Ben Cline

Benjamin Lee Cline is a former American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Virginia's 24th district from 2002 to 2018. A member of the Republican Party, Cline's legislative career was marked by his involvement in various committees and his focus on issues related to public safety, government regulation, and social policies. Following his tenure in the Virginia House, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Virginia's 6th congressional district starting in 2019.

Early life and career

Cline was born on February 29, 1972, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He spent his formative years in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was raised by his parents, Philip L. Cline and Julie Cline. His educational journey began at Lexington High School, from which he graduated in 1990. He then pursued higher education at Bates College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. Cline later attended the University of Richmond School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2007.

Before entering politics, Cline gained experience in the business sector. From 2002 to 2007, he served as president of NDS Corporation, a Virginia-based company that provided sales and marketing support to rural Internet and technology businesses. During this period, he also attended law school. After completing his legal education, Cline worked as an assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Rockingham County and the city of Harrisonburg until 2013. In addition to his public service, he maintained a private law practice in Lexington, Harrisonburg, and Amherst, Virginia.

Cline's political career began in 1994 when he took a position on Capitol Hill, working for U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte. Over the course of eight years, he advanced from a legislative correspondent to the role of chief of staff, gaining valuable insights into the legislative process and government operations.

Legislative service

Cline's entry into the Virginia House of Delegates occurred in 2002 when he won a special election to fill the vacancy left by incumbent delegate Vance Wilkins, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment. Cline secured his position with a majority of the vote against his opponent, former Lexington mayor Mimi Elrod. Representing the 24th district, Cline's constituency included Bath and Rockbridge counties, the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington, as well as parts of Amherst and Augusta counties.

Throughout his legislative career, Cline was re-elected multiple times, demonstrating a strong support base within his district. His electoral victories included significant margins, with notable wins in 2003, 2005, and 2009, where he achieved 69%, 62%, and 71% of the vote, respectively. Cline ran unopposed in several subsequent elections, including those in 2007, 2011, and 2013. His final election in the House of Delegates occurred in 2017, where he again received a substantial majority of the vote against an independent candidate.

During his time in the Virginia House, Cline was assigned to several important committees, including those focused on commerce and labor, courts of justice, and finance. He also chaired the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee. His involvement in these committees allowed him to influence key legislative issues and contribute to the development of policies affecting his constituents.

Cline's legislative efforts included a focus on government regulation and public safety. In 2006, he successfully passed two bills that restructured the administrative framework of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He also introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency in government spending, exemplified by a 2009 bill that established a searchable database for Virginia's agency expenditures. Cline was active in advocating for public safety measures and was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Court Clerks' Association in 2011 and the Virginia Sheriff's Association in 2012.

Cline's legislative initiatives extended to issues concerning the rights of defendants and inmates. He introduced various bills aimed at improving the judicial process and the treatment of juvenile offenders. Notably, he opposed the closure of the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center and worked on legislation to ensure the availability of facilities for nonviolent juvenile offenders. His efforts also included advocating for the rights of pregnant inmates and improving the parole process for eligible inmates.

Policy focus and district

Cline's policy focus during his time in the Virginia House of Delegates reflected a blend of social conservatism and a commitment to public safety and regulatory reform. He was recognized for his staunch anti-abortion stance, having introduced legislation that mandated the provision of information regarding anesthesia options for fetuses during late-term abortions. This aspect of his policy focus garnered attention and was a significant part of his legislative identity.

The 24th district, which Cline represented, is characterized by its rural landscape and diverse communities. The district encompasses Bath and Rockbridge counties, as well as portions of Amherst and Augusta counties, and includes the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington. Cline's representation of this district involved addressing the unique needs and concerns of a largely rural population, which often included issues related to economic development, education, and public safety.

Cline's tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates concluded in 2018 when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to succeed Bob Goodlatte, who was retiring. After securing the Republican nomination, Cline won the general election, marking a transition to federal office. His legislative career in Virginia laid the groundwork for his subsequent role in Congress, where he continued to engage with the political landscape of Virginia and the broader national issues facing the country.