Richmond, VA - In an ad launched today, George Allen attempted to gloss over his hyper-partisan record as governor when he pitted Virginians against one another, dramatically expanded state spending, and proposed drastic cuts to education. However, Virginians know before Allen left Virginia for Washington to support failed economic policies that helped push the country into the worst recession since the Great Depression, his record in Richmond was anything but cooperative or productive for families and businesses.
The ad claims Allen “reformed” education but the reality is Allen tried to muscle through cuts so deep a bipartisan group of business leaders and former governors formed to stop them. The ad also attempts to rewrite Allen’s long history of partisan rancor. But at every turn Allen's approach to governing drove people apart. In fact, the Virginian-Pilot labeled Allen “Virginia's most openly partisan Governor in memory.” And, there's no better example than Allen's calls for Republicans to knock Democrats' "soft teeth down their whining throats."
After the attempt to recast his term as governor, Allen’s former Secretary of Health and Human Resources Kay Coles James says, “Now it's Washington’s turn.” But as Virginians know, George Allen already had a “turn” in Washington and they got trillions in new debt, massive deficits, and deep cuts to student aid and Medicare. As senator, Allen spent his entire six years voting in lock step with Republicans, heading the partisan wing of the Republican Senate caucus, and positioning himself to run for his party's nominee for president. He ridiculed fellow Virginia Senator John Warner's efforts to compromise and launched partisan attacks against the Democrats he served with, including John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.
“George Allen’s claims of bipartisanship are what’s really impossible to believe for Virginians who saw him pit one group against another for four years as governor and another six years in Washington,” said Kaine for Virginia Communications Director Brandi Hoffine. “Virginians already gave George Allen a turn at the wheel in Washington and what they got was votes for record cuts to education, increased gridlock, and reckless spending that turned massive surpluses into huge deficits. No amount of television ads can change George Allen’s record of misplaced priorities and partisan gridlock and Virginians know they can’t afford to send him back for more of the same.”
Quick Facts You Should Know
Kaine Left The Overall Tax Burden On Virginians Lower Than Allen. [Tax Foundation, accessed 11/28/11]
Allen’s Proposed Budget Cut Nearly $100 Million From Education. [Washington Times, 1/13/95]
Virginian-Pilot Editorial: Allen Was "Virginia's Most Openly Partisan Governor In Memory." [Editorial, Virginian-Pilot, 12/31/95]
Allen Said Of Democrats: "Let's Enjoy Knocking Their Soft Teeth Down Their Whining Throats." [1994 Virginia Republican Convention, C-Span, 6/4/1994]
CLAIM: “As governor, the Democrats controlled the legislature. George worked with them.”
FACT: Really? That’s not what anyone said at the time.
ALLEN’S TERM AS GOVERNOR WAS FILLED WITH PARTISAN RANCOR
During The 1994 Virginia Republican Convention, Allen Said Of Democrats: "Let's Enjoy Knocking Their Soft Teeth Down Their Whining Throats." [1994 Virginia Republican Convention, C-Span, 6/4/1994]
Virginian-Pilot Editorial: Allen Was "Virginia's Most Openly Partisan Governor In Memory." [Editorial, Virginian-Pilot, 12/31/95]
While Governor, Allen Started “Confrontations That Forever Changed Virginia Politics From A Genteel Pursuit To A Contact Sport.” The AP reported that Allen’s dealings with the General Assembly involved, “confrontations that forever changed Virginia politics from a genteel pursuit to a contact sport.” [Associated Press, 9/28/00]
Roanoke Times Editorial: Virginia Has Suffered “From Allen's Evident Fondness For Politicizing Every Nook And Cranny Of State Government.” [Editorial, Roanoke Times, 12/7/95]
Daily Press: "Allen Used His Inauguration To Trash Democrats." The Daily Press reported, "While there have been a few quirky events, and one that turned into a road show, Virginia inaugurations mostly have been pretty genteel affairs. . . . Republican George Allen used his inauguration to trash Democrats who controlled the state General Assembly as ‘monarchical elitists’ and ‘big-government dinosaurs.’ Many in the crowd were shocked. . . . Times have changed, and so have inaugurations in Virginia. What was once a quick event of quiet formality has turned into a weekend of hoopla -- a combination victory party, political pep rally and media event." [The Daily Press, 1/12/06]
Allen's Adversarial Inauguration "Set The Tone For His Four Years As Governor." The Daily Press reported, "Allen's inauguration set the tone for his four years as governor. A Republican, he defied Virginia convention and used his 1994 speech partially to attack the Democratic Party, which controlled the General Assembly. It wasn't pretty. Besides calling the Democrats 'monarchical elitists,' Allen said his election 'was a victory for the people who own Virginia's government over those who think Virginia's government is for sale.' Democrats in the crowd felt their blood begin to boil. 'In recent times, the will of the people has been frustrated by an unholy alliance of manipulative well-heeled interests, entrenched bureaucrats and political opportunists,' Allen continued." [The Daily Press, 1/12/06]
