Dab solver - Ken Cuccinelli

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On September 29, 2010 Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent a new civil subpoena to the University of Virginia renewing a demand for documents related to the work of Mann. Cuccinelli narrowed his request to documents related to a grant that funded research unrelated to climate change. The demand also sought emails between Mann and 39 other climate change scientists.^ref Cuccinelli  filed a notice of appeal of the case to the Virginia Supreme Court, which ruled that Cuccinelli did not have the authority to make these demands. The outcome was hailed as a victory for academic freedom.^ref^ref

=== Campaign contributions controversy ===

Cuccinelli received $55,500 in campaign contributions from , a director of the [[...|U.S. Navy Veterans Association]] (a veterans group under investigation). Thompson was Cuccinelli's second-largest campaign donor.^ref^ref After receiving the contribution, Cuccinelli met with [[Samuel F. Wright]], a [[USNVA]] representative on February 15, 2010, to discuss legislation which had passed the State Senate that would exempt the group from having to register with Virginia regulators.^ref

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{{Infobox officeholder
| birthname = Kenneth Thomas Cuccinelli II
| image = Ken Cuccinelli by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg
| caption = Cuccinelli in 2013.
| office = [[Attorney General of Virginia]]
| term_start = January 16, 2010
| term_end = 
| preceded = [[Bill Mims]]
| state_senate2 = Virginia
| district2 = 37th
| term_start2 = August 2002
| term_end2 = January 12, 2010
| preceded2 = [[Warren Barry]]
| succeeded2 = [[David W. Marsden]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|07|30|}}
| birth_place =[[Edison, New Jersey]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = [[Republican Party of Virginia|Republican Party]]
| spouse = Alice Monteiro 'Teiro' Cuccinelli
| children = 7 (five daughters and two sons)
| residence = [[Fairfax County, Virginia]]
| alma_mater = [[University of Virginia]]<br/>[[George Mason University]]<br/>[[George Mason University School of Law]]
| profession =  [[Lawyer|Litigation & Business Attorney]]
| committees = Courts of Justice Committee, Transportation Committee, Local Government Committee, Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee, and Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.
| religion = [[Roman Catholic]]
| website = {{URL|www.cuccinelli.com/}}
| nickname = "Cooch"<ref>{{cite news |title=Cuccinelli ready to rise |author= |newspaper=McClatchy - Tribune Business News |date=23 October 2009 |accessdate=17 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cuccinelli's AG Bid Solidifies Virginia Conservatives |author=McLaughlin, Seth |url=http://www.humanevents.com/2009/08/13/cuccinellis-ag-bid-solidifies-virginia-conservatives/ |newspaper=Human Events |date=13 August 2009 |accessdate=17 March 2013}}</ref>
}}

'''Kenneth Thomas "Ken" Cuccinelli II''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˈ|k|ɛ|n|_|'|k|u:|ʧ|i|'|n|ɛ|l|i:|}} {{respell|KUU|chi|NEL|lii}}) (born July 30, 1968) is the [[Attorney General of Virginia]] and a Republican candidate for [[Governor of Virginia]] in [[Virginia gubernatorial election, 2013|2013]]. From 2002 until January 16, 2010 he was a [[Republican Party of Virginia|Republican]] member of the [[Senate of Virginia]], representing the 37th district in [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]]. He was elected Attorney General in the November 2009 general election. He holds degrees in engineering, law and commercial policy, and co-founded a small law firm. On May 18, 2013, he won the Republican Party’s gubernatorial nomination by [[acclamation]] at the [[Republican Party of Virginia convention, 2013|state party convention]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Virginia AG Cuccinelli wins GOP gov nomination|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/may/18/ken-cuccinelli-wins-va-gop-gov-nomination/|publisher=Washington Times|accessdate=18 May 2013}}</ref>

==Early life, education, and early career==
Cuccinelli was born in [[Edison, New Jersey]], the son of Maribeth (née Reilly) and Kenneth Thomas Cuccinelli.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MT&s_site=macon&p_multi=MT&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1289AFD5C9F408E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM]</ref> His father is of Italian descent and his mother is of Irish ancestry.<ref>http://mommylife.net/archives/2011/01/ken_cuccinelli_1.html</ref> He graduated from [[Gonzaga College High School]] in 1986,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/Cuccinelli/AG_Bio.html|title=Attorney General Cuccinelli|accessdate=2010-04-03}}</ref> and received his [[Bachelor of Science|B.S.]] in [[Mechanical Engineering]] from the [[University of Virginia]], a [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] degree from [[George Mason University School of Law]], and an [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|M.A.]] in International Commerce and Policy from [[George Mason University]].<ref name="oag.state.va.us">{{cite web | title = Virginia Attorney General Biography | url = http://www.oag.state.va.us/Cuccinelli/AG_Bio.html}}</ref>

Cuccinelli served on state commissions including:<ref>{{cite web | title = Cuccinelli.com | url = http://www.cuccinelli.com/bio_experience.htm}}</ref>
* Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Project
* Public / Private Partnership Advisory Commission
* Commission on the Prevention of Human Trafficking
* Joint Subcommittee to Study Liability Protections for Health Care Providers
* Virginia Supreme Court Commission on Mental Health in the Justice System

He co-founded a small, general practice law firm in [[Fairfax City, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://74.125.45.132/search?q=cache:crBKfSrqvpIJ:www.cuccinelliday.com/+ken+cuccinelli+law+firm&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari|title=Cuccinelli & Day, PLC - Attorney Profiles|accessdate=2010-04-03}}</ref>

==Virginia Senate==

===Elections===
Cuccinelli ran for Virginia's 37th senate district in an August 2002 [[special election]]. He defeated Democrat Catherine Belter 55%-45%.<ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7271</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Barry quits Senate for Liquor Board post; Va. Legislator Cites Financial, Health-Care Needs | work = Washington Post | date = 2002-06-05 | page = B.1}}</ref> In 2003, he was re-elected to his first full term, defeating Democrat Jim E. Mitchell III 53%-47%.<ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=92000</ref> In 2007, he barely won re-election to his second full term, narrowly defeating Democrat Janet Oleszek by a 0.3-point margin, a difference of just 92 votes out of about 37,000 votes cast.<ref>{{cite web | title = November 6, 2007 General Election results | publisher = Virginia State Board of Elections | url = https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/election/DATA/2007/196E44FA-8B19-4240-9A44-737216DAA55D/Unofficial/7_p2_s.shtml | accessdate = 2009-03-17}}</ref><ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=375973</ref>

===Tenure===
During his time in the Senate Cuccinelli took positions opposing [[abortion]], [[gay marriage]], [[illegal immigration]], conservative positions on taxes, [[government spending]], [[eminent domain|property rights]], and the [[Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment]], while advocating law enforcement and increased care for the mentally disabled.<ref>{{cite web | title = Cuccinelli.com | url = http://www.cuccinelli.com/priorities.shtml |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071026151924/www.cuccinelli.com/priorities.shtml |archivedate=2007-10-26}}</ref>

