Next up in our continuing parade of Lt. Governor Candidates is former State Delegate, State Senator, and Congresswoman Leslie Byrne. Disclaimer: I do web advertising for and intern with the Chap Petersen campaign, but I do my best do fairly present the pros and cons of each candidate in this series. We all want the running mate for Tim Kaine who can most help him win this fall.

Leslie Byrne has a number of things going for her, not the least of which is a long and distinguished political career. Byrne has served in the Virginia House of Delegates for seven years, US Congress for one term, and the State Senate for four years. She strongly considered running for U.S. Congress in the 2004 Democratic primary against Congressman Jim Moran, but passed up the chance in order to work on the Howard Dean campaign. In Congress, she was elected Caucus Whip, and was able to pass more legislation than any other freshman. In the State Senate, she sponsored bills covering gun safety, consumer rights, and transportation safety. In 1985, she founded Quintech Associates, a consulting firm, making her a successful business owner.

Byrne is running on standard Democratic planks such as transportation, education, and protecting the environment. Her staunch pro-choice beliefs have won her many fans. Byrne is also the former president of the Fairfax Area League of Women Voters, and was the White House Director of Consumer Affairs for several years. She believes that "Governing isn't about finding fault, it is about finding solutions."

Unfortunately, there are downsides to a Byrne candidacy. First of all, some believe she lacks the easy-going personality that helps out candidates such as Viola Baskerville so much. Some are of the opinion that since she lost her race for reelection by a 50%-45% margin to Tom Davis, she would be "a drag on the ticket." However, a Northern Virginia candidate might also help Tim Kaine boost his vote totals in that crucial region of the state.

Byrne was a leader in elective office, yet she touts as her most memorable achievement a bill requiring all trucks carrying sand or debris to be covered with a tarp. We have no doubt that's a good law, but, frankly, it's not one of the most impressive things that we've heard from our Lt. Governor candidates.

As of December 31, 2004, Byrne had raised less money ($109,416) than any of her Democratic rivals, but had more cash on hand than three of her opponents -- one Democrat and two Republicans. As she is the only Democratic candidate who is permitted to raise money while the General Assembly is in session, she will probably close the gap somewhat by the close of the next reporting period.

Leslie Byrne is running as the "best liberal" or, as she says, "true Democrat" in the race, but in a year when Virginia Democrats are hungry to win in a relatively conservative "red state," she may not be the best choice. However, she has overcome long odds before, and may surprise us again.