to appropriately compensate private property owners who must cede land to the public for true public uses and needs. The House voted to pass this bill 77-22 on February 14, 2012.
9. Conscience clause protections for adoption agencies. HB 189. This bill would protect the religious liberty rights of adoption agencies to apply faith principles to their placement decisions. The ACU supports this bill and measures that protect the First Amendment religious liberty rights of individuals and institutions to practice their faith. The House voted to pass this bill 71-28 on February 3, 2012.
10. Participation of nonpublic school students in interscholastic programs. (“Tebow Bill.”) HB 947. This bill would allow home-schooled children to try out for, and play, sports and other activities at the local public school at which they would otherwise attend. It is known as the “Tebow Bill” after Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow, who may never have played college football if not for a law similar to this bill in Florida. ACU supports the right of home schoolers to participate in public school activities and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 59-39 on February 8, 2012.
11. Charter school reform. HB 1173. This bill requires school boards to explain to the State Board of Education their reasons for denying charter school applications. It also provides for access by charter schools to unused school district property and more freedom from local government regulations to operate. ACU supports expanded school choice and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 61-37 on February 10, 2012.
12. Voter identification and provisional ballot reform. HB 9. This bill would require a form of identification for voting and provides for uniform procedures for voting by provisional ballot. ACU supports protecting the integrity of our voting process and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 69-30 on February 1, 2012.
13. Elimination of the one gun a month purchase limit. HB 940. This bill removes the purchase limit. The ACU supports Virginians’ constitutional rights to freely and lawfully own firearms and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 66-32 on February 1, 2012.
14. Contract discrimination. HB 33. This bill would prohibit state agencies and contractors on public projects from requiring bids to come from union shops or discriminate against contractors or bidders that are non-union. ACU opposes this type of discrimination and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 70-28 on January 31, 2012.
15. Prohibit state funding of embryonic stem cell research. HB 30 Amd. Item 4-0.01 #4h. This amendment to the proposed House budget would prohibit state funding of embryonic stem cell research, though it would allow entities that do such research to receive state funding for other areas of research. It would prohibit state funding on research of aborted fetuses. The ACU supports this amendment and opposes the use of taxpayer money for this type of research which destroys human life. The House voted to pass this budget amendment 65-31 on February 23, 2012.
16. Anti-discrimination policy for state employees. HB 30 Amd. Item 4-6.07. This amendment to the proposed House budget would guarantee special rights and create a special class of employees within state government. The ACU opposes this amendment and opposes creating special classes and rights for citizens. The House voted to reject this budget amendment 34-65 on February 23, 2012.
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
8
17. House Budget. HB 30. The House budget was carefully crafted to fund essential and core government services while cutting areas of spending that have grown too much and too fast in recent years. The ACU supports responsible and limited government spending of taxpayers hard earned money and supports this bill. The House voted to pass its budget 79-21 on February 23, 2012.
18. Governor’s executive branch reorganization. HB 1291. This bill eliminates, consolidates or merges more than three dozen regulatory boards, commissions and agencies, as well as deregulates two trades and decentralizes some functions to localities. The ACU supports these needed reforms and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 82-18 on February 14, 2012.
19. Protecting the right to store one’s firearm in his or her own car. HB 375. This bill provides that no locality shall adopt any workplace rule that prevents an employee of that locality from storing at that locality’s workplace a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in a locked private motor vehicle. The ACU supports the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms on one’s personal property and supports this bill. The House voted to pass this bill 75-25 on February 2, 2012.
20. Castle Doctrine. HB 48. This bill would allow the use of physical force, including deadly force, by a person in his dwelling against an intruder in the dwelling who has committed an overt act against him or another person who is lawfully in the dwelling. ACU supports this bill and the right of citizens to defend themselves and their property against criminal attack as a fundamental right. The House voted to pass this bill 81-17 on February 8, 2012.
21. Reform of teacher contracts and evaluation policies. HB 576. Under this bill, teachers, assistant principals and principals with continuing contract status would be formally evaluated every three years, and evaluated informally at least once each year in which they are not formally evaluated. The bill also defines the standard 10-month contract as 200 days, of which a minimum must be 180 days of instructional time. The ACU supports this bill and reforms that hold educators to high standards to ensure taxpayers receive the best possible professionals to teach their children. The House voted to pass this bill 54-45 February 13, 2012.