===Committee assignments===
*Courts of Justice
*Local Government
*Rehabilitation and Social Services
*Transportation<ref name="senatebio">{{cite web | title = Senator Ken Cuccinelli, II; Republican - District 37 | work = Senate of Virginia | url = http://sov.state.va.us/SenatorDB.nsf/23b0c13df27a5ef585256fc7004febb2/4235f3526844517085256bfa00712239?OpenDocument= | accessdate = 2008-11-25}}</ref>

==Attorney General of Virginia==
The Attorney General's office reviews each bill passed by the General Assembly for Constitutionality and consistency with other existing laws.<ref name=coffee>{{cite news|url=http://www.roanokefreepress.com/?p=8195|title=Cuccinelli keeps his promise to challenge an overreaching government – videos|work=Roanoke Free Press|date=2010-04-06|accessdate=2010-05-09}}</ref> Two weeks after taking office, Cuccinelli drew cricitism for continuing to represent a private client in a court proceeding, although this was not illegal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/31/AR2010013101280.html|work=Washington Post|date=Feb. 1, 2010|accessdate=2010-03-04|title=Lawyers question Va. attorney general's role in private case|first=Tom |last=Jackman}}</ref>

On August 23, 2010, Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion concluding that the Virginia Board of Health had the power to require abortion clinics to meet hospital standards, even though the General Assembly had rejected legislation to achieve the same result.  Under the law at the time abortion clinics could perform first trimester abortions, while second and third trimester abortions were performed in hospitals.  From 2002 to 2008, bills were introduced that sought to treat abortion clinics as "ambulatory surgery centers" and require them to meet hospital-type regulations, but the bills did not pass.<ref>{{cite news|title=Va. allowed to toughen abortion clinic rules|date=August 23, 2010|work=Washington Post|first=Anita|last=Kumar|page=A1}}</ref>

===2009 election===
[[File:Ken Cuccinelli & David Keene by Gage Skidmore.jpg|right|thumb|Cuccinelli receiving the "Defender of the Constitution" Award at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in February 2012, for his work as Attorney General of Virginia.]]

In 2009 Cuccinelli was selected as the Republican nominee for Attorney General,<ref name="primary">{{Cite news | last = Abruzzese | first = Sarah | title = Cuccinelli nominated by Virginia GOP for Attorney General | newspaper = Washington Times | date = 2006-05-20 | url = http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/30/cuccinelli-nominated-virgina-gop-attorney-general/| accessdate = 2009-08-23}}</ref> going on to win 58% of the vote (1,123,816 votes). Republican Bob McDonnell became Governor, and Bill Bolling was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor.

===Healthcare===
{{Main|National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius}}
In 2010 Cuccinelli filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Health Care bill passed on March 21, claiming that it exceeded the Federal government's power under the [[interstate commerce clause]] of the Constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/PRESS_RELEASES/Cuccinelli/32210_Health_Care_Bill.html|title=Virginia Attorney General to file suit against Federal Government over passage of Health Care bill|accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref> After a series of court decisions and appeals, on September 8, 2011 the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit]], in a decision issued by Judge [[Diana Gribbon Motz]], overturned Judge Hudson's decision on the basis that Virginia lacked [[subject-matter jurisdiction]]—Virginia could not pass a law to supersede or nullify a federal law.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liberty.edu/media/9980/attachments/opinion_healthcare_4th_va_v_sebelius_090811.pdf | title=Fourth Circuit of Appeals Decision | accessdate=2011-09-08 | author=Diana Gribbon Motz | date=2011-09-08}}</ref> The Supreme Court had previously refused Cuccinelli's request to appeal directly.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704376104576122593647702576.html | title=Health Foes Try Divergent Tactics | accessdate=2011-02-06 | author=Kendall, Brent | date=2011-02-04 | work=[[Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref>

===Immigration===
On July 14, 2010, Cuccinelli joined eight other states in filing an ''amicus'' brief opposing the federal government's lawsuit challenging an Arizona immigration enforcement statute.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://augustafreepress.com/2010/07/15/cuccinelli-joins-group-backing-arizona-immigration-law/|title=Cuccinelli joins group backing Arizona immigration law|date=July 15, 2010|work=Augusta Free Press|accessdate=2010-07-23}}</ref>

On August 2, 2010, Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion authorizing law enforcement officials to investigate the immigration status of anyone that they have stopped; previously this was done only for those arrested. Cuccinelli noted that the authority to investigate the immigration status of a stopped person should not "extend the duration of a stop by any significant degree."  Critics note that the opinion circumvents changing the policy by legislation and that bills to make this change have died in the General Assembly.<ref>{{cite news|work=Washington Post|page=A1|title=VA. permits wider police immigration status check|author=Anita Kumar and Rosalind Helderman|date=August 3, 2010}}</ref> In November 2010, Cuccinelli rendered a legal opinion requested by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William) regarding a legislative proposal from Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart to expand an anti-immigration county ordinance into a state-wide law. Cuccinelli expressed the opinion that some provisions would be redundant, given existing laws, and others would be unconstitutional.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/virginia/2010/11/stewart-cuccinelli-exchange-fire-over-immigration-policy|title=Stewart, Cuccinelli exchange fire over immigration policy|date=November 29, 2010|accessdate=2010-11-30|first=David |last=Sherfinski|work=Washington Examiner}}</ref>

===Gay rights nondiscrimination policy===
On March 4, 2010, at the request of several state universities, Cuccinelli issued an official opinion to "Presidents, Rectors, and Visitors of Virginia’s Public Colleges and Universities" that stated, "It is my advice that the law and public policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia prohibit a college or university from including ‘sexual orientation,’ ‘gender identity,’ ‘gender expression,’ or like classification, as a protected class within its nondiscrimination policy, absent specific authorization from the General Assembly.”<ref name=030410letter>{{cite news|title=Letter from Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II, Attorney General to Presidents, Rectors, and Visitors of Virginia's Public Colleges and Universities|publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General|date=March 4, 2010|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/Cuccinelli.pdf|accessdate=November 29, 2012}}</ref>

Virginia Democratic State Senator [[John S. Edwards (Virginia)|John Edwards]] said that Cuccinelli was "turning back the clock on civil rights in Virginia."<ref>{{cite news|last=Graham|first=Chris|title=Civil-rights groups respond to AG letter on nondiscrimination policy|publisher=Augusta Free Press|date=March 6, 2010|url=http://www.augustafreepress.com/2010/03/06/civil-rights-groups-respond-to-ag-letter-on-nondiscrimination-policy/|accessdate=November 29, 2012}}</ref> The [[American Association of University Professors]] and the University of Virginia also criticized the opinion.<ref name=vise9march>{{cite news| last=de Vise|first=Daniel| coauthors =Rosalind S. Helderman| title =Students irate at Cuccinelli over gay-rights policies| newspaper=Washington Post|date=March 9, 2010|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/08/AR2010030804999.html|accessdate=December 4, 2012}}</ref> Cuccinelli defended the legal opinion: "Our role isn't in the political arena on this subject. Our role is to give legal advice, to state what the law is."<ref>{{cite news|title=NBC12 Decision Virginia- Cuccinelli responds to McDonnell Directive|publisher=NBC12 News|date=March 12, 2010|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2STUhOO1pXY|accessdate=November 29, 2012}}</ref>

