EDITORIAL: The arrogance of a divided leader
Published: July 1, 2009
Back before Gov. Timothy Kaine took on his responsibilities as chairman of the Democratic National Committee we opined that it might not be such a good idea for our state’s governor to divide his
limited attention too much.
Well, in his new role, Kaine has traveled all around the country to stir up the Democratic masses, but for some reason he isn’t willing to release a schedule of just exactly where his job takes him.
Kaine’s office uses the veil of security and privacy to defend this action, but with our governor effectively splitting his attention — the attention we rightfully deserve after voting him into office — between
the rest of the country and us, he has no excuses to hide behind.
It is Kaine’s responsibility and duty to let his constituents know how he is spending his time. If, as we suspect, his new responsibilities are reducing his ability to give full attention to our state, then that is
something we need to know.
The Washington Post’s efforts to ascertain the truth have been rebuffed. In addition, the Virginia GOP’s inquiry into Kaine’s schedule was denied, and they have now dropped their Freedom of Information
Act request because the only way forward is through litigation.
Mr. Kaine. Your actions are reprehensible. You are the governor of our state and your first duty is to us: the citizens of Virginia. You are not a power unto yourself, and your ambitions do not take
precedence over our right to know. We are the bosses; we are in charge.
Release your schedule. Let us see how much of your attention Virginia rates.
We understand you might not have to — that’s not the issue. The issue is what’s right.
We are disappointed, Mr. Kaine. This is not who we thought you were
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Reader Reactions
Isn’t McConnell out running for office also?
Your position is that of a wimp. Regardless of political party, all office holders do it. Why pick on Kaine? Or are memories from the past “past”.
Governor Kaine was hired in January 2006 to do the people’s work in Virginia, not to take on additional duties representing his party on the taxpayer’s time and dime.
Virginia has a growing deficit of over $2.9 billion dollars under his leadership. To offset the costs of this growing deficit, Governor Kaine made the single largest withdrawal in the history of our rainy day fund last year, with a second withdrawal this year. With the ongoing severity of our budget shortfalls and serious transportation problems, Governor Kaine chooses to spend the taxpayer’s time and dime traveling on behalf of his party.
Since March, Governor Kaine has been traveling out of state as Chairmen of the DNC. This is a direct slap in the face of all hardworking,taxpaying Virginians who expect him to be beholden to their concerns and to our state.His travel sends the message loud and clear,that he has moved on and values his own party’s political agenda rather then focus on the issues facing all Virginians.
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