Peace, Watkins, Sessoms, Marcus on Gov.-elect McAuliffe's transition committee

Reaching across the aisle as he prepares to become the 72nd governor of Virginia, Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe announced his transition committee as he prepared to follow in the footsteps of such notable leaders as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe,

Among the list of 52 public and business leaders on his team, the Democrat included Republicans. Senator John Watkins (R-Powhatan) and Delegate Chris Peace (R-Hanover) were picked along with political consultant Boyd Marcus and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms.

Reaching out should be a good thing, right? Politics has become so polarizing that those willing to listen to the opposite side should be applauded ... right?

Apparently not. 

On Friday, conservative activist Ben Marchi noted on his Facebook page that he had heard from grumblers:

I got phone calls this morning from some of my favorite AFP activists who were angry with Christopher Kilian Peace for accepting this appointment. My response was, "If Terry McAuliffe has asked you to participate in his administration and if there's something you can do to make Virginia a better place to live, work, & raise a family, then you should do it, and any other Virginian ought to do the same. It's better that conservatives have a seat at the table, than not at all." Am I wrong? Thoughts?

Several dozen comments had been left by Friday evening, most in agreement with Ben's sentiment but some expressing concerns while 55 people gave a thumbs up.

Delegate Peace took to Facebook, too, to comment about his appointment:

As you know, I have a very strong conservative voting record and to that end worked hard and invested resources in electing Republicans to office this and every cycle. At this point it is critically important that with the prospects of losing all three statewide races that our common sense conservative perspective have a seat at the table. I see my temporary role in transition as giving the people of my district as well as my conservative friends the biggest and best voice in their state government possible. Now is not the time for name calling or taking the ball and going home. Virginia deserves civility and honor, and real leadership requires listening and being engaged in dialogue. It isn’t easy but it is necessary.

Delegate Peace is correct ... Virginia deserves civility and honor. Ben is correct ... conservatives need a seat at the table. Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe is offering both. 

Lt. Governor Bolling congratulates Terry McAuliffe; urges GOP to look at its future

On Tuesday night, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement on the 2013 election results:

“The 2013 campaigns have come to an end, and the people of Virginia have chosen their leaders for the next four years. I congratulate Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam on their election victories, and stand ready to help them in any way I can as they prepare to lead Virginia.

“The outcome of the race for Attorney General has not yet been determined, so I will refrain from commenting on that race until the final results are known. However, I recognize Mark Obenshain and Mark Herring for participating in such a hard fought and competitive campaign.

“I also thank Ken Cuccinelli, Robert Sarvis and E.W. Jackson for their willingness to engage in the political process. Campaigns are never easy, and this campaign was particularly difficult. I hope they will take comfort knowing that they did their best, even though the outcome may not have been as they desired.

“I also congratulate all of the candidates who won election victories tonight in the Virginia House of Delegates. I am pleased that the House of Delegates will continue to have a strong Republican majority, under the capable leadership of Speaker Bill Howell. I know they will continue to do their part in making certain that Virginia takes a mainstream approach to governing.

“As a Republican, I am deeply disappointed that our party has lost control of our state's top two elected offices. There are clear lessons in these losses for the Republican Party. Going forward, we need to have an open and honest conversation about the future of our party and determine what we must do to reconnect with a more diverse voter base whose support is critical to political success in Virginia.

“Now that the campaigns have ended, we must all come together in support of our elected leaders and help them in their effort to build a better Virginia. Let that process begin.”

Election 2013: Governor McDonnell congratulates Terry McAuliffe

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement Tuesday night regarding the election of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“I want to congratulate Terry McAuliffe on his election as the next governor of Virginia. There is no higher honor than serving in the same office once held by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Virginia is a Commonwealth of tremendous history and opportunity; this is the place where America began. The privilege of serving as governor carries with it immense responsibility, and I know Terry McAuliffe will act in the best interests of the more than 8 million people who call Virginia home.

“Elections are long, tough, hard-fought affairs. But they have an end date. For the 2013 campaign, that date is today. Now, the signs, stickers and ads must be put away. In their place must come comity, cooperation and a commitment to working together, across party lines, to continue to improve the quality of life of all Virginians. That’s what we’ve tried to do over the last four years.