[[Bob McDonnell|Governor Bob McDonnell]] supported the legal reasoning in the opinion.<ref name="Washington Post">{{cite news|title=Va. Gov. McDonnell prohibits bias against gay state workers|publisher=Washington Post|date=March 11, 2010|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/10/AR2010031003900.html|accessdate=December 4, 2012}}</ref> However, he issued Executive Directive One to all state agency heads stating that he would not allow them to discriminate based on sexual orientation.<ref name="Washington Post"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/documents/ExecutiveDirectiveOne.pdf |title=Executive Directive 1 (2010) |work=Virginia Department of Human Resource Management |accessdate=August 21, 2011}}</ref>

===Environmental policies===
On February 16, 2010, Cuccinelli filed a request with the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] to reopen its proceeding regarding EPA's finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health. He also sought judicial review of EPA's finding in Federal court. His press statement explained, "We cannot allow unelected bureaucrats with political agendas to use falsified data to regulate American industry and drive our economy into the ground".<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/PRESS_RELEASES/Cuccinelli/21710_Attorney_General%20Petitions%20EPA.html|title=Cuccinelli Petitions EPA and Files for Judicial Review|date=2010-02-17|accessdate=2010-02-24}}</ref>  On March 19, Cuccinelli announced that the total number of states supporting Virginia’s position is now at least 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/PRESS_RELEASES/Cuccinelli/031910_EPA_Appeal.html|title=Press release|accessdate=2010-04-02}}</ref>

On April 1, 2010, Cuccinelli announced he would challenge the March 2010 standards for fuel efficiency for cars and trucks finalized by the Obama administration and Environmental Protection Agency under the [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/virginia/cuccinelli-challenges-feds-on.html|work=Washington Post|date=April 1, 2001|accessdate=2010-01-04|title=Cuccinelli challenges fuel standards}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/virginia/cuccinelli-challenges-feds-on.html|title=Cuccinelli challenges fuel standards|work=Washington Post|accessdate=2010-04-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/washington/19cnd-energy.html|work=New York Times|date=Dec. 19, 2007|accessdate=2010-01-04|title=Bush signs Broad Energy bill | first=John M. | last=Broder}}</ref>

====Litigation with University of Virginia====

{{main|Attorney General of Virginia's climate science investigation}}

In April 2010, Cuccinelli served a civil investigative demand on the [[University of Virginia]] seeking a broad range of documents related to [[Michael E. Mann]], a climate researcher now at [[Penn State]] who was an assistant professor at UVA from 1999 to 2005.<ref>[http://www.meteo.psu.edu/~mann/Mann/cv/cv.html Retrieved 2010-05-04.]{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><ref name=wp592010/> Cuccinelli is investigating Mann's putative violation of the 2002 Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, although no evidence of wrongdoing was given to explain the invocation of the law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v465/n7295/full/465135b.html|title=Science subpoenaed|accessdate=2010-05-12}}</ref> While [[climate change skeptics]] have challenged Mann's work, the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|U.S. National Academy of Sciences]] and a Penn State investigation cleared Mann of charges that he falsified or suppressed data<ref name="PSU Findings">{{cite web|url=http://www.research.psu.edu/orp/Findings_Mann_Inquiry.pdf|title=RA-10 Inquiry Report: Concerning the Allegations of Research Misconduct Against Dr. Michael E. Mann, Department of Meteorology,  College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University   |last=Foley|first=Henry C.|coauthors=Alan W. Scaroni and Candice A. Yekel|date=3 February 2010|publisher=[[The Pennsylvania State University]]|accessdate=7 February 2010}}</ref> The ''Washington Post'' quotes Rachel Levinson, senior counsel with the [[American Association of University Professors]] (AAUP) as saying Cuccinelli's request had "echoes of [[McCarthyism]]."<ref>{{cite news|title=Cuccinelli demands files from U-Va.: sought under fraud law|date=May 4, 2010|work=Washington Post|page=B1|first=Rosalind|last=Helderman}}</ref> [[A. Barton Hinkle]] of the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' criticized Cuccinelli for "employing a very expansive reading of Virginia’s Fraud Against Taxpayers Act."<ref name=Reason>Hinkle, A. Barton (2011-03-18) [http://reason.com/archives/2011/03/18/an-overreaching-attorney-gener An Overreaching Attorney General], ''[[Reason magazine|Reason]]''</ref>

Among the groups urging the University of Virginia to resist producing the data are: a letter published in ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'' signed by 255 members of the [[United States National Academy of Sciences]], the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] and the AAUP.<ref name=wp592010>{{cite news|title=U-Va. urged to fight Cuccinelli subpoena in probe of scientist|first=Rosalind|last=Helderman|date=May 9, 2010|work=Washington Post|page=C5}}</ref>  Also in May 2010, the University of Virginia Faculty Senate Executive Council wrote a letter strongly rebuking Cuccinelli for his civil investigative demand of the Mann records, stating that "[Cuccinelli's] action and the potential threat of legal prosecution of scientific endeavor that has satisfied peer-review standards send a chilling message to scientists engaged in basic research involving Earth’s climate and indeed to scholars in any discipline."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/UVa |title=Faculty Senate.pdf |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref>
In 2011 in response to the escalating attacks from the Virginia AG's office, the [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] published a defense of scientific integrity and "Timeline: Legal Harassment of Climate Scientist Michael Mann".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/abuses_of_science/va-ag-timeline.html |title=Timeline: Legal Harassment of Climate Scientist Michael Mann &#124; Union of Concerned Scientists |publisher=Ucsusa.org |date=2002-04-17 |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref>

On May 27, 2010, the University of Virginia began legal proceedings challenging Cuccinelli's investigative demand. The school's petition states that Virginia's "Fraud Against Taxpayers Act"  (FATA) cited by Cuccinelli is not applicable in this case, as four of the five grants were federal, and that the fifth was an internal University of Virginia grant originally awarded in 2001. The filing also states that FATA was enacted in 2003 and is not retroactive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=12022 |title=University of Virginia seeks to protect Academic Freedom, petitions to set aside Civil Investigation Demands |publisher=Virginia.edu |date= |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/pdf/052710_petition.pdf |title=University of Virginia legal petition. |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref>

