BLACK B4
DAILY 03-11-10 MD SU B4 BLACK
B4
K S KLMNO THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
Va. lawmakers pass
health-plan bill
Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said
Measure prohibits
Wednesday that he intends to
requiring individuals
sign the legislation.
The measure had been virtu-
to purchase insurance ally assured passage since five
Democrats crossed party lines
last month in the state Senate,
by Rosalind S. Helderman which their party controls, and
supported the proposal.
richmond — The Virginia Proponents of the measure
General Assembly has given final said the federal government
approval to a bill that would should not force private citizens
make it illegal for the govern- to enter into private contracts for
ment to require individuals to insurance. The legislation, they
purchase health insurance, a said, was a way to send a message
measure intended to conflict to Washington.
with Democratic efforts to re- Opponents said an individual
form health care in Washington. mandate is an important way to
Thirty-four other states are bring young and healthy people
weighing similar legislation to into the insurance pool and less-
block the individual mandate, en costs. They said that requiring
which is an element of bills that health insurance would be simi-
have passed both the U.S. Senate lar to requiring a driver to have
and House of Representatives. auto insurance, and that federal
But Virginia is the first state to legislation would preempt a state
complete legislative action on law.
such a bill. heldermanr@washpost.com
ROBERT McCARTNEY
Near session’s end, McDonnell
JAHI CHIKWENDIU/WASHINGTON POST
“All they’re doing is showing that racism still lives in the Old Dominion,” says Johari Abdul-Malik, adding: “But . . . there’s a new Dominion.”
slow to fulfill campaign pledges
mccartney from B1 money issues in his earlier career Boycott of imam’s House prayer urged
as a state legislator because he
But he’s the one who promised was so focused on social issues — minded — they picked the wrong Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexan- Ebbin sent a letter to his 99 col-
to be an activist, take-charge guy. remember the thesis?
And Virginia governors are Then there’s the possibility that
Leader of Virginia
guy,’’ he said. dria) said he has no regrets about leagues Thursday defending his
Soon after Sept. 11, Abdul- asking Abdul-Malik to give the choice of Abdul-Malik and saying
limited to one term, so each McDonnell is going slowly mosque says he doesn’t Malik was featured in paid ads prayer in the House. “The imam that any concerns about him
legislative session is critical. because his program, overall, is
condone violence
produced by a group of national is a peace-loving man,’’ he said. were driven by “false rumors
McDonnell has been just impractical. Muslim organizations, which de- Many of the letters have asked propagated on the Internet.”
particularly wary and passive For example, one of nounced terrorism and the at- House Speaker William J. Howell Del. C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shen-
about how to trim the budget. He McDonnell’s best-known by Anita Kumar tacks. He has condemned terror- (R-Stafford) to revoke Abdul- andoah), who opposed a member
surprised Republicans and campaign proposals was to sell and William Wan ism and Osama bin Laden on Malik’s invitation, but Howell’s of Dar al-Hijrah’s board being ap-
Democrats alike by refraining the state’s ABC liquor stores and “The O’Reilly Factor” and other chief of staff, G. Paul Nardo, said pointed by former governor Tim-
until the last minute from giving spend the proceeds on roads. richmond — Hundreds of peo- television programs. no such action is planned. The othy M. Kaine to the state immi-
them specific, public guidance on Some top legislators expected ple are urging legislators to boy- Still, letters and calls have House’s practice is generally to al- gration commission, said he has
how to cut spending. he’d propose that in January. cott the House of Delegates’ floor poured into legislative offices low delegates to invite religious concerns about Ebbin’s choice.
In effect, the governor has But when one of his transition session on Thursday, when a Falls since Friday, when a handful of leaders of differing faiths, he “I don’t think anyone has any
deferred to the legislature on how teams looked at the issue in Church imam whom they accuse concerned delegates let commu- said. problem with this being a Mus-
to solve the biggest problem December, it decided quickly that of condoning violence and de- nity activists know that Abdul- Ebbin said he is concerned that lim prayer,’’ he said. “This partic-
facing the state this year. In the matter required a lot more fending terrorism is set to deliver Malik was coming to Richmond. Abdul-Malik’s presence will ular imam and this particular
pushing his agenda, he seems study. What sort of companies are the opening prayer. “He’s an apologist for people cause a disturbance, but added: mosque have been a flashpoint
satisfied to govern by checklist. going to buy the stores, and The imam, Johari Abdul-Malik, who commit criminal acts,’’ said “I haven’t seen any substantiated for controversy because of the
He makes numerous small under what regulation? How and many other leaders in the James Lafferty, chairman of the reason to ask him not to come. . . . teachings they promote and the
proposals and then claims victory does the state make up for losing Muslim and interfaith communi- Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force. I hope it would be a peaceful oc- connections they have had.”
