| Dear Friends and Fellow Virginians, I know it's been quite a while since I've written a formal Compass - but I wanted to send out an update on what's been going on in the fight for liberty and other goings on from the AG's office. Individual Mandate As most of you know, our case was heard in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals last month in Richmond. At the moment, we are waiting on the judges' decision in that case - and we have little indication of when that decision may come in. However, our best guess is that we'll know sometime this summer. As we've discussed in a previous Compass, if we win, I suspect that the federal government will NOT appeal to the Supreme Court, rather, they would attempt to drag the case out by seeking what is called "en banc" review. That means a rehearing by the full 4th Circuit - all 13 active judges. Once that happens, whichever side loses at that hearing would appeal to the Supreme Court. If we lose, we will likely appeal to the Supreme Court directly, in the hopes of resolving this case as quickly as possible. Doing Well I wanted to let you all know about an award my office received from the National Association of Attorneys General - the national organization of all 50+ attorneys general of the states, territories, and D.C. Steve McCullough, Senior Appellate Counsel in the AG's office, was praised by the organization for outstanding advocacy in front of the Supreme Court, winning the "Best Brief" award for 2010. This is the second year in the row that attorneys from the Virginia AG's office have received this honor. It goes to show not only the great representation Virginia has had on our ongoing legal actions against the Federal government (and the MANY other cases we try on an ongoing basis which fly under the radar), but the award winning briefs serve as a standard for other AG's offices across the country on how to argue cases before the Supreme Court. The lawyers and staff in Virginia's Office of the Attorney General often go unnoticed - but their work is essential to the functioning of our state government, to prosecuting and fighting crime and defending our liberties on an ongoing basis. Congrats to Steve! Coming Soon to A Courthouse Near Me Speaking of protecting our liberties, please take the time to read an article in today's Washington Times about a potential legal action my office expects to get involved in regarding so-called net-neutrality. Link Here. It is important to note that these regulations are egregious violations of federal law. More shocking is that these regulations are being implemented in the face of a court order to the contrary that is only about a year old! Even putting the policy implications of 'net neutrality' aside - after disrespecting states, federal law and the constitution, this administration is now demonstrating its lack of respect for the last remaining governmental institution in our constitutional system. Please stay tuned for more information! Moola In Under A Week Finally, We are near the end of our $38k in 38 days online effort to raise funds before our June 30th report. So far we've raised $28k towards our goal - can you help us cross the finish line? I want to thank the hundreds of individuals who have contributed towards this effort so far - your support makes a big difference.
Please click here to donate today!
If you can help us raise another $10,000 by June 30th it would go a long way towards helping us reach our goal! That might be a great reason to forward this Compass to your friends with the helpful suggestion that they donate (hint, hint)! Thank you again for all your help and support. Sincerely,  Ken Cuccinelli, II Attorney General of Virginia
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