On August 20, 2010, Albermarle Circuit Court Judge [[Paul Peatross]] heard argument on when Cuccinelli should get the requested data, including emails between Mann and his research assistants, secretaries and 39 other scientists across the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Judge to rule on Cuccinelli probe of climate study|work=Washington Post|date=August 21, 2010|page=B1|first=Anita|last=Kumar}}</ref> On August 30, 2010, the judge ruled that while the Virginia Attorney General could investigate state grants awarded to scientists, Cuccinelli and his staff failed to demonstrate that such an investigation was warranted in this case. "The nature of the conduct is not stated so that any reasonable person could glean what Dr. Mann did to violate the statute," the judge wrote,<ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010-08-30%20Opinion%20Granting%20UVA%20Petition.pdf Ruling]. Retrieved 2010-08-31.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Judge rejects Cuccinelli's probe of U-Va.|first=Rosalind|last=Helderman|date=August 31, 2010|work=Washington Post|page=B1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/258716|work=Roanoke Times|title=Judge denies Cuccinelli's demand for climate scientist's records; AG not backing down|date=August 30, 2010|first=Michael |last=Sluss|accessdate=2010-08-31}}</ref>

On September 29, 2010 Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent a new civil subpoena to the University of Virginia renewing a demand for documents related to the work of Mann. Cuccinelli narrowed his request to documents related to a grant that funded research unrelated to climate change. The demand also sought emails between Mann and 39 other climate change scientists.<ref name=wp105>{{cite news|title=Climate research legal fight heats up: Cuccinelli wants papers from U-VA|first=Rosalind|last=Helderman|date=October 5, 2010|work=Washington Post|page=B1}}</ref> Cuccinelli  filed a notice of appeal of the case to the Virginia Supreme Court, which ruled that Cuccinelli did not have the authority to make these demands. The outcome was hailed as a victory for academic freedom.<ref name="Wapo 020312">{{Cite news  | last = Kumar | first = Anita | title = Va. Supreme Court tosses Cuccinelli&rsquo;s case against former U-Va. climate change researcher - Virginia Politics | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/va-supreme-court-tosses-cuccinellis-case-against-u-va/2012/03/02/gIQAeOqjmR_blog.html | publisher =  The Washington Post | date =  2 March 2012 | accessdate = 2 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Graun 020312">{{Cite news  | last = Goldenberg | first = Suzanne | title = Virginia court rejects sceptic's bid for climate science emails : Environment | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/mar/02/virginia-court-sceptic-access-climate-emails | publisher = The Guardian | date =  2 March 2012 | accessdate = 2 March 2012 }}</ref>

===Campaign contributions controversy===
Cuccinelli received $55,500 in campaign contributions from <<link:0>>, a director of the [[United States Navy Veterans Association|U.S. Navy Veterans Association]] (a veterans group under investigation). Thompson was Cuccinelli's second-largest campaign donor.<ref name="spt2">{{cite news | title = Charity leader's sideline: politics | author = Testerman | author2 = Martin | url = http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/article1081228.ece | newspaper = St. Petersburg Times | date = 22 March 2010 | accessdate = 23 May 2010}}</ref><ref name="rt1">{{Cite news | author = Casey | author2 = Sluss | title = Fla. contributor to Va. campaigns raises questions | newspaper = The Roanoke Times | date = 16 May 2010 | url = http://www.roanoke.com/247014 | accessdate = 23 May 2010}}</ref> After receiving the contribution, Cuccinelli met with [[Samuel F. Wright]], a [[USNVA]] representative on February 15, 2010, to discuss legislation which had passed the State Senate that would exempt the group from having to register with Virginia regulators.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/248258|title=Staffer: Cuccinelli made no pledge to Navy Vets|work=Roanoke Times|first=Michael|last=Sluss|date=May 27, 2010|accessdate=2010-09-12}}</ref>

After an investigative report in the ''[[St. Petersberg Times]]'' in March 2010 raised questions about the Navy Veterans Association and Thompson, all other Virginia politicians, including Gov. [[Bob McDonnell]], donated contributions from Thompson to other veterans' organizations.  Cuccinelli refused to do so, despite calls from Virginia [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]].  Cuccinelli's spokesman said "if Mr. Thompson was [[conviction|convicted]] of wrongdoing relative to the misappropriation of funds, and contributions to our campaign came from money that was supposed to go to active duty military or veterans, we would donate those contributions to military support organizations here in Virginia."<ref name="rt1"/>  Sen. [[Don McEachin]] asserted that the standard for donations should be "much higher than that."<ref>{{cite news | last = Helderman | first = Rosalind | date = 20 May 2010 | title = Democrats repeat call for Cuccinelli to donate contribution | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/05/democrats_repeat_call_for_cucc.html | accessdate = 24 May 2010 | work=The Washington Post}}</ref>  A month later in June, a Cuccinelli spokesman said $55,500 would be set aside in a restricted account pending the outcome of the investigation into Thompson and USNVA.<ref>{{cite news | last = Helderman | first = Rosalind | date = 19 May 2010   | title = Cuccinelli will open special account to hold funds from troubled charity director | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/06/cuccinelli_will_open_account_t.html | accessdate = 23 June 2010 | work=The Washington Post}}</ref>  On July 28, 2010, Cuccinelli announced that he will donate the $55,000 to veterans charities in Virginia. Cuccinelli stated that his decision was prompted by statements from Thompson's lawyers indicating that Thompson can no longer be located.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cuccinelli will give up questionable donations|date=July 29, 2010|work=Washington Post|first=Rosalind|last=Helderman|page=B5}}</ref>

===Virginia seal===
Cuccinelli caused a controversy in May 2010 when he used a historical [[Seal of Virginia|state seal]] which shows [[Virtus (deity)|Virtus]], the [[Roman mythology|Roman goddess]] of bravery and military strength, carrying a [[breastplate]] to cover her left [[breast]] on lapel pins he provided as gifts to his office staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/245345|title=Cuccinelli staff's state seal lapel pins cover up traditional Virtus|date=May 1, 2010|accessdate=2010-05-04|work=Roanoke Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1991039,00.html#ixzz0pCET0IhO|work=Time Magazine|title=Bob McDonnell in Va.: From Conservative to Pragmatist|first=Alex|last=Altman|date=May 22, 2010|accessdate=2010-05-29}}</ref> The current official seal shows [[Virtus (deity)|Virtus]] holding a spear and her left breast is exposed. The original state seal was designed by [[George Wythe]], a signer of the [[Declaration of Independence]], and adopted in 1776.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker |first=Julian |url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/04/cuccinelli-opts-more-modest-state-seal |title=Cuccinelli opts for more modest state seal - The Virginian-Pilot, May 1, 2010 |publisher=Hamptonroads.com |date=2010-05-01 |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref> Cuccinelli's [[spokesman]], Brian Gottstein, said [[lapel pin]]s with the breast covered were paid for by Cuccinelli’s [[political action committee]], not with [[Government spending|taxpayer funds]]. Two days later On May 3, following media coverage, Cuccinelli announced that he was dropping his "family friendly" version of the seal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-breaking-news/cuccinelli-unveils-modest-vers.html|work=Washington Post|date=May 1, 2010|accessdate=2010-05-01|title=More modest version of Va. seal unveiled}}</ref>

