Jody Wagner Live Blog at 2:30

Jody Wagner will be Live Blogging here at 2:30 to take your questions.  From her press release:

MEDIA ADVISORY:  WAGNER TO PARTCIPATE IN ON-LINE DISCUSSION
 DESPITE BOLLING DEBATE CANCELLATION, WAGNER WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM VOTERS

RICHMOND - Tomorrow, Thursday, September 24th, Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor Jody Wagner will take part in an on-line discussion at the Not Larry Sabato blog.  Wagner had originally been scheduled to take part in a debate sponsored by the Prince William 100 on Thursday.  However, earlier in the week, the Bolling campaign pulled out of the debate.  In its place, Wagner will have a discussion with voters about her record as Treasurer and Secretary of Finance, as well as her plans to create new jobs, grow the economy, and invest in education.

Comments

[Not Larry Sabato]

Thanks for joining us Jody!

[Wabash Cannonball]

Because Virginia is generally regarded as a business-friendly state, it is weathering this recession better than most states. One reason for this good business environment is Virginia's Right to Work law. Aren't you concerned that legislation from Washington (Card Check) would essentially nullify Right to Work?

[Southside for Jody]

What are your specific plans to help energize the Southside economy?

What are your feelings on the Virginia Tobacco Commission as an economic development tool?

[southside dem]

In 2008, Bill Bolling cast the tie-breaking vote to remove funding from the state budget for Planned Parenthood. How would you have voted? Do you believe taxpayer dollars should go to an organization that provides abortion services?

[Salem Republicans]

Jody, I saw you in Salem last week at your meet and greet at Mill Mtn. and was surprised only a couple people showed up. What happened?

Just kidding, couldn't help myself. I actually think the first few questions are very good questions and I hope she gets to answer them.

[Bryan Scrafford]

You have a rather interesting history with the labor movement because, among other things, you were a partner at a law firm that advised companies on how to bust unions. Since you have said that you shouldn't be judged based upon your association with that firm, I was wondering if you could give a specific example of when you have done any work to actually make it easier for Virginians to join a union and receive the representation at work that they truly deserve.

[Husk Colon]

Why is it that when I eat the caramel corn from your popcorn store, there are always a ton of undigested pieces in my poop?

[Gordon Sumner]

In light of Gov. Wilder's decision not to endorse Sen. Deeds, will you be pursuing his endorsement?

[cageyd]

It is disingenuous to say that the Bolling campaign pulled out of the PW Committee of 100 debate without exposing the true facts. The two sides did not reach agreement on the rules for the debate and it collapsed. A major issue had to do with the refusal of the Wagner campaign to agree to a "no-use" rule whereby snippets from the debate could be extracted and used for advertising. This rule is commonly agreed to in political debates and most recently was used in the Fairfax County C of C debate with McDonnell and Deeds. The Bolling campaign wanted the debate to be seen across the state so they did agree to allow the PW Committee of 100 to videotape the debate and put the entire debate on the Committee's website for full exposure to the public. The Bolling campaign did not want a return to "gotcha politics" where the meaning and context of snippets of the debate are twisted for partisan purposes.

[Not Larry Sabato]

cageyd (Keith),

Please don't troll in a thread for questions for Ms. Wagner. Thanks.

[Fairfax First]

Jody, Fairfax schools are some of the best in the country in every measurement, yet we don't spend 65% of our money "in the classroom" as LG Bolling wants to mandate. I'm at a loss for what kind of mindless arrogance would cause a LG to propose changing one of the top performing school districts in the United States. Why is your campaign allowing him to get away with this disgusting attack on our schools in Fairfax?

[Not Jim Moran]

Jody, why are you lying about Bolling trying to change the rules of the debate and duck out? He cancelled b/c you wouldn't agree to a "no use” agreement...

[GMo]

Jody,

Do you support Creigh Deeds' plan to raise taxes to pay for his transporation bill?

[not jody wagner]

Jody,

Could you please tell us what your position on cap and trade?

[Gretchen Laskas]

Jody,

As we volunteers go out and campaign for you, what message would you like us to be focusing on? What issues are you most passionate about that we can help you drive home to our neighbors and friends?

