McEachin reacts to PPP poll on Power Sharing

From State Senator Donald McEachin:

Senator McEachin Notes that PPP Poll Reinforces
That Senate Power Should be Shared

Richmond - Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) noted that that the PPP Poll released today showed that Virginians, by an absolute majority, want power shared in the State Senate. Senator McEachin said, "As I would have expected, the inherent fairness of Virginians, their interests in seeing the parties work together to find real solutions and not engage in partisan posturing, was further demonstrated today by the PPP Poll results.

"Over half of respondents, 55%, believe that power should be shared in the Virginia State Senate. These voters, constituents of both Democrats and Republicans, recognize that the Election day results created an evenly divided Senate and, therefore, the Senate should organize in a way reflective of those results.

"I would ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to respect not only the Election Day outcome, but this further indicator, from a scientific poll, that demonstrates that Virginians want parity and power-sharing. As elected legislators, representatives of the people, we should respond to Virginians’ needs and perspectives and follow their directives."

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McEachin on power sharing lawsuit

From the office of State Senator Donald McEachin:

Senator McEachin Statement on Lawsuit Decision

Richmond – Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today released this statement on the judge’s ruling in the Democratic Senate lawsuit. "While I respectfully disagree with the outcome, it was purely a procedural decision. The judge determined that the matter was not ripe for a final determination on the merits. The opinion was not a decision on the merits of whether the Lieutenant Governor can vote on Senate organization.

"I call on the Republicans to respect the will of the voters and past history. The senate is evenly divided, 20-20 so committees and responsibilities and power should be divided to reflect that even split, just as the Republicans said in 1996. Even then Governor Allen spoke to the need for parity under these same circumstances.

"The Senate Democratic caucus will continue to explore all its options, both legal and procedural, to resolve this issue in a way that reflects the actual outcome on election day, not an arrogant partisan power grab, totally to the benefit of one Party that does not reflect a majority of the Senate," Senator McEachin concluded.

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Senator McEachin on today's Virginia Tech shooting

From State Senator Donald McEachin:

Senator McEachin Expresses Profound Dismay and Sadness
Over New Shooting at Virginia Tech

Henrico- Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today expressed his profound sadness and grief over the new shootings at Virginia Tech. Senator McEachin said, “When I first heard the report I, like all other Virginians, was immediately hurled back to that awful April morning five years ago. Once again, we mourn the loss of life. Once again, our hearts are in our throats as we think of our children on campus at Virginia Tech and campuses everywhere. Once again, we wonder about the senselessness of it all and, once again, as a Commonwealth we grieve.


“I just want to take this moment to, in the midst of our helplessness, to hope that all those who grieve, all those who are touched by this, find comfort and solace. As Virginians, we will pray together that this tragedy is soon resolved and that all of those who have suffered will find peace and consolation. “

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Senator McEachin's statement on the Kaine-Allen Debate

Senator McEachin Says Governor Kaine’s Debate Performance Clearly Demonstrates That He Has the Path to Lead Virginia to a Successful Future

Henrico – Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today released this statement after watching the Kaine-Allen debate. “I was so pleased to see Governor Kaine put forward a positive, pro-active agenda. Unlike his opponent, Governor Kaine demonstrated his knowledge of the issues, his understanding of the needs of Virginia and a mastery of the economy and how to grapple with the big problems we face as a country.

“Former Senator Allen spent his time mouthing a partisan diatribe. Repeatedly, Senator Allen simply parroted the typical Republican partisan attacks on Democrats. His slash and burn approach throughout the debate and his continued foolish references to the DNC disappointed me. Virginians deserve better. They deserve to hear a carefully laid out contrast of the plans and visions of these two men. Governor Kaine did that; Senator Allen did not.

“Of course, Senator Allen has a reputation for rhetoric that does not square with his actions. Although he claims to be a supporter of small government and fiscal conservatism, when he last served in the Senate, with his vote, the debt grew astronomically. Senator Allen voted to increase the debt ceiling four times, no matter his present statements.

“At the same time, when Governor Kaine was in office during the largest recession in recent history, he cut $5 billion in spending, preserved the state’s AAA bond rating and still maintained the critical priorities of public education and job creation. As a member of the Virginia General Assembly, I can tell you that Governor Kaine reached across the aisle. Working with legislators from both parties, Governor Kaine addressed the financial crisis we were facing in Virginia. Thanks to his efforts, Virginia has weathered these perilous economic times.

“Governor Kaine is a problem-solver, not a partisan flame-thrower and Virginians will be fortunate to have him as our next US Senator.”

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Senator McEachin Statement on International AIDS DAY

Senator McEachin Statement on International AIDS DAY

Henrico –Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today released this statement on the occasion of International AIDS Day. Senator McEachin said, “We need to take this opportunity to remember every person who has lost a father or mother, a sister or brother, a son or daughter, a spouse, partner or friend to this terrible scourge. Too many have been lost to this horrific disease and too many loved ones today are missing family members. In parts of the United States and in too many places around the world, AIDS still ravages populations that don’t have access or resources to the medicines available.

However, thanks to modern medical science, amazing progress has been made. We need to continue to invest in AIDS research but also in making sure that treatment is available for all sufferers. We need to ensure progress continues until, one day, AIDS is eradicated and, until then, that it can be not only managed but cured. Moreover, until those times come, we need to re-invest in research, but, also, in education so that every person will have the have the best chance to remain disease free.”