“Even Some Senior Republican Legislators, Such As Sen. John Chichester Of Spotsylvania County, Said Mr. Allen Might Have Fared Better Had He Toned Down His Comments.” The Washington Times reported, “Even some senior Republican legislators, such as Sen. John Chichester of Spotsylvania County, said Mr. Allen might have fared better had he toned down his comments and briefed leaders of both parties before announcing his tax-cut plan. In the session's waning days, Mr. Allen was unapologetic. ‘I've been adamant about a lot of things I care about,’ he said. The governor said he looks forward to the fall campaign. And he appeared to be spoiling for a fight. ‘It has not been a pleasant session, I'll tell you that,’ Mr. Allen said. ‘I feel sorry for the people of Virginia because they'll have to wait another year before we get a lot of these reforms through.’” [The Washington Times, 2/27/95]
Virginian-Pilot: “Allen Has Been The Most Partisan Chief Executive In Modern Virginia History And The Battle Lines Have Been Clearly Drawn Between The Two Parties.” [The Virginian-Pilot, 8/16/95]
Virginian-Pilot: “Never In This Century Has Virginia Seen Such Partisanship At The Highest Levels Of Government.” John Goolrick of the Virginian-Pilot wrote, “Now George Allen, a Republican, is the state's chief executive and at this juncture seems likely to be remembered in the future for three things - virtually abolishing parole for repeat violent offenders, economic-development incentives and his combative, highly partisan battles with the General Assembly. Indeed, never in this century has Virginia seen such partisanship at the highest levels of government.” [John Goolrick, The Virginian-Pilot, 9/13/95]
Allen Left A “Smash-Mouth Legacy” As Governor. The AP reported, “And his smash-mouth legacy was not lost on partisan politics either. In a 1995 speech urging Republicans to work toward a GOP majority in that year's legislative elections, he exhorted the faithful to ‘enjoy knocking their soft teeth down their whiny throats.’” [Associated Press, 9/28/00]
Roanoke Times Editorial: Allen’s “Tendency To Excessive Partisanship And His Attempts To Politicize Heretofore Nonpolitical Agencies Threatened To Diminish Virginia’s Good-Government Reputation.” [Editorial, Roanoke Times, 8/25/96]
1996: Washington Post Editorial: When Allen Came Into Office “His Style Was, By Virginia Gentleman Standards, Neo-Belligerent.” In December 1996, the Washington Post opined on Allen’s tone when he came into office: “[Allen’s] disdain for Democrats in general and General Assembly Democrats even more was clear and constant: the ‘monarchical elitists’ had best get on board or get out of the way because he was on a ‘mission for the people.’ His agenda wasn’t all that off-center… But his style was, by Virginia Gentleman standards, neo-belligerent. At a GOP convention, he sent Oliver North into battle with these words: ‘Let’s enjoy knocking their soft teeth down their whiny throats.’” [Editorial, Washington Post, 12/29/96]
1997: Allen’s “Unprecedented And Truly Nasty Drive For Republican Control…Poisoned The Traditional Bipartisan Comity In The State Capitol.” Peter Baker of The Washington Post reported, “Two years ago, Allen launched an unprecedented and truly nasty drive for Republican control of the General Assembly. It poisoned the traditional bipartisan comity in the State Capitol, but resulted in a net change of just two seats in the balance of power.” [Peter Baker, Washington Post, 11/2/97]
Allen’s “Sharp Rhetoric Exacerbated The Antagonism” Between The Governor And The Legislature. In February 1995, the Washington Post’s Peter Baker declared that decorum was a casualty in the fight for power between Gov. Allen and the Democrat-controlled legislature. Baker opined: “Allen’s sharp rhetoric exacerbated the antagonism. His spokesman dismissed Democratic leaders as ‘fat-cat, tax-raising career politicians.’ And the governor himself referred to them as ‘dinosaurs’ and ‘rulers’ and so forth.” [Peter Baker, Washington Post, 2/27/95]
“The Other Major Difference Between [Kaine’s] Term And Allen's Is That He Tried To Reach Across The Aisle And Reach Consensus And Compromise With Republicans.” The Virginia Gazette reported, “The other major difference between his term and Allen's is that he tried to reach across the aisle and reach consensus and compromise with Republicans. ‘George famously said as governor that the Republicans should enjoy knocking the soft teeth of Democrats down their whiny throats,’ Kaine said. ‘I never said anything like that. I just don't think of it that way. Maybe because I have a father-in-law who is a former Republican governor and who is still a proud Republican. I have views, and Republicans have views. There are points of difference, and there are points of agreement. In fact, the job is to work with the other side to find compromise and make the Commonwealth work.’” [Virginia Gazette, 9/21/12]
CLAIM: “Now it’s Washington’s turn.”
