McDonnell greets voters, rolls waffle cones at Doumar's

The Virginian-Pilot ^ | October 24, 2009 | Patrick Wilson

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NORFOLK

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell brought his campaign to Hampton Roads on Saturday, shaking hands and making hand-rolled waffle cones at Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue in Norfolk.

“That’s a great American story,” McDonnell said after talking with Al Doumar, the owner, and his son Thad Doumar. “What a great piece of history.”

McDonnell shook hands with customers inside and at the drive-in and ate a chocolate ice-cream cone.

He faces Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds in the Nov. 3 election; Deeds will be campaigning in Hampton Roads on Sunday.

In an interview with The Virginian-Pilot, McDonnell said his top priority is creating jobs. Despite the recession, he said, Virginia can increase revenue to its coffers without raising any taxes.

“You have to expand economic opportunity,” he said. “I’ve made that the top priority.”

Chuck and Laurie Willman of Suffolk were surprised to see McDonnell as they pulled up to order. He already had their vote.

“I think that his values align with ours on the major issues,” Chuck Willman said. “We lean towards Republican because of less government in our lives.”

Doumar’s, a drive-in on Monticello Avenue, has been open at the location since 1933. About 35 people are employed there.

Thad Doumar said McDonnell probably earned his vote with the visit.

“I always vote for the guy who votes for me most by coming here,” he said.

Ken Daley, an art professor at Old Dominion University, had finished a meal with his family when McDonnell stopped by their table to chat.

Daley said he leans Democratic, but said he wasn’t sure how to pronounce Deeds’ first name.

“I think Deeds has run a terrible campaign,” he said. “Nobody knows him.”

He said neither candidate has explained how they’ll help the state get needed revenue for things such as education and transportation.

“Everyone needs money, but no one’s saying where it’s going to come from,” he said. “When the economy is down, taxes go down. So what are you going to do?”

Earlier in the day, McDonnell attended an event at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Virginia Beach with Brad Butler of the Buffalo Bills and former NFL players Bruce Smith and Steve Beuerlein.

Patrick Wilson, (757) 446-2957, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com

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Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell greets Albert Doumar, center, and Thad Doumar on a campaign stop at Doumar's on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. Albert is owner and Thad is general manager of the restaurant. (Photo by Ross Taylor | The Virginian-Pilot).

Doumars is the place to be seen. Checkout their website. Good food too.

[HokieMom]

McDonnell was endorsed by the NFIB. See his Jobs Agenda ad at his website.

[Mean Maryjean]

I’m from that area and have been to Doumar’s many a time. My dear sweet Aunty Mary was a car hop at Doumar’s in the 50’s...wore roller skates! She used to date Mr. Vic Doumar, Albert’s brother, who—sad to say—passed away in about 1986/87. Great slice of Americana—Doumar’s is! Well done Mr. McDonnell...well done!

[StandUpChuck]

In the mid sixties, my family and I went to the downtown Doumar’s many times.

[Don@VB]

My wife and I eat lunch there a couple times a month. Great Barbecue!! Go Bob!!

[sausageseller]

Ken Daley, an art professor at Old Dominion University, had finished a meal with his family when McDonnell stopped by their table to chat. Daley said he leans Democratic, but said he wasn’t sure how to pronounce Deeds’ first name. “I think Deeds has run a terrible campaign,” he said. “Nobody knows him.” He said neither candidate has explained how they’ll help the state get needed revenue for things such as education and transportation. “Everyone needs money, but no one’s saying where it’s going to come from,” he said. “When the economy is down, taxes go down. So what are you going to do?”

Doing with less is too hard to figure out, professor?