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And They're Off!
With the qualifying races now over, the Republican and Democrat tickets for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney GeneraTare off and running.
The most recent polls show that GOP gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Jim Gilmore has steadily gained on Volvo dealer and Democrat nominee Don Beyer, and is now slightly ahead 43% to 41% with 16% undecided. It's a telling sign that after eight years as Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, Don Beyer now finds himself trailing . the one-term Attorney General.
Perhaps it was Beyer's tie-breaking vote to weaken Virginia's nationally-recognized welfare reform program which stalled him in the polls. Or, maybe it was Beyer's passionate plea for massive new spending programs on the eve of his campaign kick-off that caused Virginia voters to take a more critical look at the Lieutenant Governor.
Whatever the case, it's clear that after eight years in office, Democrat Don Beyer has yet to give Virginians a compelling reason to promote him. In fact, we're hard pressed to think of even one thing Don Beyer has accomplished in his two terms.
Jim Gilmore has amassed an impressive record of accomplishments in his one term as Attorney General: the abolition of parole, truth-in-sentencing, and juvenile justice reform just to name a few. But, in our opinion, Jim Gilmore has taken the lead in this race because he's the only candidate who knows where he wants to lead Virginia. Gilmore's plan to eliminate the personal property tax on cars has received widespread support from families, businesses and local elected officials. And, Gilmore's plan to reduce class sizes in elementary schools coupled with higher standards and testing will help give Virginia students the support they need in an increasingly competitive world.
In the race for Lieutenant Governor, it's retired Democrat Congressman L.F. Payne of Nellysford against Richmond businessman John Hager. Here too, polls show Hager coming on strong even though Payne has spent millions on his previous campaigns. Payne is best known for his tie-breaking vote for Bill Clinton's record tax increases and his early support for Hillary Clinton's failed attempt to socialize America's health care system. Hager touts his incredible record of community service - President of the Children's Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of the Republican Party of Virginia - to name* just a few. Payne will have two very different records. Hager will certainly challenge Payne on his liberal Washington voting record, while Payne will try to reinvent himself into a "New Democrat" in the style of President Clinton.
In the Attorney General's contest, Arlington Democrat Bill Dolan is back again after losing badly to Jim Gilmore in 1993. Dolan faces Republican State Senator Mark Earley of Chesapeake. Here too, the Republican Earley is also ahead of his Democrat opposition.
Earley is considered by Democrats and Republicans alike as one of the most thoughtful and effective members of the Virginia Senate. Earley won headlines this past legislative session by leading the passage of legislation requiring a parent to be notified when a minor daughter is receiving an abortion. Earley also sponsored Governor Allen's welfare reform and juvenile justice reform bill in the Virginia Senate.
Virginia voters have a clear choice this year. The Democrats dutifully champion the ideals of the liberal wing of their party, while the Republicans represent mainstream conservative values. One thing is for certain, this year we won't be hearing the familiar refrain from voters that "they're all the same." |
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