I thought I posted here about Bob McDonell being the front runner. Not.

Bob is the chief mad scientist in the '07 Tax Panic - the abortion of Republican principles. He will be held accountable for that bloody mess.

I tend to agree with that assessment JAB... The 'civil remedial fee's, or should I say the 'Lawyers Supplemental Income Act of 07', doesn't seem to popular... now does it?

I think both Men failed to act diligently enough to take the reigns of Leadership away from those responsible for taking all the wind out of the Conservative sails here in VA... That Club known as the Senate Leadership... and you know what they want..desire.. lust for... higher taxes, and government spending during times of surplus...

That is the opportunity missed... See we have to get behind one of them now in the 24th... because no one... and I emphasize NO ONE had the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what they preach...

Great Leaders inspire the troops by acts of courage after the speeches are given... Ever notice that Stonewall Jackson's Men never broke under fire... even in the face of superior forces?

That is what it takes to win battles and the War.. Inspire your people through deeds, and accomplishment... They'll either win the battle with you, or go down trying...

James,

I have not completely decided who I will support but you imply you will not support McDonnell because of what you call the "transportation panic" You can tell by my name were I am from but I think this compromise will save the Republicans in NOVA. This compromise raised revenue for roads without a general income tax increase across the boards. The only people who will loose are drunk drivers and abusive drivers.

Do you support Bolling? I am just curious because he did not come out against the transportation plan and kept sending mixed signals and "riding the fence" playing neutral. At least we knew were McDonnell stood even if I personally don't like every thing in the "compromise"

THis willbe a huge factor with me when I decide who I will support in 09. Bolling has basically 2 more sessions to shore a little more leadership and I am definitely open to either right now.

If the Senate gets tighter with a new GOP caucus more conservative, expect Bolling to be more assertive next session.

Second, I agree with novaconservative that any chance of the Republicans holding onto the senate was saved by that Transportation bill. Its not perfect and it can be fixed in terms of abuser fees. First off, Jeannemarie has already said that if the bill didnt pass, she was going to retire. So that seat would have gone bye-bye. NOVA Republicans would have had NOTHING to run on up here.

McDonnell will ultimately be saddled by some inescapable facts - he supported the tax referendums in 2002, he has a poor record on the 2nd amendment, and he like to consider himself the architect of the recent transportation package.

Focusing for a second on why I include the transportation deal (aside from the tax increases), I'm afraid that the aggressive driver fines may ultimately cost the Republican Party seats in November. Most average people that I know are scared to death that they are going to lose their drivers license/jobs due to their inability to pay steep fines for relatively minor offenses.

Bolling has done a very good job as our Lieutenant Governor.
In doing this, he has stood up to the Governor when he had to, and he has worked with the Governor when he could. That IS leadership. And he's one of the best public speakers I have ever heard. Many politicians, McDonnell being one of them, have a terrible habit of depending upon meticulous speeches, where it sounds as though he is simply reciting to you, or running for senior class president. Bolling always sounds as though he is really conversing with you - and that's what it takes to inspire people. Bolling has it. McDonnell does not. I must say that I agree with Phantom08 about McDonnell's very poor record in supporting tax hikes, a sad record on the 2nd amendment, and in actually seeing himself as the architect of this fiasco of a transportation package. All of this is enough to push Bolling ahead in support from myself.

I agree that Bolling has done a remarkable job as LG. If the Senate caucus does tighten up, he should be able to make even more headway.
It's important to remember that Bolling does not have the staff budget to pay an army of legislative liasions and press secretaries. He has been THE leader in the state GOP without having the staff luxuries that Bob McDonnell enjoys. He's also the only elected official who seems willing to actually listen to the people. His ideas tour is spot-on. Basically, he can do no wrong.

Because of their current positions, both men merit comment. But it's early and the field will be larger than these two. Both are products of the General Assembly, the last place on earth one looks to find competent executive leadership. Both had near-death experiences in their last races, McDonnell against a strong candidate, Bolling against a candidate who shouldn't be able to get elected to a school board anywhere outside of Alexandria or Falls Church City. McDonnell's close run is not disqualifying and there may even be a re-match with Creigh Deeds in McDonnell's future. Bolling was the only Republican in Virginia who could have had a close race with Leslie Byrne, and that he cut it so close should be the death knell for his pedestrian career. His only strength seems to be to give essentially the same stump speech 1000 times to the party faithful without them ever tiring of it. There are a lot of underemployed pols with statewide experience rattling around (think Gilmore and Allen) and the demographic shifts in Northern Virginia disfavor both McDonnell and Bolling (particularly the latter). If Bolling is pinning his hopes to the "100 ideas" pet trick, he and his people are delusional. It's a borrowed idea lifted from the Paid Political Consultants Trade Association Magazine in a state where finding one good idea appears to be a huge problem for most politicians.