FACT: The Allen campaign neglects to mention that Allen already served in Washington. In fairness, it’s easy to forget.
Washington Post: “Quite Simply, [Allen] Is A Mediocre Senator Whose Six Years Of Undistinguished Service Do Not Justify Rehiring.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 10/18/06]
Washington Post: “[Allen’s] Legislative Contributions Have Been Marginal At Best.” In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote, “At the same time, Mr. Allen has accomplished little for his state's most dynamic region, Northern Virginia. Other Republican members of Virginia's congressional delegation -- Sen. John W. Warner and Reps. Thomas M. Davis III and Frank R. Wolf -- have played vital roles in advancing transit and other priorities while Mr. Allen was busy grooming himself for a possible 2008 presidential race. Many of the initiatives that Mr. Allen has undertaken in the Senate are the easy stuff -- relatively noncontroversial measures that lavish money and favors on his constituents. . . . [Allen’s] legislative contributions have been marginal at best. He is no one's idea of a heavyweight in the Senate.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 10/18/06]
Virginian-Pilot: “Allen Did Not Write Landmark Legislation During His First Senate Term.” In a profile of Allen, The Virginian-Pilot wrote, “In Washington, Allen supported President Bush's initiatives 97 percent of the time, according to Congressional Quarterly magazine. He argues the invasion of Iraq was a necessary step in containing terrorism and that Bush tax cuts have revitalized the economy. Allen did not write landmark legislation during his first Senate term.” [The Virginian-Pilot, 10/22/06]
CQ: “Allen Hasn’t Had A Lot Of High-Profile Legislative Accomplishments.” [CQ Member Profile, 109th Congress]
FACT: Allen was dedicated to partisan politics as a Senator.
ALLEN CAMPAIGNED FOR THE SENATE SAYING REPUBLICANS SHOULD SAVE THEIR “VENOM” FOR THEIR REAL OPPONENT, THE DEMOCRATS.
Allen: “We Need To Save Our Emotion, Our Energy And Our Venom For Our Real Opponent, The Democrats.” The Washington Post reported, “Former governor George Allen (R), about to formally launch his campaign for the U.S. Senate, opened the convention by asking party members to unite behind George W. Bush, himself and other Republican candidates. ‘We need to save our emotion, our energy and our venom for our real opponent, the Democrats,’ Allen said.” [Washington Post, 3/12/00]
ALLEN SPENT HIS FIRST TWO YEARS IN THE SENATE POSITIONING HIMSELF TO BE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE (NRSC) CHAIRMAN
Allen Campaigned For NRSC Chairman Job By Setting “Blistering Fundraising Pace” As A Freshman Senator. Allen Roll Call reported, “Allen has drawn the most attention of the three because of the blistering fundraising pace he has set since knocking off then-Sen.Chuck Robb (D-Va.) in 2000. Allen co-chaired the President's Dinner in June that raised $30 million for the NRSC and NRCC and has already established three political action committees and a 527 organization to funnel money to candidates.” [Roll Call, 9/9/02]
ALLEN’S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AS SENATOR WAS HIS JOB AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NRSC
Allen Upon Becoming NRSC Chairman: “I'm Going To Give All My Commitment To This Cause Of Enhancing Our Majority.” The Daily Press reported, “‘It is exciting,’ Allen said of the prospect of joining the Senate leadership. . . . The campaign committee chairmanship would increase Allen's national exposure, which already has been on the rise after less than two full years in the Senate. He has become a familiar face on the cable news networks. . . . ‘I'm going to give all my commitment to this cause of enhancing our majority,’ he said.” [Daily Press, 11/10/02]
2004: After The Election Allen Enjoyed Detailing His Extensive Travel As NRSC Chairman And Mentioned How Little He Had Been In Virginia. In a news conference after the 2004 election, Allen discussed his extensive travel as NRSC chairman. He said, “I was up in Alaska in January. They were very impressed that I went there in January as opposed to the summer. . . . At any rate, Alaska several times, Washington, California, South Dakota, east and west South Dakota, Missouri, Wisconsin, ranger Tim Michaels actually brought a football we threw it up and down the field at Lambeau Field there, Florida several times, Louisiana, I’ve been to New Orleans several times, Cajun country, North Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado several times, I’ve been a lot with our candidates. [In the future] I’ll be spending