“Virginia has been named 'America’s Best State for Business.' Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast, and the third-lowest east of the Mississippi River. Our colleges are more affordable and accessible. Our state pension system has been fixed. Our K-12 system is innovative and productive. Our transportation system finally has the long-term, sustainable funding and reforms it has long needed. We’ve posted four-straight budget surpluses, held the line on general fund spending and our Rainy Day Fund will soon grow to over $1 billion. This is the direct result of bipartisan cooperation in the service of making life better for the people of Virginia and getting results. I’m confident that Governor-elect McAuliffe will continue this great progress.

“Four years ago the people of Virginia honored me with their votes and this office. I can never thank my fellow Virginians enough for the trust they placed in me. Immediately after winning, then-Governor Tim Kaine reached out personally and offered the full assistance of his administration in our transition. The Kaine administration could not have been more helpful in the two months that followed. They made the transition as seamless and smooth as it possibly could have been. Now, we look forward to doing the same for Governor-elect McAuliffe and his team. I have already spoken to the Governor-elect and let him know that we are ready to assist with the transition and prepared to offer all the help his team will need as they prepare to lead our great Commonwealth forward for the next four years.

“Election nights are emotional times. For the winner there is the thrill of victory, combined with the recognition that the hard work preceding this moment is but a prelude to the tremendous effort yet to come. For those who fall short, there is the sadness of seeing such exertion, passion and time not produce the hoped-for result. With that in mind, I wish my friend Ken Cuccinelli the very best as he moves forward from tonight. I hope Ken will continue to stay involved in the public life of our state, and I thank him for serving our administration well as attorney general, and giving his all to public service and the campaign. I also congratulate Mr. Sarvis for running, with limited resources, a good and strong campaign.

“Again I congratulate Governor-elect McAuliffe, and I pledge to work in partnership over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition of power that is in keeping with the grand history of our beloved Commonwealth, and that best prepares the Governor-elect and his team for their public service over the next four years.”

And then there were 5: News-Virginian endorses no one for governor

Conservative Shenandoah Valley newspaper The News-Virginian has declined to endorse any of the three candidates for governor in the 2013 Virginia campaign.

That now makes five newspapers who have passed on this endorsement: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Times, News & Advance, and News Progress and, today, the News-Virginian to that growing list.

Addressing the campaign, the News Virginian wrote:

It’s ... been one of the nastier ones in recent memory, with both Democratic and Republican nominees focusing too much time on attacking their opponent and too little on talking up their own plans for the Commonwealth. If that’s an indication of how their administration would be, we can’t endorse any of the candidates in this year’s race. We’ve seen too much bickering and attacking in Washington. It just takes up time and accomplishes little.

This is notable because the News-Virginian is a relatively conservative newspaper in the conservative Shenandoah Valley, one of the reddest parts of the Commonwealth, with conservative representatives who often go unchallenged. Indeed, in 2013 the three local delegates for the House of Representatives who represent the SWAC area, have no opponents as noted by News-Virginian political reporter Bob Stuart earlier this week in his article, "Local House members face clear path to re-election."

Reflecting the sour mood of the electorate in this election cycle, two newspapers -- the Daily Progress and Roanoke Times suggested writing in Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Election 2013 has, indeed, been an odd one.

No gubernatorial endorsements from Times-Dispatch, Daily Progress, News & Advance, Roanoke Times ... Bill Bolling write-in suggested by two

"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch (October 20, 2013)

In an editorial that laid it on the line, the Richmond Times-Dispatch refused to endorse Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian for Virginia's 2013 gubernatorial race. That news ricocheted around the internet as citizens woke on a Sunday morning, met with raised eyebrows and mild surprise from some while others nodded in solemn agreement.

This has, indeed, been an odd election year in Virginia.

The Times-Dispatch notes many of the issues in question and the final results are the same: they are not comfortable endorsing. Indeed, they note:

In the past, The Times-Dispatch has endorsed candidates with varying degrees of enthusiasm. We find it impossible to endorse any of the 2013 candidates with even minimal zeal.

Elections make voters complicit in the government they receive. If we would not urge a family member to vote this way or that, then we have no business recommending Cuccinelli, McAuliffe or Sarvis to our readers.

Interestingly, the Charlottesville Daily Progress, finding itself in the same boat, endorsed Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling as a write-in candidate, noting, "Do the write thing. Put Bill Bolling’s name on your ballot on Nov. 5. Virginia needs him."

