The Bolling Report: Eminent Domain, Winning in Northern Virginia

Below is the latest Bolling Report discussing eminent domain and some of the Lt. Governor's recent travels. Definitely check out the comments regarding his trip to Northern Virginia (and how to win up here) at the bottom of the update. There can be no denying Lt. Governor Bolling recognizes our region's growing political influence and its importance in any potential 2009 campaign.

BOLLING FIRST TO SIGN ON TO EFFORTS TO PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS IN VIRGINIA
July 06, 2006

On June 28th Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling became the first statewide official to pledge his support to a conservative set of “core principles” that are designed to protect private property rights in Virginia.

“One of the most fundamental rights that we enjoy as Americans is the right to own private property”, Bolling said. “We must do everything we can to protect private property rights in Virginia. This will be one of the highest priorities of my office.”

Bolling made his comments at a capitol press conference to announcement the formation of the Commonwealth Alliance for Property Rights, a bipartisan, public/private group that will work to protect private property right during the 2007 session of the Virginia General Assembly.

In 2005, the United States Supreme Court, in the Kelo decision, significantly expanded governmental power to condemn private property through the use of eminent domain. The General Assembly attempted to close the loopholes created by the Kelo decision in 2006, but was unable to do so.

For more information on the “core principles” of the Commonwealth Alliance for Property Rights, please click here.

BOLLING COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF CENTRAL VIRGINA

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling recently conducted a very successful three day tour of Central Virginia, with stops in Lynchburg, Bedford and Smith Mountain Lake.

On June 30th Lieutenant Governor Bolling met with leaders of the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce and conducted a tour to see the impressive progress that has been made in revitalizing downtown Lynchburg. (For more on the Lieutenant Governor’s visit to Lynchburg, please click here.)

Later in the day, Lieutenant Governor Bolling met with Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown and discussed Project Blue Ridge Thunder. Project Blue Ridge Thunder is a nationally acclaimed effort to crack down on Internet child pornography and those who prey on innocent children. (For more on the Lieutenant Governor’s visit to Project Blue Ridge Thunder, please click here.)

On June 31st Lieutenant Governor Bolling hosted a breakfast for Republican leaders and activists in Lynchburg. Later in the day he hosted a similar luncheon at Smith Mountain Lake. While at Smith Mountain Lake, Lieutenant Governor Bolling also attended a local 4th of July celebration.

On July 1st Lieutenant Governor Bolling participated in services to dedicate the new Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg. Later in the day, the Lieutenant Governor joined Senator George Allen, Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Congressman Virgil Goode at Thunder on the Mountain, an annual Patriotic Celebration at Liberty University.

BOLLING SPENDS FOURTH OF JULY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling spent the 4th of July at a series of patriotic events in Northern Virginia.

The Lieutenant Governor’s day began with a breakfast with community leaders in the City of Fairfax, followed by a parade through downtown Fairfax.

The Lieutenant Governor then attended the Leadership Institute’s Conservative Soiree at Bull Run Park in Manassas, where he encouraged those in attendance to turn out the vote this November and make certain that we re-elect Senator George Allen to the United States Senate and pass the Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same sex marriage.

“To win statewide elections we have to do well in Northern Virginia”, Bolling said. “By remaining committed to our conservative principles, and talking about issues that matter to Northern Virginia voters, I am convinced that we can revitalize our party in this important region of the state.”

These events marked Bolling’s eleventh visit to Northern Virginia since becoming Lieutenant Governor in January.