Law Schools Compared

Regent University Law School, founded by televangelist Pat Robertson, is considered a "Tier 4" school (lowest rating) by USN&WR. It was not fully accredited by the American Bar Association until 1996, seven years after Robert F. McDonnell graduated. Wake Forest University Law School is rated as a "Tier 1" school by USN&WR.

College Thesis Reveals McDonnell's Views

According to research done by the Washington Post and published on Aug. 30, Robert F. McDonnell expressed views in a college thesis that "working women and feminists were detrimental to family life." According to the Post article, McDonnell also stated that "government policy should favor married couples over cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators."

McDonnell has criticized the use of contraceptives by unmarried couples. Further, while serving as a state delegate, he repeatedly voted in favor of restrictions on abortion rights.

Endorsements for Robert Francis McDonnell

McDonnell, a Republican, is married with 5 children. He received a J.D./M.A. degree from Christian Broadcasting Network University (later renamed Regent University) and a M.S.B.A. from Boston University. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1991-2005. Since then he has been the state's attorney general.
He has received ratings of "100" from the following groups:

Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Society for Human Life
Family Foundation of Virginia
National Association of Independent Business

Additionally, McDonnell has an "A-" rating from the NRA.

Endorsements for R. Creigh Deeds

Deeds, a Democrat, is married with 4 children. He received a J.D. degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1992 and served until 2001, when he was elected to the Virginia State Senate.

He has received ratings of "100" from the following groups:

Virginia AFL-CIO
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Virginia Education Association
NARAL/Pro-Choice

He also has a rating of "A" from the National Rifle Association.

Election Will Be Held Nov. 3, 2009

In approximately 2 months, Virginians will go to the polls to select a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Most of the focus will be on Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and Republican Robert Francis McDonnell -- the two candidates for governor. Both men are highly qualified for public service, as indicated in other blog entries.