a lot of time with my friends in Virginia. Again, I’m up for reelection if I’m still alive in 2006. I’ll certainly be doing less national travel in that my role will not be as head of the Republican Senatorial Committee. I’ve loved going all around the country I’ve loved being with our candidates. . . . I love being in Louisiana. It’s great fun for Virginia and its easy being in places like North Carolina and South Carolina. There’s so many similarities. Heck I was in South Carolina and it seemed like a fifth of the people once lived in Virginia. There was even a constituent who had moved down there and had constituent service work for us to do with a waiver he needed to sign to help him out with certain projects. This is a beautiful country with wonderful people and I thoroughly enjoyed being in it but I’m looking forward to spending more time a) with my family and b) with the people of Virginia.” [Allen News Conference, 11/3/04]
Allen: “Karl Rove Is Somebody Is Somebody Who I’ve Worked With In The Past When I Was Chairman Of The Republican Campaign Committee, And I Really Do Admire His Knowledge.” During an interview with MSNBC’s David Gregory, Allen was asked if Rove’s grand jury appearances were a distraction. Allen replied, “Well, I have my own advisers. Dick Wadhams is my campaign manager he ran John Thune`s campaign against Tom Daschle in 2004 and he ran Wayne Allard`s campaign. Everyone has their own campaign people on their own particular race. And so Karl Rove is somebody who I’ve worked with in the past when I was chairman of the Republican Campaign Committee, and I really do admire his knowledge and I think the president also has a great deal of confidence invested in him.” [MSNBC, Hardball, 4/26/06]
- 2003: Allen Got To Know Karl Rove “So Well That He Knows What Rove Eats For Breakfast.” In July 2003, Roll Call reported that “in another example of political integration, NRSC Chairman George Allen (Va.) said that he has gotten to know Karl Rove, Bush’s top political guru, so well that he knows what Rove eats for breakfast - literally. Every other week Allen has a breakfast meeting, 6:30 a.m. sharp, in the White House mess with Rove to discuss strategy for the 2004 Senate races. Allen declined to spell out any specifics about what takes place or who attends - although he did add that the meetings have taken place enough times that ‘we all know what each other is going to order for breakfast.’ (Allen would not reveal what Rove has, although one attendee quipped half-jokingly, ‘Karl orders for everyone.’).” [Roll Call, 7/14/03]
AFTER STEPPING DOWN AS NRSC CHAIRMAN, ALLEN FOCUSED ON RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT
Allen Took Six Trips To Early Primary States To Explore Presidential Bid. [C-SPAN, 6/17/06]
Allen: “If I Had My Druthers, I Would Have Been Born In Iowa.” The Daily Press reported on a speech Allen gave in Iowa: “‘My parents were actually married in Sioux City, Iowa.’ said Allen, who was born in California. ‘If I had my druthers, I would have been born in Iowa. But at that time, I had to be really close to my mother.’” [Daily Press, 3/19/06]
VIRGINIA REPUBLICANS SAID ALLEN LOST RACE IN 2006 BECAUSE HE WAS FOCUSED ON IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE
Prominent Virginia Republicans Were Bitter At Allen For Losing Race In 2006 Because He Was Focused On Building Support In Iowa And New Hampshire. Robert Novak wrote in his syndicated column, “ALLEN'S BLUNDER - Prominent Virginia Republicans are bitter at Sen. George Allen for losing his seat in the Senate, causing a Democratic majority there, because of his now deflated presidential ambitions. These critics charge that Allen took for granted his re-election against what looked like a weak Democratic field and concentrated on building an organization in key presidential test states, headed by Iowa and New Hampshire. Accordingly, Allen did not have an effective Virginia campaign structure in place when his own mistakes jeopardized his election to a second Senate term.” [Chicago Sun Times, 11/12/06]
Allen Was Accused Of Becoming Detached From Virginia’s Concerns After Becoming A Senator. The Washington Post reported, “But Richmond lobbyist Charlie Davis said Allen ‘lost his way’ when he went to the Senate and failed to grasp the state's changing demographics and moderating politics, especially in population-rich Northern Virginia. ‘Once he got inside the Beltway, he got absorbed and detached from the state,’ Davis said. ‘When he was governor and he was around the state capital, he was with real people every day who were not reluctant to share their feelings. You get to D.C., for some reason he did not realize the landscape here was changing dramatically.’” [Washington Post, 11/10/06]
