Posted on 11/05/2001 10:16:14 PM PST by KQQL
Vote Earley
Bush, Giuliani, and Bishop Loverde pitch in.
By John J. Miller & Ramesh Ponnuru
November 5, 2001 11:00 a.m.
Behind in the polls and badly outspent by his opponent, Virginia's GOP candidate for governor brought America's two most popular politicians and an important religious leader into his campaign over the weekend. Mark Earley's campaign mailed a brochure displaying a big picture of Earley walking half a step behind President Bush on what appears to be a tarmac. Inside, there's a quote from Bush: "I appreciate his strong stance on holding the line on taxes and cutting the car tax in Virginia." Bush recorded a phone message on behalf of Earley and two ticket mates, lieutenant governor candidate Jay Katzen and attorney general candidate Jerry Kilgore: "Mark Earley, Jay Katzen and Jerry Kilgore are the experienced leaders Virginia needs to keep the state moving forward--with a positive agenda for lower taxes, accountable schools, more jobs, and a safe and secure commonwealth." Earley's campaign also aired a new ad featuring New York mayor Rudy Giuliani: "If I were a Virginian, I would vote for Mark Earley." Voters who tuned in to the start of the World Series game last night would have seen it.
In northern Virginia, Earley may benefit as well from a letter by Catholic Bishop Paul Loverde that was either read at Masses or inserted into church bulletins over the weekend. In it, Loverde reminds parishioners of their "moral responsibility to vote" on Tuesday. "Respect for the dignity of the human person must be part of our consciousness as we enter the voting booth," continues the two-page letter. It also reminds voters of "the priority to protect the human life of all persons, pre-born and born."
The letter would have been stronger if Loverde had mentioned specifically that Earley is the pro-life candidate in the race and that his opponent, Democrat Mark Warner, supports abortion rights. In other words, there's more than just a moral responsibility to vote; there's a moral responsibility to vote for Mark Earley. Another possibility would have been to attach a scorecard showing how Earley and Warner (plus other candidates down the ticket) differ on abortion. Earley, for instance, supports legislation to require parental consent before a minor may obtain an abortion, while Warner won't commit past the parental-notification law that Earley helped enact.
As things stand, the bishop's letter leaves voters on their own to figure out the candidates' positions by tomorrow's election day. Perhaps they're sophisticated enough to know where Earley and Warner stand. Then again, perhaps not--and they won't receive much help from Earley's campaign website, which focuses on taxes, education, and safety issues.
But it's a good conclusion to what has been a lackluster campaign. In the end, though, the only thing that may salvage the hopes of those who intend to vote Earley is if they somehow manage to vote often.
Well in the 8 years since we've had a GOP Governor combined with the last four years of GOP Assembly control we're a darn site closer than we'd be with the Rats or the non-existent third parties...
Again mark warner thanks you for your vote.
The rest of your comment is irrelevent.
FReegards...MUD
Not sure what's going on in the rest of the Commonwealth, but the turnout down here in Hampton Roads was BIG this morning and I just got home about 10 minutes ago. I've talked with many people this morning before they voted and I must tell you that the Conservative Base has stepped it up a notch. I'm thankful that Conservatives are out there voting because there were Warner people and signs everywhere.
When Earley wins, let this be a lesson to Democrats in the Nation. You may have more signs, but your voters are what bring it home for you!! God Bless!! Also, there's a victory party down here tonight at Sammy and Nick's on the Peninsula if anyone lives in the Tidewater Area. So? Stop on bye!!
Good to know, considering I voted fer him purely out of spite fer his Leftist opponent.
Thanks and FReegards...MUD
It's a message that needs to be sent...MUD
FReegards...MUD
I think these silent ads can be very powerful.
HA!!
So that's the secret to your amazing musical appeal with the Ladies, eh?
I knew all along you'd slip-up & spill the beans, Mud.
Now to go give each of my geetars six screws a quick, random twist.
See if it works for me. ;^)
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