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Cuccinelli disappointed as Republican leaders oppose his idea

Posted at 11:00 AM, Aug 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-06 12:17:45-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Four of Virginia’s top Republican leaders are coming out against Republican gubernatorial candidate and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s idea to hold a special session of the General Assembly in order to address state disclosure laws.

“We agree with both Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli that serious steps need to be taken to reform Virginia’s disclosure and transparency laws,” the statement signed by Virginia House Speaker William Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Caucus Chairman Timothy Hugo (R-Fairfax) and Majority Whip Jackson Miller (R-Manassas) began. “While we share the goals of the Attorney General, we believe it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to consider reforms during the 2014 regular session, a short five months from now.”

The Republicans leaders said the “complicated and serious issues” deserve lawmakers full attention.

“Addressing them during a regular session will allow us to carefully consider each proposal, gather input and feedback, and move forward in a responsible manner,” the statement read.

Earlier this week a member of Ken Cuccinelli’s staffed asked Governor McDonnell to call a special session to address the disclosure issue.

“I am disappointed that Governor McDonnell and some others in state government do not support my call for a special session. I’m disappointed because I believe Virginians want solutions right now, not sometime down the road,” Cuccinelli said in a statement. “Working together, there is an opportunity for improvement right now. I think we can achieve more in August, than we are likely to achieve in January.”

McDonnell has come under fire in recent months after gifts given to him and his family by political donor and Henrico businessman Jonnie Williams went public. The gifts and relationship between McDonnell and Williams are now part of a state and federal investigation. Governor McDonnell and his family have since returned Williams’ loans and gifts.

Attorney General Cuccinelli also received gifts from Williams.