Steve Shannon’s campaign for attorney general released the first television ad of the 2009 attorney general’s race today. The ad, which is titled “Focused,” highlights Shannon’s experience as one of the founders of Virginia’s first Amber Alert program, a public safety initiative that uses media to help recover abducted children, as well as his record as a Virginia state prosecutor.
On a conference call with reporters today, Shannon said, “Throughout my career, my top priority has been making Virginia a safer place to live, especially for our kids. That is why I helped start the AMBER Alert, that is why I became a criminal prosecutor and that is why I am running for attorney general.
“To me, being attorney general is not about using the office to push your personal political agenda, it’s about keeping people safe. That is the focus of my campaign and that will be the focus of my tenure as attorney general.”
During the call, Shannon also addressed his opponent Ken Cuccinelli’s recent shift on Del. Phil Hamilton, who is under federal investigation for a conflict of interest scandal involving a state university. After weeks of refusing to call on Hamilton to resign, last week Cuccinelli called on House Speaker Bill Howell to strip Hamilton of his position on the House Appropriations Committee.
“I called on Hamilton to resign because I believe it is the role of the attorney general to stand up to public corruption in all cases,” said Shannon. “I am happy that my opponent has finally acknowledged that Hamilton should face consequences for his behavior, but for someone who prides himself on being a principled, straight talker, his indecision on this issue is deeply troubling. Virginians deserve an Attorney General who will be a leader on matters of public safety and integrity.”
The campaign’s first television ad began airing on stations across Virginia this morning.
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AFP
