Virginia Judge Tosses Health Care Lawsuit (AP, National Journal)

By Larry O'Dell, Associated Press

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | 7:32 p.m.

RICHMOND, Va. - A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed Liberty University's lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's new federal health care law, declaring that a provision requiring most individuals to obtain insurance is constitutional.

University law school dean Mathew Staver said in a telephone interview that he will promptly appeal the ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon in Lynchburg is the second court decision upholding the law, following one in Michigan in October. Officials from several states have filed another lawsuit in Florida, and a separate challenge by Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli is pending in federal court in Richmond.

Principals on both sides expect the issue to ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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