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McDonnell making his pitch
To win the governor's mansion back for the Republicans, Bob McDonnell will have to convince voters that he's a problem-solver
Date published: 9/24/2008 By Ed Jones FOR A REPUBLICAN The Virginia attorney general and presumptive GOP nominee for governor in 2009 has been touring the commonwealth on behalf of John McCain and, now, Sarah Palin. But he's also making contacts and raising his profile in preparation for next year. In a lively discussion with The Free Lance-Star's editorial board last week, McDonnell sounded relaxed and confident despite admitting that the once solid-red state of Virginia has become purple. A 21-year veteran of the Army, the Virginia Beach-based McDonnell acknowledges that "bad conduct" has gotten Republicans into a jam nationally. "There are things we should have done, could have done." But the Republican administration has not been given credit for some things, he says, like keeping the people safe after 9/11. He calls U.S. policy on immigration "a bipartisan failure" and, on a whole range of issues, he stresses the importance of "getting things done." He calls McCain "battle tested," and says Palin "has taken on the special interests." He contrasts the GOP ticket with Democrat Barack Obama, whom he calls "a passionate spokesman" who hasn't spent a day in the military and who doesn't have the track record to back up his oratory. As for his own prospects in the gubernatorial race, McDonnell notes that Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's decision to run for re-election rather than compete for governor has given him a clear road to the GOP nomination. The downside, he says, is the tendency to "lose focus" when you don't have competition. To win the general election, McDonnell will have to clear a couple of key electoral hurdles. One is the GOP's diminishing returns in the vote-rich suburbs of Northern Virginia. The other is the inability of the General Assembly, with a GOP-led House, to address effectively the transportation needs of the urban corridor. As someone who grew up in Northern Virginia, McDonnell lays a geographical claim to that part of the state. As for transportation, he cites his past mediation between the House and the then-GOP-led state Senate in resolving impasses. He calls for "a whole revision of transportation structure" in the state, and predicts a greater reliance on user fees. What's the bottom line? "People expect you to come up with solutions," says McDonnell, who adds that he will have a major plan on transportation. He'd better. For him to break the string of recent Democratic victories for statewide office, McDonnell will have to convince voters that he's a problem-solver. Ed Jones: 540/374-5401
Date published: 9/24/2008
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