===Combating usury===
Since 2007, the Virginia Attorney General's Office has negotiated settlements with eight auto-title lenders to provide refunds or interest rate reductions of almost $8 million.<ref name=cartitle>{{cite news|title=States to Protect Borrowers Who Turn to Cars for Cash|date=July 19, 2010|page=A3|work=Wall Street Journal|first=Sudeep|last=Reddy}}</ref><ref name=carhamp/> The office filed a lawsuit on May 18, 2010 against CNC Financial Services, Inc., doing business as Cash-N-A-Flash, a Hampton-based auto "title lender," for charging interest rates of 300 percent or more on its loans.  This rate is alleged to exceed the 12 percent limit in the Virginia’s Consumer Finance Act.  However, effective October 1, 2010, Virginia's interest rate limit increased to 264 percent.<ref name=cartitle/><ref name=carhamp>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/05/cuccinelli-sues-hampton-auto-title-lender|title=Cuccinelli sues Hampton auto title lender|date=May 19, 2010|accessdate=2010-07-10|work=Virginian-Pilot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/PRESS_RELEASES/Cuccinelli/51810_Cash_N_A_Flash.html|title=Attorney General Cuccinelli sues Cash-N-A-Flash of Hampton for excessive interest charges|date=May 18, 2010|accessdate=2010-07-10}}</ref>

The Attorney General's Office filed two separate lawsuits against two Virginia Beach-based [[mortgage modification]] companies for charging customers up to $1,200 in illegal advance fees in exchange for allegedly helping to prevent [[foreclosure]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/va-ag-sues-vb-based-mortgage-companies |title=Va AG sues VB-based mortgage companies &#124; WAVY.com &#124; Virginia Beach, Va |publisher=WAVY.com |date=2010-07-20 |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref>

===Advocacy for veterans===
Cuccinelli announced plans to introduce a new level of veterans advocacy to the Attorney General’s office, including training state agencies how to use the law to better advocate for their clients when it comes to obtaining federal veterans benefits.  Cuccinelli said that one of the most important things he could do for veterans was to help speed up the process for them to obtain the services they are eligible for from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Other priority issues include ensuring that veterans have opportunities to become and stay employed in Virginia and working with the Virginia judiciary to determine how best to educate judges on how [[Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]] and [[Traumatic Brain Injury]] issues affect veterans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oag.state.va.us/PRESS_RELEASES/Cuccinelli/62510_Veterans.html|title=Attorney General Cuccinelli announces stronger advocacy for veterans during military tele-town hall |date=June 25, 2010|accessdate=2010-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/06/cuccinelli-pushes-stronger-veteran-advocacy?cid=ltst|title=Cuccinelli pushes for stronger veteran advocacy|date=June 27, 2010|accessdate=2010-07-10|work=Virginian-Pilot}}</ref>

===Antitrust enforcement===
A $173 million settlement was reached with six international manufacturers of computer chips.  The settlement resolved claims that the companies engaged in a price-fixing arrangement that cost government purchasers and consumers millions of dollars in overcharges for their chips. Cuccinelli and 32 other state attorneys general participated in the investigation and the settlement of a court case that was first filed in Court in 2006, before Cuccinelli took office.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/cdp-news-state/2010/jun/24/cuccinelli_announces_173_million_settlement_in_com-ar-319219/
|title=Cuccinelli announces $173 million settlement in computer chip case|date=June 24, 2010|accessdate=May 21, 2012 |publisher=Richmond Times-Dispatch |work=www2.dailyprogress.com}}</ref>

===Extradition of Jens Soering to Germany===
Jens Soering, 43, the son of a German diplomat and former Jefferson scholar at the University of Virginia, was convicted in 1990 and sentenced to two life terms for the 1985 first-degree stabbing murders of his then-girlfriend's parents, Derek and Nancy Haysom, in their Bedford County home, and held at the [[Buckingham Correctional Center]] in [[Dillwyn, Virginia]].  Former Gov. [[Timothy Kaine]], on the last day of his administration in January, 2010, approved a request from the German government and asked the Justice Department to transfer Soering back to Germany to complete his sentence. Newly-elected Gov. [[Bob McDonnell]], along with Cuccinelli, adamantly opposed the transfer.  McDonnell formally notified the Justice Department just three days after taking office that it was imperative that Soering serve his time in Virginia and not in Germany, where a US news report said that he could have applied for parole after two years, although parole is only applicable after a minimum 15 years according to the German penal code.<ref>[http://www.banksr.co.uk/images/Foreign%20Sentencing/Germany/German_Overview_and_types_of_penalty.doc Sentencing Guidelines and Practices in Germany, Dr Bernd Bösert, Head of Division, Division for the Criminal Code (General Part), German Federal Ministry of Justice, Berlin] "Life imprisonment: after a period of 15 years of imprisonment the court may order the offender’s release on parole. In addition to the requirement of a positive prognosis of the conduct of the convicted person (no reoffending) the particular seriousness of the convicted person’s guilt must not require its continued enforcement (Section 57a of the Criminal Code). In practice a life sentence is executed on an average of nearly 19 years. The probationary period is at least two years." See [[Life imprisonment in Germany]]</ref>  On July 7, 2010, U.S. Attorney General [[Eric Holder]] announced that he would not consider transferring Soering to a prison in his home country without the state's "clear and unambiguous" consent.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-us-attorney-general-rules-jens-soering-will-have-to-serve-rest-of-his-sentence-in-virginia-20120712,0,3623468.story|title=U.S. Attorney General rules Jens Soering will have to serve rest of his sentence in Virginia|date=July 12, 2010|accessdate=December 5, 2012|work=WDBJ7 News}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=230|title=Jens Soering to Remain in Custody of Commonwealth|date=July 7, 2010|accessdate=December 5, 2012|publisher=Virginia Governor's Office}}</ref>

===Education Policy===
On November 24, 2010, Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion that police, school administrators, and teachers could search students' cell phones on the basis of reasonable suspicions in order to deter [[cyberbullying]] and "[[sexting]]".  The [[ACLU]] and the [[Rutherford Institute]] said that Cuccinelli's opinion was in error, lacking a legal foundation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virginia Attorney General says teachers can take students' cell phones, read texts|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/11/25/virginia-attorney-general-says-teachers-cellphones-read-texts/#ixzz16QaC6MaE|accessdate=26 November 2010|newspaper=Fox News|date=25 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mcneil|first=Brian|title=Cuccinelli opinion: Teachers can seize, search students' cell phones|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/nov/24/cuccinelli-opinion-teachers-can-seize-search-stude-ar-675614/|accessdate=26 November 2010|newspaper=The Daily Progress|date=24 November 2010}}</ref>

On January 28, 2011, Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion saying that school systems could not charge students the $75 testing fee when students take Advance Placement (AP) tests.  Typically, AP courses are offered to academically advanced high school students to teach college-level materials.  At the end of the course, students take a nationally-administered AP test, and can receive college credit if the test score meets a specified level.  Cuccinelli said that public schools were required to provide a free education, so schools could not charge students taking the AP class the exam fee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cuccinelli:Fee on AP students illegal|work=Washington Post|date=January 29, 2011|page=B2|first=Rpsa;omd|last=Helderman}}</ref>

