Bob-O-Meter: Tracking the promises of Gov. Bob McDonnell

PolitiFact Virginia has compiled promises that Bob McDonnell made during the 2010 campaign and is tracking their progress on our Bob-O-Meter.

We rate their status as Not Yet Rated, In the Works or Stalled. Once we find action is completed, we rate them Promise Kept, Compromise or Promise Broken. (See our About the Bob-o-meter page for details on our ratings.)

The report card at right provides an up-to-the-minute tally of all the promises.

Browse the Bob-O-Meter:

Promises we’ve rated recently

Train more doctors to practice in rural areas

The Promise:


"We will offer assistance to the new VCOM in Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech Carilon School of Medicine in Roanoke, to train more doctors and nurses to practice in rural Virginia."


Update May 21st, 2012:

Lots of study, little action

>> More

Establish a health sciences high school

The Promise:


"In cooperation with our universities and community colleges, Bob McDonnell will establish at least one Virginia Health Sciences High School (academy or Governor's school) to specifically prepare students for further study in nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, medical equipment specialties and veterinary or medical school."


Update April 26th, 2012:

First step taken

>> More

Promote health savings accounts

The Promise:


"We will publish a list of all insurers who offer health savings accounts." 


Update April 20th, 2012:

List of HSA insurers put on hold

>> More

Issue transportation bonds

The Promise:


While the General Assembly authorized $3 billion in bonds in 2007, not a single dollar of that money has been issued as of today. McDonnell will assure these bonds are issued beginning in 2010...As the economy recovers, Bob McDonnell will further seek the issuance of new bonds for highly congested areas, with a goal of issuing at least another $1 billion for priority state projects.


Update April 2nd, 2012:

Sale of delayed road bonds began in 2010

>> More

Increase resources to fight Medicaid fraud

The Promise:


"We will increase resources for the Commonwealth's Medicaid Fraud Unit at the attorney general's office."


Update April 2nd, 2012:

Medicaid fraud unit has been expanded

>> More

Establish an inspector general

The Promise:


"Bob McDonnell will transform the state internal auditor into an inspector general with enhanced authority to proactively pursue citizen complaints concerning fraud, waste and abuse in state government."


Update December 7th, 2011:

New inspector general office to open in July

>> More

Consolidate guides for business creation and expansion

The Promise:


Virginia has four different types of publications to help create and expand a business...As governor, Bob McDonnell will combine all resources into one updated manual.


Update November 28th, 2011:

A work in progress, we're told

>> More

Increase classroom share of education spending

The Promise:


The McDonnell/Bolling administration will increase the state average for spending in the classroom by 4 percent over the course of their administration.


Update November 7th, 2011:

No action yet, but goal remains intact

>> More

Propose new methods for establishing charter schools

The Promise:


As governor, Bob McDonnell will propose alternative methods of establishing charter schools in Virginia, such as allowing the state Board of Education to approve applications.


Update November 4th, 2011:

Charter bill watered down by General Assembly

>> More

Seek law establishing "gang-free zones"

The Promise:


Bob McDonnell will propose the expansion of “gang-free school zones,” into “gang-free zones,” similar to the “drug-free zones,” currently in our state laws.

Update October 31st, 2011:

Anti-gang law signed in 2010

>> More

Put tolls on North Carolina border

The Promise:


As governor, Bob McDonnell will provide an additional dedicated revenue stream for essential transportation needs by tolling travellers coming into Virginia at the North Carolina border on I-95 and I-85.

Update October 10th, 2011:

Over promised on tolls

>> More

Consolidate asset forfeiture laws

The Promise:


Will propose amendments to asset forfeiture laws in 2011 General Assembly session.

Update October 3rd, 2011:

Proposals delayed, but on the way

>> More

Dedicate 75 percent of surpluses to transportation

The Promise:


As governor, Bob McDonnell will dedicate 75 percent of annual budget surplus revenue to transportation needs (after constitutionally mandated deposits).

Update September 30th, 2011:

Rough road with Senate causes detour

>> More

Propose legislation to privatize liquor stores

The Promise:


Bob McDonnell will propose legislation to privatize ABC operation and use revenue generated for transportation, with most of the money going to maintenance.

Update September 26th, 2011:

Plenty of proposals to get state out of liquor business

>> More

Eliminate budget gimmicks

The Promise:


"We will eliminate budget gimmicks."

Update September 23rd, 2011:

Pension maneuver key to McDonnell's budgeting

>> More

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