Posted on 01/07/2006 7:46:44 PM PST by ncountylee
(AP) - Very soon, Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner will leave the Executive Mansion in Richmond for the last time, still struggling with a decision that will define his life.
Though a Democrat in a Republican state, he departs with the highest job-approval ratings of any Virginia governor since pollsters have tracked such things. Network pundits and national publications are speculating about his prospects in the 2008 presidential race.
He's done nothing to discourage the speculation. Warner has a federal "leadership committee," a prerequisite for raising both money and his national profile, and it grossed $2.5 million in its first fundraiser last month.
He's traveled extensively the past six months, keynoting Democratic galas and gatherings in several states -- particularly Iowa and New Hampshire -- and has even more on his itinerary after he leaves office Jan. 14.
And in spite of it all, he still struggles with doubts about whether he is ready to undertake a long, draining national campaign for the White House.
"I want to be part of the debate, but there's still a long way to go from being part of the debate to taking the plunge," Warner said in a lengthy interview last month in the Executive Mansion's homey upstairs den.
(Excerpt) Read more at wavy.com ...
I'm just going to chalk up your false definition of what fascism is to Ignorance and ignore you. When you can tell me how Warner is on equal stature to Franco and to Mussolini, then people will listen to you. Instead of refering to the fact that I am new here, answer my question.
Your guess is as good as mine :)
But I did read in the Pilot this morning that some dem from aruond Hampton Roads plans on sponsoring legislation to permit all counties to have a cigarette tax, to reduce pressure for raising property taxes...
Great...that passes than property owners who happen to smoke will get nailed twice, while helping subsidize the non-smokers.
Hmmm - how far out in the bay do I have to park the boat, not to pay VA taxes on the stuff I sell?
3 miles off shore :)
I live here too, and had thought you might be able to supply some specifics in response to my question; I see that is not the case. Thanks. :)
Wake up and smell the tax increase, the "inclusive" language in the budget and the recent waffling on the death penalty.
You seem a bit defensive, Linda. Mark Warner's ideology is pretty well known to Virginians, especially those with conservative leanings.
There's a lot of leeway between "not liked by conservatives", and "fascist". I think he just used the terminology to be melodramatic, as his subsequent posts show.
A lot of it went to the vaunted "rainy day fund".
The rest is being spent on the Chesapeake Bay, mental health facilties, boosting research programs at UVA, VCU, GMU, VaTech, etc.
Please note: NONE is being returned to the taxpayers. NOT ONE NICKEL.
And watch out, Warner-lite - aka Tim Kaine - is going to want more tax increases to pay for roads.
First, as you know, Virginia was never short $2B. Revenue was lower than projected, but there was never a shortfall. The budget still grew.
Second, the balanced budget means there can be no deficit spending. They have mechanisms in place to deal with "extra" money.
Unfortunately, none of which are returning it to the people from whom they stole it in the first place.
Actually, I think he's a socialist - like most democrats. He's a firm believer in governmental redistribution of wealth.
He's a democrat. He lies. But I repeat myself.
And for the record, he IS NOT a Southerner. He's a carpet-bagger.
Interesting you point out where much of it is being spent.........About half of the Hampton Roads/VA Beach area legislators half one proposal or another for many of those things.......all of which of course will cost money.
And more than one also mentions transportation issues.......
Now, that's a little more accurate and provable than "fascist". :) And no, he's not a Southerner; we don't have that requirement in the Virginia constitution. I hadn't heard the term "carpet bagger" outside of history books about the Reconstruction period, though. :)
Just curious Linda, did you grow up here?
Of course there's no requirement that the Governor be a southernor. But there's a code of honor when he pretends to be a southernor.
Mark Warner has long been described as a carpet-bagger, because he came here for one reason - political opportunity.
I've only lived in Virginia for 25 years, so I'm practically an illegal alien. ;-D I'm not trying to pick a fight, but I'm not aware he has ever posed as a southerner (or "southernor"); his accent alone shows that he is not.
Then you haven't been paying attention.
You think you're practically an illegal alien? HA - I've been here less than 3 years :)
Then, since you have, you can provide some specific information, like links. As I said, the moment he speaks you can tell he's not from Virginia or anywhere south of Pennsylvania. The official bio on his governor's website says he was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. That doesn't look to me like he's claiming to be a southerner. :)
Then I don't know what you've been paying attention to - the term was even used with Hillary when she ran for Senator from NY.
I've heard the term all my life - in and out of history class.
This ain't a new thing.
You should get out more.
Oh, of course I've heard the term, but Hillary moved to NY specifically to run. That's a different situation. And are you using "ain't" to prove your own southern bona fides? :)
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