Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell Responds to the State of the Union Address

He sounded his themes of good government, freedom, expanding opportunities for participation and respect for the dignity of all human life.

RICHMOND, VA (Catholic Online) - On January 16, 2010, my wife and I were a part of history. We attended the Inauguration of Governor Robert McDonnell in the historic City of Richmond, Virginia. As a transplanted Bostonian who is now a happy Virginian, I have sometimes felt like a "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" in Richmond, Virginia with its history ...and all of those monuments.

During the three years we lived in that historic City in order to be closer to Washington, DC while I did my coursework at the Catholic University of America I never quite fit in. Those years were a treasure. I had the privilege of serving as a Deacon at St Benedict Catholic Church, led by a wonderful priest Fr. James Kauffmann. Richmond is the Capitol of "the Confederacy." However, this 55 year old former Bostonian felt like a proud Virginian when I stood on the grounds of the State Capitol in Richmond that day. I wept as I participated in this historic event.

I have known the Virginia Governor for a number of years. We met in our mutual efforts to defend our first neighbors, children in the womb, from the evil of abortion on demand. We are both lawyers who have taken our call to use our license to practice for the true common good. He is a wonderful Catholic Christian who is comfortable working in principled alliances with other Christians, people of faith and all people of good will on the issues which matter most to all Americans.

He was born in Philadelphia but raised in a military home in Virginia. He has a "Blue collar" kind of manner about him; the kind of presence which always made this guy from a Dorchester, Massachusetts working class family comfortable. He is down to earth, "comfortable in his skin" as they say. There is no pretense in this man.

Governor McDonnell recognizes the fundamental human Right to Life. He defends marriage and the family and society founded upon it. He knows that these are not "issues" but foundations for building a just society and serving the common good. He ran an excellent campaign speaking to the issues which are of concern to Virginians, such as jobs, good governance and expanding economic opportunity. He avoided efforts to caricature him or to move him off his message. His manner reflected the even temperedness of the man.

My wife and I were honored to be there when he took the oath of office. It had little to do with his Party affiliation. I am, for all intents and purposes, an Independent these days. Raised in a "Democratic" home, I have not been able to vote for a Democrat for National office for many years. Sadly, they have failed to hear the cry of those whom Mother Teresa rightly called the "poorest of the poor", children in the womb. However, I have not been too happy with Republicans either.

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We listened intently as this good man, not trying to be some great orator but just speaking from his heart with the kind of self assurance too often missing these days in politicians, said these words:

"Working together -- Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike -- Virginia will continue to blaze the trail of opportunity and prosperity. And like the mechanic looking to the owner's manual to troubleshoot the automobile, we should look to the Founders and their writings for wisdom. The Founders capstone on the Constitution is the Bill of Rights. No federal mandate- nor program crafted by either political party - should undermine the central principle of federalism, enshrined in the birth certificate of America by those who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. The Founders recognized that the government closest to the people governs best.

...And while government can help provide opportunities, it is every person's responsibility to take advantage of them. In recent weeks I've seen people exercising that responsibility, and changing lives at: The Healing Place in Richmond; The Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria; Food Banks in Abingdon, Norfolk and Richmond; The Boys and Girls Club in Virginia Beach; The USO in Norfolk. As a Commonwealth, we must do the same ... and we will. It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems. It is right to provide opportunities for all. Let us heed the words of the Father of our Country, employ these eternal rules of order and right, and get to work for the good of the people of Virginia. Thank you and God Bless the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Months ago I told then candidate Bob McDonnell that I expected he would be elected to be our next Governor. Further, I told him that his public service had implications and obligations beyond Virginia. That is why I was not at all surprised when he was asked to give the "Republican" response to our Presidents' first State of the Union Address. Tonight, my confidence in this good man was reaffirmed.

He spoke from the Chamber of the Virginia House of Delegates. He was surrounded by lawmakers, family and supporters. The setting was dignified and the address characteristically Bob McDonnell. This is a man who is comfortable in his skin and carries his position with ease. He joked "It's not easy to follow the President of the United States. And my twin 18-year old boys have added to the pressure, by giving me exactly ten minutes to finish before they leave to go watch SportsCenter."

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He then delivered a solid address. He sounded his themes of good government as closest to the people; freedom as the lifeblood of the Nation; expanding opportunities for participation; and respect for the dignity of all human life. We offer his response to the President below.

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