In 2013, Speaker Bill Howell pushed through the largest tax increase in Va history. Politifact rates mostly true, the claim that he was the force behind three major tax increases in the last decade. Speaker Howell’s record on fiscal policy is not encouraging. Another look at his record on social issues also reveals some interesting facts. [read_more]
Bill Howell Opposed Ban on Partial Birth Abortion
In 2002, Del. Bob Marshall proposed HB 1154, a bill banning partial birth abortion. On February 4, 2002, the bill came up for a vote in Courts and Justice Committee. The bill passed out of committee 15-7. Strong Republican Delegates Mcdonnell, Griffith, Kilgore, McQuigg, Black, Hurt, Athey, Bell, and McDougle among others voted for the bill. Even former Democrat Minority Leader Ward Armstrong voted for the bill. However, Speaker Bill Howell joined Del. Brian Moran, former DPVA chair and brother of Rep. Jim Moran opposing the bill.
How does a pro-life Republican oppose a partial birth abortion ban with near universal Republican support? It makes you wonder.
Bill Howell One of Top Recipient of Funds from Equality VA
Another interesting thing to keep in mind is Bill Howell’s donations from Equality VA. Bill Howell is the fourth highest recipient of funds from Equality Va. He was the recipient of regular donations from Equality VA with six donations, each in a separate year. The donations started right after the second house vote in favor of the state marriage amendment.
Understandably, very few donations were made from Equality VA to Republicans. Del. Howell joins such strong conservatives as Del. Rust and Sen. Jeannemarie Davis on the list of Republicans who received donations from Equality VA. Half of their donations to Republicans were to Bill Howell.
One has to wonder, what was it about Del. Howell that Equality VA felt they should give him money? Why did he accept him? Were concerns over Howell’s lack of willingness to defend the marriage amendment against Mark Herring related to these donations?
This is just some more information worth taking into account when considering who to support in the delegate race.
