A Personal Note from Gov. Tim Kaine

Written by: Keshini Ladduwahetty on Sep 24, 2009 9:37 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DC for Democracy

Dear Friends,
 
I wrote you a few weeks ago to discuss the stakes facing Virginians this November. My letter concerned a political blueprint authored by the Republican candidate for Governor containing extremely objectionable references to working women, single mothers, gays and lesbians, and many others. That blueprint, which has been generally followed by the candidate in his elected career, advocated policies that would take Virginia backward-opposition to day care services and pay equity for women, objection to contraception, criminalization of women's reproductive choices, and promotion of the idea that people need to be "punished" due to their sexual orientation. That philosophy contrasts sharply with the record and character of the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Senator Creigh Deeds, who is a centrist legislator who believes our state government should focus on economic and educational opportunity.

Today, I woke to find that the Speaker of the House in Virginia has solicited the help of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)-the Congressman who recently embarrassed himself and his constituents by trying to shout down President Obama-to raise money for Republican Delegates. We have already seen from the Virginia House a philosophy of government that is basically about voting no-no to transportation solutions, no to non-partisan redistricting, no to meaningful help to Virginia's unemployed. Now, with their tacit approval of disrespectful behavior, Virginia Republicans are making very plain what values and ideas they hold and how they will govern if given the chance.  That is why I am working so hard with Ward Armstrong and his colleagues to elect practical and constructive leaders to the House of Delegates this fall.
 
In the past 7 years, under the leadership of two Democratic Governors, Virginia has restored its position as a leader among American states. We have repeatedly received accolades for our fiscal management, our business climate and our educational outcomes. We have focused on results and obtained them across the board-sharp reductions in infant mortality, a Triple A bond rating, an unemployment rate that is more than 3% below the national average and dramatic advances in expanding early childhood, career and technical and college education opportunities, to name just a few.
 
The issue in November is whether we want to maintain and expand this educational and economic progress under our statewide candidates Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon and whether we will elect a House of Delegates that will truly lead as we face the challenges of today and tomorrow. We should not go back to a politics that is narrowly focused on divisive social issues that pit people against each other. And, we should reject efforts to further degrade political dialogue in Virginia by giving credence to the loud and disruptive voices who offer nothing in terms of practical solutions to the issues Virginians care about.
 
I hope you will do all you can to help our candidates and keep Virginia the model state it has become.

Warm Regards,

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