WAYNESBORO NEWS VIRGINIAN EDITORIAL: FOR THE U.S. SENATE IN VIRGINIA
"We are struck by Kaine’s willingness to work with the GOP should he be elected...Kaine maintained in two interviews with us this year that he wants to follow Warner into the so-called “Gang of Eight” with a colleague recruited from the GOP. That’s important, given the polarization in Congress nowadays that halts progress."
"On education, the former governor has a stellar record."
"Democrats often are labeled as weak on national defense, but Kaine should be able to continue Webb’s efforts as a protector of the Old Dominion’s veterans and service personnel. He was governor while two wars were going on and members of Virginia’s National Guard were deploying, and he knows how important defense contracting is to the state’s economy."
"...Tim Kaine is the best choice for the Senate this year."
For the U.S. Senate in Virginia
By the Waynesboro News Virginian Editorial Board
As this newspaper noted a week ago, the next junior U.S. senator from Virginia will come into office with a good partner in the legislative chamber in Sen. Mark Warner.
The Democrat has served admirably since being elected four years ago. He deserves particular credit for tackling fiscal issues, especially the deficit, and for making inroads in working across the aisle.
Warner made similar strides when he served as governor, and he was succeeded in Richmond by another thoughtful and considerate public servant. That man should now follow Warner to Washington. In the race for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Jim Webb, The News Virginian endorses Tim Kaine.
We are struck by Kaine’s willingness to work with the GOP should he be elected. Hard-core Republicans like to characterize him as too partisan, given his former service as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. That’s a smart talking point, but Kaine maintained in two interviews with us this year that he wants to follow Warner into the so-called “Gang of Eight” with a colleague recruited from the GOP. That’s important, given the polarization in Congress nowadays that halts progress.
Kaine also seems on solid ground when it comes to immigration. He knows that we must protect our borders, but he understands that policies must allow for talented, hardworking folk to come to the United States from other countries. If we carelessly keep out those who would better our nation, we dishonor one of the bedrock principles of the republic: that America is a melting pot of cultures. After all, those immigrants could create opportunities, as Kaine said, “not just for themselves but for others.”
On education, the former governor has a stellar record. Kaine maintains that youngsters need to be prepared for kindergarten if they are to get a good start in life, which seems reasonable. And during his time at the State Capitol, early childhood programs grew by 40 percent.
Democrats often are labeled as weak on national defense, but Kaine should be able to continue Webb’s efforts as a protector of the Old Dominion’s veterans and service personnel. He was governor while two wars were going on and members of Virginia’s National Guard were deploying, and he knows how important defense contracting is to the state’s economy. Furthermore, as he noted at a debate Thursday at Virginia Tech, he has a son who just started a military career. It only stands to reason that he would do everything he can for the Armed Forces.
These are all reasons we believe Tim Kaine is the best choice for the Senate this year.
His opponent, Republican George Allen, isn’t a slouch, however. He has devoted much of his life to service to the commonwealth, in jobs including governor and U.S. senator. He seems to share many of Kaine’s astute thoughts on immigration, and, like his opponent, he knows fiscal policy, having presided over a state that requires a balanced budget. We also are impressed with Allen’s determination to forge new paths with regard to energy policy. He is on the right track there, as anyone who has paid nearly $4 a gallon for gas knows.