Kaine Statement on President Biden’s Pardon of Virginia House Speaker Don Scott

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after President Joe Biden pardoned Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott:

"Don Scott is an inspiration and living example that redemption is possible. Following his release from prison, he rebuilt his life-passing the Virginia bar exam, developing a reputation as an effective civil and criminal litigator, serving in the General Assembly, and then being unanimously elected as the first African American Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia's history. I was glad to advocate for this pardon, and extend my deepest thanks to my colleagues that joined in that effort, and of course to President Biden. I would also like to thank President Biden for pardoning Richmonder and longtime acquaintance Kemba Smith Pradia, who turned her trauma into advocacy on issues relating to criminal justice, domestic violence, and equity."

Senators Kaine and Mark. R. Warner wrote to President Biden to encourage him to pardon Scott.

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