Posted on 09/24/2009 9:31:10 AM PDT by ReagansRaiders
here may have been no period in our State’s history when the voters are more aware of what issues confront them in their choice for Governor. We have undergone the worst economic downturn since the Depression. I have previously set forth the things that I would look to see the next Governor address. (1) Who is best suited by temperament and training to govern in hard times? (2) Who has presented to the people realistic plans for Education, Transportation, Health Care, Public Safety and Social Services, etc.? (3) Who is strong enough to stand up for the state when tough calls have to be made? 4) Who has the vision that can inspire confidence and assure people that Virginia can still move forward, even while confronting difficult choices.
The overriding “issue” in this year’s Governor’s race will be the judgment the voters make about which candidate is most capable of managing tough times and establishing the right priorities for when the economy begins to recover.
Throughout my entire involvement with public service, I have tried to be a voice for those most often left out when decisions are being made which affect them in their everyday lives. As a state senator, I fought to get rid of the sales tax on food. As Lt. Governor, I fought to get rid of the sales tax on non-prescription drugs and opposed the increased sales taxes for transportation, because they are regressive taxes, meaning the poor pay at the same rate as the rich. I have lived long enough not to assume that these voiceless people can always count on someone articulating for them.
This is not the time in our Commonwealth to talk about any kind of tax increase, especially those that are fundamentally regressive and will hit hardest those who are struggling.
Rather, it is the time to put our fiscal house in order, strengthening the Commonwealth for the future.
Now is the time to replenish the “Rainy Day” fund which has bailed several administrations out of deficits, but will be all but depleted for future administrations to have at their avail. It is a time to do everything possible to let the public know that we are serious about getting a handle on spending and controlling it better. Re-examine the efficiency and effectiveness reports, previously administratively commissioned, draw from them, and make this reform agenda further known to the public. It is a time to return to the funding of “necessities” rather than “niceties”.
Furthermore, In my conversations with the people across the state, I have not encountered anyone who has listed as their priority the need for them to have more handguns. The present law permits anyone of sufficient age, who is not a felon, to be able to buy one gun a month; twelve a year, twenty four a year for couples etc..
Mr. Deeds thinks that’s not enough and signed a pledge to repeal that law.
This action would allow the truck loads of guns to come back in exchange for drugs from those Northeastern states where gun laws are more stringent. This law was put on the books by Democrats and Republicans because they had seen where those guns go to in our cities and suburban areas where the violence occurs. Partly because of that law, as Mayor, I was able to have the lowest crime rate in our capital city of Richmond in 30 years.
I do not see how endorsing a proposal to have more handguns brought into our cities and suburban areas qualifies as any type of urban renewal plan.
For this situation to exist and for Democrats who lead our party to say nothing is puzzling and inexplicable.
The requests, made of me, have been to endorse Mr. Deeds, the Democratic Candidate, for Governor. I refrain from doing so and will leave that choice to the voters.
This in no wise is intended to detract from Mr. Deeds in terms of character or commitment to the task of being Governor. I find that he, as well as Mr. McDonnell are fine and honorable men and well suited to that task. The question before me is whether I support the Democratic candidate’s position in addressing these issues. I have not thus far in the progress of the campaign, and as aforesaid refrain from so doing.
Gee, seems Deeds can’t even get a VA DEM to support him. Too bad its WAPO and Deeds against the world. Hope things work out for after politics.
Well, his excuse for not endorsing Deeds is apparently that Deeds is not leftist enough on the gun issue. He says that this is not the time to raise taxes, but doesn’t really follow through on it.
Never mind, every little bit helps, if this weakens Deeds.
It’s not just the gun issue. He slammed Deeds in a big way on taxes.
Wilder’s a social lib. But he managed to counteract a budget deficit (left by Gerry Baliles) without raising taxes.
Virginia ping.
Does Deeds have a position on using state planes to visit one’s mistress?
Well, Wilder actually tries to do the right thing it seems like. That’s unusual for a politician.
” The question before me is whether I support the Democratic candidate’s position in addressing these issues. I have not thus far in the progress of the campaign, and as aforesaid refrain from so doing.”
LOL!!
Way to go Doug!
I don’t, I’m probably wrong here, but I know you will steer me in the right direction..........so here goes.
IMO, on the issue of taxes this appears to me to be a back door endorsement of McD. That’s how I was reading it, before he got into the handgun issue. That, again IMO, was a major slam AGAINST Deeds.
I don’t know enough about how much sway Wilder holds over anything to really say if this is good or bad, although I have to figure it was not unexpected.
ping
Wilder never does this sort of thing this early. Never. He refused to endorse in the 2005 race between McD and Deeds as well, but I don’t think it was anywhere near the harsh rebuke this was of Deeds.
McDonnell and Deeds have changed positions on the handgun issue. McDonnell supported the one gun a month bill. That gained Deeds the NRA endorsement in 2005. Since Virginia Tech, Deeds has gone way to the left on guns. McDonnell has moved back to the right.
That said, Wilder went as far as he could go. He’s a Democrat and always will be. He was lobbied hard by Deeds, Kaine and Obama to endorse Deeds and declined. Not endorsing McDonnell is a hat tip to the President.
In reality, had Wilder endorsed Deeds it would have been a yawner. Democrats endorse Democrats. But you’re right that this is a major slam.
Combine that with the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Fraternal Order of Police endorsing McDonnell this week and this is a very good thing.
It won’t change any hard core voter minds. But it will have an influence on the independents.
I remember the no endorsement in 2005, but I was still pretty new to VA politics at that point. Heck, 4 years later and I still feel pretty much the same way. We’re kinda, sorta isolated from lots of stuff here on the Eastern Shore. I truly rely on those of you on FR that actually know what’s going on and the background to help me figure out what’s going on :)
When I taught sixth grade at Freedom Hill in Fairfax county, the people living in Fairfax county were ar more conservative and moral than they are now. I sure hope you are right that the endorsements will influence the ‘independent and moderate’ voters.
And that is what counts.
Please read my response to RR --- I meant to add you to that ping (sorry)
I guess Doug wants to cement his position as the worst governor Virginia ever had.
Wilder is upset that he is yesterday’s news. An Obama White House has made Wilder meanless.
I knew there was something I liked about Wilder.
Saw that. :-)
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