UPDATE October 28, 2013: Another newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. On Sunday, the Lynchburg News & Advance wrote, "Put simply, not one of the three candidates for governor of Virginia deserves the office or has made a strong case that he is the best candidate. Not one of them, neither Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Republican Ken Cuccinelli nor Libertarian Robert Sarvis." And more. Be sure to read it.

UPDATE October 31, 2013: A third major Virginia newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. Is this unprecedented? The Roanoke Times editorial on Thursday noted, "... an endorsement carries with it the credibility of this institution. When a candidate who receives our support visits ridicule or even shame on the commonwealth, we share in that disgrace."

Then in a stunning reminder of the Charlottesville Daily Progress' endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling as a write-in candidate, the Roanoke Times added, "Those who cannot in good conscience vote for the official candidates should consider writing in Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling."

With five days left until election day, 2013 continues to be one of the oddest, perhaps the oddest, in my memory....

Richmond Times-Dispatch's non-endorsement for Virginia governor 2013 - UPDATED

"This marks, we believe, the first time in modern Virginia that The Times-Dispatch has not endorsed a gubernatorial nominee." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch (October 20, 2013)

In an editorial that laid it on the line, the Richmond Times-Dispatch refused to endorse Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian for Virginia's 2013 gubernatorial race. That news ricocheted around the internet as citizens woke on a Sunday morning, met with raised eyebrows and mild surprise from some while others nodded in solemn agreement.

This has, indeed, been an odd election year in Virginia.

The Times-Dispatch notes many of the issues in question and the final results are the same: they are not comfortable endorsing. Indeed, they note:

In the past, The Times-Dispatch has endorsed candidates with varying degrees of enthusiasm. We find it impossible to endorse any of the 2013 candidates with even minimal zeal.

Elections make voters complicit in the government they receive. If we would not urge a family member to vote this way or that, then we have no business recommending Cuccinelli, McAuliffe or Sarvis to our readers.

Interestingly, the Charlottesville Daily Progress, finding itself in the same boat, endorsed Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling as a write-in candidate, noting, "Do the write thing. Put Bill Bolling’s name on your ballot on Nov. 5. Virginia needs him."

UPDATE October 28, 2013: Another newspaper refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. On Sunday, the Lynchburg News & Advance wrote, "Put simply, not one of the three candidates for governor of Virginia deserves the office or has made a strong case that he is the best candidate. Not one of them, neither Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Republican Ken Cuccinelli nor Libertarian Robert Sarvis." And more.

UPDATE October 31, 2013: A third major Virginia newspaper has refused to endorse in the 2013 gubernatorial election. Is this unprecedented? The Roanoke Times editorial on Thursday noted, "... an endorsement carries with it the credibility of this institution. When a candidate who receives our support visits ridicule or even shame on the commonwealth, we share in that disgrace."

Then in a stunning reminder of the Charlottesville Daily Progress' endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling as a write-in candidate, the Roanoke Times added, "Those who cannot in good conscience vote for the official candidates should consider writing in Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling."

With five days left until election day, 2013 continues to be one of the oddest in my memory....

Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal endorses NJ Gov. Chris Christie

"I don't endorse many politicians. But Chris Christie is different." In a television ad endorsing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal came out for the governor's reelection, as reported by Aaron Blake in the Washington Post.

Chrisie is expected to easily win reelection. His margin Monday on Real Clear Politics was +26 points over his opponent.

Former Gov. Douglas Wilder endorses Terry McAuliffe

Former Democratic Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder is respected by many for his lack of blind party loyalty, sometimes leaving people hanging on to the edge of their seats wondering whether he will be endorsing Democrats or Republicans in any given election. This year's gubernatorial election was no exception.

Today Governor Wilder endorsed Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe who expressed his gratitude in a statement:

"I am honored to have the support of Governor Doug Wilder. Governor Wilder has a long record of responsible budgeting and working with members of both parties to get things done, exactly the opposite of what we are seeing happen in Washington where Ted Cruz and Ken Cuccinelli's extreme Tea Party allies have held the government hostage to drive their extreme ideological agenda. As governor, I will work in a bipartisan way to focus on growing and diversifying the Commonwealth's economy and creating more opportunities for all Virginians."

Wilder shared his reasons for the endorsement with the Washington Post:

Wilder told The Post Thursday that the federal government shutdown, and the polarized Washington politics behind it, have helped convince him that McAuliffe is the right man to lead Virginia.