ALLEN WAS THE LEADING CRITIC OF JOHN WARNER’S “GANG OF 14”
Allen Was The “Leading Voice For Conservatives Unhappy With The McCain-Lead Compromise” On Judicial Nominees, Known As The Gang Of 14. Time Magazine reported, “Virginia Senator George Allen has emerged as leading voice for conservatives unhappy with the McCain-lead compromise that ended the judicial filibuster debate and has called on Frist to bring up more controversial nominees to force a vote.” [Time, 6/16/05]
Allen On Gang Of 14: “A Group Of Fourteen Senators Got Together And Made A ‘Deal.’ … This So-Called Deal Is Disappointing.” In a constituent newsletter, Allen stated, “The Judicial Compromise. This past month, I was optimistic that members of the Senate would finally get up from their cushy seats and vote to end the unprecedented filibusters of President Bush's judicial nominees. However, a group of fourteen senators got together and made a 'deal' to end the filibuster of some of the nominees, but not others. I am one who believes that you don't compromise your principles; so, I thought this deal was a disappointment. . . . Thus, this so-called deal is disappointing.” [Allen Constituent Newsletter, 6/1/05]
Allen Did Not Sign Gang Of 14 Compromise. The Richmond Times Dispatch reported, “Allen offered a not particularly sanguine view of the judicial-nominee ‘compromise’ (which he did not sign) when the Democrats extended their filibuster against UN-ambassador nominee John Bolton: ‘The honeymoon,’ he said, ‘is over.’” [Richmond Times Dispatch, 6/12/05]
JOHN WARNER WAS A KEY LEADER IN FORMING “GANG OF 14”
John Warner Helped Form The “Gang Of 14.” Roll Call reported, “Warner was one of the leading Senators who, along with McCain, helped form the ‘Gang of 14’ that came together in 2005 to try to avert a showdown over Bush's judicial nominations.” [Roll Call, 3/7/07]
Senator Susan Collins Said John Warner Skillfully Brought People Together To Form The “Gang Of 14” And Gave The Group Gravitas. The Virginian-Pilot reported, “In 2006, as the Senate headed toward a partisan showdown over judicial appointments, Warner joined a moderate ‘gang of 14’ senators who brokered a deal to secure confirmation of several controversial GOP nominees but preserved the Democrats' right to use Senate rules to block others. ‘I remember how skillfully John brought people to the table and pushed them to achieve a result,’ said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican. Warner's involvement in a group of mostly junior senators like herself ‘gave us a gravitas’ that was vital, she added.” [Virginian-Pilot, 12/28/08]
ALLEN VOTED IN LOCKSTEP WITH HIS OWN PARTY
CQ: George Allen Voted With George W. Bush Over 95% During Senate Career. According to Congressional Quarterly, during his career Senator George Allen had a Presidential Support score of over 95%. [Congressional Quarterly Annual Almanacs 2001-2006]
Washington Post: Allen “Has Spent His Time In The Senate In Lock Step With The Bush Administration.” In October 2006, the Washington Post, comparing George Allen and Jim Webb, opined: “Mr. Allen lacks any comparable independent-mindedness. He has spent his time in the Senate in lock step with the Bush administration, embracing tax cuts that have imperiled the nation’s fiscal health; subsidies for oil and gas companies that hardly needed the help; prisoner detention policies that have undercut America’s image abroad; and restrictions on embryonic stem cell research despite its medical potential.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 10/18/06]
ALLEN ON HIS SENATE COLLEAGUES
Allen On Sen. Hillary Clinton: “She's So, So Contrary To All Of Our Values, Our Principles And Our Ideals.” The Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA) wrote, “Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's celebrity and fund-raising flair has turned her into the Senate's top money machine, winning her friends and clout with Democratic colleagues. Clinton's background as a first lady who carved out her own political career, her legacy in the White House and her potential as a presidential candidate give her an unusual knack for raising money. Ironically, Republicans also are cashing in on Clinton's prominence, using her name in pleas for donations to ward off a second Clinton in the White House… Sen. George Allen, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, who invokes anti-Clinton pleas to raise money for his party, says she is good fodder for his solicitations because she evokes such strong emotions from her foes. ‘She's so, so contrary to all of our values, our principles and our ideals,’ said Allen of Virginia. ‘We need to make sure that our grass-roots donors recognize that we're going to need their generosity and their contributions to offset all that big fund raising that Hillary gets from the liberals.’” [Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA), 6/21/03]
