Typical Kilgore

  1. Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation.

  2. Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy.

  3. Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to make the region economically competitive.

  4. Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia's isolation.

Yeah, we definitely would not want more jobs, better economic infrastructure, and better highways in Southwest Virginia.  If that were to happen, we might actually start catching up with the rest of Virginia.

At first, I was confused why Kilgore would even want to be seen with Thune. Bearing in mind, Thune wants to cut funds going into a region that is not only where Kilgore claims as his home, but is a region of Virginia that really needs all the financial assistance and leadership it can get. 

Then, I found this blog post that tied Thune to another prominent Virginian.  In the South Dakota election that unseated Tom Daschle, Thune's campaign manager was Dick Wadhams.  Wadhams is best described as a Rove-like, Republican strategist.

?He doesn?t let his candidate be attacked,? said Floyd Ciruli, a Denver-based political analyst who has followed Wadhams since the 1980s. ?He goes on the attack.?

The Virginia connection between Thune, Wadhams, and Kilgore reaches all the way into 2008.  Presumptive presidential candidate, Senator George Allen has hired Wadhams to be his chief of staff.

It is starting to look like a lot of the national heavy-hitters are making their way to Virginia.  Who can blame Kilgore for wanting to throw his name in the ring too?  As we are all aware of, he is going to be looking for a job after November. 

(cross posted at BRIANPATTON.ORG)

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