22. Returning to local government the authority to set the school calendar. HB 1063. Decades ago, the state government took away local governments’ traditional authority to determine the opening of the school year. The ACU supports this bill and allowing decisions to be made at the most responsive level of government as possible to the people affected, and decentralizing big government as much as possible. The House voted to pass this bill 76-23 on February 2, 2012.
23. State employee retirement system reform. HB 1130. This bill would create a new hybrid retirement program, administered by the Virginia Retirement System, which contains a defined contribution and a defined benefit component. All new state employees, local employees and judges as of January 1, 2014, would be required to participate in the hybrid plan. The ACU supports making reforms to government employee retirement systems in order keep the state solvent and fiscally responsible. The House voted to pass this bill 70-30 on February 14, 2012.
24. Restores full funding for child advocacy centers. HB 30 Amd. Item 343. This amendment adds back $931,000 from the general fund each year to restore funding for child advocacy centers that were targeted for elimination in the introduced House budget. The ACU opposes this bill as well as taxpayer funding and the expansion of services outside the core responsibilities of state government, especially in tight budgetary times. The House voted to defeat this budget amendment 72-27 on February 23, 2012.
9
HB 10
HB 62
HB 462
SB 674
HB 1112
HB 321
HJ 3
HB 1035
HB 189
HB 947
HB 1173
HB 9
HB 940
HB 33
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-0.01 #4h
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-6.07
HB 30
HB 1291
HB 375
HB 48
HB 576
HB 10 63
HB 1130
HB 30 Amd. Item 343
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Repr
esen
tativ
e Na
me
Party
Dist
rict
ALBO
R42
nd+
++
++
++
++
-+
+-
++
-+
++
-+
++
-19
2479
%
Alex
ande
rD
89th
+-
--
--
++
--
--
--
--
++
++
-+
+-
924
38%
ANDE
RSON
R51
st+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
X+
++
+(-
)+
++
2223
96%
BaCo
teD
95th
+-
--
--
X-
--
X-
--
--
+-
--
-+
-+
422
18%
BELL
, RIC
HARD
R20
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
BELL
, ROB
ERT
R58
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
Brin
kD
48th
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
--
-+
-+
324
13%
Bulo
vaD
37th
+-
-+
--
+-
--
--
--
--
-+
--
-+
--
524
21%
BYRO
NR
22nd
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
Carr
D69
th+
--
+-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
-3
2413
%
CLIN
ER
24th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
COLE
R88
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+23
2496
%
COM
STOC
KR
34th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
2324
96%
COSG
ROVE
R78
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+23
2496
%
COX,
J.R
55th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
COX,
M.
R66
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
CROC
KETT
-STA
RKR
6th
++
+(+
)+
-+
++
--
++
(+)
X+
++
++
-+
-+
1823
78%
Danc
eD
63rd
+-
-+
--
++
--
+-
--
--
++
++
-+
++
1224
50%
DUDE
NHEF
ERR
2nd
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
EDM
UNDS
R60
th+
++
+-
-+
++
+X
++
++
++
++
X-
++
+19
2286
%
Engl
inD
45th
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
124
4%
FARI
SSR
59th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
X+
++
++
++
++
2323
100%
FARR
ELL
R56
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
Fille
r-Co
rnD
41st
+-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
-+
--
324
13%
GARR
ETT
R23
rd+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
GILB
ERT
R15
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+23
2496
%
GREA
SON
R32
nd+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
HABE
EBR
8th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
X+
++
+-
++
++
2223
96%
VIR
GIN
IA 2
012
HO
USE
VO
TES
+ in
favo
r of t
he A
CU p
ositi
on; -
in op
posit
ion to
the A
CU p
ositi
on; (
+) a
nnou
ncem
ent i
n fa
vor o
f the
ACU
pos
ition
; (-)
ann
ounc
emen
t in
oppo
sition
to th
e ACU
pos
ition
; X d
id no
t vot
e; I
Ineli
gible
to vo
te; E
Exc
used
abs
ence
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
10
HB 10
HB 62
HB 462
SB 674
HB 1112
HB 321
HJ 3
HB 1035
HB 189
HB 947
HB 1173
HB 9
HB 940
HB 33
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-0.01 #4h
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-6.07
HB 30
HB 1291
HB 375
HB 48
HB 576
HB 10 63
HB 1130
HB 30 Amd. Item 343
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Repr
esen
tativ
e Na
me
Party
Dist
rict
HEAD
R17
th+
++
++
++
(+)
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
HELS
ELR
91st
+-
++
-+
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2024
83%
Herr
ing
D46
th+
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
--
+-
-3
2413
%
HODG
ESR
98th
++
-+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2324
96%
Hope
D47
th-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
-1
244%
Howe
ll, A
.D
90th
+-
--
-+
++
--
--
--
--
++
+-
-+
++
1024
42%
HOW
ELL,
W.
