WITH THE nonstop coverage of McCain and Obama in these last few days before the election, it is easy to forget about the down-ticket races. Despite what you see in the 24-hour news cycle, congressional and senatorial races are just as important as the presidential election. This year races in the Old Dominion are tighter than ever.
In the Senate election, we face the choice between two former governors: one who understands the importance of keeping cash in people’s pockets and another who is responsible for the largest tax increase in Virginia history.
In a time of economic crisis, Jim Gilmore has a proven record of keeping taxes low and government small. He understands that ordinary Virginians know better than the government how to spend their money. As governor, Gilmore cut taxes on Virginians totaling $1.5 billion and created more than 250,000 jobs for the state.
His opponent pulled $900 million out of a rainy day fund left by Governor Gilmore and increased taxes over $1.4 billion despite a campaign promise not to raise taxes. In a time of economic crisis, fiscal responsibility is a must. Virginia needs someone who will look out for its interests in Washington, and Gilmore is the man for the job.
Similarly, Gilmore has a real plan for ending the energy crisis. He, like so many Americans, believes energy independence should be a top priority. By increasing American production through offshore drilling and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as well as turning to other methods of power such as nuclear and clean coal, Gilmore understands that we can immediately lower gas prices for hurting Virginians. The movement towards energy independence not only helps the economy, but stops America from sending billions of dollars to countries who do not share our national interests.
Similarly, Congressman Virgil Goode is the best person to represent the Virginia fifth congressional district. Goode understands the need for small government, especially now. With 12 years in Congress under his belt he has a proven record of fighting for smaller government for fifth district citizens.
Goode demonstrated this commitment to small government just last month when he voted twice against the bailout of Wall Street firms. He recognized that spending this money was simply going to increase the national debt, which future generations of Americans will have to pay.
Like Gilmore, Goode understands the importance of becoming energy independent. He has sponsored legislation that gave $2 million for energy research in Southern Virginia. He comprehends the necessity of exploring a variety of different methods for making the United States less dependent on Middle Eastern oil.
In a state that is guaranteed to have two freshman senators come January, it is vital to have experienced congressmen representing the interests of Virginians. Having served as a Republican, Democrat and Independent, Goode has worked tirelessly for the people of his district, and will continue to do so in the future.
In a year where so much is at stake, we need to make the right decisions at all levels of government. That means electing a proven leader like Jim Gilmore to the Senate and a steady hand like Virgil Goode to Congress to serve alongside John McCain and Sarah Palin.
Savanna Rutherford is chairman of the College Republicans.
Read More
WILLIAMS: Donald Trump will be a threat to student loan forgiveness
By Ryan Williams | YesterdayTo be sure, this is not a problem of the University’s making. Nevertheless, understanding the uncertainty of financial accessibility in education, the University must step up to the plate.
PATEL: Personal development courses support students beyond the gradebook
By Heer Patel | 6 days agoThe University must rethink its approach to education beyond traditional major-specific requirements and mandate personal development courses.
EDITORIAL: Commercialization threatens U.Va.’s educational mission
By Editorial Board | January 13, 2025After all, measuring the University’s worth in terms of accrued capital, operational efficiency and numerical rankings molds this space into just another cookie-cutter institution.
