Lobbyists, governor face off on the court

Mechelle Hankerson, Matt Birch and Danielle Elliott
Spectrum Editor, Contributing Writer and Staff Writer

Legislators and lobbyists battled it out Tuesday night during the final week of the General Assembly’s 2011 session. Except this time, differences were settled on the basketball court, not in the Capitol.

In a fundraising event at the Siegel Center, the Governor’s Office took on a team of lobbyists in the 2011 Capitol Square Basketball Classic. Proceeds benefited Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center.

According to the Massey Center’s assistant director of special events, Ashley Burton, last year’s event raised about $10,000. An hour into the event this year, the fundraiser had already surpassed its $10,000 goal and the final total raised was $10,597.

The biggest sponsor an hour into the event was McGuireWoods Consulting, which contributed $1,000.

“It’s a fun night, and they (the teams) have a competitive spirit to raise more money than one another,” Burton said.

Gov. Bob McDonnell was a starter for his team and played more than half of the 32-minute game. The former high school football player was cheered on by first lady Maureen McDonnell, a former “Redskinette” herself.

“This is an annual tradition I’ve played in on and off now for 19 years,” McDonnell said. “It raises money for a great cause – the Massey Cancer Center. We feel good getting a little exercise and supporting this cause.”

The theme of the first three quarters was McDonnell’s team struggling to score points. The lobbyists capitalized on the advantage, leading into the fourth quarter.

“We were down about 29 to 12, and with the magic of the scorekeeper on one of the shots with about two minutes left, it all of a sudden became 29-29,” McDonnell said. “I think it was the governor’s edge.

The game is split into two mini-games, the first one featuring the Governor and his team of executive branch members, like his cabinet and state agency employees, versus a team of lobbyists. The second game put a team of Senators and Senate assistants against members of the House.

“The lobbyists beat us pretty bad,” McDonnell said.

The House also beat the Senate, featuring players like Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, 29 to 13.

The proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the Massey Center’s unrestricted fund, which, according to Burton, is used to fund a variety of projects including research initiatives, recruitments and new trials.