The Fall Line-Up
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken"  Plum
 
        Virginia Democrats were decisive in their pick for a nominee for governor last week.  Senator Creigh Deeds who was the most moderate of the three contenders scored a knock-out victory.  There was no question who was the winner with Creigh taking half the votes, and the other two candidates quickly fell in behind and in full support of him in a Unity Rally in which I participated the morning after the election.  In recent years Creigh has gotten statewide attention by getting his Senate colleagues to agree to an independent redistricting commission only to have it defeated in same House committee that has killed my bill on the same subject for many years.  He is a strong advocate for public schools and a progressive on energy issues.  Although a country boy by birth hailing from tiny BathCounty in western Virginia, he has shown an amazing capacity to understand the needs of the cities and suburbs.  Apparently Republicans will make an issue of his vote for a gas tax increase to relieve traffic congestion and improve road conditions in Northern Virginia and the high growth areas.  Just think how much better off we might be in Northern Virginia if the Senate bill he supported would have passed the House committee that killed that bill and all other efforts to respond to the transportation crisis in the suburban communities.
 
        Also victorious on Tuesday of last week was former Treasurer of Virginia and former Secretary of Finance of the Commonwealth, Jody Wagner, who will be the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor.  Few candidates for that office have had the incredible experience that she brings to the job.  She has been in key positions during the administrations of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine when the state was named the best managed in the country and the best for business, and despite challenging economic times maintained its triple A best possible bond rating.  She will be able to move into a responsible role immediately supporting the governor. 
 
        Completing the Democratic ticket is Delegate Steve Shannon who got the Attorney General nomination without a primary challenge.  A former prosecutor for FairfaxCounty, Steve brings impeccable credentials to his candidacy.  He is well respected throughout the state which in part led to his getting the nomination without a primary battle. 
 
        Others will write about the ticket on the Republican side.  I know each of them having served with them in the General Assembly.  Bob McDonnell was in the House of Delegates before narrowly defeating Creigh Deeds for the Attorney General position four years ago.  Both current Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General candidate Ken Cuccinelli served in the state senate where Cuccinelli is still a member.  I have had some difficulty recognizing them recently as they seemed to be putting on a new face for the statewide election.  Buyers beware!  Voters beware!  Get to know these candidates by looking at their past records.  The ticket has to be the most ultra-conservative of any running statewide in many years.
 
        All House of Delegates seats are up for election this year as well.  I am a candidate for re-election with an opponent who will give me a fuller opportunity to debate the issues and challenges facing the Commonwealth.  Every year is an election year in the Commonwealth!  And that is the line-up for the fall.  Your comments and questions are welcome: kenplum@aol.com.