R28
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
HUGO
R40
th+
++
++
++
++
-+
++
++
++
++
+-
++
+22
2492
%
IAQU
INTO
R84
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+23
2496
%
INGR
AMR
62nd
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2224
92%
Jam
esD
80th
+-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
--
--
224
8%
Joan
nou
D79
th+
--
++
-+
++
+-
++
--
++
++
++
-+
+17
2471
%
John
son
D4t
h+
++
++
++
++
--
++
++
++
++
+-
+-
-19
2479
%
JONE
SR
76th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
Keam
D35
th+
--
--
-+
--
--
--
--
--
+-
--
+-
-4
2417
%
KILG
ORE
R1s
t+
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
+-
++
+22
2492
%
KNIG
HTR
81st
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
Kory
D38
th-
--
--
-+
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
-2
248%
LAND
ESR
25th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
LEM
UNYO
NR
67th
+-
-+
++
++
++
++
-+
+-
++
++
++
++
2024
83%
Lewi
sD
100t
h+
--
+-
-+
++
--
-+
(-)
--
-+
++
--
--
924
38%
LING
AMFE
LTER
R31
st+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+23
2496
%
Lope
zD
49th
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
124
4%
LOUP
ASSI
R68
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
MAR
SHAL
L, D
.R
14th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
MAR
SHAL
L, R
.R
13th
++
+X
X+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2122
95%
MAS
SIE
R72
nd+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+(+
)+
2424
100%
VIR
GN
IA 2
012
HO
USE
VO
TES
+ in
favo
r of t
he A
CU p
ositi
on; -
in op
posit
ion to
the A
CU p
ositi
on; (
+) a
nnou
ncem
ent i
n fa
vor o
f the
ACU
pos
ition
; (-)
ann
ounc
emen
t in
oppo
sition
to th
e ACU
pos
ition
; X d
id no
t vot
e; I
Ineli
gible
to vo
te; E
Exc
used
abs
ence
11
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
HB 10
HB 62
HB 462
SB 674
HB 1112
HB 321
HJ 3
HB 1035
HB 189
HB 947
HB 1173
HB 9
HB 940
HB 33
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-0.01 #4h
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-6.07
HB 30
HB 1291
HB 375
HB 48
HB 576
HB 10 63
HB 1130
HB 30 Amd. Item 343
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Repr
esen
tativ
e Na
me
Party
Dist
rict
MAY
R33
rd+
+-
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
+22
2492
%
McC
lella
nD
71st
--
--
--
--
--
--
-X
--
--
--
-+
--
123
4%
McQ
uinn
D70
th-
--
--
--
--
X-
--
-X
--
--
--
+-
-1
225%
MER
RICK
SR
16th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
MIL
LER
R50
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
+23
2496
%
MIN
CHEW
R10
th+
++
X+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+23
2310
0%
MOR
EFIE
LDR
3rd
++
++
--
++
+-
-+
++
++
++
++
--
-+
1724
71%
MOR
RIS
R64
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
Mor
risse
yD
74th
--
--
-X
--
-+
+-
--
--
--
--
-+
--
323
13%
O'BA
NNON
R73
rd+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
O'QU
INN
R5t
h+
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
+-
++
-21
2488
%
ORRO
CKR
54th
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
-+
++
2224
92%
PEAC
ER
97th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
Plum
D36
th+
--
+-
--
--
--
--
+-
--
--
--
+-
-4
2417
%
POGG
ER
96th
++
++
++
X+
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2223
96%
POIN
DEXT
ERR
9th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
PURK
EYR
82nd
++
++
++
++
++
++
X+
++
++
++
XX
(+)
X20
2010
0%
Putn
eyI
19th
++
++
(+)
++
++
-+
++
++
++
-+
++
++
+22
