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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVirginia State Senator Resigns After Cutting Shocking Deal With Republicans
http://www.businessinsider.com/phillip-puckett-resigns-va-medicaid-expansion-fight-2014-6A Virginia state senator is set to resign on Monday after cutting a deal with Republicans, a stunning move that gives the state GOP the upper hand in an ongoing fight over the state's budget and an expansion of the Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.
Democratic state Sen. Phillip Puckett will step down on Monday, news first reported by The Washington Post. According to the report, Puckett's resignation leads the way for him to get a job as deputy director of the state tobacco commission and for his daughter to be confirmed for a state judgeship.
It also means Republicans now have a 20-19 majority in the state Senate, something that could stall an expansion of the Medicaid program in the middle of an increasingly tenuous, partisan fight over the state budget.
Puckett's office confirmed he will make the announcement on Monday but declined to discuss specifics of the deal that reportedly led to his resignation a deal some characterized as "bribery."
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/phillip-puckett-resigns-va-medicaid-expansion-fight-2014-6#ixzz34947KRG9
yeoman6987
(14,449 posts)We need to ensure that we at least minimize the damage that this guy did. Ok so the Republicans gave him a deal, but he did not have to accept the deal.
Ilsa
(61,675 posts)Now THIS deserves some nasty feedback from his constituents and all democrats in Va. Send them to him AND his daughter.
justhanginon
(3,287 posts)I wonder how much confidence you could have in a judge who gained the bench in this manner. The state of Virginia must be very proud of the people who supposedly serve them. These are the kind of vermin you have elected to represent you. Congratulations!
Savannahmann
(3,891 posts)The GOP probably got some information, possibly from one of their minions in the NSA who was abusing the database gathered for our protection. They used this political information to encourage State Senator Phillip Puckett to step down, so what's the problem?
It might have been a mistress, or a penchant for young lovers. It might have been a flavor of pornography. But I'm sure the information was gathered perfectly legally. It's application might have been somewhat questionable, but I'm sure that the GOP compartmentalized the information so no one knew they were committing a crime.
Obviously I am thinking Blackmail, because the deal he got to leave the State Senate gives him considerably less power and prestige, even if you include the Judgeship of his Daughter. Because if he had been a loyal and vigorous Democrat he might have been able to swing a Federal Judgeship for her.
So what's the problem? I mean, many people here think it's no big deal to gather information on your political enemies, they can't jump up fast enough and shout that we need the NSA to do these kinds of things, and damn it what are you afraid of them learning anyway?
So good luck State Senator Puckett. I hope that the future is bright for you. Congratulations GOP. Well played and all of that sort of thing.
I wonder what blackmail material exists on the rest of the Democratic Caucus? I wonder what the GOP is getting on the Governor? I wonder what it will take before people realize that privacy matters period, full stop.
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)Fucking ConservaDems.
PowerToThePeople
(9,610 posts)MBS
(9,688 posts)not to mention the horror of a Republican-controlled senate.
Will there be a special election to replace him? Not that the Dems would necessarily have an edge given his behavior. .
YUCK.