Allen: “Folks Would Rather Be Eating Hot Dogs And Hamburgers At A Marriott With George W. Bush Than Sipping Wine And Nibbling Cheese With Hillary At Her Mansion.” On CBS’s Face The Nation, Allen said, “And you know what? If this election is based on the values of Hillary Clinton vs. those of George W. Bush, I think the vast majority of tax-paying, working people and families are going to support George W. Bush. And you see it in the fund-raising. The folks would rather be eating hot dogs and hamburgers at a Marriott with George W. Bush than sipping wine and nibbling cheese with Hillary at her mansion.” [CBS, Face The Nation, 6/22/03]
Washington Post: Allen Ridiculed Kerry As An “Elite Massachusetts Liberal” Who Does Not Embrace “The Values We Hold Dear In The Commonwealth Of Virginia.” Washington Post reported, “[Allen] ridiculed Sen. John F. Kerry, the Democratic nominee, as an ‘elite Massachusetts liberal’ who does not embrace ‘the values we hold dear in the commonwealth of Virginia.’” [Washington Post, 8/10/04]
CLAIM: Allen worked with Democrats on education.
FACT: As Governor and Senator, Allen supported massive cuts to education.
ALLEN PROPOSED NEARLY $100 MILLION CUT TO EDUCATION IN HIS 1995 BUDGET
Allen’s Proposed Budget Cut $92 Million From Education, With $40 Million Coming From Higher Education And $52 Million From Secondary Education. The Washington Times reported: “Democratic leaders began to outline their battle plan for the Virginia General Assembly yesterday, saying they will combat Republican Gov. George Allen's proposed cuts in police and education funding. Led by House Majority Leader C. Richard Cranwell of Vinton, Democrats said they oppose cuts of $52 million from secondary education, $40 million from higher education and $6.5 million from police.” [Washington Times, 1/13/95]
ALLEN’S 1995 BUDGET WAS VOTED DOWN WITHOUT A SINGLE VOTE IN FAVOR
House Of Delegates Voted Down Allen’s 1995 Budget Without A Single Vote In Favor. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported: “House Majority Leader C. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, the governor's chief tormentor since the 46-day session began last month, ambushed Republicans shortly after the start of debate on the budget. Cranwell, accused by Allen of blocking floor votes on his record income and business tax cuts, turned the tables by introducing the governor's original budget. ‘Now is the time to say to your governor: You were right or you were wrong,’ Cranwell said, daring Republicans to embrace Allen's cuts in public education, law-enforcement, mental health and Virginia Extensive Service. . . . Some Republican leaders looked like deer caught in the headlights of a speeding truck; and the vote was called for. Sixty-three House members -- Democrats joined by almost a dozen Republican defectors -- voted against the governor's budget containing the $403 million in cuts while 37 Republicans abstained from voting.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/10/95]
GROUP OF INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS LEADERS AND FORMER GOVERNORS OF BOTH PARTIES UNITED IN OPPOSITION TO ALLEN’S CUTS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
1995: Business Leaders And Bipartisan Group Of Former Governors United To Fight Allen’s Proposed Cuts To Higher Education. An article by Warren Fiske, which appeared in both the Roanoke Times and the Virginian-Pilot, detailed Allen’s failed effort to pass a $2.1 billion tax cut at the expense of higher education and other priorities. The article stated, “The governor wanted to save $150 million by slicing education funding, 1,100 state jobs, police protection and a number of popular social programs such as ‘Meals on Wheels’ for senior citizens. . . . Momentum to defeat Allen's plan grew slowly. . . . The decisive blows to Allen, however, did not come from constituent letters, polls or backroom meetings in the Capitol. Instead, the knockout came from corporate boardrooms, where a group of the state's most influential businessmen united against the governor. Calling itself the Virginia Business-Higher Education Council, the group formed in late 1993 out of concern that Virginia colleges were slowly being gutted by budget cuts. During the recession, the legislature had sliced $400 