[Stuttering John from the Stern Show]

Jody:

Say you went to the store and bought a calculator. When you went to the office and used it, it said 2+2=5. Would you:

a) Return it/Exchange it?
b) Use it to do the Commonwealth's budget and revenue projections?

Based on your budget projections while you were Secretary of Finance, can the Jewish Defense League point to your service as definitive proof that the idea that all Jews are good with money is nothing more than a vicious stereotype?

Also, does the fact that even a stoner like Glenn Nye could win a Congressional seat make you wonder what was so tragically wrong with your candidacy in 2000 that you lost to a self-loathing sex-line addict?

Big fan, Jody. Big fan!

[W&M Student]

Jody,

Do you stand with President Obama in favor of the public healthcare option so all Americans can have affordable coverage?

[Alexandrian]

can we have more popcorn, judy?

its delicious. You are not a detriment to society!

[Warwick D Wickett]

Jody,

Why did you refuse to abide by the "no use" agreement for the PWC Cmte. of 100 debate?

Also, are the batteries on your calculator broken? Can we get you some fresh ones? Do you have as much trouble balancing your own checkbook as you did in coming within a few billion dollars of correctly forecasting revenues for VA, whether in good times or bad?

[Tommy]

Will you promise not to bankrupt Va for at least one week after you are elected?

[Mr. GOP]

Wilder won't pick either...just out...Deeds can't be happy since he went begging...

[JT]

LG Bolling is running a campaign based on, "New ideas for a better Virginia," yet I haven't heard a single "new idea."

Have you?

[Warwick D Wickett]

How is the weather in "Financial Fantasyland" today?

[Rowhey]

Wilder's failure to endorse Deeds can only mean two things:

A. Wilder doesn't think Deeds can win in November; and

B. Wilder doesn't want Deeds to win in November.

[change]

What effect do you believe the Obama administration and the congress will have on the races in Virginia?

For example: Do you believe the senate democrats votes not to allow health care legislation to be posted and read by citizens 72 hours before a vote is taken, their decision not to allow health care providers to exercise their 1st amendment rights and the Administration’s decision not to address the call for assistance from the military in Afghanistan will turn off independent voters?

If you believe that the actions of congressional democrats and the Obama administration will have some effect on the election, what would you wish for them to do to mitigate some of the potential damage?

[Jody Wagner]

Hello! Thank you all for joining me this afternoon. As I’m sure most of you have heard, I was hoping to appear with my opponent tonight in Prince William for one of our two scheduled debates. Unfortunately, he decided not to attend (he’s got a history of that!). However, I’m thrilled to be here, and I’m looking forward to talking about my record as a small business owner, and the former Treasurer and Secretary of Finance. I’d also love to discuss my plans to create new jobs, grow the economy, and continue investing in education. Also, I hope you all saw the great news yesterday—Forbes has named Virginia the “Best State for Business” for the fourth consecutive year! Last but not least, a big thank you to Ben for hosting me today. To the questions!

[ValerieInRke]

Do you think non-violent felons should get their voting rights restored immediately after serving their time and completing conditions?

[Jody Wagner]

Cageyd and Not Jim Moran - I’m upset that Lt. Governor Bolling and I were not able to talk about our records and plans for the future with the Prince William 100 tonight. The Bolling campaign insisted on a last minute rule change—the insertion of a “no use” clause. I believe it’s important that voters across the Commonwealth are given the chance to see this debate and make an informed decision in November. We offered a compromise that would only allow us to show the entire question and answer exchange to prevent any “gotcha” moments. Unfortunately, that too was rejected by the Bolling campaign. I hope we’re able to have the second debate, scheduled for next month in Roanoke.

[Jody Wagner]

Wabash Cannonball to answer your question, I’m proud to be a member of the Warner and Kaine teams that made Virginia the “best state for business.” In fact, the Commonwealth earned that recognition again yesterday from Forbes Magazine—for the fourth straight year. As a small business owner and someone who spent seven years in state government working to foster a positive business climate, I respect Virginia’s status as a right to work state. The legislation before Congress wouldn’t affect right to work, and as Lt. Governor, I would not do anything to weaken Virginia’s business environment. I am the only candidate that has support from both the business community and working families and I’m proud to have the support of both. I believe that we should work with businesses and employees to ensure that working families in Virginia can prosper.

