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
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consolidate asset forfeiture laws
The Promise:
Will propose amendments to asset forfeiture laws in 2011 General Assembly session.
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).
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.
Eliminate budget gimmicks
The Promise:
"We will eliminate budget gimmicks."
Open shuttered highway rest stops
The Promise:
McDonnell will open shuttered rest stops on Virginia interstates "within 90 days of taking office as governor."
Raise speed limit to 70 mph
The Promise:
As governor, Bob McDonnell will work...to increase the maximum speed limit to 70 mph on rural stretches of highway statewide.
Ensure citizen input in redistricting
The Promise:
"Whether through legislation or a blue ribbon governor's panel, Bob McDonnell will ensure bipartisan citizen involvement in the state legislative and congressional district redistricting process in 2010-2011."
Conserve 400,000 acres
The Promise:
“As governor, I will do so by ensuring we conserve another 400,000 acres by the conclusion of my term in January 2014.”
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