Politics as usual

Politics as usual

If the latest press release from the Friends of George Allen is any indication, the Republicans in this state haven’t learned a thing from their defeat in November, 1989. That race for Governor between Marshall Coleman and Douglas Wilder was marked by personal attacks and the worst came from Coleman’s camp.

The press release that drifted into this office took a pot shot at fellow Republican Earle Williams, a businessman from Northern Virginia who is challenging Allen for the GOP nomination. Rather than challenge Williams on an issue, any issue, the press release pointed out that Williams has invested $1.1 million of his own money in his campaign.

Compared to the problems facing Virginia this year, Williams’ campaign financing is small potatoes. This state has major problems with transportation, especially in Northern Virginia and west of Bristol; the health care system is horribly overpriced; there are gaping cracks in the welfare system; The extension service has been seriously underfunded for the last several years, as has the Game Commission. From Alexandria, to Norton to Virginia Beach this state faces tough jwlitical decisions. Our tax dollars must be spent with great care. By comparison, how Mr. Williams spends his own money doesn’t matter very much.

In a recent press conference, Williams flatly refused to say anything personal about Allen. The GOP leadership needs to learn a lesson from Williams and learn it quickly. .If they do not put an end to the personal attacks right now, the campaigns for state-wide offices this fall will be a replay of the last ones: Mary Sue Terry and her Democratic stablemates will win in a walk.

The voters in Virginia are tired of mudslinging campaigns. They are especially tired of GOP candidates who don’t know how to do anything else. » J