[Pete in Williamsburg]

Last minute question if it's okay: As you forecast the state's finances, what is the impact of legislative session on your projections and what is the impact of state anti-deficiency laws with respect to the budget. I get a sense that forecasting accurately down to the penny is difficult or am I being too generous?

[Jody Wagner]

Southside for Jody – thanks for the question! I was proud to serve on the Virginia Tobacco and Indemnification Commission, and I believe the Commission has helped to lay the groundwork for economic revival in Southside Virginia. The tobacco commission has been a strong proponent of investing in renewable energy, which I enthusiastically support. I think a model of investment in renewable energy and biotechnology is one way to keep the Commonwealth as a whole moving forward. We also need to continue investing in education, so the Southside has a workforce prepared to compete in the 21st Century economy. I’ll continue to work closely with elected officials and the business community in Southside to ensure we’re able to usher in a new era of prosperity.

[Salem Republicans]

Did Jody Wagner really just say

"I am the only candidate that has support from both the business community and working families and I’m proud to have the support of both."

That's about the dumbest statement any candidate has made this year. Is it really her position that Bill Bolling does not have support from "business" and "working families?" That is moronic.

[Jody Wagner]

Fairfax First - As Treasurer and Secretary of Finance, I played a crucial role in passing the two largest investments in education in Virginia history—Governor Warner’s 2004 budget (which my opponent brags about opposing), and the 2008 Higher Education Bond Package. The “65%” plan is just another Bolling-McDonnell gimmick. We should not take decision-making out of the hands of local officials in well-performing districts. The Bolling education plan would hurt school districts throughout the Commonwealth. Not only would it take away power from local districts it would also strip funding from some very important school services including libraries, tutors, guidance counselors, special needs programs, technical staff and security personnel. Finally, Bill’s transportation plan would take more than $5 billion in funding away from education spending to pay for transportation, which in my opinion is a horrible idea.

[Bigvinu]

Jdoy Wagner,

Creigh Deeds has acknowledged that Bill Bolling has been a responsive force in non-partisan re-districting. Under a hypothetical Deeds administration, would you offer the same kind of support to Deeds's non-partisan reform efforts?

[Jody Wagner]

Gretchen Laskas, I want to thank you for all of your help and support. People like you are what really make campaigns work! I’m proud of my record. For the past seven years I have had the honor of serving as Treasurer and Secretary of Finance in the Warner and Kaine administrations. I am proud to have maintained the state’s Triple-A bond rating while dedicating historic resources to education and job training. And as Lt. Governor, I will make job creation and growing the economy my highest priority, as well as continuing to improve public education by increasing our high school graduation rates, expanding access to pre-K and community college, and emphasizing career-track education and mentoring programs.

[Jody Wagner]

Salem Republican, I’m glad you could make it to the event, and I’m proud to say that you’re not alone! Earlier this week I announced my Republicans and Independents Steering Committee. Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, Fredericksburg Mayor Tom Tomzak, Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam, former Sen John Chichester, former Sen Russ Potts are all on the committee. I’ve established a record of working across the aisle with both Democrats and Republicans to reach bipartisan solutions, from Governor Warner’s historic 2004 budget, to the 2008 Higher Education Bond Package. As Lt. Governor, I’ll continue working with members of both parties to keep Virginia moving forward.

[David Kupfer]

Will you support tax increases that seem necessary to pay for improvements in transportation ?

[JR]

"Forbes has named Virginia the “Best State for Business” for the fourth consecutive year!"

Jody. I know Steve Forbes. Steve Forbes was a boss of mine. Jody, you're not the reason Forbes named VA to that honor...

[Jody Wagner]

Thanks Alexandrian, yes you can have more popcorn - Some of you might know that I own and run a small popcorn business, Jody’s, in Virginia Beach. It is a lot of fun and it also helps me understand what other small businesses owners through out the Commonwealth are experiencing. With this experience and my seven years in state government crafting pro-business policy I am well prepared to continue making Virginia the top state to do business in the country!

[Not Larry Sabato]

David, I don't know who you are, please don't hyperlink your name to my site as if you have an affiliation. Thanks.

Jody, Lt Gov Bolling has hosted a blogger event in the Capitol every year since he was elected (although Democrats were barred this year at the request of Bob McDonnell's campaign). Would you continue that as Lt. Governor?

