POLL: VA's 2009 Gubernatorial Race: Deeds or McDonnell (taxes, to live)

[Yankeesfan]

I don't start political discussions, but respond to them if someone else does. So I'll leave it up to consensus on whether they're a good or bad addition to the forum.

[terrence81]

Originally Posted by car54

McDonnell all the way!

I've always wanted to own liquor stores. To insure choice locations, I have made the maximum campaign donation allowed by law in the names of every member of my extended family! So, I have Annandale sewn up....but if y'all want a store, you better get those checkbooks out!

And I'm sick of hearing about "the thesis"....he was just a kid of 34 when he wrote that. Sheesh, I'd hate to have every stupid thing I said and did in my youth held against me!

Here's what I say about the thesis. On one hand at age 34 he was not a "kid". He was a grown man with his own mind. On the other hand this was a thesis that he was turning in for a grade. There have been plenty of papers that I've turned in that were written to please a particular professor versus being heartfelt.

[Stephen 81]

I'm voting for Deeds, even if I think he's a terrible candidate. Why?

Because I don't think having a trio of extreme social conservatives who think that we should all abide by their Catholic beliefs is fair to those of us who aren't extremely conservative Catholics.

Because setting up toll plazas at state borders, while revenue-generating, causes additional traffic problems and/or is easily avoided (see Delaware for the former).

Because the state GOP has been bound and determined for decades to bite the hand (NoVA) that feeds the entire state because we are "fake" Virginians.

Because I have this weird notion that government services require taxpayer dollars. Virginia doesn't even provide that many services, and we have a budget shortfall, so we have to raise taxes.

Like Terrence81 said, the state GOP basically hates me. I'm agnostic, gay, from Northern Virginia, pro-immigration and multiculturalism, etc. Even if McDonnell has better fiscal policies, and he very well might, I'm not going to forget the xenophobic/homophobic/hyper-religious Republican Party that I've grown up with.

And Cuccinelli? That man makes McDonnell look like an ACLU member on social issues. And he's legitimately a Northern Virginian, which is even scarier.

[car54]

Originally Posted by Stephen 81

I'm voting for Deeds, even if I think he's a terrible candidate. Why?

Because I don't think having a trio of extreme social conservatives who think that we should all abide by their Catholic beliefs is fair to those of us who aren't extremely conservative Catholics.

These bible thumpers aren't Catholics....in fact, they despise Catholics.

Kaine however, is a Catholic, I believe.

[Stephen 81]

Originally Posted by car54

These bible thumpers aren't Catholics....in fact, they despise Catholics.

Kaine however, is a Catholic, I believe.

McDonnell and Cuccinelli are both Catholic, and extremely conservative socially. Kaine is also a Catholic, you're correct, but he's a Catholic cut from very different cloth.

[Caladium]

Without choosing sides, I was wondering if someone could explain the benefit of selling the liquor stores? Not trying to start something, I'm just curious. It sounds like we get some money in the short run, but we lose something that consistently produces revenue. Or am I missing something?

[Stephen 81]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Without choosing sides, I was wondering if someone could explain the benefit of selling the liquor stores? Not trying to start something, I'm just curious. It sounds like we get some money in the short run, but we lose something that consistently produces revenue. Or am I missing something?

That's my understanding of it. It makes up for our current deficit but will hurt us in the long run. I think the counterargument is that maybe Virginia will impose regulations/taxes on these new private businesses in order to keep generating revenue, but that doesn't sound like a very Republican idea.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Stephen 81

That's my understanding of it. It makes up for our current deficit but will hurt us in the long run. I think the counterargument is that maybe Virginia will impose regulations/taxes on these new private businesses in order to keep generating revenue, but that doesn't sound like a very Republican idea.

Thanks! Also, do they have a buyer lined up (and... is it one of McDonnell's friends?) If they hold a public auction for them, I might be for the idea. I have a few dollars to invest and I wouldn't mind owning one of those stores.

[Yankeesfan]

Selling the stores would bring in a half billion dollars which would be dedicated to transportation spending, as would the continuing stream of money from the sales tax on liquor and the sale of licenses, I believe. It would also get the state out of the business of running liquor stores, which currently happens in only a minority of states anymore.

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Thanks! Also, do they have a buyer lined up (and... is it one of McDonnell's friends?) If they hold a public auction for them, I might be for the idea. I have a few dollars to invest and I wouldn't mind owning one of those stores.

Limbaugh?? LMAO - since he can't get the Rams.

Back to the topic - I want to vote for Deeds, I just wish he would come across with a clearer plan. I think we all need to realize that in order for anything to be done, taxes will need to be raised - I dislike the lying that candidates do about that issue and the voters that aren't realistic and just hear "higher taxes" and get outraged.

As for both of them: STOP the negative ads and just run ads telling us what you are about, what you believe in and what you want to accomplish.