Experience

Experience, an advertisement from Virginians for Wagner, highlighting the reasons that Jody has what it takes to lead Virginia. This video demonstrates that Jody has the fiscal experience to help Virginia by highlighting Virginia's ranking as the best state for business and the best managed state during her tenure. The ad also appeals to family values, noting that Virginia was also ranked the best state to raise a child. The final message, that Jody cares more about the next generation than the next election, demonstrates that she is running to do the right thing for all Virginians.

A Real Problem Solver with Experience

Jody Wagner received the endorsement of The Washington Post for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia last week.

The tagline of the Post's article is "In Virginia, a problem-solver is better than a pol." Jody's resume demonstrates that she is a problem-solver, and voters in Virginia can be confident that if elected, she will continue to use her skills to solve the problems that face Virginians.

The article notes: "Unlike the usual run of officeholders in Richmond, she is more pragmatist and problem solver than partisan political warrior. As the only one of the six statewide candidates to have had hands-on experience with the state's budget, she would be uniquely well placed to serve as a resource for whichever candidate is elected."

The economy is one of the biggest issues facing voters next Tuesday. The Washington Post's endorsement demonstrates that Jody has the experience to be a valuable asset to the Commonwealth as Lieutenant Governor. As the lone statewide candidate to have real experience with Virginia's budget, Jody clearly stands above her opponent.

The Washington Post endorsement can be found here:

Republicans: Moving Virginia Backwards

The November 3rd statewide election seems to be looking grim for those hoping Virginia will remain blue for another four years. The polls all have the Republicans leading the Democrats by sizable margins. However, one must keep in mind that polls are only snapshots in time and that polling trends show the true nature of the race. Weeks ago pollsters had Jody Wagner trailing Bill Bolling by 15% points, while a Clarus poll last week had her gaining significantly with a difference of only 7% points. This is impressive considering she started out as an unknown candidate and is running against an incumbent with significantly higher name recognition. The campaign is going to have to put all of its efforts into mobilizing the voters who turned out to support Democrats in 2008.

But being a realistic student of politics, this is easier said than done... which makes me wonder, what will happen if Republicans sweep the board on November 3rd? What will Virginia look like with Republicans running Virginia. Well, the citizens of Virginia need to prepare themselves for serious movement... and I mean serious movement backwards. McDonnell's thesis has been gone over with a fine-tooth comb and everyone knows he has touted terrible ideas concerning women and gays and their harmful effects on society. But most people will argue that was 20 years ago and McDonnell has "changed". Ok fine. But what about now? McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli all have taken drastic legislative action to prohibit a woman's right to choose. Are we really prepared as citizens to move backwards nearly four decades? McDonnell sponsored legislation 35 times that prohibits giving women the right to choose... and supports prohibiting women from obtaining an abortion even in the case of rape or incest. Ken Cuccinelli has submitted legislation as well. And Bill Bolling, one of the few times he decided to show up for work, was the deciding vote in the Senate on an amendment to cut funding from Planned Parenthood because the organization provides abortion services. Seriously people? These three straight, white, male, middle to upper-class leaders are supposed to be representing the interests of all Virginians? Frankly, this is a terrifying thought. Electing the Republicans will only be moving Virginia backwards.

Jody Wagner, the only female running in one of the major state races, will represent every person in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her recent endorsement by Equality Virginia (EV) shows that she will stand for equality for families, workplace protection, and hate crime legislation. EV CEO Jon Blair said, "In every respect, Jody Wagner has demonstrated that she will walk with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Virginians on the path to full equality."

I sincerely hope the Democrats and Republicans who went blue in 2008 will turnout to vote for Jody Wagner on Nov. 3rd and keep Virginia moving forwards... not backwards.

WWJD? Solve Problems

Supporting a Public Option

Reports have emerged that Jody Wagner is for the public option. When asked by the popular blog Notlarrysabato.com she responded by saying that she would fight to make sure that Virginia will not opt out of any public option passed by Congress.

There has been some talk in Congress about allowing states to "opt out" of any public option, giving governors a tremendous amount of influence when it comes to federal health care policy. In a recent debate, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds was ambiguous about supporting the public option, and even implied that he would ensure that the Old Dominion would not have universal healthcare within its borders.

But in a gutsy move, Jody Wagner will fight for the option. While that may cost her some votes, its nice to see a Virginia candidate sticking with her principles

To see the direct quote, look here: http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/doh/2009/10/jody-wagner-will-fight-any-attempts-to-optout.html

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.

Clips from Jody Wagner vs. Bill Bolling Debate

From their first and only debate. Bolling used the phrase "that was a meaningless platitude about nothing" to describe something that Jody Wagner said. Personally, I like my politicians to by more articulate than that. He also accused her of running a "dishonest, deceitful, hypocritical campaign." Real mature.

If I find the whole debate online I will post the link. I bet some of the other bloggers have things to say about what may be the most important event in this Virginia Lieutenant Governor election.