Sunday, October 25, 2009
Editorial: Creigh Deeds for governor
The longtime senator is the candidate for governor who is serious about the most pressing issue facing Virginia: transportation.
From the RoundTable blog
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If the campaign to become Virginia's next governor is about which candidate is more articulate and slick, then Republican Bob McDonnell is the clear choice.
If the campaign is about who would better govern the state and face the extremely difficult choices the commonwealth must confront, then Democrat Creigh Deeds becomes the frontrunner. He is better prepared to position Virginia to meet the challenges of the future.
The difference is strikingly evident on the single most crucial issue facing the state: how to fund Virginia's crumbling and inadequate transportation infrastructure.
McDonnell boasts that he has a plan while Deeds only promises to work with the General Assembly to develop one.
McDonnell would have a point if not for one thing: His plan, as detailed as it may be, is a farce. It is a compendium of rejected ideas, supplemented by revenue from sources unlikely to pan out, topped off with money stolen from an already inadequate general fund.
His plan would not work and would guarantee that Virginia will do nothing to make up for a widening gulf between transportation needs and available resources.
Deeds could have shown more political leadership by putting forth a specific proposal with clear sources of revenue. But he at least has the guts to tell Virginians the truth: Either the state's transportation system gets a large infusion of new revenue or the consequences will be dire.
In an interview with The Roanoke Times editorial board, Deeds made a compelling argument that the economic future of the state hangs in the balance.
He also made clear why a statewide solution is so important even though the severest congestion is in the more populous regions. This part of the state cannot expect assistance developing the infrastructure needed here if our residents turn their backs on Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads in the time of their greatest need.
In many other important policy areas, from energy development to education, Deeds demonstrates a clearer understanding of the issues and specific plans to work to better Virginia's response.
McDonnell, who declined repeated attempts to arrange an interview with the editorial board, has tried to brush aside criticism of a thesis he wrote while attending Pat Robertson's Regent University, saying what he wrote 20 years ago is irrelevant to today's race. And it would be, if his record throughout his tenure in elective office didn't so closely reflect the principles laid out in the thesis
Virginia voters should realize that, all his talk about jobs and the economy aside, McDonnell is an extreme social conservative -- one who, for instance, thinks abortion should be illegal even in cases of rape or incest.
A clear look at both candidates, their records, the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, and their commitment to Virginia as a commonwealth makes it clear that Creigh Deeds is the best candidate for the job.
Virginia voters shouldn't let style win over substance.