when a high percentage of them more than $100 million a year ties say the accusations are false. The group, along with the Tradi- casion where people could re- Abdul-Malik would be the first
are approved. that the stores generate? How Two of the Sept. 11 hijackers tional Values Coalition and Act flect.” imam to deliver the opening
“I have found the most helpful does it prevent unsightly private briefly worshiped at his mosque, for America, will hold a rally out- Allies in the interfaith commu- prayer in the House or Senate
role is being a facilitator” in the stores from popping up in places the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center, side the state Capitol on Thurs- nity have responded in support of during this year’s legislative ses-
budget negotiations between the where they aren’t wanted? and one of its former imams, An- day morning. the imam. When Abdul-Malik sion, although others have done
House and Senate, McDonnell “It turned out to be a whole lot war al-Aulaqi, has been linked to Abdul-Malik said he was prays in Richmond, the Rev. so in the past, according to the
said in an interview. Although he more complicated than just accused terrorists and subse- warned recently that similar neg- Clark Lobenstine, executive di- clerks’ offices.
provided private advice from the selling the stores,” said Del. David quently denounced by the ative comments were made about rector of InterFaith Conference of “We’re seeing this over and
start, he said, “the budget is truly B. Albo (R-Fairfax), who was part mosque, one of the largest in the another imam — Mohamed Ma- Metropolitan Washington, will be over. Whenever any Muslim seeks
in their court.” of the study group. “We started United States. gid, head of the All Dulles Area sitting next to him on the assem- to engage in the political process
This is all quite a comedown working on it, and we said there’s But Abdul-Malik was not affili- Muslim Society mosque in Ster- bly floor. or even have input in that arena,
from the drama and promise (at just no way that with the three or ated with the mosque in 2001, ling — when he gave the prayer at As one of the most active and they come under attack,’’ said
least for the GOP) of McDonnell’s four weeks that we had before the when the Sept. 11 attacks oc- the General Assembly two years outspoken imams in the D.C. Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for
election triumph last year. It bills were due that we were ever curred. In recent years, he has ago. area, especially in the interfaith the Muslim civil rights group
encouraged talk of a McDonnell going to figure this out.” made statements following the “All they’re doing is showing community, Abdul-Malik has giv- Council on American-Islamic Re-
candidacy for vice president or McDonnell acknowledged he arrest of Muslims on terrorism that racism still lives in the Old en prayers at Howard University, lations. “There’s a whole cottage
even president. was going slowly on charges, arguing for due process, Dominion,” he said. “But at the where he was the college’s first industry of Muslim bashers that’s
Some observers think transportation, but only because civil rights and fair sentencing. same time, there’s a new Domin- Muslim chaplain; at the U.S. Cap- formed to do this stuff.”
McDonnell is playing it safe adequate preparation is required. “To try to cast me as someone ion. That’s what we’re going to itol for Muslim staff members; kumaranita@washpost.com
because he doesn’t want to “I’m not going into it to fail,” he who’s a terrorist and closed- show people.” and for past D.C. mayors. wanw@washpost.com
attract criticism that might said.
jeopardize such ambitions. If the That’s quite a switch from the
legislature takes the lead on confident language of the
cutting the budget, then it gets campaign. Maybe McDonnell
Va. governor prohibits bias against gay state workers
most of the blame when hospitals should look again at his Web site.
are closed or class sizes grow. mccartneyr@washpost.com
Or McDonnell might be mcdonnell from B1 Cuccinelli’s opinion had been an
overwhelmed by the scale of the I discuss local issues at 8:51 a.m. “unwarranted and unnecessary
budget problems. He had Friday on WAMU (88.5 FM). “We will not tolerate discrimi- intrusion” into the governance of
relatively little experience with nation based on sexual orienta- state universities that could dam-
tion or any other basis that’s out- age the state’s business climate.
