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Democrats Criticize Cuccinelli for Not Resigning As AG

Posted: 4:34 PM Feb 9, 2013
Reporter: Jessica Cunnington

Democrats Criticize Cuccinelli

February 9, 2013

Democrats continue to criticize Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican nominee for governor, for not resigning from his job as attorney general. Nearly every past attorney general has done after deciding to run for governor.

"You simply cannot do the full-time job of attorney general and run full-time as a gubernatorial candidate," said Del. David Toscano (D-57th District). "There are too many conflicts involved. You have to raise money, and it's a tremendous job being attorney general. It takes a lot of time."

Most recently, Gov. Bob McDonnell resigned as attorney general in 2009 so he could make running for governor his full-time job.

In a letter sent to Cuccinelli on Thursday about stepping down, a lawyer and former Democratic adviser asked for emails, travel records and schedules to prove that Cuccinelli's campaigning isn't affecting his job as the state's top lawyer.

Michael Signer writes: "The reason for this tradition is simple: Virginian's elect their attorney's general to serve the public, not to run for governor."

"He needs to step down now, authorize someone else to take on the full-time job of attorney general and then he can campaign as much as he wants without hurting the best interest of Virginians," Toscano said.

Cuccinelli is reportedly defending his decision to stay in office, saying whether he stays or goes, Democrats will find ways to criticize him either way.

It's expected to be a tight race between Cucinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe, but Virginian's are waiting to see whether Lt. Governor Bill Bolling will step in as an independent.