It appears that some politicians have concluded from reading their polling that the road to the White House and further success of politics in Virginia is of greater importance than the safety of law-abiding citizens of Virginia.

It was bad enough that our governor declared state buildings to be gun free zones, insuring that the only ones carrying guns into those buildings are the bad guys — those who choose to break the law and carry weapons hidden with no permit.

Now comes our attorney general, who has ordered the State Police to discontinue reciprocity with half the states.

For a governor and attorney general who have armed state police as their escorts, this means absolutely nothing. They have little to fear. However, for the average citizen there are any number of reasons they need personal protection.

Clearly, public safety has nothing to do with their decisions.

There can only be two conclusions. The first is payback for the millions of out of state political contributions this fall and hope for future contributions.

The second is to assist the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton. For him to continue his political career, he has got to ratchet up support for her presidential run. Attorney General Mark Herring appears to simply be copying or “aping” the governor.

The General Assembly will do all we can to reverse these actions, but, with the governor’s veto power, the best opportunity may lie in the courts.

Frank Ruff, a Republican, represents Lunenburg County in the Virginia State Senate. His email address is Sen.Ruff@verizon.net.