2492
%
RAM
ADAN
R87
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
RANS
ONE
R99
th+
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
++
+23
2496
%
ROBI
NSON
R27
th+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+24
2410
0%
RUSH
R7t
h+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
+23
2496
%
RUST
R86
th+
--
++
--
++
--
+-
++
-+
+-
--
++
+13
2454
%
SCOT
T, E
R30
th+
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
++
+23
2496
%
Scot
t, J
D53
rd+
--
+-
--
--
--
XX
--
-+
--
--
+-
+5
2223
%
SHER
WOO
DR
29th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
VIR
GN
IA 2
012
HO
USE
VO
TES
+ in
favo
r of t
he A
CU p
ositi
on; -
in op
posit
ion to
the A
CU p
ositi
on; (
+) a
nnou
ncem
ent i
n fa
vor o
f the
ACU
pos
ition
; (-)
ann
ounc
emen
t in
oppo
sition
to th
e ACU
pos
ition
; X d
id no
t vot
e; I
Ineli
gible
to vo
te; E
Exc
used
abs
ence
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
12
HB 10
HB 62
HB 462
SB 674
HB 1112
HB 321
HJ 3
HB 1035
HB 189
HB 947
HB 1173
HB 9
HB 940
HB 33
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-0.01 #4h
HB 30 Amd. Item 4-6.07
HB 30
HB 1291
HB 375
HB 48
HB 576
HB 10 63
HB 1130
HB 30 Amd. Item 343
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Repr
esen
tativ
e Na
me
Party
Dist
rict
Sick
les
D43
rd+
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
-2
248%
Spru
illD
77th
+-
-+
--
++
-X
--
--
--
++
-X
--
+-
722
32%
STOL
LER
83rd
+-
-+
-+
++
++
++
++
-+
++
++
++
++
2024
83%
Suro
vell
D44
th-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
-1
244%
TATA
R85
th+
--
++
++
++
-+
++
++
-+
++
++
++
+20
2483
%
Toria
nD
52nd
+X
X+
--
++
X-
--
--
--
++
+-
-+
--
821
38%
Tosc
ano
D57
th-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
--
+-
-2
248%
Tyle
rD
75th
--
--
(-)
-+
+-
--
--
--
--
--
+-
+-
-4
2417
%
VILL
ANUE
VAR
21st
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
War
dD
92nd
--
-+
--
+-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
324
13%
War
e, O
.D
11th
+-
-X
--
++
--
--
-X
--
+(+
)+
--
++
+9
2241
%
WAR
E, R
.R
65th
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
++
++
-+
-+
2124
88%
WAT
SON
R93
rd+
++
+X
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
+22
2396
%
Wat
tsD
39th
+-
-+
--
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
-+
--
424
17%
WEB
ERT
R18
th+
++
(+)
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
2324
96%
WIL
TR
26th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2424
100%
WRI
GHT
R61
st+
++
+-
-+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+22
2492
%
YANC
EYR
94th
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
2324
96%
YOST
R12
th+
++
++
-+
++
+-
-+
++
++
++
+-
+-
+19
2479
%
VIR
GN
IA 2
012
HO
USE
VO
TES
+ in
favo
r of t
he A
CU p
ositi
on; -
in op
posit
ion to
the A
CU p
ositi
on; (
+) a
nnou
ncem
ent i
n fa
vor o
f the
ACU
pos
ition
; (-)
ann
ounc
emen
t in
oppo
sition
to th
e ACU
pos
ition
; X d
id no
t vot
e; I
Ineli
gible
to vo
te; E
Exc
used
abs
ence
13
VIRGINIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
Virginia Senate Vote Descriptions1. Ratification of the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment.” SJ 130. The Virginia Senate took up the
long-thought-dead (30-plus years) so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” to the U.S. Constitution. ACU op-posed this vague addition to the Constitution when it was originally proposed and opposes it now. The Senate voted to pass this proposed amendment 24-15 on February 14, 2012.
