Politicizing the AG's Office
December 8, 2011
The Washington Post reports that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is refusing to resign from office while he simultaneously runs for Governor. Their article states, "Having announced his intention to run for governor, Mr. Cuccinelli (R) is bucking more than 60 years of bipartisan Virginia history by refusing to do the right thing and resign. Instead, he is insisting on remaining the state's top lawyer 'until the last day of my term,' even as he holds fundraisers, attends events and campaigns for governor. Thus Mr. Cuccinelli will inevitably further politicize his office, adding a partisan cast to every significant move it makes."
Progressive Point: Virginia's Attorney General is entrusted with defending the laws and interests of Virginia. Attorney General Cuccinelli has used the office to promote a radical ideological agenda rather than serving the Virginia voters who trusted him with this responsibility. Now, his refusal to step down while running for Governor will further politicize an office which should be devoted to the interests of Virginians.
Attorneys General of both parties have resigned to run for Governor to ensure the office is occupied by a full-time AG devoted to pursuing justice, not the next election. Ken Cuccinelli refuses to resign--preferring instead to use the bully pulpit of the Attorney General's office consolidate his conservative credentials with the radical right. Cuccinelli abuses the trust of the voters by using his platform to campaign for election rather than justice.
Tweet it: Cuccinelli's refusal to resign while running will result in further ideological activism from the AG http://bit.ly/tzO9Sh via @ProgressVA