Maverick Democrat Virgil H. Goode spoke to 160 students about his personal approach to politics and his conflicts with the Democratic Party yesterday in Maury Hall.
Goode represents the 5th district of Virginia - an area which includes Charlottesville. He was one of five Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to impeach President Clinton.
"I've been in politics a long time, and I had more calls, letters, e-mails and faxes on that more than any other issue," Goode said. "I voted on the basis on facts and evidence."
In reference to speculation by pundits and party observers that he might switch over to the Republican Party, based on some non-party votes he has cast, Goode said he preferred "the old days" in the Democratic Party when "everyone was supposed to vote their own conscience.
"I don't vote on party lines - I think you should vote for the best interests of your area," he said.
Charles A. Kromkowski, government and foreign affairs professor, said some political analysts think Goode might not switch parties until the 2000 elections because the state legislature is going to redraw the 5th district at that time and he might want to see which party takes control of the General Assembly. Kromkowski invited Goode to speak to students in his GFAP 101, "Introduction to American Politics," class.
Goode told the students that the most impor-tant issue in front of the U.S. House right now is the budget.
"I agree with those who want to pass a bill that does not utilize Social Security funds," he said.
He added that state and local governments, and not the federal government, should handle funds for education because local taxpayers are the ones whose money pays for schools.
"Educational decisions on the local level can be the best," Goode said.
He also said cultivating close relationships with constituents is key.
Goode ran for the Virginia Senate in 1973, in a November special election.
"I went to every country auction, every barbecue, every baked chicken thing that I possibly could, and handed out cards," he said. "I had an advantage [of] being young, not having a really established job, and so my job was full-time campaigning."
Goode served as a delegate from the 20th District from 1973 to 1996, when he was elected to the U.S. House.
The outcome of Virginia's general elections today will depend on individual districts, Goode said.
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