George who? You mean Jerry Kilgore hasn't simply been coronated as the Republican gubernatorial nominee yet? But no, sad to say for the Kilgore campaign (and the Republican Party of Virginia), it doesn't quite work that way. Instead, voters -- remember them? -- get to go to the polls in just under 5 weeks and make their choice: Jerry Kilgore or George Fitch? Sorry, Jerry, but it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. And I haven't noticed any Italian operas pulling into town recently, have you?With this fact in mind, I thought it might be worthwhile to talk a bit about the George Fitch interview this past Friday on WTOP's Politics Program with Mark Plotkin. Here are a few impressions.
First, George Fitch is a fine raconteur, spending the first 8 minutes or so of his interview telling the story of the "Cool Runnings" Jamaican bobsled team (which he coached and helped finance). It's a great human interest story, and illustrates the character of Fitch very well, except for the fact that Fitch erroneously placed the Olympics in 1998 not 1988. It was still a great story, though!
Next, Fitch spoke of the "significant, serious issues not being addressed by any candidates." Asked whether he has any chance of winning, or whether he's just the "Man of La Mancha" or something, Fitch responded, "I believe you can succeed if you have a much better message and you are a much better messenger. I have a better plan." Fitch specifically mentioned traffic gridlock, land use planning, and crowded schools, arguing that "we need to take on the issues head on" and that "we can't continue with the status quo, hiding behind studies and blue ribbon commissions."
Next came the core question for this race, "how are you different than Jerry Kilgore?" Fitch's response was: a) that he has a "record of accomplishment;" b) that he knows how to make government "do more with less;" c) that he would emphasize preserving "the heritage, environment, and natural resources in our state;" d) that he is a businessman, not another lawyer like Kilgore; e) that he is not the status quo candidate; and f) that he, unlike Kilgore, will "get the job done so Virginia can move forward."
On Russ Potts' decision to run as an "independent Republican," Fitch said he "wouldn't have done it" and noted pointedly that "loyalty is not a character flaw." However, Fitch also asserted his view that "Russ Potts is a grown man and I don't want to tell a grown man what to do." (Apparently, the Republican Party of Virginia disagrees strongly with that last sentiment.)
Regarding his poor treatment by Jerry Kilgore and the Virginia Republican Party, Fitch said that it's been "disappointing that the state party...has taken such an active role in a primary contest" However, Fitch believes people are warming up to him, not like at the beginning of his run when folks used to accuse him of "ruining the coronation of Jerry Kilgore." Specifically, Fitch believes that Republicans "like the idea I'm someone who wants to get the party back onto the Reagan path." Asked whether he believes Jerry Kilgore is a Reagan conservative, Fitch answered bluntly, "No."
Echoing Tim Kaine's criticism of Kilgore's debate "ducking", Fitch said, "I've been hoping that [Kilgore's] going to show up and start debating." Fitch also agreed to a debate with Jerry Kilgore anytime before June 14. No answer from Jerry Kilgore yet -- quack quack!
What would Fitch do if elected governor? Basically, expand upon what he did over six years as mayor of Warrenton. Top priorities for George Fitch would be tax reduction, cutting wasteful government spending and bureaucratic redundancy, promoting economic development, focusing on "heritage tourism as an engine of economic growth," protecting the "fabric and character of our community," and "leading by example." Fitch specifically mentioned that he would would incorporate spending restraints from the Wilder Commission recommendations that have not yet been implemented.
How would Fitch translate his experience leading a small town of just 6,000 people to a vast, diverse state like Virginia? Fitch believes that the "performance-based, outcome-based business model" would be the same "no matter the size of the government." He specifically stated that he would emulate Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), California Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger (R), and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R).
When asked about Mitch Daniels raising taxes on the wealthiest citizens of Indiana, Fitch stated categorically that he would never consider raising taxes. Instead, he would use resources better and "redirect priorities." He did not, however, explain how this would work exactly.
On local rule, Fitch says that he is "strongly opposed to the Dillon Rule," calling it "rather perverse." Fitch elaborates that "a bedrock Republican principle and credo is self rule." The Dillon Rule, in Fitch's opinion, violates this core Republican belief by preventing local governments from having more control, more authority, and more decision making power over their own affairs.
On the Jerry Kilgore's "accent flap," Fitch says that this is "not the kind of campaign that respects the voters of Virginia." Instead, according to Fitch, "what voters want to know is what you're going to do, how you're going to do it, are you credible to do it?" He blames the "accent flap" style of negative campaigning on focus groups and political consultants.
Finally, Fitch strongly supports both the Confederate flag being displayed in Virginia as well as the month of April being designated as "Confederate History and Heritage Month." On this issue, of course, Jerry Kilgore has waffled. In contrast, Fitch strongly asserts: "We need to build and promote our heritage. The War Between the States was not about slavery, it was about Constitutional rights. Confederate history is a large part of the history of Virginia."
The bottom line here is that George Fitch may not have much money or support from the Republican insider establishment, but he does have a strongly conservative message - more conservative than Jerry Kilgore in many ways. And, despite having very little money, there's still a primary election that needs to be held and a fat lady that needs to sing before Kilgore is "coronated" as the Republican nominee this year. It ain't over 'til it's over.