U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (I-5th) emphasized the importance of voting Republican in this fall's elections during a speech to the College Republicans last night, despite his current lack of party affiliation.
Goode, a former Democrat who is now an Independent, often aligns himself with Republicans and last night he expressed many views that lined up with GOP positions.
For example, Goode voted to eliminate the marriage tax penalty and voted against the estate tax, which places a tax on people's estates to be paid by their heirs. He also opposes further efforts to enact strict gun-control laws.
"I believe a person has a right to defend themselves," Goode said.
He said his father died when his mother was in her 50s. To protect herself on the family farm, she kept a pistol close at hand. There's nothing wrong with people defending themselves or their property, Goode added.
Goode also expressed support for Texas Gov. George W. Bush in the upcoming presidential election, as well as former Virginia Gov. George Allen in his Senate race.
"The 2000 election is one of the most important election in last 120 years. The next President will be selecting several Supreme Court justices which will change the nation for many decades," Goode said.
Even though she is a Republican, third-year College student Jennifer Johnson said she liked what she saw and was surprised that a former Democrat favored the right.
"I don't know much about the guy, but I liked what he said. Even though he's an Independent, he had a lot of conservative leans," Johnson said.
After his speech, Goode answered questions from the club on issues ranging from educational vouchers to abortion to President Clinton's impeachment hearings and trial.
Goode was one of five Democratic representatives to vote for impeachment.
"I vote on fact and evidence. With Clinton, it was not about morals, but about the fact he lied," Goode said.
But not all in the audience were swayed by his oratory.
"He didn't seem organized and he left us in the dark with some of his views," first-year College student Robbie Robinson said, complaining that Goode didn't express most of his political views until the question-and -answer portion of his presentation.
Goode, a graduate of the University Law School, has been involved with politics since age 27, when he became a Virginia state senator. He said he has always enjoyed the support he receives from the University.
"One bumper sticker on the back of a car is worth a $1,000 contribution," Goode said.
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