The Richmond Times-Dispatch Endorses Bob McDonnell for Governor

RICHMOND- The Richmond Times-Dispatch today endorsed Bob McDonnell in the 2009 campaign for governor. In endorsing McDonnell the paper wrote:

“Difficult times require superb leaders. We believe Bob McDonnell has demonstrated the temperament, talent, and solid philosophy needed to guide the Old Dominion to a more prosperous future and to ensure that even the most vulnerable citizens benefit from the revival. He has earned our endorsement, through his deeds and his platform.

McDonnell’s insistence that taxes not be raised on Virginia’s citizens and businesses represents not only a sound and pragmatic policy decision—it also demonstrates one of his fundamental beliefs about the relationship between the government and the governed. In an era when government at many levels seems out of control—prone to bouts of fiscal immaturity—McDonnell understands that an effective, compassionate public sector is always defined by limited government. And he knows that those who earn paychecks and profits have first claim on those earnings. The tax collector must play a secondary role.

This fundamental difference between McDonnell and Deeds is reason enough to support the former attorney general. Virginia needs a strong voice defending free enterprise and personal liberty, a strong hand protecting the sanctity of the family budget, and a strong governor willing to reverse the national trend toward handouts, bailouts, high taxes, more regulation, and stronger unions. Bob McDonnell’s voice has been clear throughout this campaign, his hand has been steady as attorney general and state legislator, and as governor he will be a principled and pragmatic problem-solver.

It’s hard to imagine anyone whose qualifications to serve as governor are superior to McDonnell’s. At first glance, one might be tempted to think a scriptwriter invented the man’s biography. He has served his country as an Army officer, worked as a business manager, and earned a law degree. He was a prosecutor, a member of the House of Delegates for 14 years, and attorney general from 2006 to 2009, building a reputation for working across the aisle to serve the interests of Virginia. McDonnell has raised a family; he has lived in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia. He is, quite simply, an accomplished adult in an era when too few elected officials seem to meet that simple but essential standard.”

The full endorsement editorial can be found here:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/opinion/editorials/article/ED-ELEX25_20091023-210409/301245/