It is a war of words in Richmond as we enter into the second half of this year's General Assembly session. Democrats and Republicans are telling two very different stories about what's going on with your state government.
House Republicans are fighting back against claims they're solely focused on a conservative social agenda.
"Less than two and a half percent of the bills that passed the house dealt with socially conservative issues," House Speaker William Howell said.
Wednesday, they touted their work to reduce the size of government, do away with teacher tenure, and strengthen penalties on pedophiles.
"Of the 603 bills that passed the House of Delegates, 42% of those bills dealt with jobs, education, government reform, and public safety," Howell said.
Minutes later, the legislative black caucus pushed back.
"One has to wonder what planet they're on or if indeed marijuana was legalized without our knowing it," Democratic Senator Mamie Locke said.
They highlighted Republican bills, that they say, will lower voter turnout, restrict access to abortion, and increase access to guns.
"While these bill may be small in percentage, the magnitude of what they're doing is profound," Democratic Delegate Charniele Herring said.
Then, a half hour after the Republican press conference, Delegate Bob Marshall and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli headlined a personhood rally. The legislation has been the subject of much controversy. It would define life as beginning at conception. Critics say it could pave the road to outlawing contraception and abortion.
This isn't just about conception," Cuccinelli said. "It's about a whole range of issues where the culture of life needs to be supported."
Personhood passed the House earlier this week. It faces a tougher challenge in the Senate where Democrats and Republicans are split just about evenly. It's also unclear if Governor McDonnell would sign it into law.
