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."
Final debate already? Seems fairly early. I caught just a few moments of it last night on CSPAN. Kaine is pretty telegenic. But I liked Kilgore's comments on immigration and "what part of illegal doesn't he understand." Sounds like a winning issue.
Really important for the Republican to win or of course the media will be screaming about what a huge defeat this is for GWB and the national GOP. Though in 2001, when Mr Bush's popularity was very high, it didn't do much to help Republican candidates in VA or NJ then.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
1st Annual Republican Round-Up featuring Congressman Eric Cantor & Jerry Kilgore
Bring your entire family and friends! Cost: FREE!!! For more information please call Mackenzie at 804-714-5571 4:00 7:00 pm
Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen, Virginia