WWJD... On Spending?

Bill Bolling's attacks on Jody Wagner throughout the campaign have been two-pronged. The first attack, which I have already addressed, goes after Jody on taxes. The second is an attack on Jody's spending. This is a common "go-to" attack for Republicans and they tend to point their fingers before they conduct any solid research. We've repeatedly heard over the past few months that the past administration has spent so much money they have outstripped population growth and inflation. This accusation is wrooooong. Bill Bolling's goal to link Jody to an administration that spends, spends, and spends some more is a lie and is mere political exedience. A recent Washington Post article has set the record straight ("Balance in Virginia, Oct. 16th). According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, Virginia state fund expenditures have grown at an average rate of 4.6% since 1999. Also during this time, spending by states nationally has increased at a rate 5% faster than Virginia spending. Additionally, prior to 1999 during the dot.com boom, spending in Virginia peaked at 15.3%... this was all during eight years of Republican governorship. I think Republicans should hesitate to point their fingers on spending after George W. Bush took federal expenditures to an entirely new level.

Jody Wagner has no interest in spending Virginia into the ground, despite what her opposition may say. Her goal is to improve the state, and has made job-growth her number one priority. The facts show that Virginia has consistently been ranked a best state to do business, raise a family, and is a best-managed state. Jody's practical experience with monetary policy makes her an asset to Virginia, and citizens of the Commonwealth would be lucky to have her.