Assembly Access

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2008

Richmond, VA — Today, House Democrats led the way for stricter ethics reform in the Virginia General Assembly. A floor amendment offered by House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong received bi-partisan support and passed overwhelmingly. The amendment would ban legislators or statewide officials from attending an event from any organization that had given them a campaign contribution in the previous year.

The amendment was offered to HB322 sponsored by Delegate Chris Saxman. His legislation sought to make partisan issue with the Democratic Party of Virginia holding their annual Jefferson Jackson Day dinner during the legislative session.

Armstrong’s amendment sought to broaden that to all events held by organizations or registered lobbyists that contribute to legislators’ campaign accounts.

“Today, House Democrats led the way for tougher ethic reforms,” House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong said. “Rather than seeking to make partisan issue with one dinner, we believe there should be wholesale change in the way the legislature does business. We are glad that our Republican colleagues followed our lead.”

Delegate Kenny Alexander offered a similar amendment in the House Privileges and Elections Committee.

“It is a great day for the people of the Commonwealth because House Democrats have led the way in fighting off influence from lobbyist and other special interests groups during the legislative session,” Delegate Alexander said.

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