Ken Cuccinelli came out yesterday in favor of reversing the decision to ban the Quest Institute’s Books Behind Bars program from Virginia’s prisons.
Cuccinelli argued that education and faith-based programs have been shown to have a positive impact on reducing recidivism and that he is “not just concerned with locking up prisoners but also with rehabilitating them whenever possible. ”
The campaign’s press release also notes Cuccinelli’s support for expanding programs such as Prison Ministry’s Fellowship, which is headquartered in Loudoun.
Cuccinelli’s support for the Books Behind Bars and for faith-based programs in the prisons- using conservative principles and instruments to support a traditional liberal goal (rehabilitation)- is one more indication that he’s a sophisticated candidate and not simply the convenient target that some Democrats thought he would be.
I do expect, however, that Steve Shannon will try to make Cuccinelli’s decision not to call for the immediate resignation of Phil Hamilton a major point of contrast in the campaign. Cuccinelli is the only candidate on both tickets with this position and I think that Shannon will try to capitalize on his willingness to stand apart from his GOP running mates.
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