This morning I had the distinct honor, and pleasure of talking with an old friend – Virginia’s Attorney General Bob McDonnell. He’s running for Governor this year, and with no Republican opposition – he’s focusing on the needs of Virginians. We cover the gamut: terrorism, Obama, the USS Cole, Virginia’s deep connections to the military, the economy, justice – and his record as a prosecutor, legislator, and as Attorney General. His accomplishments have received wide, bipartisan support – and he’s made the Old Dominion a better place to live.
Listen HERE. He’s tested, ready, and the best man for the job.
Sure, Former DNC Chairman & Businessman Terry McAuliffe has to clear the decks in the Democratic primary. Brian Moran & Creigh Deeds are grumpy Richmond-heavy fellas that don’t like the charming Mr. McAuliffe coming in and messing up their little “it’s my turn” party…. but so what? If the establishment of either party were remotely competent – Hillary or McCain would have been president right now.
So, let’s set that to the side. Look, I am a Republican. Once upon a time I was a Virginia voter… and much as I love the Fitzhugh Mafia – they best get Bob McDonnell up to speed, despite his status as sitting Attorney General - Terry McAuliffe is the happiest warrior on the Left. He’s got more mojo in his smile than all the high wattage hope-n-change message of Barack Obama. And… if Tim Kaine’s droll nature got elected… and Mark Warner can ride the “Warner” coat-tails for the better part of the last decade…. Terry McAuliffe must be taken seriously.
Condescension has its place. But so does tone. Ideas matter. Listening matters. Get McDonnell outside of the Chesapeake box – get him out of the evangelical call-center – introduce him to the rest of Virginia. You can bet Terry McAuliffe will be everywhere.
Below is his first TV ad. Not a hint of his longtime authority in the ‘establishment.’ In the interest of full disclosure – I have met both gentlemen. McDonnell in the trenches during the 2000 Campaign, and McAuliffe at The Caucus Room (the restaurant he & Haley Barbour were among original investors in) – along with then newly minted Senator George Allen, and the delightful then-Senator Fred Thompson – at a party hosted by Bill Maher… who was in town filming “Politically Incorrect” at Howard University.
McDonnell is smart, serious, accomplished – former military man, devoted husband & father. McAuliffe has been a partisan since age 22, when during the Carter campaign he wrestled an alligator for a $15,000 donation. McAuliffe has been a successful entrepreneur since age 14 when he founded a driveway maintenance business. Both are good men – I like both very much as individuals.
Consultants and camapign advisers to McDonnell have their work cut out for them. Much as I adore the Fitzhugh Mafia, they haven’t been successful since former Governor George Allen was elected to the US Senate in 2000. The same-old business as usual won’t do it this time. A quick look at the expenditure reports on VPAP reveal a lot of info – but with McAuliffe raising money hand over fist, he will soon be at parity with McDonnell. Once he clinches that nomination – it will be more than uphill for McDonnell. Not because he lacks ideas, or solid policy positions. He does. But McAuliffe may make a more persuasive case, and he isn’t hard Left – like most prominent Virginia Democrats… his positions are akin to recently retired US Senator John Warner, a Republican.
The best news for the GOP is that McDonnell is unchallenged for the GOP nomination – because McAuliffe would have walked to the Governor’s Mansion had Bolling been a real contender for the seat. Here is McAuliffe’s first television ad:
Ah, my affection for the Old Dominion. Not a very well kept secret. My endorsement of Fred Thompson, no secret at all. My affection for tall, gentlemanly, Southern pols that advocate federalism? I think there’s a billboard near the Ryman…
What happens when my two favorite guys, from my two favorite states get together? Hopefully, electoral magic. In the meantime- the Virginians for Fred Thompson folks hosted a live blog with one-half of the magic duo.
Former Governor George Allen, along with Virginia’s up and comer AG Bob McDonnell, took questions about Fred Thompson and his campaign for the presidency. If there is one thing George Allen is phenomenal at – it’s retail politicking. He works the crowd better than most and is an all-around good guy. His return to the forefront of Republican politics is a darn good thing. I know there are critics out there – but – he’s a good man. And he knows his way around the Constitution. I’m just glad there are a few federalists left.
For the record, I submitted a question – Governor Allen answered. The exchange is below. Funny how some things come full circle, just when you least expect it.
Question:Senator Allen:
Certainly, your advocacy of common sense Jeffersonian values, improved Virginia – and inspired Republicans across the Commonwealth, and the nation. The strong economic positions, and policies, you believe in are needed at a federal level.
How do you envision a President Thompson working with the US Congress to restrain out of control spending? And is there any hope of the Congress ever fulfilling their Constitutional mandate of 14 annual bills?
I’ll avoid asking the VP question here… but it’s a suggestion I am hearing among friends in California and elsewhere. Thank you so much for your continued service to the cause of our freedom, security and our future. Senator Thompson is lucky to have you on board.
Elizabeth Blackney
Answer: Governor Allen: Fred Thompson has a proven record of supporting the President having line item veto authority to knock out wasteful pork barrel spending, which is apparently different than some of the other candidates on our side. Fred supports a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. These are the same authorities that are provided to well over 40 Governors and states. Fred’s #1 priority is national defense by strengthening our military, modernizing our armed forces, and providing better benefits to those who serve.
Fred believes that raising taxes would be harmful to the prosperity of our country and therefore would want to make recent tax cuts permanent.
