The rats are abandoning the ship. According to the DCPost, Virginia Democrats are turning their backs on Gov. Tim Kaine over the manufactured absuer fee "controversy." Hey, I give Kaine credit by sticking to his guns, something most Democrats forget when it comes to other issues like taxes. My favorite is of course Chap Petersen, running in my district against Jeannemarie:
In Northern Virginia, many Democratic candidates are taking Moran's advice. J. Chapman "Chap" Petersen, who is challenging state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax), posted an entry on his blog Friday taking aim at Kaine and Howell.
"With all due respect to our esteemed leaders, the opposition to this law has been a truly grass-roots movement," Peterson wrote. "Common sense is making a comeback in state politics. Don't stand in the way."
Peterson also cut a Web ad that mocks the fees.
"Thank you Jeannemarie Devolites Davis for passing your transportation bill," the ad says. "Failure to use your turn signal? $1,000. Improper tread on tires? $900 . . . And a $3,000 speeding ticket. . . . New leadership in the state Senate? Priceless."
The ad ends with photographs of Peterson, including one with former governor Mark R. Warner (D). But none with Kaine. Coincidence?
Peterson's ad stretches the truth. State officials say the traffic fines Peterson mentions would be levied only against someone who causes a serious crash.
OF COURSE he streches the truth! I'm just shocked the Post pointed this out. Of course, Chap Petersen sat in the House of Delegates for four years and did basically nothing but sit on the back bench and smile for the cameras, hoping style over substance would carry him to the LG nomination. So its easy for Chap to criticize Jeannemarie, but he had his chance and showed how much this message meant. Petersen spent four years in the House of Delegates thinking about running for something else, and NOT looking out for Fairfax or doing anything about Transportation. That is why his criticism rings so hallow.
And then there is this quote:
Kaine has left many Democratic candidates in a tough spot because they need him. In campaign finance reports filed last month, Kaine's political action committee, Moving Virginia Forward, reported that it had $1.3 million. Kaine has pledged to use the bulk of that money to help elect Democrats to the General Assembly.
Democratic candidates had also been hoping that Kaine's popularity could rub off on them. When Kaine shows up in a district this fall, his interest in defending the transportation plan probably will clash with Democratic candidates' interest in bashing the abuser fees.
It could make for interesting political theater. As Kaine often says, politics is easy. Governing is hard, especially when a Democratic governor must choose between what he thinks is best and what might be best for his party.
According to the latest SurveyUSA poll, Gov. Tim Kaine has an approval rating of 60%. Is is smart of Democrats like Petersen and Brian Moran and others to run away from him like this? Republicans have, obviously out of nervousness, decided to respond. With legislators ranging in ideology from Lingamfelter to Devolites Davis, have called for the repeal of these fees. Guys like Petersen are just fanning partisanship without taking their outrage to its logical extension . . . demanding the governor call a special session immediatly to fix this. The question is, who do Democrats trust more--their candidate or Tim Kaine? Kaine's steadfast support for this has taken the sails out of this outrage, and instead of attacking Republicans as a united front Democrats are simultaneously attacking Republicans AND their governor with a 60% approval rating. All the while, these Democrats like Petersen, Moran, and Ward Armstrong are still too chicken to demand an end to this by calling a special session. Jeannemarie has steppped up. While Democrats like Petersen tip-toe around the issue, feigning anger while doing nothing, what will their answer be when someone finally asks them if they will demand the governor call a special session?
Chap wants to just sit back, criticize, and not offer any ideas of his own, particularly on transportation.
On the other hand, maybe he does have a solution for transportation. Is Chap still hocking an increase in the gas tax?
How does Chap propose to raise money for transportation in Northern Virginia when sending more money to Richmond GUARANTEES that this money will NOT be sent back to Northern Virginia for transportation?
So much for: "putting Fairfax first." Same old Chap.
Posted by: 200 Grande | July 31, 2007 at 08:54 AM
"Dissary"? ;-)
Posted by: Bwana | July 31, 2007 at 10:27 AM