Media Center

Obenshain’s Student Group Protection Act Signed Into Law

HARRISONBURG—Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Governor Bob McDonnell for signing Senate Bill 1074, the Student Group Protection Act. The legislation is a response to so-called “all-comers” policies adopted by some universities, which prohibit student groups from conditioning membership or leadership roles on sharing the organization’s core beliefs.

“Freedom of association is one of our most fundamental rights,” said Obenshain. “Many student...

Obenshain’s Concealed Carry Confidentiality Bill Signed Into Law

Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Governor Bob McDonnell for signing his Senate Bill 1335, legislation providing for the confidentiality of concealed carry permit lists.

“Now that Senate Bill 1335 has been signed by the Governor, law-abiding Virginians will no longer risk having their private information disclosed simply because they choose to exercise a constitutional right,” said Obenshain.

“When a New York newspaper published an...

Obenshain Endorsed by Delegate Ben Cline

HARRISONBURG—With the Republican Party of Virginia’s State Convention fast approaching, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) continues to pick up support from across the Commonwealth. Today Senator Obenshain announced that he has gained the endorsement of Delegate Ben Cline (R-Rockbridge), the House Chair of the Joint Conservative Caucus in the General Assembly. Senator Obenshain is the Senate Chair of the Conservative Caucus.

“Mark Obenshain epitomizes...

Governor Signs Public Safety Legislation Patroned by Mark Obenshain

Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Governor Bob McDonnell for signing Senate Bill 938, legislation expanding the scope of multijurisdiction grand juries to cover the investigation of a broad range of violent crimes.

“Multijurisdictinon Grand Juries are among the most effective investigative tools available to law enforcement, and this law will ensure that this tool is available for investigations into violent crime,” said Obenshain.

Senator Mark Obenshain Demands That Democrats Apologize for Smearing Virginia Voters

RICHMOND—Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) issued a statement in response to Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Del. Charniele Herring’s inflammatory assertion that photo identification requirements are “un-American”:

“As a legislator, I’ve developed a tough skin, and I stopped caring about attacks like these long ago. Besides, I know desperation when I see it. But when the chairwoman of a major political party labels the views of 75% of...

Anthony Bedell to Serve as Obenshain’s Northern Virginia Chairman

Today, Senator Mark Obenshain announced that former Fairfax County Republican Committee Chairman Anthony Bedell has agreed to serve as the Northern Virginia Chairman for Obenshain for Attorney General. Said Obenshain, “Anthony is a true leader in Northern Virginia, and I’m honored to have him on my team.”

Bedell, who served two terms as Chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee and one term as Chairman of the Budget Committee for the Republican...

Obenshain To Receive American Conservative Union’s “Defender of Liberty” Award in Richmond Today

RICHMOND—Today, Senator Mark Obenshain will accept the "Defender of Liberty" award from the American Conservative Union at a reception in Richmond. The award is given to Virginia legislators who receive 100% on the ACU's scorecard, which charts votes on pro-liberty legislation.

"It's an honor to receive the ACU's Defender of Liberty Award," said Obenshain. "Throughout my career in the Senate, I have worked to defend the liberties of all Virginians, and I am...

Obenshain Blasts Democratic Party on Property Rights Questions DPVA’s Opposition to Virginia Propert

HARRISONBURG—Today, Senator Mark Obenshain blasted the Democratic Party of Virginia for their opposition to the Virginia Property Rights Amendment, which will enshrine the right of private property in the Constitution and protect against eminent domain abuse.

At their most recent meeting, the Democratic Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee adopted a resolution in opposition to the Virginia Property Rights Amendment, and affirming the Party’s support...