Spank That Donkey

(He'll Pledge to work with John Kerry Virginia!)

According to Democratic Central Governor Mark Warner has got him a campaign 'Kick Off' Tour going, but curiously enough he doesn't have any stops planned for college campuses?  Me wonders if that has something to do with his complicity in doubling college tuition along with his trusty Democrat/ic side kick Governor Kaine?

This is a great opportunity for college kids with them minds full of mush to understand what Democrat/ics do for higher education.  They crank up tuition, while only Republican Governors actually keep a lid on it.  Yes, and I am going to say it again, my candidate for US Senate, a former Attorney General and Governor of Virginia, Jim Gilmore's first act as Governor was to form a Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education.

Yes, and from that Commission the colleges were each given four year plans for their growth, while reducing tuition 20% and freezing it for four years!

Here's what he can tell the kids at the Middle School in Abingdon:

Now listen up little minds of mush, Democrat/ic Governors are always your friends, because we help the working class people get ahead in life.  We do it by raising your parents taxes, and by increasing your college tuitions, should you choose to take on that debt.  Now my opponent, is not a friend of the working class, why he would lower your parents taxes, and your even lowered college tuition!  Make sure you go right home and tell mommy and daddy that I'm a nice guy, and don't listen to anything that other guy says, because I'm going to go stand on a battleship in Norfolk!  That's right little boys and girls, I have no military experience, whatsoever, but everyone will think I'm a big military guy because my campaign manager told me to go there and tell you about those big guns! 

(The preceding was a dramatization of what truth serum would do to Governor Warner)

See the Governors schedule, he will discuss his dramatic raising of the State Sales Tax at the Charlottesville Mall, and how it saved the Old Dominion!  Why the children would've been stupid, our Bond Rating in the tank, and the roads unpaved if he hadn't fudged the budget numbers, and got that tax increase passed...

Abingdon - May 4 at 5pm (E. Stanley Middle School)
Roanoke - May 5 at 8am (New Fire Station #1)
Norfolk - May 5 at 11:15am (Nauticus at USS Wisconsin)
Richmond - May 5 at 3pm (Virginia BioTech Research Park)
Northern Virginia - May 5 at 7pm (The Carlyle Club)
Martinsville - May 6 at 8:30am (Main Street Restaurant)
Lynchburg - May 6 at 11:30am (Monument Terrace)
Charlottesville - May 6 at 2:15pm (Downtown Mall)
Harrisonburg - May 6 at 5pm (Courthouse Steps)

See B4G's newest blogger, Justice Leaguer 81 highlight the clear differences in the upcoming US Senate Race in Virginia.  My favorite part:

Gilmore

Reduced state college tuition rates by 20%.

Warner

Oversaw double digit increases at many state colleges and universities – including Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

One gentleman who I have always respected is Tucker Watkins.  Although I am in the sixth district, it seems that I have run into Tucker more than any other party official at Advances, rallies, BV, fund raisers, etc.  He just seems to always be everywhere.

He is always willing to take the time to explain politics in the term of history, and how the rubber hits the road on General Assembly make up and how legislation came & comes to be.  It's like he's the type that gives you the back ground on issues and politicians, that brings into perspective the grand scheme of things.

For instance, some might remember that alot of Valley Bloggers went to war for Rep. Virgil Goode; who was speaking out against unfettered illegal immigration into the United States, and drawing the correct parellels into how Muslim immigration into Europe has turned that continent into a powder keg.  Well, later on during our Sayre - Hanger primary, Rep. Goode was a serious surprise endorser for Senator Hanger.

Well, as you can imagine we, and I were particularly aghast he would get involved in the race.  Regardless, Tucker on more than three occasions, took the time to explain who Rep. Goode was, and his history in Virginia politics to me personally.  I am no one special, and I could tell that was his style to talk to the little people, just as he talks to the big people in the party.  That's leadership.

You treat everyone with respect, and you hear out their issues, and bring perspective to the micro issues, that make up the macro world of politics... if that makes sense.

Regardless, later on I had a chance to talk with Rep. Goode, one on one, and knowing his background before even going into the discussion, which led off with, "we are real disappointed you got into our race"... it was one of the best conversations I have ever had with an elected official. 

Having babbled all of that, I can not think of a better chair of any committee than Tucker Watkins.  Seriously, I think if Governor McDonnell appointed him ambassador to Maryland, we could actually negotiate a solution to the Chesapeake Bay Pollution issue.  He just strikes me as that good.  Willing to listen, and then rationalize the conversation to the point that reality finally settles upon you like a warm, sunny, spring day after a cold winter.

We've had some problems over here in the sixth as of late, and I bet if Tucker were our chair; we might never have had the problems in the first place.  I think Tucker is that good.  Plus, Alton and Kilo say he's the man, and brothers, you're right!

Have you been over to the new Virginia blogger  'The Hall of Justice' ?  Word of caution Liberals - Democrat/ics, You're not going to like this:

"Now the Republican Party has the opportunity to reclaim our legacy in the area of civil rights and compete among the African-American vote. It’s extremely important that the Party do so, not only for its own success but for the success of African Americans."

 Well, now.  Seems that Yankee Philip, SWAC GIRL, and others, sorry if I skipped you, will get the link later, are reporting the fact that our Senator Hanger holds an excellent tax payers group in very low regard.

Let it be known, if Senator Hanger doesn't like AFP, he should put the reasons for it down in writing, as we bloggers do.  Along the same lines, he should have to defend his vote for SB 708 in 2006 in writing also.

That is what the blogosphere is about.  Posting the facts, giving your opinion, and backing up your arguments with solid rationale.  The AFP is not a 'splinter' group, and while tax payers state and nationwide are dealing with inflation in energy and food costs, attacking groups who would like to see good government practices is hardly productive.

We fell in behind you Senator Hanger after the primary; we have issues, and we hope you will be listening.