And now, for a dose of reality, here's George Mason University public policy professor Mark J. Rozell: "
All these big-name figures coming to the state, but President Bush is coming this close to the election and not campaigning for Kilgore? I think that's very telling. I think it's highly likely that the Kilgore campaign folks just don't see Bush as an asset.
You said it, Mark: "very telling."
Wait a minute, though, the Kilgore campaign has an even BETTER explanation for why Jerry's skipping out on George. According to Kilgore spokesman Tim Murtaugh, "We really wouldn't be invited to a presidential event." Hmmm....is that REALLY what you meant to say, Mr. Murtaugh? That Jerry Kilgore "wouldn't be invited to a presidential event?" What, is the White House worried about Jerry showing up and causing a scene? Maybe barfing at dinner like Dubya's Dad did in Japan back in 1992?
Of course, Jerry's snubbing of President Bush has nothing - nothing whatsoever!!! - to do with the fact that, as the article points out, "Polls show that Bush is more popular in Virginia than nationally, but his numbers are far below those of [Governor Mark] Warner." Nope. Or that indictments are about to be issued, possibly against several of Bush's top White House aides? No no, not that. Perish the thought!! Instead, we're actually supposed to believe Kilgore's lame explanation that his avoidance of President Bush - Kilgore's role model for leadership (along with Jim Gilmore) - is due to a scheduling conflict. Uh huh.
Now isn't that just beautiful? Jerry Kilgore's too busy to see the President of the United States when he comes to our state. Such loyalty! Of course, we all know that Jerry Kilgore is a true blue Republican who would never, EVER run away just because his fellow Republican and Leader of the Free World has fallen on rough times politically for the moment. Oh no, definitely not, he would NEVER do that!! Ha ha.
Anyway, we'll leave you with this thought:
Steve Jarding, a political consultant who managed Warner's campaign in 2001, said Kilgore could hurt himself among the Republican faithful if his decision is seen as a slight. "You don't run away from your president, no matter what problems he has," Jarding said.
Ah, but Jerry Kilgore's all about running away, weaselling out of responsibility, and refusing to take a strong stand. Is that the kind of person we want as governor of Virginia, someone who won't even stand by his own President in times of trouble? No thanks. Personally, I'll take the guy Mark Warner endorses -- and campaigns with, and fights for, and does NOT abandon -- any day of the week! That, of course, would be Warner's LOYAL Lieutenant, Tim Kaine. Go Kaine!
[UPDATE/P.S. The Kilgore campaign claims it has "an important appearance at a luncheon for the state NAACP at the same time" as Bush's appearance in Norfolk on Friday. Perhaps Jerry Dubya can explain to that group why George Dubya's approval ratings among African Americans range from 2% to 12% in two recent polls. Now THAT should be interesting!]