lawed under state or federal law McDonnell’s directive came on
or the Constitution, and if it is re- the same day that more than
LOTTERIES
ported, then I will take action, 1,000 students rallied at Rich-
from reprimand to termination, mond’s Virginia Commonwealth
March 10
to make sure that does not occur,” University and as reaction to
DISTRICT VIRGINIA McDonnell said. “I believe this Cuccinelli’s letter had been grow-
Mid-Day Lucky Numbers: 4-8-7 Day/Pick-3: 8-0-5
properly takes care of it and as- ing nationally and within Vir-
Mid-Day D.C. 4: 3-6-8-3 Pick-4: 1-9-2-8
sures the good people of Virginia ginia’s business community. The
Mid-Day DC-5: 7-5-8-1-1 Cash-5 (Wed.): 8-10-25-31-32
that we will absolutely not have topic was a subject of a lengthy
Lucky Numbers (Tue.): 2-5-8 Night/Pick-3 (Tue.): 3-5-6
discrimination in this state.” segment on “The Daily Show”
Lucky Numbers (Wed.): 8-7-5 Pick-3 (Wed.): N/A
Describing his statement as a Tuesday, and some students had
D.C. 4 (Tue.): 0-0-0-3 Pick-4 (Tue.): 7-3-4-3
call for “civility and fair treat- been sending e-mails about their
D.C. 4 (Wed.): 0-4-3-9 Pick-4 (Wed.): N/A
ment,” McDonnell said he was concerns to Northrop Grumman,
DC-5 (Tue.): 9-7-7-0-2 Cash-5 (Tues.): 11-13-16-17-34
encouraging universities and in- the defense corporation weigh-
DC-5 (Wed.): 9-4-2-5-5 Cash-5 (Wed.): N/A
dependent state agencies to ing sites around the region for its
Daily 6 (Tue.): 9-13-14-16-18-38 *10 Win for Life: N/A
adopt policies or clarify their ex- corporate headquarters, urging
Daily 6 (Wed.): 11-26-27-32-33-36 *3
MULTI-STATE GAMES
isting nondiscrimination state- them to avoid Virginia.
MARYLAND
ments to ensure they can enforce Democrats have risen on the
Mega Millions: 14-16-18-19-29 **16
his directive. floor of the legislature each day
Day/Pick-3: 8-6-2 Powerball: N/A
The statement was the most this week to rail against the attor-
Pick-4: 3-3-8-6 Power Play: N/A
forceful yet on gay issues for ney general’s action and to call
Night/Pick-3 (Tue.): 0-1-6 Hot Lotto: N/A
McDonnell, who was elected in on McDonnell to send legislation
Pick-3 (Wed.): 0-7-2
*Bonus Ball **Mega Ball November on a pledge to focus to the General Assembly that
Pick-4 (Tue.): 1-1-8-8
All winning lottery numbers are official only when validated at a lottery
on jobs and the economy while would codify discrimination be-
Pick-4 (Wed.): 4-3-6-8 ticket location or a lottery claims office.
upholding conservative social fore the annual session adjourns
Match 5 (Tue.): 8-13-15-23-28 *27
Because of late drawings, some results do not appear in early editions.
For late lottery results, check www.washingtonpost.com/lottery. values. McDonnell’s move might Saturday.
Match 5 (Wed.): 6-12-15-17-20 *23
indicate a split over strategy with They were countered on the
Cuccinelli, whose political phi- House floor Wednesday by Del.
losophy he broadly shares. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince
In a brief statement, however,
STEVE HELBER/ASSOCIATED PRESS
William), who suggested the re-
Cuccinelli applauded McDonnell Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, right, and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling during a action against Cuccinelli might
for the “tone he is setting for the bill signing in Richmond. McDonnell says he is calling for civility. be an attack against his Catholic
Commonwealth of Virginia.” faith.
“I will remain in contact with extent.” identity. Marshall said last night that
the Governor and continue to The gay rights group Equality McDonnell’s actions also re- McDonnell’s directive carries no
work with him on issues impor- Virginia called McDonnell’s di- ceived praise from the presidents force and is no more than a
tant to Virginians,” Cuccinelli’s rective a “a major positive step of the College of William and “press release with fluff around
statement continued. “I expect forward,” although it said it Mary and the University of Vir- it.”
Virginia’s state employees to fol- would continue to work for the ginia. The leaders of the North- heldermanr@washpost.com
low all state and federal anti- passage of legislation that would ern Virginia Technology Council
discrimination laws and will en- extend legal protections based on also applauded the news and said Staff writer Fredrick Kunkle
force Virginia’s laws to the fullest sexual orientation and gender in a statement that they thought contributed to this report.
Did you know? The Washington Post is printed using recycled fiber.
NF407 4x.75
BLACK B4
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76