Gov. Kaine was on WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi Show earlier today, along with reporters Bob Gibson and Tim Craig. Here are a few highlights.
*On transportation, Kaine wants lawmakers to "find sufficient revenue to provide for construction and also fix the state's maintenance needs." He wants this on a "statewide basis" and not "balkanized." Wasn't able to convince legislature of this in 2006 and 2007. Abuser fee was "very unpopular." Regional authorities haven't worked out. We need to finish the budget, then "turn immediately" to a special session on the transportation issue.
*Republicans voted last year to increase taxes, but much of that's been "thrown out the window." "They're already on the record voting for significant increases in taxes and fees, they just did it in a way that has now completely flamed out."
*Lack of bipartisanship in the General Assembly is due to "new personalities," the fact that chairmen of committees have changed, and also that Democrats now have control of the Senate. There's been great progress on mental health, higher ed capital...the number of accomplishments will actually be pretty amazing, especially in year where revenues are short.
*Was Gov. Kaine's investment/efforts in 2007 to have a Democratic Senate worth it? "Ask me that question when they complete the budget." There has been significant progress. "I feel very very good about the progress that we're gonna make this year" and also "about having participated in the election cycle."
*In 2008, will be working to put Virginia's electoral votes in the blue column. Will also be working to elect Mark Warner to the Senate.
*Plans to pursue smoking ban, nonpartisan redistricting, gunshow loophole ban, targeted tax relief to homeowners next year. "I do not shy away from challenging issues." "These are items that I think are really important to Virginians."
*Paul of CCAN asks about Dominion Power's plans to build a coal-fired plant in Wise County. Specifically, Paul asked about how Gov. Kaine is going to help offset the $1.8 billion cost of the plant for the ratepayers that are going to have to foot the bill. Gov. Kaine responded by talking about the SCC and Air Control Board, not political, "scientific staffs." "We leave those scientific decisions to those boards that are outside the realm of...legislative politics."