Jerry Kilgore, presumptive Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Commonwealth Attorney General, highlighted his ideas for addressing domestic violence among other issues during a visit to Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato's introductory politics class yesterday.
Currently, Kilgore is in the third week of his "Ten Weeks of Honest Reform." This week, Kilgore unveiled his proposal for dealing with domestic violence, a program called "Safe from Harm."
"'Safe from Harm' will provide protection to victims of this often silent crime," he said.
One law Kilgore proposed is called "Christina and Jessi's Law," named after two children murdered by the abusive boyfriend of their mother, Barbara Shifflett-Fridley.
According to a press release from Kilgore's office, the law would require mandatory jail time for domestic abusers who violate protective orders.
"If you violate protective orders once, you get five days in prison," Kilgore said. "If you violate them twice, you get 30 days. If you violate them three times, you get 90 days up to a year."
In the next seven weeks, Kilgore said he plans to unveil more initiatives.
"I support public referendum on tax measures so that people are consulted before their pockets are emptied," he said.
During the first week, he proposed a program to reward outstanding teachers.
"We need to encourage students like you to become teachers," Kilgore said to the audience. "You pay your best employees to get them to stick around."
The next week, Kilgore proposed an initiative to create more research opportunities for Virginia universities and to encourage them to partner with private businesses.
"We want to focus a lot on bringing research opportunities to schools," he said.
Kilgore also focused on his background growing up in the economically disadvantaged Southwest Virginia, which he said helped shape his political views.
Kilgore said he would use the office of governor to make improvements.
"I am running for governor to make a difference," he said. "We have to welcome innovation and work for new solutions."
After Kilgore finished speaking, students were allowed to ask questions.
One student inquired as to how Kilgore plans to finance improving public education without raising taxes.
"You don't have to be a supporter of public education by raising taxes," he said. "We're going to grow out economy. If you look across Virginia, our economy is growing. It means more revenue is coming into our economy."
Earlier this month, Tim Kaine, Kilgore's opponent, challenged him to a series of debates. One student asked if Kilgore plans to accept the challenge.
"There will be some debates," Kilgore said. "But I am currently in the middle of my 'Ten Weeks of Honest Reform.'"
When the two candidates do debate, Kilgore said it will be very interesting.
"We are the most different candidates for governor in a long time," Kilgore said.
He said that their differences will give the voters more choice.
This semester, Prof. Sabato has invited Kaine, Kilgore and current Gov. Mark Warner to his introductory politics class as part an ongoing tradition, according to Matt Smyth, director of communication for the Center for Politics.
"Each spring semester when Professor Sabato has his PLAP 101 class, he invites guest speakers," Smyth said. "Usually they are state or national politicians with a tie to Virginia, though not always because he likes to keep it open."
Smyth said these guest speakers are able to give students another perspective on politics.
"This year with the governor race, Kaine and Kilgore were the two names at the top of the list," Smyth said.
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