2. Enhanced informed consent for women seeking abortions. SB 484. This bill would update Virginia’s decades-old informed consent law that provides that a woman seeking an abortion must see a static, generic ultrasound image of an unborn baby. Under this bill, the woman is required to have an ultrasound prior and given the option of viewing the images of her unborn child. The ACU supports measures that protect the unborn and supports this bill. The Senate voted to pass this bill 21-18 on February 1, 2012.
3. Wrongful death cause of action for the unborn. SB 674. This bill would provide for a wrongful death cause of action for the unborn by the wrongful act, neglect or default of any person, ship, vessel, or corporation. The ACU supports this bill and measures that protect the unborn. The Senate voted to pass this bill 28-11 on February 14, 2012.
4. Proposed property rights amendment to the Virginia Constitution. SJ 3. A ballot measure that would amend the commonwealth’s constitution to place strict limits on state and local governments’ power of eminent domain from all Kelo-type takings. The amendment would also ensure just compensation for the land taken as well as for lost access and business profit in cases where eminent domain is justified. The ACU supports this amendment because securely owning private property is a fundamental right in a free society. The Senate voted to pass this resolution 23-17 on February 13, 2012.
5. Just compensation for lost property, access and business profits in cases of eminent domain. SB 437. This bill provides that state and local governments provide for the just compensation for property owners and any lost business profits and access in cases where eminent domain is justified. This is companion legislation required by the proposed property rights constitutional amendment. The ACU supports this bill as a way to appropriately compensate private property owners who must cede land to the public for true public uses and needs. The Senate voted to defeat a motion to kill the bill on February 13, 2012 by 21-20. A “No” vote supports the ACU position.
6. Conscience clause protections for adoption agencies. SB 349. This bill would protect the religious liberty rights of adoption agencies to apply faith principles to their placement decisions. The ACU supports this bill and measures that protect the First Amendment religious liberty rights of individuals and institutions to practice their faith. The Senate voted to pass this bill 22-18 on February 9, 2012.
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
14
7. Repeal of HPV mandate. HB 1112. This bill would repeal the HPV vaccine requirement passed in 2007. Virginia is the only state in the nation to require its school age girls to receive the controversial vaccine. The ACU supports this bill and allowing parents make the best decisions for their children’s education and health, not government bureaucrats. The Senate voted to kill this bill on a motion to recommit it back to committee 22-17 on February 27, 2012.
8. Charter School reform. SB 440. Virginia has one of the weakest charter school laws in the country, highlighted by the fact that the public school district, which would compete with the charter school, decides whether to grant the application. This bill, among other components, requires school boards to explain to the State Board of Education their reasons for denying charter school applications. It also provides for access by charter schools to unused school district property and more freedom from local government regulations to operate. The ACU supports this bill and supports opening up the charter school process in order to provide as much choice and to provide as many educational options as possible to create the competition necessary to improve K-12 education. The Senate voted to pass this bill 20-18-1 on February 8, 2012.
9. Eliminates the one gun a month purchase limit. HB 940. This bill removes the purchase limit on guns. The ACU supports Virginians’ constitutional rights to freely and lawfully own firearms and supports this bill. The Senate voted to pass this bill 21-19 on February 13, 2012.
10. Governor’s executive branch reorganization. SB 678. This bill eliminates, consolidates or merges more than three dozen regulatory boards, commissions and agencies, as well as deregulates two trades and decentralizes some functions to localities. The ACU supports these needed reforms and supports this bill. The Senate voted to pass this bill 25-14 on February 10, 2012.
11. Public procurement protection: No required agreements with labor unions. HB 1301 Item 430 4s. This amendment to the House budget would prohibit state agencies and contractors on public projects from requiring bids to come from union shops or discriminate against contractors or bidders that are non-union. The ACU supports this amendment and free market competition as the best engine of economic growth, ensuring the best products and services as well as providing the taxpayers with the best value for their hard-earned money. The Senate voted to defeat this budget amendment 13-26 on March 26, 2012.
12. Government mandate on health insurance providers. HB 1301 Item 469 4s. This amendment to the House budget would require insurance plans to pay for women’s abdominal ultrasounds when taken for abortions. The ACU opposes government mandates that force people to pay for insurance they do not want and opposes this amendment. The Senate voted to defeat this budget amendment 19-20 on March 26, 2012.
