This week’s question: Who do you support for governor of Virginia and why?
The Buzz is a weekly question about an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Conservative Republican Congresswoman
Liz Cheney declares that most of her colleagues know that Jan. 6 was “profoundly wrong,” that claims of widespread election fraud are false, and that her party’s direction is “a prescription for national self-destruction.” Candidate Glenn Youngkin dissembles and evades about that dreadful prescription.
Steve Corneliussen, Poquoson
Terry McAuliffe having to bring in a bunch of high-profile non-Virginians tells me he is not able to run on his previous record and current policy proposals. We especially don’t need a failing president telling us what’s best for Virginia. It is time for a major shift in direction. Vote Glenn Youngkin for a much better Virginia.
John R. Baer, Yorktown
I will support former Gov. Terry McAuliffe and his ticket. It’s a choice I will make because Glenn Youngkin is ill suited for the post, having never served or held public office in the state or any Virginia locality. He is ill equipped to face the challenges of governing in a time of complexity.
John Mannarino, Virginia Beach
Glenn Youngkin. Following Gov. Northam’s horrid blackface reversal, and his subsequent self-righteous reconciliation tour turning law enforcement and personal accountability in Virginia upside down to assuage his penance, seeing him embrace lifelong political grifter, McAuliffe, makes that choice a no-brainer. Virginia cannot withstand more contrition-driven kabuki theater or Terry McAuliffe’s Northam 2.0.
Don Vtipil, Norfolk
The last Republican governor that Virginia elected allowed the Elizabeth River Tunnel Authority a sweetheart deal which was much to the disadvantage of folks who drive in Hampton Roads. It might be desirable to avoid electing a fellow who cozies up to the business folks to the detriment of the rest of us. Allan Crandall, Chesapeake
Both candidates have withheld their tax reports for inspection by the electorate. Neither candidate has listed priorities for state funding of General Assembly approved items: mental health spending, medical staff and increased hospital beds, intrastate roads/ bridges construction and repair, community college funding increases for trade schools, and efforts to attract new industry to rural Virginia. Ross Kearney, Hampton
My choice is Terry McAuliffe, because I don’t want to see Virginia go backwards. I would not vote for someone who has many large signs on city property, which is against the city codes. If you can’t respect local codes, what else will you not respect if elected?
Peggy Scott, Norfolk
One has only to acknowledge those visiting Terry McAuliffe’s campaign for the answer to this week’s question. When you associate with old-school politicians over so many years, you will certainly need to find another rest area. Biden? Obama? Really? Glenn Youngkin is ready, willing and able to bring prosperity back to Virginia.
Steven M. Yedinak, Newport News
I strongly support Terry McAuliffe for governor. I know he will continue the strong progressive initiatives that have turned Virginia from a red state to a blue state. On the other hand, I fear the direction of our state if left to Republican, Trump-supported leadership.
Joan Emerson, Williamsburg
I support Glenn Youngkin. In addition to the lackluster performance of Terry McAuliffe the first time around and the differences in their political goals, I look at the choice between a self-made, successful businessman and a career politician who’s never held a real job. Bill Wallace, Gloucester
I support Terry McAuliffe because he has a proven track record of competence in running our state. My second and perhaps more important reason I support him is because he is not a Republican. They were once a respectable political party that helped balance our nation, but not anymore.
Paul Kotarides, Norfolk
Under former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Virginia was top state for business two times, supported women’s right to choose, and unemployment fell from 5.7% to 3.3%. GOP nominee Glenn Younkin embraces Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” and Trump is supporting him. Virginia does not need this. Get out and vote Nov. 2.
Gloria R. Champine, Newport News
Well, let’s see. Glenn Youngkin is running against Terry McAuliffe. McAuliffe is running against Donald Trump, or so he would have us believe. I think I’ll vote for the sane sounding one. That would be Glenn Youngkin.
Don Lovett, Smithfield