The Loudoun Times Mirror typically endorses GOP candidates...

The Times-Mirror endorses McAuliffe for governor

Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 0 comments

The radically conservative nature of the Republican ticket this year
leads us to favor the Democrats for statewide office, Terry McAuliffe
for governor, Ralph Northam for lieutenant governor and Mark Herring for
attorney general.

There has been reticence by many given the choice for governor this
year. Even so, you vote for the choices you have in front of you. We
endorse Terry McAuliffe for governor. Having prospered for four years
under the pro-business focus of Gov. Bob McDonnell, McAuliffe’s
hyper-focus on economic issues is one we’re comfortable with. His push
for expanding resources at the community college system is one to be
lauded and he has taken a solid, reasonable approach on the issues of
the day.

The criticism laid against McAuliffe has landed largely on his
reputation as a salesman and deal-maker. Ranked among the best states
for business, we must continue attracting large businesses to the
commonwealth. To do that, the state needs a governor who is comfortable
in a corporate boardroom pitching the virtues of the Old Dominion.
Virginia needs someone like McAuliffe to be a salesman for the
commonwealth. Whether or not his overtures will be accepted, he is also
a man likely to extend a hand on bipartisan compromise. For those
concerned with his lack of legislative experience, we point to the
success of Sen. Mark Warner, who likewise was without experience as an
elected official before his term as governor.

Ken Cuccinelli is a man of strong principles and conservative values.
However, despite his final stretch attempt to recast himself as devoted
to job growth and economic recovery, his tenure as attorney general
demonstrates that he cannot resist placing his own ideological concerns
above the business of governing. Whether it’s conducting an independent
investigation into climate change research, attempting to limit
nondiscrimination policies for gays and lesbians at colleges and
universities or his continued push to limit women’s options on abortion,
Cuccinelli cannot divorce himself from social issues and an economic
platform of lowering taxes without specified budget cuts is suspect. His
tendency toward the crusade du jour makes him ill equipped to serve as a
mediator between political parties, an Achilles heel shared by far too
many of our public officials today.

The choice for lieutenant governor appears easy. Ralph Northam is an
experienced legislator with a level demeanor and a desire to reach
across the aisle to improve the commonwealth. His experience in the
Virginia Senate should prove invaluable upon inheriting an evenly
divided body. A pediatric neurologist by trade, we’re eager to see his
contribution to future debates on health care and Medicaid expansion.
Alternatively, to call the campaign of E.W. Jackson disappointing would
be an understatement. Accusing his opponent of making the race all about
social issues, Jackson has continued to stand behind an ever-expanding
string of extremist comments. He appears more interested in finding a
podium to speak his mind than an opportunity to serve.

For attorney general, we choose Mark Herring. We’ve watched Herring’s
work as state senator representing Loudoun and Fairfax. He has fought to
protect the elderly from financial abuse, supported the region on
transportation issues and worked across party lines for his
constituents. More important, Herring cares deeply about each and every
issue he espouses and understands the human cost in bad legislation and
missed opportunities. Our sole regret is that should he win, Loudoun
wouldn’t have Herring to represent us in the General Assembly.

Mark Obenshain has a strong record on public safety legislation, but his
introduction of the personhood bill gives us serious pause. It leads us
to believe that an Attorney General Obenshain would be as activist as
the Cuccinelli administration ending this term.



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