A Game Of Political Chess

Anthony Chatman
Anthony Chatman
January 6, 2011

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Last week, Delegate Joe Morrissey, introduced a new piece to the chess board that is Virginia.

In direct response to the controversial legislation proposed by Delegate Bob Marshall of Prince William County, Morrissey has dismissed Marshall’s legislation as, “…not only outrageous; it is inconsistent with both federal law as well as the U.S. Constitution.” Morrissey supported his claims by citing Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. Morrissey also stated, “…that for Delegate Marshall to suggest that Virginia does not have to abide by regulations promulgated by the Department of Defense is like saying that Virginians don’t have to pay a federal income tax.”

This, however, came on the heels of Governor McDonnell’s dismissal of Marshall’s legislation – which in turn Marshall dismissed in this Fox News clip below.

Morrissey also called for, every gay’s favorite Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli to “…come forward and publicly repudiate Delegate Marshall’s proposed legislation.”

So could the dismissal of the Marshall’s legislation signal a change-of-heart for the, staunch anti-gay, governor?

While it does seem like the governor of Virginia is on our side for once, let’s get the facts. The Virginia Pilot reports, “McDonnell…disagrees with Congress’ vote to end the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy based upon his own military service. But he thinks the state’s National Guard should adhere to federal guidelines.”

Besides would he really want his state associated with such a garbage piece of legislation? Furthermore does anyone really think that the legislation had any chance against, now federal, and Constitutional law?

It would seem as though Delegate Marshall’s plan for a Senate seat does not include the possible endorsements by the governor of the Old Dominion state. Maybe he’s hoping to garner a Tea Party swing vote?

I applaud Morrissey’s initiative as he plans to announce his legislation during the 2011 General Assembly session; however, I’m still on the fence as to whether my voting swings in his direction.

    Born and raised in Petersburg, VA, Anthony works as a State Farm Account Representative in Enterprise Rent-A-Car's Insurance Operations Department. In his spare time he can often be found wandering aimlessly, with camera in tow, snapping away. He's also a member of, the Richmond-based, Fools Day Comedy Troupe. Read his personal blog here and follow him on Twitter.