McDonnell, Cuccinelli unveil mental health package

Continuing the mental health reforms enacted in the wake of the April 2007 shooting massacre at Virginia Tech will be a priority for Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli, the Republicans respectively running for governor and attorney general.

The pair said they will push for more community-based care options as an alternative to institutions, provide services to additional mentally disabled persons, and to soldiers returning from combat with brain injuries.

The plan announced during a Tuesday morning conference call can be seen here.

In related news, McDonnell was endorsed by the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, adding to his roster of business supporters.

And his ticket mate, incumbent Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, announced support from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association. According to Bolling's campaign, that nod is a reversal from four years ago when the group supported Democrat Leslie Byrne for lieutenant governor over the Republican.

UPDATE: Deeds campaign spokesman Jared Leopold issued this statement in response to the McDonnell, Cuccinelli proposal:

“Bob McDonnell’s only mental health plan is to take $100 million from mental health services. His proposal fails a basic math test: You can’t provide needed mental health services if you’re taking that money to pay for roads."

“Creigh Deeds is the only candidate for governor with an honest plan to fund vital mental health services. Creigh worked with Governor Kaine in 2007 to reform the mental health system after the tragedy at Virginia Tech. He will continue to lead on mental health reform by improving the accountability of Community Services Boards, funding the Wounded Warrior Program and implementing reforms in the legal system.”

Deeds' mental health plan can be seen here.

-- Julian Walker

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.