13. Requiring elected officials to pay the same percentage into retirement system as state employees. HB 1301 Gov. Amd. 87 Item 4-6.03. This amendment requires elected officials to pay the 5 percent employee share to the Virginia Retirement System as all state employees must do. The ACU supports measures that require elected officials to conform to the same laws they enact for their constituents and supports this amendment. The Senate voted to defeat this budget amendment 10-29-1 on May 14, 2012.
14. House Budget. HB 30. The House budget was carefully crafted to fund essential and core government services while cutting areas of spending that have grown too much and too fast in recent years. The ACU supports this bill and supports responsible and limited government spending of taxpayers’ hard earned money. The Senate voted to defeat the House budget 20-19 on February 29, 2012. (The votes of 21 sitting senators are required to pass a budget bill.)
15
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
15. Labor and open government reforms. SB 3. This bill would prohibit use of state funds for Phase II of the Dulles Metrorail Project if the project is subject to a project labor agreement. The bill also prohibits funds if the policies and bylaws of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority do not permit public access to MWAA’s meetings and records as provided in Virginia’s FOIA, or if the project is not subject to audit by VDOT or the Auditor of Public Accounts. The ACU supports open government and accountability for tax-payers and supports this bill. The Senate defeated this bill 20-19-1 on February 14, 2012.
16. Protecting the right to store one’s firearm in his or her car. HB 375. Provides that no locality shall adopt any workplace rule that prevents an employee of that locality from storing at that locality’s workplace a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in a locked private motor vehicle. The ACU supports the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms on one’s personal property and supports this bill. The Senate voted to pass this bill 25-15 on February 23, 2012.
17. Castle Doctrine. SB 4. This bill would allow the use of physical force, including deadly force, by a person in his dwelling against an intruder in the dwelling who has committed an overt act against him or another person who is lawfully in the dwelling. The ACU supports this bill and the right of citizens to defend themselves and their property against criminal attack as a fundamental right. The Senate voted to pass this bill 23-17 on February 2, 2012.
18. Reform of teacher contracts and evaluation policies. HB 576. Under this bill, teachers, assistant principals and principals with continuing contract status would be formally evaluated every three years, and evaluated informally at least once each year in which they are not formally evaluated. The bill also defines the standard 10-month contract as 200 days, of which a minimum must be 180 days of instructional time. The ACU supports reforms that hold educators to high standards to ensure taxpayers receive the best possible professionals to teach their children and supports this bill. The Senate voted to kill this bill 23-17 on a motion to recommit to committee on March 8, 2012.
19. Education Improvement Scholarships. SB 131. This bill would provide tax credits for individuals and corporations that donate to scholarship programs that underprivileged students in failing public schools may then apply for and use to attend a private or parochial school. It is Virginia’s first substantive effort at school choice in decades. The ACU supports efforts to create choice and competition to improve K-12 education and supports this bill. The Senate voted 20-20 on this bill on February 17, 2012. It passed on the Lt. Governor’s tie-breaking vote.
20. Voter identification and provisional ballot reform. SB 1. This bill would require a form of identification for voting and provides for uniform procedures for voting by provisional ballot. The ACU supports this bill and supports guaranteeing the integrity of Americans’ most precious right – the right to choose our leaders fairly at the ballot box. The Senate voted 20-20 on this bill on February 6, 2012. It passed on the Lt. Governor’s tie-breaking vote.
