A reader asked Cuccinelli whether he supports the repeal of the 17th Amendment, which requires the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote. Before the 17th Amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures. Repealing the amendment has become a popular idea among some members of the Tea Party movement, who think that the direct election of senators has deprived states of the power the country’s founders intended for them to hold in a federalist system.

In his response, Cuccinelli indicated that he doesn’t support repealing the 17th Amendment, but he believes “the 17th Amendment had consequences that were not anticipated.”

“I expect to support an effort to create a new constitutional ‘check’ b/n the states and fed gov, but not a repeal of the 17th amendment. More on that later … ” he continued, somewhat cryptically.

We’ve asked his spokesman for more details. Meanwhile, we hear that Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford) was scheduled to speak on a panel at this past week’s National Conference of State Legislatures conference in Louisville. The topic: Should the states amend the U.S. Constitution?

Howell’s flight was canceled and he didn’t make it, but the show went on without him. The panel apparently discussed constitutional changes, including an amendment requiring Congress to adopt a balanced budget.

Another amendment the group proposed would allow the states to nullify any federal law approved by Congress, if a certain number of state legislatures agreed. Is that the constitutional “check” Cuccinelli is referring to? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, read Cuccinelli’s full chat here.

Read more from Rosalind Helderman at The Washington Post

They mingled with members of Congress – many of the so-called Young Guns — including Reps. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican conference, Kevin McCarthy, chief deputy whip, Mike Rogers (MI), Peter Roskam (IL), Paul Ryan (WI), John Shimkus (IL), Joe Wilson (SC), Frank Wolf and Eric Cantor, both of Virginia.

Anthony Bedell, chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee, said the event offered Republicans an opportunity to meet members of Congress that they often see on TV. Lawmakers were able to stop by the Capitol Hill Club (CHC) between votes.

The committee raised about $15,000 with tickets selling for $50 to $500.

Read more from Anita Kumar at The Washington Post

Read more from Rosalind Helderman at The Washington Post

“I’ve served in elected office for 18 years. During that time I have consistently found that the best ideas don’t come from Richmond, they come from Virginians in communities statewide. We are focused on reforming state government to make it simpler, smaller and more efficient. To best accomplish this goal we must hear from the citizens who own that government, and who deal with it on a daily basis. That’s why we are launching the ‘Virginia Speaks’ statewide town hall tour. It’s your government, and we want to know how we can make it work better for you.”

With an approval rating over 60 percent, McDonnell should draw some big crowds.  Here is the schedule:

August 4, 2010 — 7:00pm-8:30pm

• Roanoke
  Roanoke County Administration Center
  Board of Supervisors Board Room
  5204 Bernard Drive
  Roanoke

August 9, 2010 —7:00pm-8:30pm

• Norfolk
  Old Dominion University
  Webb University Center – Hampton/Newport News Room
  4201 Hampton Blvd.
  Norfolk

August 19, 2010 — 7:00pm-8:30pm

• Chester
  Cultural Center of India
  6641 Ironbridge Parkway
  Chester

August 24, 2010 — 7:00pm-8:30pm

• Fredericksburg
  University of Mary Washington
  Lee Hall – Room 412
  1301 College Avenue
  Fredericksburg

August 25, 2010 —7:00pm-8:30pm

• Fairfax
  Northern Virginia Technology Council Auditorium
  2214 Rock Hill Road, Suite 300
  Herndon

August 26, 2010 —7:00pm-8:30pm

• Harrisonburg
  James Madison University
  East Campus Dining Hall – Montpelier Room
  800 S. Main Street
  Harrisonburg

August 30, 2010 — 7:00pm-8:30pm

• Danville
  Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
  Great Hall
  150 Slayton Ave.
  Danville
  ***Partnering with the Sorensen Southside Public Leadership Series***

August 31, 2010 — 7:00pm-8:30pm

• Bristol
  Bristol Public Library
  J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room
  701 Goode Street
  Bristol

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, will expand its operations in Virginia. This most recent growth stems primarily from the expansion of Harris’ Cyber Integrated Solution business and a significant portion of this business will be centered in the City of Harrisonburg.

Harris Cyber Integrated Solutions will provide customers with an integrated offering of assured infrastructure, managed security, and applications and services — all delivered as a secure, trusted cyber solution.

Harris’ latest initiatives in Virginia will create more than 100 new high-tech jobs, further demonstrating the vitality of the state’s current and future workforce. The company currently has more than 1,900 employees in Virginia, located primarily in Lynchburg and the northern part of the state.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “Harris Corporation already has operations in several other Virginia localities and will further grow its presence with the expansion of its Cyber Integrated Solutions business. The state’s business-friendly climate coupled with the region’s proximity to Harris’ federal customers and the availability of a highly trained cyber workforce were additional deciding factors.  We’re pleased Harris Corporation has decided to expand in the Commonwealth.”

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications^® products, systems, and services.

“Cyber is in our DNA, and we have the deep knowledge and experience in a number of vertical markets to both manage and add value to mission-critical systems,” said Dale Meyerrose, vice president and general manager, Harris Cyber Integrated Solutions. “Virginia’s economic incentives and business climate allow Harris to make this kind of substantial long term investment with confidence. This project will add jobs in the state of Virginia and add value for our customers while improving their cyber capabilities.” 

Harris Corporation will receive a significant sales tax exemption for equipment and computing assets associated with this business through the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax bill. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to secure the project for Virginia, to facilitate the award of these incentives and ultimately the creation of these high tech jobs in the state of Virginia.

“Harris Corporation’s decision to establish a significant segment of their Cyber Integrated Solutions business in Harrisonburg is a terrific example of private and public entities working together to grow the information technology industry in our city and region,” said Kai Degner, Mayor, City of Harrisonburg. “Even in difficult economic times, there is opportunity to spur high-tech economic development in Harrisonburg. We welcome Harris Corporation to the Shenandoah Valley.”

Read more at The Richmond Times Dispatch

Read more from Rosalind Helderman at The Washington Post

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