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Kilgore campaign response to the debate:

Kilgore Wins Final Gubernatorial Debate
Republican Draws Contrast Between Himself and Liberal Candidate Tim Kaine

October 9, 2005
Contact: Tim Murtaugh or Tucker Martin (804) 421-9966

--Tim Kaine Exposed as Most Liberal Candidate for Governor in Modern Times--

RICHMOND - Former Attorney General and Republican nominee for Governor Jerry Kilgore succeeded in drawing contrasts between himself and liberal Democrat candidate Tim Kaine in the final debate of the 2005 campaign at the studios of WWBT-TV. Kilgore repeatedly highlighted his own achievements and proposals and drew sharp distinctions between his own public service and that of Kaine's as Mayor of Richmond and Lieutenant Governor.

"After tonight's debate, it is more certain than ever that voters have a clear choice this year for Governor," Kilgore said. "Never before have the two major parties nominated two more different candidates. As one newspaper put it earlier this year, voters will have a choice between a classic conservative and a classic liberal."

Kilgore persistently made references to Kaine's failure of leadership as the Mayor of Richmond, a city that was mired in mediocrity, scandals, crime and substandard public schools. In addition, Kilgore highlighted Kaine's consistent support for higher taxes and a member of City Council, as Mayor and as Lieutenant Governor.

Tim Kaine appeared rattled and shaken as his liberal record was brought to the forefront throughout the debate. He made it clear he opposes the death penalty. He supports higher taxes. And he stands firm in support of taxpayer benefits for illegal aliens.

Kilgore commented further on Kaine's liberal view on taxes noting, "Tim Kaine has made it apparent that he views the taxpayers as the people who will foot the bill for every big government program he cooks up," Kilgore said. "His first answer to every problem is to raise taxes and throw more money down the well."

Kilgore pointed to his own record of achievement for the people of Virginia as Attorney General and as Secretary of Public Safety under Governor George Allen. As Attorney General, Kilgore amassed a strong record on law enforcement issues, which included the successful passage of 104 pieces of legislation more than any other Attorney General in history. As Secretary of Public Safety, Kilgore was the leader on many of the most significant achievements of the Allen Administration, including the abolition of parole and reform of the juvenile justice system.

"We have made sweeping reforms in Virginia that have improved the quality of life for our citizens," Kilgore said. "I am running on a record of results and the promise of honest reform in the way we conduct business. I will reform the education system by paying our better teachers better salaries. We will reform the way we approach transportation so we can get traffic moving again. And as Governor, I will wake up everyday and take the role of the optimistic economic development leader to create more jobs and opportunity for all Virginians."

Big-name Democrats campaigning for Kaine
October 10, 2005

More national Democrats are coming to Virginia to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Timothy M. Kaine.

Later this week, retired Gen. Wesley Clark will campaign with Mr. Kaine.

Gen. Clark, who failed to win the presidential nomination in 2004, will appear with Mr. Kaine tomorrow and Wednesday. He also will do a fundraiser for Mr. Kaine, the lieutenant governor.

Gen. Clark is also featured in Internet ads for Mr. Kaine, including one on the liberal Web log Daily Kos (www.dailykos.com).

So far, Mr. Kaine has received the help of former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina. Mr. Edwards ran for president last year and was the running mate of Sen. John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election.

Also helping Mr. Kaine was Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut Democrat, and Sen. Barack Obama, Illinois Democrat.

http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20051009-103632-6506r.htm