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July 17, 2005

Let's help Tim Kaine build momentum after first debate

Since the first debate of this campaign for governor wasn't televised, none of us saw it unless we were there. Like most of you, I was in Virginia, not West Virginia, on July 16. But from all the reports I've read and heard, our candidate, Tim Kaine, did us proud with a clear vision for Virginia, resolute statements about his beliefs and what he'll do as governor. The time is now to resist the temptations of the doldrums of summer, and get out and build upon this debate performance. (By Rick Howell)

First, we need to continue to press the legitimate case that Jerry Kilgore just doesn't seem to want to agree to many debates. Why? What does he fear? Again, my knowledge of the first debate is only from various reports I both read and heard. But it appeared that Mr. Kilgore was ignorant about some basic things that any Virginia governor should know, such as how education and transportation are actually funded. Is it this lack of knowledge he's hoping to hide?

Secondly, we have to make it clear that Tim Kaine's position on the death penalty must not become the issue Kilgore is trying to make it out to be. He said during the debate that Kaine had "a history of activism against the death penalty." That's simply not true. Most Virginians support the death penalty. But most also recognize that in this era of DNA, when more than 100 death sentences have been overturned by DNA results, it is more important than ever that we be certain before we execute someone. Kaine has said over and over again that his personal objection to capital punishment - a religious conviction - won't stop him from upholding state law.

Summer is the season of vacations, a reprieve from school, a time of baseball, swimming and sun-tanning. But we should continue to press the case for Tim Kaine as governor of Virginia. Put that bumper sticker you have on your vehicle. Go to those Tim Kaine meet-ups that regional field directors are holding in your community. Write that letter to the editor.

Summer will also pass quickly, and before you know it we'll be celebrating Labor Day. Then the campaign will face a truly short window of time before Election Day. Let's get out there now - in any and every way we can - and show our support for this good and decent man as the next governor of Virginia.

(Rick Howell is chairman of the Amherst County Democratic Committee.)

Posted by rickhowell at July 17, 2005 07:10 PM

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