Over at his personal blog, Chap Petersen explains why it isn't such a big deal that he and the Governor have different opinions on the abuser fees:
An article in the Post Metro section yesterday stated that Democratic candidates were "running away" from Governor Kaine because of his link to the unpopular abuser fees.I'm sorry, Chap, but reasonable explanations like that don't sell copy like manufactured intra-party fight stories!To quote the Post, that's stretching the truth.
First of all, Democrats will never agree on every issue. The beauty of democracy is that friends and allies can occasionally disagree on a method while still supporting the same basic principles.
Second, the Governor's role is to work with the legislature as it's presently comprised -- as Democratic candidates our role is to present a vision for new leadership in the General Assembly.
Third, I'm a Tim Kaine fan and have been since January 2001, when my neighbor and I began collecting signatures at the Fairfax City Giant for his Lieutenant Governor candidacy. As a State Delegate, I carried his signature bill on televising the General Assembly sessions -- one of my favorite issues -- and we shared a Wednesday morning Bible study class together which lasted all four years of my tenure.
He's a class act and a friend. Publish that, Post!
Seriously, it's not a big deal for Democrats to disagree on issues like this -- and certainly doesn't amount to "running away" from anybody. I bet that our candidates this year will be doing plenty of campaigning with the governor. So if that's what the article says (Chap doesn't have a link, and I can't find it online), then it's a stretch unless we see some actual distancing on the campaign trail.
On Page 2 online:
In Northern Virginia, many Democratic candidates are taking Moran's advice. J. Chapman "Chap" Petersen, who is challenging state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax), posted an entry on his blog Friday taking aim at Kaine and Howell."With all due respect to our esteemed leaders, the opposition to this law has been a truly grass-roots movement," Peterson wrote. "Common sense is making a comeback in state politics. Don't stand in the way."
Peterson also cut a Web ad that mocks the fees.
"Thank you Jeannemarie Devolites Davis for passing your transportation bill," the ad says. "Failure to use your turn signal? $1,000. Improper tread on tires? $900 . . . And a $3,000 speeding ticket. . . . New leadership in the state Senate? Priceless."
The ad ends with photographs of Peterson, including one with former governor Mark R. Warner (D). But none with Kaine. Coincidence?
Peterson's ad stretches the truth. State officials say the traffic fines Peterson mentions would be levied only against someone who causes a serious crash.
The ad ends with photographs of Peterson, including one with former governor Mark R. Warner (D). But none with Kaine. Coincidence?Doesn't say "running away" -- but that's the point of that paragraph.
Let's remember two things:
1) the reason we have abuser fees instead of a sensible small, broad-based tax increase which would create a reliable stream of funding which could be BONDED is that the Republican cabal in the House of Delegates categorically refused anything remotely like a, gasp, t-a-x, and
2) Kaine, in order to achieve any legislation, including any policy on which he campaigned and for which he was elected, had to work with that Republican cabal--- and that cabal told him and the Democrats: "this is all you're going to get, take it or leave it."
Oh, and another thing: 3) Kaine has a few years left in his term, and he will still have to work with that Republican cabal, so he cannot attack them for the very legislation which he sweat bullets to get, and signed, after repairing it as best he could. Democrats running for the legislature, however, can and should (arrack Republicans).
Hopefully, we can replace most of that Republican obstructionist cabal with reasonable Democrats come November, and then Kaine can really do the things for which we elected him.
Davis won't support Baise angainst Connolly
Connolly won't run against him for Congress and that he won't support Chap. Chap Is running against Davis's wife...
did anyone notice that Connolly and Jean Marie were very chummy at the 4th of July Parade actually seen them chummy at other events as well.
As for the rumor you noted, I doubt very much if any of it is accurate info. JMHO
And they both are pretty slick and slimie.
But the abuser fee issue is a strong one - and could help a number of Democratic candidates this year. Especially in races where Democrats are fighting against Republicans who voted for the fees.
Will those Democrats turn down a certain gift? I doubt that. But Kaine's recently reaffirmed support will create a clear point of disagreement - something that the Republicans will try to use as a wedge.
So as pressure mounts it'll be interesting to see how these Democrats find a balance that'll show that they do stand with the Governor on many issues without losing the advantage from abuser fees because they oppose his stance on that matter.