A little background on me so maybe you understand a bit more where I am coming from............I've only lived in Virginia since 2003, although we had made the decision to move here in 2000. So I am still learning the ins and outs of the politics of VA.......but I am no novice to state politics - I spent 20 years earning a living dealing with them in Delaware, first in radio as a reporter and then as a lobbyist.
Corin Stormhands has been a godsend to me with giving me links to places where I can learn. I showed up in Delaware for my first job in radio 10 DAYS before the 1982 election - talk about having to take some crash courses and trial by fire.
Anyway, I can't tell you how many candidate surveys I sent out over the years for various groups that I rarely got responses from.......it is very discouraging. The really sad thing about those that did respond - not a single one ever voted the way they said they would on the survey.
Many folks on FR probably think I should be opposing Kilgore because of the job his wife just recently resigned from.........can't think of the title right now, but it is funded by cigarette taxes to make continue pushing the idea that smokers are 2nd class citizens. My position regarding tobacco and those that choose to use it has been known since the day I signed up here - but I have NEVER been a one issue person.
I know this is rather disjointed, and probably makes no sense - but in a nutshell I can understand VCDL being upset Kilgore didn't respond to the survey - but it makes no nevermind to me. The fact he doesn't seem to be asking the staff member who made, what I consider to be, an out of line comment about someone at VCDL an apology, is a problem and I'm not happy about that.
(please note, I am only pinging Corin because I am mentioning him)
A belated welcome to VA Gabz!
I didn't know Kilgore's wife worked for the anti-smoking propagnda outfit. I am an ex-smoker but I have always been offended that the tobacco companies are paying for commericals that paint them as evil. Eating junk food like Sarah Lee cakes and Lays Potatoe chips is not good for you either - I don't see the junk food companies being forces to educate the public about how evil they are.
If we look at what is going on with current Supreme court nominee we can see good folks can disagree - personally I think the woman may end up being an excellant justice despite her background but the unhappy folks have a right to say why they don't like the pick - maybe they will be listened to next time.
The right thing for Kilgore to do is to answer the VCDL survey and make a personal apology to Phil Van Cleave.