Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Campaign notebook: Deeds happy with Holton endorsement
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It's not a major surprise these days when former Republican Gov. Linwood Holton endorses a Democrat in a statewide election. But Creigh Deeds still was happy to get Holton's backing for his gubernatorial bid Tuesday.
Holton formally endorsed Deeds in Arlington, where they greeted commuters at a Metro transit stop as Deeds tries to build momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Holton, a Roanoker who served as governor from 1970 to 1974, gave Deeds high marks for his approach to addressing transportation needs, even though the Democrat has not advanced a plan to generate revenue for roads and transit. Deeds instead has said he would work with legislators in both parties to produce a plan that generates new money for transportation and would sign a bill that includes new taxes.
Holton said Republican Bob McDonnell has a plan built on "false promises."
Holton is the father-in-law of outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Holton was Virginia's first Republican governor of the 20th century, but he has openly criticized his party on numerous issues since last running for public office.
"Governor Holton is someone who is not bound up by rigid partisanship," Deeds said.
Former Democratic Gov. Doug Wilder said last week he will not endorse Deeds, citing the Bath County senator's position on taxes and Deeds' opposition to a state law limiting handgun sales to one per month.
-- Michael Sluss
McDonnell promotes community-based care
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell and attorney general candidate Ken Cuccinelli pledged Tuesday to continue efforts to improve Virginia's mental health system by expanding community-based care, reducing urgent care waiting lists for the mentally disabled and updating laws to reflect changes in the state's system.
Whether there will be money for improvement is another matter. The economic downturn and subsequent budget shortfalls forced spending cuts in most state services. McDonnell already has identified transportation and higher education as top funding priorities.
McDonnell said savings from downsizing of state mental health hospitals should be reinvested in community-based services, which was envisioned in legislation he sponsored in 2002.
But he acknowledged that the state may have a tough time reducing urgent care waiting lists for the mentally disabled until the economy recovers and the general fund expands.
A spokesman for Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds argued that mental health services would suffer under McDonnell's transportation funding plan, which relies partly on revenue derived from privatizing state liquor stores.
The liquor revenue goes to the state's general operating fund, which pays for human services programs.
-- Michael Sluss
PTA council to host candidates forum
The Roanoke County Council of Parent Teacher Associations is hosting a school board candidates forum Monday at 7 p.m. at the division's administrative office at 5937 Cove Road.
There's a three-way race for the Vinton District seat this year: incumbent Mike Stovall, Jason Peters and Russell Wise.
Stovall, who has held the office since 1995, recently received the endorsement of the Roanoke County Education Association and a $750 campaign contribution from the political action committee.
Two incumbents, also invited to the forum, are running unopposed: board Chairman Drew Barrineau of the Windsor Hills District and Jerry Canada of the Hollins District.
-- Courtney Cutright