million from higher education to balance the state budget. As a result, tuitions in Virginia climbed to the second-highest in the nation. The businessmen feared that soaring costs would make college education inaccessible. They had been hoping, as the state's economy began to improve, that money would be restored to universities. When Allen proposed an additional $47 million cut to higher education, the group jumped into action. . . . The group's opposition was a blow to Republicans. About two-thirds of the group's members had contributed substantial sums to Allen's 1993 gubernatorial campaign. Now, many of the same people were standing up at budget hearings and all but accusing the governor of inventing a financial crisis to further his political ambitions. In private, the group was promising help for friendly legislators who encountered election-year problems because they opposed the tax cut. The coup, however, was achieved by [John] Hazel. Working behind the scenes, he persuaded three former governors - Republicans Godwin and Linwood Holton and Democrat Gerald Baliles - to sign a letter deploring the cuts to higher education. The release of the letter on Feb. 1 provided the final measure of protection to Democrats worried about bucking the governor.” [Roanoke Times, 2/26/95; Virginian-Pilot, 2/27/95]
- Baltimore Sun Editorial: “Virginia’s Much-Cherished Public University System Is A Prime Allen Budget Target, A Move That Could Ultimately Lower The Caliber Of Public Higher Education There.” According to a Baltimore Sun editorial: “Gov. George Allen of Virginia promises $ 2.1 billion in tax cuts by slashing existing state government programs…Mr. Allen has yet to reconcile his twin desires to cut taxes sharply while also building $ 2 billion in new prisons. On top of that, Virginia's much-cherished public university system is a prime Allen budget target, a move that could ultimately lower the caliber of public higher education there.” [Editorial, Baltimore Sun, 1/29/95]
- If Allen’s Proposed Budget Passed, Virginia Students Would For The First Time Pay More For Their Educations Than The State. The Roanoke Times reported: “Virginia's tuition has grown to the second-highest in the nation for in-state students, at an average of $ 3,714. By comparison, North Carolina charges $ 1,345. Worse, presidents pointed out, if Allen's budget goes through as proposed, Virginia students for the first time next year will kick in more for their educations than the state.” [Roanoke Times, 1/24/95]
CLAIM: Allen lowered taxes.
FACT: The tax burden on Virginians was higher under Allen than Kaine.
Kaine Left The Overall Tax Burden On Virginians Lower Than Allen. According to the Tax Foundation’s data, the state & local tax burden for Virginians was lower during Kaine’s gubernatorial tenure than during Allen’s Governorship. [Tax Foundation, accessed 11/28/11]
Kaine Ended Virginia’s Estate Tax In Order To Make Virginia More Competitive In Attracting “Small Businesses And Retirees.” A Wall Street Journal editorial said, “Democratic Governor Tim Kaine and the Republican-controlled legislature struck a deal to abolish the state's estate tax. […] The tax only brings in about $140 million a year to Richmond from several hundred estates, but the levy has made it harder for Virginia to compete for small businesses and retirees with Florida and the 24 other states that no longer have a death tax.” [Wall Street Journal, Editorial, 9/6/06]
REMOVED 140,000 OF LOW-INCOME VIRGINIANS FROM STATE INCOME TAX ROLLS
Kaine Signed Laws That “Would Remove About 140,000 Low-Income Virginians From The Tax-Rolls.” The Roanoke Times reported, “Gov. Tim Kaine has signed legislation that would remove about 140,000 low-income Virginians from the tax rolls… Kaine signed bills…that will gradually increase the state income tax filing threshold from $7,000 to $11,950 for individuals and from $12,000 to $23,900 for married couples. The bills also increase the personal exemption from $900 to $930 for all taxpayers.” [Roanoke Times, 3/22/07]
FACT: Kay James is not necessarily the most persuasive voice on moderation and bipartisanship
Roanoke Times On Kay Coles James: “Her Policies And Views, A Number Of Them Rather Extreme, Have Made Her Less Than Popular In Some Quarters.” [Editorial, The Roanoke Times, 10/7/95]
KAY JAMES WOULD LIKE TO OUTLAW ALL ABORTION