===Donor Intent===
In February 2012, Cuccinelli filed a brief in the case of seven Anglican parishes that had left the [[Episcopal Diocese of Virginia]] as part of the [[Anglican realignment]], including [[The Falls Church (Anglican)|The Falls Church]] and [[Truro Church (Fairfax, Virginia)|Truro Church]].<ref name=CPost>{{cite news|last=Gryboski|first=Michael|title=Va. Attorney General Intervenes for Breakaway Anglicans in Property Battle|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/va-attorney-general-intervenes-for-breakaway-anglicans-in-property-battle-70248/|accessdate=6 June 2012|newspaper=Christian Post|date=February 24, 2012}}</ref> Cuccinelli took the side of the departing Anglican churches, arguing that they should be entitled to keep [[personal property]] amounting to several million dollars that was donated to the parishes between 2003 and 2007 and marked by the donors as for the use of parishes only, not for the diocese. Cuccinelli made this argument on "[[donor intent]]" grounds.<ref name=Sparks>{{cite web|last=Sparks|first=Evan|title=Cuccinelli: "Donor intent is paramount"|url=http://www.philanthropydaily.com/?p=8603|publisher=Philanthropy Daily|accessdate=6 June 2012}}</ref>  "That donor intent is paramount," Cuccinelli argued, "and governs the disposition of property, both real and personal, by one entrusted with its management, is a principle beyond dispute and interwoven throughout the law governing charitable trusts." The Fairfax County Circuit Court should not rule, Cuccinelli concluded, “in violation of the clearly expressed intent of the donors."<ref name=Philanthropy>{{cite news|title=Briefly Noted: "Donor Intent Is Paramount"|url=http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/topic/in_the_news/briefly_noted_spring_2012|accessdate=6 June 2012|newspaper=Philanthropy|date=Spring 2012}}</ref>

The court sided with the diocese, ruling that the properties must be handed over.<ref name=FCNP>{{cite news|last=Benton|first=Nicholas|title=Anglicans Hand Keys of Historic Falls Church to Episcopalians Read more at FCNP.com: http://www.fcnp.com/news/11885-anglicans-hand-keys-of-historic-falls-church-to-episcopalians-.html#ixzz1x1GuKskO|url=http://www.fcnp.com/news/11885-anglicans-hand-keys-of-historic-falls-church-to-episcopalians-.html|accessdate=6 June 2012|newspaper=Falls Church News-Press|date=May 23, 2012}}</ref>

===Star Scientific tax dispute lawsuit===
In March 2013, Cuccinelli's role in a tax dispute case came into question when state Democratic leaders called for his recusal from a lawsuit between the state of Virginia and Star Scientific, a [[Dietary supplement|nutritional supplements]] company.<ref name='Lewis01'>{{cite news | first = Bob | last = Lewis | title = Tax lawsuit raises questions about possible Cuccinelli conflict; spokesman dismisses criticism | date = March 22, 2013 | url = http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-22/local/37915448_1_tax-lawsuit-cuccinelli-tax-cases | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = April 2, 2013}}</ref><ref name='Helderman01'>{{cite news | first = Rosalind | last = S. Helderman | coauthors = Laura Vozzella | title = Va. Gov. McDonnell on two-way street with chief executive of struggling company | date = March 30, 2013 | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/va-gov-mcdonnell-in-close-relationship-with-owner-of-struggling-company/2013/03/30/43f34fb8-97ea-11e2-814b-063623d80a60_print.html | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = April 3, 2013}}</ref> The tax dispute gathered media attention after it was reported that Cuccinelli had invested up to $50,000 in Star Scientific two months after it filed suit against the Commonwealth in July 2011 and had failed to disclose this for over a year.<ref name='Helderman02'>{{cite news | first = Rosalind | last = S. Helderman | coauthors = Laura Vozzella | title = Va. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s disclosure of stock holdings was delayed | date = March 30, 2013 | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/2013/03/30/c0d58ef6-97ef-11e2-814b-063623d80a60_story.html | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = April 2, 2013}}</ref> The same year, Cuccinelli disclosed $13,000 in gifts from Star Scientific's chief executive, Jonnie R. Williams.<ref name='Helderman02' />

The case remains ongoing in [[Mecklenburg County, Virginia|Mecklenberg]] Circuit Court<ref name='Lewis01'/> and in April 2013, Cuccinelli recused himself, hiring private attorneys to defend the state.<ref name='CucHires'>{{cite news | title = Cuccinelli hires private attorneys to defend state in Star Scientific tax lawsuit over taxes | date = 4 April 2013 | url = http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-04-04/local/38281113_1_attorney-general-ken-cuccinelli-star-scientific-inc-brian-gottstein | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = 12 April 2013}}</ref> Cuccinelli subsequently announced that he received the equivalent of $4,500 in additional gifts from Jonnie R. Williams that he had not previously disclosed, including free use of Williams' [[Smith Mountain Lake]] vacation lodge in 2010 and 2012.<ref name='Szkotak01'> {{cite news | first = Steve | last = Szkotak | title = Once celebrated chef at Va. governor’s mansion now central figure in growing political drama | date = May 11, 2013 | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/once-celebrated-chef-at-va-governors-mansion-now-central-figure-in-growing-political-drama/2013/05/11/dcfc52fc-ba47-11e2-b568-6917f6ac6d9d_story_1.html | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = May 11, 2013}}</ref> In response, Cuccinelli requested the Commonwealth’s attorney to review his disclosure filings.<ref name='Vozzella01'> {{cite news | first = Laura | last = Vozzella | title = Cuccinelli amends disclosure forms | date = April 26, 2013 | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/cuccinelli-amends-disclosure-forms/2013/04/26/febe0016-ae99-11e2-98ef-d1072ed3cc27_story.html | work = [[The Washington Post]] | accessdate = April 27, 2013}}</ref>

==2013 run for governor==
:{{main|Virginia gubernatorial election, 2013}}
After his election as Attorney General, it was speculated that Cuccinelli was a potential candidate for governor in the [[Virginia gubernatorial election, 2013|2013 election]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/health-care/the-future-of-ken-cuccinelli.html |title=The future of Ken Cuccinelli |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date=2010-12-13 |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref> or for the [[United States Senate]] in [[United States Senate elections, 2014#Mark Warner of Virginia|2014]]. Cuccinelli himself stated that he was considering running for the Senate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kumar |first=Anita |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/cuccinelli-says-he-may-challenge-warner-for-us-senate-in-2014/2011/08/14/gIQAv0J1IJ_blog.html |title=Cuccinelli says he may challenge Warner for U.S. Senate in 2014 |publisher=Washingtonpost.com |date=2011-08-16 |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref> Two days later, one of his aides said, "We haven't ruled out anything. He's not actively considering a run for any particular office at the moment. Ken is operating under the assumption that he will run for reelection [in 2013]. He hasn't ruled out any option besides running for president, which he has no desire to do."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/virginia/2011/08/cuccinelli-denies-plans-senate-run |title=Cuccinelli denies plans for Senate run |publisher=Washingtonexaminer.com |date= |accessdate=2011-11-21}}</ref>

