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Commission to Ensure Integrity & Public Confidence in State Government

Citing the embarrassment that Virginia is still suffering from recent events—which referred to the convictions of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife on federal corruption charges—Governor McAuliffe has signed an executive order creating the Commission to Ensure Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government.

The commission is tasked with making recommendations that do not just pertain to gift-giving, but also how judges are appointed, and legislative district lines are drawn.

The bipartisan, ten-member panel includes former Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and former Democratic Congressman Rick Boucher, who will serve as co-chairs. McAuliffe is directing them to submit recommendations to him before the General Assembly session begins. He says the members should also address a series of questions.

He also wants the panel to study whether it's in Virginia’s best interest to allow a governor to serve a second, consecutive term. And they're expected to craft a plan to oversee, investigate, and enforce the state’s new disclosure laws. A statement released by GOP House and Senate leaders says while they hold those appointees in high regard, lawmakers are already working on reforms. It says they will review the proposals but ultimately, the responsibility rests with them to make changes. 

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.