On August 19, a special session of Virginia’s General Assembly will convene to address problems created by the Supreme Court’s ruling on Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts. This quick decision was in large part brought about by current State Senator and Candidate for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. After the Supreme Court’s ruling, which would make it extremely difficult if not impossible to prosecute drunk driving, Cuccinelli called on Governor Kaine to order a special session for legislators to quickly fix this current problem.

The Melendez-Diaz ruling has created a new stipulation in drunk driving cases, and would require the scientist who performed a breathalyzer test to be present in the courtroom for every single trial. Sen. Cuccinelli immediately noted that "with the volume of cases analyzed, requiring court appearances by the scientist in every case has the potential to cripple the criminal justice system." While the Supreme Court will reconvene in October to address the issue, Cuccinelli has urged Virginia to find a faster fix, before damage the ruling created has a chance to endanger citizens. As a wife and mother (my husband and son have both been hit by reckless drunk drivers, suffering every day from back/neck pain as a result), I care.

Cuccinelli’s actions after the Melendez-Diaz ruling is one of many instances where he is successfully improving the safety of Virginians. Ken worked to increase penalties for sex offenders. He is one of the most successful senators introducing effective legislation to address the ever-changing problems related to drug trafficking, gang violence and all crime associated with illegal immigration. His dedication to Virginia citizens is evident. You can be assured that as Attorney General, Ken Cucinelli will make sure our safety is upheld.