On November 30, 2011, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' reported that Cuccinelli would announce within days that he was running for governor in 2013; the next day, Cuccinelli confirmed that he would run.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/ken-cuccinelli-announces-he-will-run-for-va-governor-in-2013/2011/12/01/gIQAH2kjHO_blog.html Ken Cuccinelli announces he will run for Va. governor in 2013]</ref> Cuccinelli said he would continue serving as Attorney General during his run. He is the first Attorney General since 1985 to remain in office while seeking the Governorship, a "custom" that the last six Attorneys General to run for Governor have adhered to.<ref name='CucHires'/>

==Political views==

===Abortion===
Cuccinelli supports the [[right to life]] from conception to natural death, and is endorsed by the [[Republican National Coalition for Life]].<ref name="cuccinelli.com">http://www.cuccinelli.com/issues/life</ref> In November 2008 he was named the Family Foundation of Virginia "Legislator of the Year."<ref name="familyfoundation">{{cite web | title = Cuccinelli named Family Foundation Legislator of the Year | url = http://cuccinelli4ag.wordpress.com/2008/11/22/ken-cuccinelli-named-legislator-of-the-year/ | accessdate = 2009-08-27}}</ref>  Cuccinelli sponsored a number of bills to discourage abortions, including requiring doctors to anesthetize fetuses undergoing late term abortions,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 371, Abortion; procedure if performed after first trimester | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=041&typ=bil&val=sb371 | date = 2004-01-04 }}</ref> altering the licensing and regulation of abortion clinics,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 839: Abortion clinics; regulation and licensure | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=051&typ=bil&val=sb839 | date = 2005-01-10 }}</ref> and requiring that a doctor save the fetal tissue when performing an abortion on a woman under age 15, for forensic use.<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 315. Abortion; preservation of fetal tissue when performed on child under age 15| url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=061&typ=bil&val=sb315 | date = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> As a state senator, he advanced legislation to make abortion clinics subject to the same health and safety standards as outpatient surgical hospitals.<ref name="cuccinelli.com"/>

===Immigration===
During his Senate career, Cuccinelli introduced bills urging the United States Congress to amend the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|14th Amendment]] of the [[U.S. Constitution]] to revoke citizenship rights for children of illegal immigrants who are born in the U.S.,<ref>{{cite web | title = SJ 131 Birthright citizenship; memorializing Congress to amend Fourteenth Amendment of U.S. Constitution | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=081&typ=bil&val=Sj131| date = 2008-01-18 }}</ref> to allow businesses to sue others that hire undocumented immigrants,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 629 Illegal aliens; employment thereof, cause of action | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=061&typ=bil&val=sb629HB969 | date = 2006-01-06}}</ref> and to establish inability to speak English in the workplace as cause for disqualification to receive unemployment benefits.<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 339 Unemployment compensation; employee's inability to speak English at workplace is misconduct | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=081&typ=bil&val=sb339 | date = 2008-01-08 }}</ref>

===Second Amendment===
Cuccinelli’s support of the Second Amendment brought him an endorsement by the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA).<ref name="nra">{{cite web | title = NRA Endorsement Letter to Ken Cuccinelli | url = http://www.cuccinelli.com/_pdfs/NRA%20PVF%20endorsement%20letter.pdf
| accessdate = 2009-08-27}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He sponsored legislation to repeal the prohibition on carrying a concealed handgun in a restaurant or club,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 579 Concealed weapons; abolishes prohib. on carrying in a rest. or club, excep. when alcohol consumed | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=041&typ=bil&val=sb579 | date = 2005-01-15}}</ref> for Virginia to recognize concealed handgun permits from other states,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 771 Concealed handgun permits | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?031+sum+SB771 | date = 2003-01-08 }}</ref> to shield concealed handgun permit application data from [[Freedom of Information Act]] requests,<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 332 Concealed handgun permits; access to personal information of permittees | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=081&typ=bil&val=sb332 | date = 2008-01-08 }}</ref> and to prevent disqualification for a handgun permit based on a sworn, written statement from a law enforcement official that the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully to endanger others. Under Cuccinelli’s proposal a person could only be disqualified for such a permit by a court ruling based on the applicant’s past actions.<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 1266 concealed weapons permit; disqualifies person using negligently or unlawfully to endanger others| url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?051+sum+SB1266 |accessdate = 2009-08-27 | date = 2005-01-18 }}</ref>
In the 2009 legislative session, a bill Cuccinelli introduced was passed that, for the purposes of granting a Virginia concealed handgun permit, required the state to accept as proof of "handgun competence" any certificate from an online handgun safety course featuring an NRA-certified instructor.<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 1528 concealed handgun permits; completion of firearms training, etc., may be done electronically| url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=091&typ=bil&val=SB1528}}</ref>

===Taxes===
Cuccinelli opposes higher taxes. He helped lead an unsuccessful campaign to stop [[Mark Warner]]’s 2004 budget.<ref name="warnerbudget">{{cite web | title = Ken Cuccinelli, fighting taxes & supporting businesses | url = http://www.cuccinelli.com/issues_%20taxes.htm | accessdate = 2009-08-27}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=May 2012}}  In 2006 Cuccinelli sent out a fundraising letter that criticized the Virginia Senate’s Republican majority for passing a gasoline tax increase. The letter elicited rebuke from fellow Republican Tommy Norment.<ref name="taxfight">{{Cite news | last = Lessig | first = Hugh | title = Writings frame bigger General Assembly rift: Two fellow Republicans cause Sen. Norment, R-James City, to say chamber civility is eroding | newspaper = Daily Press | date = 2006-05-20 | url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-144707161/writings-frame-bigger-general.html | accessdate = 2009-08-27}}</ref>

===Eminent domain===
In the 2005, 2006 and 2007 legislative sessions, Cuccinelli worked to pass [[eminent domain]] (compulsory purchase) laws that prevented local and state governments from taking private homes and businesses for developers’ projects.<ref>{{cite web | title = SB 1271 Local condemnation authority; definition of public uses. | url = http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=051&typ=bil&val=SB1271|accessdate=2010-04-02}}</ref> In April 2010 Cuccinelli told the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce that he wanted to add stronger property rights protection to Virginia’s Constitution. “There is no consistency on the application of eminent domain throughout Virginia," he said.<ref name="coffee"/>

===Law enforcement===
In 2005, Cuccinelli was the chief patron of SB873,<ref>{{cite web|title=Commonwealth of Virginia Legislative Information System|url=http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?051+mbr+SB873|accessdate=December 4, 2012}}</ref> legislation that entitled law enforcement officers to overtime pay from local governments for hours worked while on vacation or other leave.<ref>Heinatz, Stephanie. “Bill grants officers overtime pay for hours worked while on vacation." Virginian-Pilot. 23 Feb. 2005: B5.</ref>

