Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell discussed his intentions to run for governor in 2009 as well as Republicans' role in the Commonwealth's recent successes while visiting the University for a College Republicans-sponsored speech last night.
McDonnell focused on the Commonwealth's recent recognitions by several publications ranging from nomination as the best governed state in America and the most business-friendly state to the best place to raise a child based on education.
"The reason Virginia is prosperous ... is the last decade of what Republicans have done," McDonnell said.
Looking to the future, McDonnell said his future goals include spending cuts, decreasing cumbersome government regulations and increasing Internet safety. Moreover, McDonnell said after the speech that he has plans to enter the 2009 race for Virginia governor.
"I'm planning to run [for governor] in 2009, but there are two elections before that," McDonnell said referring to the Commonwealth legislative elections and national presidential race. "Right now the focus is on being a competent leader as attorney general, and as long as I do that things should work out in 2009."
Although no politicians have officially announced their candidacy, other potential candidates for governor in 2009 include State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, who McDonnell defeated in the 2005 race for attorney general, and Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria for the Democrats, as well as, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling for the Republicans, McDonnell said. The field of potential politicians in the gubernatorial race has undergone significant changes since former Gov. Mark Warner (D) announced his decision to run for the U.S. Senate, eliminating him from contention.
"Warner would have been a very formidable opponent just based on current popularity," McDonnell said.
Savanna Rutherford, College Republicans vice chair of campaigns, said Warner's decision was significant.
"The second and third highest offices [in the Commonwealth] are now held by Republicans, so we have better name recognition than Democratic candidates," Rutherford said.
Although McDonnell conceded that Warner would have been a formidable opponent, he said the former governor's exemplary reputation is largely unfounded, calling it a "myth."
University Democrats Vice President Sarah Buckley disagreed following McDonnell's speech.
"We have had two very successful Democratic governors these past two terms no matter what McDonnell said, and I think that people are realizing it's the Democrats that are leading us in the right direction," Buckley said.
Buckley added she was a bit taken aback by what she called the attorney general's "historical reconstruction" attributing such successes as the transportation bill to the Republicans.
"They have been in control of the legislature for the past 10 years, but we didn't get a transportation bill [passed] until we had a Democrat for governor," Buckley said.
According to Buckley, the University will see another potential gubernatorial candidate on Grounds when Moran comes to speak later this semester.
Read More
Ryan and Sheridan provide full accounts of Ryan’s resignation. They differ significantly
By Cecilia Mould and Ford McCracken | Yesterday“I concur fully with President Ryan’s recollection of events,” former Board Rector Robert Hardie said.
Research grant gaps, flight cancellations among costs of 43-day government shutdown
By Grace Little | YesterdayAreas that felt the deficits include federally-funded research, telemedicine services offered through U.Va. Health and canceled flights for holiday travel.
Student Council discusses potential student detoxification center, lockdown aftermath
By Jaylynn Perez | 2 days agoStudent Council met Tuesday to discuss a potential proposal for a student detoxification center on Grounds following growing concerns about student safety and medical amnesty policies.