Kay James Said, “There Are Some Things About Which There Ought To Be No Choice In A Civilized Society. One Of Those Things Is The Killing Of Unborn Children.” The Washington Post wrote, ‘Margaret Crow and her two young daughters made themselves comfortable yesterday on a small patch of grass on Western Plaza in downtown D.C., where more than 150 people, mostly women, gathered to hear the intimate stories of people who said their lives were, or could have been, made better because abortions are legal. At the same time, across the street in a crowded J.W. Marriott Hotel meeting room, officials and supporters of the National Right to Life Committee assailed the abortion rights activists' letter campaign. Kay James, director of the antiabortion committee, said after a 90-minute press conference, 'There are some things about which there ought to be no choice in a civilized society. One of those things is the killing of unborn children.’” [Washington Post, 5/22/85]
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2003: Allen Voted For Overturning Roe v. Wade. On March 12, 2003, Allen voted against an “amendment that would express the sense of the Senate that the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion in Roe v. Wade was correct and should not be overturned.” The amendment was adopted by a vote of 52-46, with 9 Republicans, 42 Democrats and 1 Independent voting in favor of Roe v. Wade. [Vote 48, 3/12/03; CQ Floor Votes]
- Allen Supported The Personhood Legislation Passed By Virginia's House Of Delegates And Said He Would Push To Make It National Policy. In an interview on WLNI's Brian and Mari Show, Allen was asked: "The Virginia House of Delegates has passed the so-called fetal personhood bill that defines life as beginning at conception. You said that you support this measure. Would you push for the same kind of measure in the U.S. Senate?" Allen responded: "Well, I think that human life does begin at conception and I think that we ought to have policies that try to protect innocent unborn life - one of the more - yes and I would at the federal level as well for national policy." [WLNI, The Brian and Mari Show, 2/15/12]
- New York Times: Personhood Measures “Would Not Only Ban Virtually All Abortions But Also Some Forms Of Contraception.” The New York Times reported, “The 'personhood amendment,' granting legal rights to human embryos, might have seemed to be a political nonstarter after voters in Mississippi, arguably the most conservative and anti-abortion state in the nation, rejected such a proposal last month. . . . Mississippi voters said they thought twice about the proposal when they heard that it would not only ban virtually all abortions but also some forms of contraception like I.U.D.'s.” [The New York Times, 12/23/11]
KAY JAMES SUPPORTS CUTTING OFF FUNDS FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD, JUST LIKE GEORGE ALLEN
Kay James Said Title X "Is The Largest Single Funding Source For A Nationwide Network Of Organizations Which Aggressively Promote Abortion." The Associated Press wrote, "Two congressional Republicans launched a drive Wednesday to cut off federal family planning funds for Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide abortion referral and counseling. Rep. Jack Kemp of New York said he will offer an amendment mandating such a funding cutoff to the continuing resolution for fiscal 1986 when it comes before the Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member. It is expected that the resolution will contain about $142.5 million for Title X of the Public Health Service Act. Kay James, director of public affairs for the National Right to Life Committee, also present at the news briefing, said that Title X 'is the largest single funding source for a nationwide network of organizations which aggressively promote abortion' as a method of family planning. She said some recipients of Title X funds promote abortion through counseling which presents abortion as a simple and often preferred option and through referral to abortion clinics. 'In many cases, the abortion facilities are under the same roof, and are operated by the same corporation, as the Title X-funded clinic,' James said. She said Planned Parenthood-operated facilities performed 87,000 abortions in 1984." [Associated Press, 10/30/85]
George Allen's Website Says He Would Defund Planned Parenthood. From the 'Virginia Values' section of Allen's website: "George Allen's record on life issues is strong. As our Senator, his record earned him a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. George Allen will continue this record after his election to the Senate in 2012. Specifically, he pledges to. vote to prohibit any federal funding from going to organizations that operate Abortion clinics (not bona fide hospitals) such as Planned Parenthood." [GeorgeAllen.com, Virginia Values Section, Accessed 7/11/12]
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