Virginia: New board to review abortion clinic regs. By a vote of 13 to 2, the Virginia Board of Health voted last week to begin the process of amending the stringent requirements imposed on abortion clinics under former Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The board under McDonnell had a pro-life majority; the new board, under Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), is expected to revise the regulations, which require that abortion clinics comply with the same requirements of new hospital construction ……. North Carolina: McCrory “most vulnerable” governor in 2016? There’s only one governor’s race in the South in 2016, and that’s Gov. Pat McCrory (R). But the race may be one of the most watched. The National Journal says the Tar Heel State will be “ground zero,” because McCrory, completing his first term, will be running in a year when Democrats will be competing – and spending – heavily in the state, in the presidential, US Senate and gubernatorial campaigns. Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) is gearing up to challenge McCrory ……. Arkansas: Beebe pardoning son. Outgoing Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has begun the process to pardon his son, Kyle Beebe, over a 2003 conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Young Beebe was sentenced to three years’ probation, plus required to pay fines. A 30-day period for comments has begun in Arkansas. The state’s Parole Board recommended the pardon.