“The thing that’s going on at the national level — we’re so close to it — we could show that we are not affected by it and we are going to move forward,” Wilder said. “We are not going to separate into enclaves — this group, that group. It’s not a matter of pitting one group against the other group.”

Read the entire article here. This is a solid endorsement for McAuliffe.

Governor Wilder, a Richmond attorney who began serving his district in the Virginia General Assembly in 1969, was elected governor of Virginia in 1990, the first African-American governor since Reconstruction.

LTE: 'Bill Bolling, we need you'

Letter to the editor in today's Roanoke Times:

Friday, October 4, 2013

Bill Bolling, where are you?

I know that you have been lieutenant governor for two terms. You have served with a governor who has moved Virginia forward. You know what Virginia needs to stay the great commonwealth that it is.

We have no choice for governor this November. We need you.

You said yourself on TV that you should have run. It is not too late; run as an independent or write-in. 

The people of Virginia don’t even know where the candidates stand on issues. All we have heard is negative commercials from both sides.

We need you to led Virginia for the next four years, so we can be proud of the wonderful state we live in. And keep Virginia moving forward.

CHARLOTTE CREASY
ROANOKE

Boyd, Mudcat ... 2013's odd political climate in Virginia

The political climate in Virginia continues to get curiouser and curiouser on an almost daily basis and, today, it clouded yet again.

Two weeks ago, that ground shift you felt under your feet was the GOP reacting as longtime veteran Republican strategist Boyd Marcus endorsed and moved over to work for Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe for governor. Conservative to the core, Boyd's move had some calling him a RINO, a moderate, and excoriating him for daring to step over the political line even as the Washington Post noted, "Democrats and even some Republicans see Marcus’s move as emblematic of a deep rift within the party: Marcus had been aligned with pragmatic establishment figures and repelled by the resolute tea party style...."

Interesting, then, that in another twist of this continuing drama, the Washington Post reported today that longtime Democratic strategist Mudcat Saunders had sorta-kinda joined the Cuccinelli campaign even though he didn't formally endorse him. Mudcat's reason? He doesn't agree with "corporate" types. That made me wonder if he meant he doesn't agree with capitalism. He was all over the map with thoughts about the campaign but seemed to zero in on southwestern Virginia and the coal industry, something Democrats and liberal environmentalists seem determined to destroy: “Once my party starts caring for the people at the bottom of the mountain as much as they care for the trees at the top of the mountain, I’ll join the conversation."

So was Mudcat piqued that McAuliffe didn't turn to him to consult his campaign, perhaps ticked that a Republican was hired instead? Or did the Cuccinelli campaign begin overtures to Mudcat after Boyd went to McAuliffe? Or could it be that the rural-leaning Mudcat just didn't like the globe-trotting McAuliffe who is closely associated with the Clintons?

There's no knowing for sure but it certainly adds to the mystique and entertainment of those watching this eclectic campaign season play out. With six weeks left until election day, it will be interesting to see who may next trip over party lines.

Cross-posted at Virginia Politics On Demand

2013 voters won't let go of Bolling

There it was again in Saturday's Richmond Times-Dispatch ... another letter to the editor urging voters to write in Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for Governor. At a time when you would expect the write-in talk to die down, it isn't. Tonight yet another person told me they were writing in the LG. It's something I hear on a regular basis.

On August 29, a letter writer to the RTD wrote:

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has no one to blame for his lackluster polling numbers but himself. When he became greedy and unceremoniously pushed Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling out the front door, he immediately lost the moderate support.

If Cuccinelli had run again for attorney general or lieutenant governor supporting Bolling (with his moderate force) for governor, polling data would probably be very different. If the current trend continues, it is likely that Virginia will have a second-rate governor with little or no elective or governing experience.

Joseph Childress. Palmyra.

Saturday's letter writer responded:

I agree 100 percent with letter-writer Joseph Childress (“Cuccinelli has only himself to blame”). Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli did push Bill Bolling out the front door, as Childress wrote.

I know Bolling is not seeking a write-in, but I shall write his name in on Election Day, and I hope whoever reads this will agree and do the same.

Bolling is a fine politician, a Virginia gentleman and a true friend.

Grace T. Seat. South Boston.

There's a quiet defiance rolling through Virginia. Will it grow as Election Day approaches?