===Sex education===
Cuccinelli has been a strong advocate of the abstinence-only sex education programs with state funding.  He stated "The longer you delay the commencement of sexual activity, you have healthier and happier kids and more successful kids.".<ref name="abstinence">{{cite web | url=http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1291460 | title=Funding for abstinence-only programs eliminated | date=November 13, 2007}}</ref>

===Homosexuality===
In 2004, Cuccinelli stated "homosexuality is wrong."<ref>{{cite news|last=Ginsberg|first=Steven|coauthor=Witte, Griff|title=In Wake of Sodomy Ruling, Va. Lawmakers Predict Bills on Both Sides|publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]''|date=June 29, 2003|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/352879311.html?FMT=ABS|accessdate=January 17, 2010}}</ref> During his 2009 campaign for attorney general, he stated "My view is that homosexual acts, not homosexuality, but homosexual acts are wrong. They’re intrinsically wrong. And I think in a natural law based country it’s appropriate to have policies that reflect that. ... They don’t comport with natural law. I happen to think that it represents (to put it politely; I need my thesaurus to be polite) behavior that is not healthy to an individual and in aggregate is not healthy to society."<ref>{{cite news|title=Steve Shannon for attorney general|publisher=''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]''|date=October 26, 2009|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/steve-shannon-attorney-general|accessdate=January 17, 2010}}</ref>

===Sex trafficking===
Cuccinelli has been a staunch advocate against [[human trafficking]] during his time in office, describing it as "one of the most egregious human rights violations".<ref name="WT01152013">[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/15/the-truth-about-sex-trafficking/ CUCCINELLI: The truth about sex trafficking]</ref> He has slammed popular media for portraying prostitution and other forms of selling sex as "just another career choice".<ref name="WT01152013"/> While in the state Senate he created a plan, which he has implemented as attorney general, to crack down on trafficking on the state and served on the Senate Human Trafficking Commission.<ref>[http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/01/15/cuccinelli-makes-human-trafficking-virginias-top-priority-in-2013/ Cuccinelli Makes Human Trafficking Virginia’s Top Priority in 2013]</ref> As attorney general, he devoted full time staff in the attorney general's office to prosecute human trafficking,<ref>[http://cuccinelli.com/icymi-member-of-va-ags-office-recognized/ ICYMI – Member of Va AG’s Office Recognized]</ref> and in May 2013 one of his assistant attorneys general was honored by the [[National Center for Missing and Exploited Children]] for breaking up and prosecuting a sex trafficking ring in Fairfax County.<ref>[http://legalnewsline.com/news/241485-cuccinelli-announces-recognition-for-assistant-ag-in-breaking-up-human-trafficking-ring Cuccinelli: Assistant AG recognized for breaking up human trafficking ring]</ref> He made human trafficking legislation his priority in his efforts during the 2013 General Assembly session, teaming up with Democratic and Republican lawmakers in support of three anti-human trafficking bills,<ref>[http://wtvr.com/2013/01/15/human-trafficking/ Attorney General, lawmakers focus on human trafficking]</ref> all of which were passed and signed into law.<ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2013/hb1606/ HB 1606]</ref><ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2013/sb1015/ SB 1015]</ref><ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2013/hb1870/ HB 1870]</ref><ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2013/hb1826/ HB 1826]</ref>

==Electoral history==
{{Election box begin no change|title=Virginia Senate Special Election, August 6, 2002}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Republican Party
  |candidate  = Ken Cuccinelli
  |votes      = 10,041
  |percentage = 55.01
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Democratic Party
  |candidate  = Cathy Belter
  |votes      = 8,193
  |percentage = 44.89
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Write-in candidates
  |votes      = 18
  |percentage = 0.10
}}
{{Election box total no change
  |votes      = 18,252
  |percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Virginia Senate General Election, November 4, 2003}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Republican Party
  |candidate  = Ken Cuccinelli
  |votes      = 16,762
  |percentage = 53.31
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Democratic Party
  |candidate  = Jim Mitchell
  |votes      = 14,658
  |percentage = 46.62
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Write-in candidates
  |votes      = 23
  |percentage = 0.07
}}
{{Election box total no change
  |votes      = 31,443
  |percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Virginia Senate General Election, November 6, 2007}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Republican Party
  |candidate  = Ken Cuccinelli
  |votes      = 18,602
  |percentage = 50.02
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Democratic Party
  |candidate  = [[Janet Oleszek]]
  |votes      = 18,510
  |percentage = 49.77
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Write-in candidates
  |votes      = 73
  |percentage = 0.19
}}
{{Election box total no change
  |votes      = 37,185
  |percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change | title=Virginia Attorney General Election, November 3, 2009}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Republican Party
  |candidate  = Ken Cuccinelli
  |votes      = 1,124,137
  |percentage = 57.51
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Virginia Democratic Party
  |candidate  = [[Steve Shannon]]
  |votes      = 828,687
  |percentage = 42.39
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = [[Write-in candidates]]
  |votes      = 1,772
  |percentage = 0.09
}}
{{Election box total no change
  |votes      = 1,958,473
  |percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}

==See also==
* [[Virginia elections, 2009]]
* [[Wildlife Protection Act of 2010]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.oag.state.va.us/Cuccinelli/AG_Bio.html Attorney General Cuccinelli] official government site
* [http://www.cuccinelli.com/ Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General] official campaign website
{{CongLinks | congbio = | ballot = Ken_Cuccinelli | ontheissuespath = Ken_Cuccinelli.htm | fec = }}
* [http://sov.state.va.us/SenatorDB.nsf/23b0c13df27a5ef585256fc7004febb2/4235f3526844517085256bfa00712239?OpenDocument= Senate of Virginia - Senator Ken Cuccinelli, II]
* [http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=50871 Project Vote Smart - Senator Kenneth T. 'Ken' Cuccinelli II (VA)] profile
* ''Follow the Money'' - Ken Cuccinelli II
** [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=94928 2007] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200545&c=414021 2005] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200345&c=59298 2003] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200145&c=59826 2001] Virginia Senate campaign contributions
* [http://projects.washingtonpost.com/votersguide/2007/va/races/va-senate-district-37/ Washington Post - 2007 Senate District 37 Race]
{{U.S. State Attorneys General}}

{{Persondata
| NAME              =Cuccinelli, Ken
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American politician
| DATE OF BIRTH     =1968-07-30
| PLACE OF BIRTH    =[[Edison, New Jersey]]
| DATE OF DEATH     =
| PLACE OF DEATH    =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cuccinelli, Ken}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Environmental skepticism]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Northern Virginia politicians]]
[[Category:George Mason University alumni]]
[[Category:George Mason University School of Law alumni]]
[[Category:Gonzaga College High School alumni]]
[[Category:People from Edison, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Fairfax County, Virginia]]
[[Category:University of Virginia alumni]]
[[Category:Virginia Attorneys General]]
[[Category:Virginia State Senators]]
[[Category:Virginia Republicans]]
[[Category:Virginia lawyers]]

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