Eight days ago, on the day it was announced, I called for the inclusion of compensation for Arthur Whitfield in  special session. I have been pleasantly surprised at the reaction: given the opportunity, our legislators will do the right thing, and legislator after legislator has come on board. The sticking point, though, seems to be … Continue reading On limiting special session topics →

"Add my name to the list," says retiring Del. Kris Amundson. We ought to add legislation to compensate Mr. Whitfield to our Calendar for August 19. And AG candidate Steve Shannon joined the chorus as well. In a press release today: “Arthur Whitfield spent twenty-two years of his life in prison for crimes he did … Continue reading Whitfield: count in Amundson, Shannon →

Add Del. Joe Bouchard to the list of those who would like Arthur Whitfield's case to be taken up in special session. Arthur Whitfield suffered for more than two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit. While we can never return to Mr. Whitfield the years he has lost, we can begin … Continue reading Bouchard backs Whitfield in GA special session →

According to the Washington Post blog, Governor Tim Kaine is "not opposed" to including legislation to compensate Arthur Whitfield in the special session. In an email, the governor's spokesperson, Lynda Tran, said: However Governor Kaine, who pardoned Mr. Whitfield earlier this year, is clearly sympathetic to his circumstances and would not object to a claims … Continue reading Whitfield: Gov “not opposed” →

The Legislative Black Caucus, which is chaired by Norfolk's own Del. Kenny Alexander, has drafted legislation (pdf)to compensate Arthur Whitfield. In a statement, Alexander said: On Wednesday, August 19, 2009, the Virginia General Assembly will convene a Special Session to address the significant impact of the June 25 decision of the US Supreme Court in … Continue reading LBC proposes Whitfield legislation →

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell released a statement calling for Arthur Whitfield's case to be considered as a part of the special session. Arthur Whitfield received an absolute pardon from the Governor after serving 22 years in prison. Following his release in 2004 his transition back into society has been very difficult. Unfortunately the timing … Continue reading McDonnell calls for Whitfield inclusion in special session →