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
16
VIR
GIN
IA 2
012
SEN
ATE
VO
TES
SJ 130
SB 484
SB 674
SJ 3
SB 437
SB 349
HB 1112
SB 440
HB 940
SB 678
HB 1301 ITEM 430 4S
HB 1301 ITEM 469 4s
HB 1301 Gov Amend 87 Item4-6.03
HB 30
SB 3
HB 375
SB 4
HB 576
SB 131
SB 1
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Sena
tor N
ame
Dist
rict
Party
Bark
er39
D-
-+
--
--
--
+-
--
-I
--
--
-2
1911
%
BLAC
K13
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+20
2010
0%
BLEV
INS
14R
-+
+-
-+
++
++
-+
-+
++
++
++
1520
75%
CARR
ICO
40R
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
1920
95%
Colg
an29
D-
+X
--
+-
--
+-
+-
--
--
--
-4
1921
%
Deed
s25
D-
--
++
--
-+
--
--
--
+-
--
-4
2020
%
Ebbi
n30
D-
-+
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-1
205%
Edwa
rds
21D
--
-+
--
--
+-
--
--
-+
--
--
320
15%
Favo
la31
D-
-+
--
--
--
--
-+
--
--
--
-2
2010
%
GARR
ETT
22R
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
++
++
++
1920
95%
HANG
ER24
R+
++
++
++
++
+-
+-
++
++
-+
+17
2085
%
Herr
ing
33D
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
020
0%
Howe
ll32
D-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
+-
--
-1
205%
Lock
e2
D-
--
--
--
X-
--
--
--
--
--
-0
190%
Luca
s18
D-
X-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-0
190%
Mar
sden
37D
--
+-
--
--
-+
--
--
--
--
--
220
10%
Mar
sh16
D-
-+
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-1
205%
MAR
TIN
11R
(+)
++
++
++
++
X+
++
++
++
++
+19
1910
0%
MCD
OUGL
E4
R+
++
++
++
++
++
+-
+I
++
++
+18
1995
%
McE
achi
n9
D-
-+
--
--
--
--
-+
--
--
--
-2
2010
%
MCW
ATER
S8
R+
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
+19
2095
%
Mill
er, J
C1
D-
--
--
--
--
--
-+
--
--
--
-1
205%
Mill
er, Y
B5
D-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-0
200%
NEW
MAN
23R
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
2020
100%
+ in
favo
r of t
he A
CU p
ositi
on; -
in op
posit
ion to
the A
CU p
ositi
on; (
+) a
nnou
ncem
ent i
n fa
vor o
f the
ACU
pos
ition
; (-)
ann
ounc
emen
t in
oppo
sition
to th
e ACU
pos
ition
; X d
id no
t vot
e; I
Ineli
gible
to vo
te; E
Exc
used
abs
ence
17
VIRGINIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSV
IRG
INIA
201
2 SE
NA
TE V
OTE
S
SJ 130
SB 484
SB 674
SJ 3
SB 437
SB 349
HB 1112
SB 440
HB 940
SB 678
HB 1301 ITEM 430 4S
HB 1301 ITEM 469 4s
HB 1301 Gov Amend 87 Item4-6.03
HB 30
SB 3
HB 375
SB 4
HB 576
SB 131
SB 1
ACU
Vote
sVo
tes C
ast
ACU
%
Sena
tor N
ame
Dist
rict
Party
NORM
ENT
3R
-+
++
++
X+
-+
-+
-+
++
++
++
1519
79%
North
am6
D-
--
+-
--
--
+-
--
--
-+
--
-3
2015
%
OBEN
SHAI
N26
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
+20
2010
0%
Pete
rsen
34D
--
++
--
-I
-+
--
--
--
+-
--
419
21%
Puck
ett
38D
-+
++
++
--
-+
--
--
-+
+-
--
820
40%
Pulle
r36
D-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-0
200%
REEV
ES17
R+
++
++
++
++
++
+-
++
++
++
+19
2095
%
RUFF
15R
++
++
++
++
++
++
-+
++
++
++
1920
95%
Sasl
aw35
D-
--
--
--
--
--
--
X-
+-
--
-1
195%
SMIT
H19
R+
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STAN
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1919
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1720
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Save the Date
conservative.org
CPAC is a project of
March 14 th - 16th
The American Conservative Union
The American Conservative Union (ACU) is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization.
Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and national security.
As America’s conservative voice, ACU is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, White House Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public.
The ACU’s marquee initiatives include the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the annual Ratings of Congress guide.
Under the leadership of ACU Chairman Al Cardenas, the organization remains the standard bearer of conservatism in America. Chairman Cardenas is dedicated to growing the national conservative movement through the expansion of ACU programs, unprecedented outreach and advocacy – especially to young, emerging activists – and an extended reach into local and state issues. Among these inaugural efforts are the expansion of conservative rating to State Legislatures and a first-ever series of regional CPAC’s in states across the country, building on the legacy of the annual national CPAC event in our Nation’s Capital.
For more information on the American Conservative Union, please visit our website at www.conservative.org.
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