Gov. Timothy M. Kaine says that the 20-year-old thesis penned by Republican Bob McDonnellis an "accurate reflection" of the GOP nominee for governor.
McDonnell is working to explain the 93-page paper he wrote in 1989 as a 34-year-old graduate student at Regent University in Virginia Beach. McDonnell spent about 90 minutes on a conference call with reporters trying to explain why the paper should be viewed as an "academic exercise" and not reflective of his current views or platform.
But Kaine, who is supporting Democrat Creigh Deeds against McDonnell, does not think McDonnell can explain the paper away so effortlessly. Instead he's sending out e-mails through his political action committee saying that the thesis should be a "grave concern."
Here's the meat or the note from Kaine:
Focused on Bob's Master's thesis, the story details his blueprint for government - and raises serious questions about his plan for Virginia if elected. As you will see, this political blueprint contains unflattering references to working women, gays and lesbians, and many others. It also contains references to policy positions - such as opposition to contraception and child care availability - that most Virginians would find quite troubling.
All people are entitled to their personal beliefs. After years of working with Bob, I believe this article is an accurate reflection of his sincere and long-standing views. But I do not believe that this philosophy, which Bob has worked strenuously to implement as an elected official, is the right direction for Virginia. In fact, I think it would take us backwards and jeopardize much of the success we have achieved in the Commonwealth in recent years.
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