re: #277 ckb

[…]

2. I’m not sure it matters that this law enforcement officer thinks that if it is determined the baby was murdered, the killer cannot be prosecuted. It only matters what the local and state prosecutors think. I’d like to hear from them - they should have an opinion on Emerson’s comments.

[…]

4. The story is only about abortion insofar as Emerson’s opinion that the potential murder here falls under the partial birth abortion law. Again, I’d like to hear a prosecutor’s opinion on that. As a matter of fact, I’d like to hear anyone else’s opinion. Can we assume there is implicit agreement from the Sheriff and prosecutors since we haven’t heard from him? This all hit the news 3 days ago. Where is everyone?

5. I think insinuating that Emerson is a ideologue and/or fabricated the whole thing is premature.

From the second link at the top, which is a press release from State Senator Newman:

Campbell County Commonwealth’s Attorney Neil S. Vener said, “I have spoken with Legislative Services about methods of writing this bill for Senator Newman which captures the need to protect innocent newborns without entangling the legislature in broader issues that have been problematic in the past. If there ever was a case that underlines the need to change this law it is this one. I have indicated to Senator Newman that I will be available to appear before the committees of the Senate and House as needed to pass this bill”.

Next, Senator Newman discussed this matter with the incoming Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli who has agreed to provide legal support for this bill. Cuccinelli said today, ““I have spoken to Senator Newman about the tragic and appalling circumstances of the baby’s death, and I certainly will make the resources of the Attorney General’s office available to help make sure this can never happen again. This situation cries out for action, and I will support efforts to fix what appears to be a horrific loophole in our laws.”

So there’s the County Attorney and the [incoming] Attorney General. All speaking before any autopsy report is out. It’s a political football more than a legal case.