I just got off an RK conference call with Gov. Kaine (at the Governor's request). Others participating were GreenMiles, Teacherken, Brian Patton, Eric, and "Grey Havens." I'm sure they'll post their impressions of the conversation, particularly on the questions they asked. I'm just going to focus on the questions I asked, as well as Gov. Kaine's introductory remarks.
*Gov. Kaine thanked us for "spectacular work" on the Obama campaign in Virginia. He's excited that Obama's victory in Virginia created significant enthusiasm and helped change the national narrative about which demographics Obama could win. Obama himself is very excited about his Virginia victory.
*On Metro to Dulles, it's clear that Gov. Kaine wants this project to happen, but he seemed to acknowledge that it might not. Gov. Kaine is willing to make adjustments to satisfy the Federal government's concerns, but not just to make changes "in the abstract. He made the case that there HAD been competitive bidding on the project. Finally, he said that he felt Virginia had responded very directly to the Federal government's concerns, but they kept adding additional ones besides cost (e.g., MWAA's role).
*Despite many challenges, Gov. Kaine remains optimistic and positive both in terms of policy and politics.
*On policy, Kaine said that while he's dealing with "significant challenges," they're no more than other governors are dealing with right now due to the economy. According to Kaine, if you look at outcomes (quality of life, economic development), Virginia is doing quite well and making progress. Our fiscal challenges aren't as great as other states because of our strong, diverse economy. "I wouldn't trade places with any other governor."
*On the political side, Gov. Kaine talked about the gains the Democrats had made, including taking control of the state Senate, noting that RK had been part of that. Kaine is optimistic that we will have two Democratic U.S. Senators after November, plus 1, 2, or 3 more Democratic members of Congress. And, he believes there's a chance Virginia could go Democratic for President.
*Kaine specifically mentioned Glenn Nye, Judy Feder, and Tom Perriello as promising candidates. Also, he felt that the 11th CD was a great pickup opportunity for whoever the Democratic nominee turns out to be. And, Kaine noted, "with Mark Warner on the ballot, there's a great tailwind for Democrats."
*Overall, Kaine said, these are challenging times, but "that's where we earn our paycheck."
* On the Metro to Dulles, it was very clear that Gov. Kaine would like to move forward with the rail project, but he did mention that in the event of total collapse, that alternatives such as BRT would be looked at again (yes, he did say they looked into it long ago but it was determined that the train was the best way to go. Hmmmm....).
* I'm sure TeacherKen will be presenting the eduction/budget portion of the conversation in great detail, but one factoid that really got may attention was the cost of kids failing and having to repeat a grade. $400 million was the quoted cost - I had no idea it was costing Virginia that much. This is an area which needs to be improved.
* Gov Kaine was definitely pumped up about Obama's victory here in Virginia. That came through loud and clear. And, as Lowell mentioned, the Governor was thrilled that the RK front pagers and community (for the most part) have become strong Obama supporters.
... or is this forum just for softballs?
Right now we don't have any live blog planned with the Governor, so I'd recommend contacting his office with your question. If you do so, please post a diary describing the interaction - it's always a good thing to hear what our officials have to say.
Too bad, when his agencies screw over people, he should understand that he will begin to hear about it more in the future - even on softball forums.
You are lucky that you are not troll-rated for the idiocy of that comment.
If you have such a great hard ball question then quit wasting everyone's time by pointlessly bitching on RK and go ask the Governor yourself.
Now when the forum sets the parameters of defining the scope of the discussion as accepting the premis that this was akin to some press conference kind of thing and that in order to comment, one must pretend that this is the case, I just feel the need to say otherwise.
Now I gave an example of a hard question that would never have been asked. It wouldn't have been asked because it is to small (no more than 20 school children are at risk) and not in "voter rich" territory (aka NoVA). Plenty other examples could be used.
There are plenty of places in this blog and others where "journalists", along with politicians are taken to task for doing a poor job. Sometimes rightly, sometimes wrongly. You who dish it out so well should not have such a thin skin. I suggested that you were so kind to him as to kiss his butt - you suggest that I am idiot or that I go away or that I be troll rated. That seems to contrast with your "progressive imprimatur".
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions and also for your early and undying support for the next President of the United States: Barack Obama.
Keep fighting the good fight, and whatever you do, don't let this Wise County monstrosity go forward.
All the best!
How he's going to get the entire state Dem party behind the nominee?
Why bipartisan redistricting is going to die an early death tomorrow?
The Governor responded that education was not getting hurt. His original proposal for the biennial budget was over 1 billion of additional education spending. Because of the shortfall in revenues he is taking about 200 million of that back, but that it still represents about a billion in additional educational spending. It s being described inaaccurately
He is spending mre on some new initiatives for which there is consensus such as community mental health. It is also
imperative to spend more on pre-K programs - it is education spending, and it is effective. He illustrated by talking about the 50,000 Virginia kids who repeat a grade each year, at a cost of around 400 million to the state and local districts. Targeting money at early childhood reduces the risk of kids repeating grades. He is putting about 45 million in to reduce the number of repeaters by about 8,000 kids a year.
I followed up by mentioning that none of that was in the Post story on th hearing. He acknowledged that, but said that he had a bigger megaphone than those in the legislature, and he intended to use it, in fact, had just come from explaining to a number of people in the press about this.
Eric followed with a question about why note raise taxes to have more revenue. The Governor responded that any sch proposal was a non-starter with the Republicans in the House. He also pointed out at a time when businesses and individuals are suffering and making less money, raising taxes would raise their burdens. It is simply not the best time for it.
A comment - Tim Kaine's command of facts on a variety of subjects is impressive.
Its interesting to see the shoe on the other political foot this time around
And you wonder why most people are cynical of both parties
The Governor said he thought it was related to Bill Clinton being able to visit the area a couple of times before the Primary, while Obama was unable to visit.
He also mentioned, and I agree with him, that Southwest Virginians still have a lot of love for the Clintons from when he was president. I hear that all the time, that people are supporting Hillary because they want some more of the Bill years.
In my opinion, it had a lot to do with everyone being so strong for Edwards until he dropped out. Once Edwards was out, without endorsing either, we all had to try and figure out who would be the best for rural areas. Hillary ended up filling that void and got a lot of support in SWVA because of it.