Here's some reaction to Gov. Wilder - which is clearly a win for the GOP, no matter how you slice it. It's not overwhelming or anything, but it's still a win.
First from Republican Bob McDonnell's spokesman Tucker Martin:
“Bob McDonnell and Governor Wilder have worked together well on issues ranging from combating gangs to promoting programs to help the homeless in Richmond. They share the same commitment to fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes low. They both understand that during these tough economic times public servants have to focus on the real-world situation of working families and small businesses who are struggling to make ends meet. The last thing they need is another tax increase that makes their burdens heavier and dries up job opportunities. Bob holds the Governor in high regard for his historic achievements and public service, and he looks forward to continuing to work closely with him in the years ahead.”
Here's is the statement from Democrat Creigh Deeds' campaign via spokesman Jared Leopold:
“We respect Governor Wilder’s decision. While Creigh and he may not agree on every issue, they share a fundamental commitment to keeping Virginia the best managed state in the nation, as Governor Wilder first made it in 1992. As governor, Creigh intends to seek Governor Wilder’s counsel often, and looks forward to working with him.”
And here is the full statement from Wilder is below the jump:
There may have been no period in our State's history when the voters are more aware of what issues confront them in their choice for Governor. We have undergone the worst economic downturn since the Depression. I have previously set forth the things that I would look to see the next Governor address. (1) Who is best suited by temperament and training to govern in hard times? (2) Who has presented to the people realistic plans for Education, Transportation, Health Care, Public Safety and Social Services, etc.? (3) Who is strong enough to stand up for the state when tough calls have to be made? 4) Who has the vision that can inspire confidence and assure people that Virginia can still move forward, even while confronting difficult choices.
The overriding "issue" in this year's Governor's race will be the judgment the voters make about which candidate is most capable of managing tough times and establishing the right priorities for when the economy begins to recover.
Throughout my entire involvement with public service, I have tried to be a voice for those most often left out when decisions are being made which affect them in their everyday lives. As a state senator, I fought to get rid of the sales tax on food. As Lt. Governor, I fought to get rid of the sales tax on non-prescription drugs and opposed the increased sales taxes for transportation, because they are regressive taxes, meaning the poor pay at the same rate as the rich. I have lived long enough not to assume that these voiceless people can always count on someone articulating for them.
This is not the time in our Commonwealth to talk about any kind of tax increase, especially those that are fundamentally regressive and will hit hardest those who are struggling.
Rather, it is the time to put our fiscal house in order, strengthening the Commonwealth for the future.
Now is the time to replenish the "Rainy Day" fund which has bailed several administrations out of deficits, but will be all but depleted for future administrations to have at their avail. It is a time to do everything possible to let the public know that we are serious about getting a handle on spending and controlling it better. Re-examine the efficiency and effectiveness reports, previously administratively commissioned, draw from them, and make this reform agenda further known to the public. It is a time to return to the funding of "necessities" rather than "niceties".
Furthermore, In my conversations with the people across the state, I have not encountered anyone who has listed as their priority the need for them to have more handguns. The present law permits anyone of sufficient age, who is not a felon, to be able to buy one gun a month; twelve a year, twenty four a year for couples etc..
Mr. Deeds thinks that's not enough and signed a pledge to repeal that law.
This action would allow the truck loads of guns to come back in exchange for drugs from those Northeastern states where gun laws are more stringent. This law was put on the books by Democrats and Republicans because they had seen where those guns go to in our cities and suburban areas where the violence occurs. Partly because of that law, as Mayor, I was able to have the lowest crime rate in our capital city of Richmond in 30 years.
I do not see how endorsing a proposal to have more handguns brought into our cities and suburban areas qualifies as any type of urban renewal plan.
For this situation to exist and for Democrats who lead our party to say nothing is puzzling and inexplicable.
The requests, made of me, have been to endorse Mr. Deeds, the Democratic Candidate, for Governor. I refrain from doing so and will leave that choice to the voters.
This in no wise is intended to detract from Mr. Deeds in terms of character or commitment to the task of being Governor. I find that he, as well as Mr. McDonnell are fine and honorable men and well suited to that task. The question before me is whether I support the Democratic candidate's position in addressing these issues. I have not thus far in the progress of the campaign, and as aforesaid refrain from so doing.
Much applause to Former Gov. Wilder.
Concerning Democrat Creigh Deeds, he does seem like an honorable person and we thank him for his public service, but his selection of commercial material makes one wonder about his stand on the issues. Democrat Deeds' commercials spend much time pointing out what Republican McDonnell has done or will not do, but tells us little to nothing of what he (Deeds) has done or will do if elected. Many are becoming weary of politians who spend all their time speaking ill of someone else, to make themselves look good, but never telling us their voting record or what they stand for. Mr. Deeds' "negative" commercials have actually caused many to consider or confirm voting for Mr. McDonnell.
My humble advice to the McDonnell camp is continue with the upstanding commercials you have been sharing...stick to the issues of what you plan to do...and maintain your integrity...don't get in the political weeds with Deeds.
Thanks and God bless.
Posted by: Integrity First | Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM
May the best man win. God is in control-He knows who would do the best job!!!
Posted by: Abbee Lee | Friday, September 25, 2009 at 02:33 PM