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Why people should vote for me
“I’m the best prepared Democrat to lead Virginia forward and I will put us in the strongest position to beat Bob McDonnell in November. The most important job of our next governor will be to restore public confidence in the economy and to create good-paying jobs for middle-class families. And I’m ready to hit the ground running with a common-sense plan to rebuild Virginia’s economy with smart investments in education, a statewide solution for transportation, and alternative and renewable energy. I’m the only one in this race with a proven record of winning Democratic, independent, and even some Republican votes – votes that we need to beat Bob McDonnell in November. The editorial page editor of this newspaper recently said that I am the candidate who 'fits most naturally into the moderate mold shaped by Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.’ I would appreciate your vote on June 9.”
Where he stands on the issues
Education Wants to offer more grants to low-income college students and more guaranteed loans to students. Says graduates who become teachers in “high-need areas” or science and math disciplines could have their loans forgiven over time. Wants stronger high school course work so that every senior can graduate with a semester’s worth of college credit or substantial job training. Supports raising teacher pay at public schools to the national average. Wants to expand the state’s pre-kindergarten education programs. Does not say how he would pay for all his proposals.
Jobs and the economy Wants to make transportation improvements a key focus of his job creation plans, through both the labor involved in building more roads and mass transit and the economic growth that such projects can encourage. Also contends that public education can be improved, leading to a better trained work force that makes Virginia more attractive to higher-paying employers. Wants to spend $10 million for job training grants to help workers learn more marketable job skills. Wants to encourage green industries, such as biofuel production, by developing public-private partnerships and offering tax breaks or grants to companies that develop environmentally friendly jobs. Does not say how he would pay for transportation improvements, job programs or educational improvements.
Transportation Says the fastest way to revive Virginia’s economy is a statewide solution to transportation problems. Has supported major road projects in Hampton Roads but says mass transit also has to be a priority. Wants to develop – with federal assistance – high-speed rail from Washington to Richmond to Hampton Roads. Want to expand light rail beyond Norfolk’s current project. Supports tax credits for companies with telecommuting workers and workers who use mass transit or carpool. Does not say how he would raise money to pay for transportation improvements but has said the cost should be borne by all Virginians, not just those in urban areas. Has supported a gasoline tax in the past but now says that form of taxation may be obsolete. Would consider tolls but is not wed to any specific revenue source. Has said he is keeping options open.
Energy and the environment Favors drilling offshore for natural gas and oil as long as specific safeguards are put in place. Supports proposed coal-fired power plant in Surry County, arguing that the state needs to have a balanced energy portfolio. Wants to require Virginia’s utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2025. Wants to build three facilities by 2020 to develop fuel from biomass, such as switchgrass, algae, poultry waste and agriculture waste. Supports public-private partnerships to build wind farms in Southwest Virginia and off the coast of Virginia Beach by 2012. Wants to reduce state government energy consumption by 20 percent in four years.
“I’m the best prepared Democrat to lead Virginia forward and I will put us in the strongest position to beat Bob McDonnell in November. The most important job of our next governor will be to restore public confidence in the economy and to create good-paying jobs for middle-class families. And I’m ready to hit the ground running with a common-sense plan to rebuild Virginia’s economy with smart investments in education, a statewide solution for transportation, and alternative and renewable energy. I’m the only one in this race with a proven record of winning Democratic, independent, and even some Republican votes – votes that we need to beat Bob McDonnell in November. The editorial page editor of this newspaper recently said that I am the candidate who 'fits most naturally into the moderate mold shaped by Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.’ I would appreciate your vote on June 9.”
Where he stands on the issues
Education Wants to offer more grants to low-income college students and more guaranteed loans to students. Says graduates who become teachers in “high-need areas” or science and math disciplines could have their loans forgiven over time. Wants stronger high school course work so that every senior can graduate with a semester’s worth of college credit or substantial job training. Supports raising teacher pay at public schools to the national average. Wants to expand the state’s pre-kindergarten education programs. Does not say how he would pay for all his proposals.
Jobs and the economy Wants to make transportation improvements a key focus of his job creation plans, through both the labor involved in building more roads and mass transit and the economic growth that such projects can encourage. Also contends that public education can be improved, leading to a better trained work force that makes Virginia more attractive to higher-paying employers. Wants to spend $10 million for job training grants to help workers learn more marketable job skills. Wants to encourage green industries, such as biofuel production, by developing public-private partnerships and offering tax breaks or grants to companies that develop environmentally friendly jobs. Does not say how he would pay for transportation improvements, job programs or educational improvements.
Transportation Says the fastest way to revive Virginia’s economy is a statewide solution to transportation problems. Has supported major road projects in Hampton Roads but says mass transit also has to be a priority. Wants to develop – with federal assistance – high-speed rail from Washington to Richmond to Hampton Roads. Want to expand light rail beyond Norfolk’s current project. Supports tax credits for companies with telecommuting workers and workers who use mass transit or carpool. Does not say how he would raise money to pay for transportation improvements but has said the cost should be borne by all Virginians, not just those in urban areas. Has supported a gasoline tax in the past but now says that form of taxation may be obsolete. Would consider tolls but is not wed to any specific revenue source. Has said he is keeping options open.
Energy and the environment Favors drilling offshore for natural gas and oil as long as specific safeguards are put in place. Supports proposed coal-fired power plant in Surry County, arguing that the state needs to have a balanced energy portfolio. Wants to require Virginia’s utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2025. Wants to build three facilities by 2020 to develop fuel from biomass, such as switchgrass, algae, poultry waste and agriculture waste. Supports public-private partnerships to build wind farms in Southwest Virginia and off the coast of Virginia Beach by 2012. Wants to reduce state government energy consumption by 20 percent in four years.
). I mean really, is this 2009 or 1809?
). We just didn't have any good candidates this year. Turnout was light, which means that McDonnell likely has this one in the bag. I just hope he uses his majorities in both house to actually get something done with transportation, i'm doubtful that this will happen though. More likely or not that social agenda of his that stayed suspiciously hidden during the length of the campaign will rear it's ugly head once in office, to the detriment of all else. I would love to be wrong on this though. 