[Salem Republicans]

Jody

If you count me as attending your Salem event then that brings the grand total of attendees not on your payroll up to 3. Congratulations. If you count the Mill Mtn. employees you could say 5 people were there. That math seems Wagneresqe.

[Jody Wagner]

Southside Dem - I strongly support a woman’s right to choose, and I would have voted to allow the funding. Planned Parenthood is the primary healthcare provider for thousands of women across the state. I believe Bill’s 2008 vote, along with his effort to block an expansion of Pre-K funding, show precisely why Virginia cannot afford another four years of Bill Bolling as Lt. Governor.

[Wabash Cannonball]

In theory, you may be right that Card Check wouldn't compromise Virginia's Right to Work law. But in practice, I don't see how it (particularly where it ends the secret ballot) could fail to undermine Right to Work. In office, would you lobby congressional leaders to vote "no" on Card Check?

[Jody Wagner]

NLS – I’d be happy to. I think it’s important to have an open dialog with voters and constituents across the state (which is why I was looking forward to our debate tonight!). I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with members of the blogging community in Arlington two months ago.

[Jody Wagner]

JT – Bill has had four years to serve as a leader in Virginia and implement innovative new ideas. Instead, he’s tried to block the progress we’ve made under Governor Kaine. I’m sure Bill has ideas—the problem is, when you don’t show up for work, it’s difficult to put those ideas into action. Lt Gov Bolling has not shown up to over 90% of the meetings of the boards and commissions on which the Lt Gov sits.

[Jody Wagner]

Pete, thanks for your question. Our revenue forecasts are heavily influenced by independent economists and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Revenue Estimates, which brings together the Governor, members of the cabinet, the Democrat and Republican chairs of the House and Senate money committees, and business leaders. The revenue forecast is then used in preparing the Governor’s budget. When the legislature approves legislation or expenditures, those decisions do affect the budget.

Forecasting is an extremely difficult task. We’ve won praise in Virginia for our accuracy over the years. The only easy thing is not taking part in the process, and shouting from the sidelines instead—that’s the route Bill Bolling has taken.

[Jody Wagner]

GMo – regarding transportation, Unlike Bill Bolling, who has consistently put rhetoric before action, I worked with Governors Warner and Kaine for the past seven years to find a long-term solution to fund transportation. I worked with many Democrats and Republicans to try and find a solution, unfortunately Bill was never one of the Republicans who was at the table truly trying to find a solution. Right now, I believe we need to focus on growing the Commonwealth’s economy so that we have the revenues necessary to invest in transportation. I also have a history of working with both Democrats and Republicans to produce results, which is why I’m supported by numerous Republican mayors and former legislators. Creigh is right - the process of fixing our roads and investing in public transportation needs to be a bipartisan process.

We must continue to pursue public-private partnerships, focus on smarter growth patterns, and incentivize telework and alternative work hours to get cars off the roads. What we cannot afford is to raid education and health care funding to pay for transportation, which is what Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling propose. I am looking forward to working with Governor Deeds to provide a long-term solution to transportation funding.

[Jody Wagner]

I’ve got to run. Thank you to all of you for joining me this afternoon—there were some great questions! I’m looking forward to discussing my plans for the future over the next 40 days, and explaining the clear choice available to Virginians in November. If you have questions that weren’t answered, please feel free to email info@jodyforva.com, and we’ll do our best to answer you quickly. I hope Bill Bolling will show-up to our debate in October in Roanoke so we have a chance to discuss the issues that are facing Virginians. Thanks again to Ben for facilitating the chat, and I hope to speak with you all again soon!

[Not Larry Sabato]

Thanks for being the only candidate to take serious questions today Jody!

[Rowhey]

WTF, why hasn't NLS posted anything regarding the biggest news story of the day?

[cvllelaw]

To Wabash Cannonball -- last time I heard any news on the point, "card check" had been taken out of the EFCA.

[change]

Rowhey,

Do you mean that small meaningless non-endorsement of the democrat candidate by the first black governor?

As I said yesterday, a lack of endorsement will be taken by the libs as a non issue.
However, if he had endorsed Deeds it would have been great news (by leftist standards).
I am sure we are bound to hear how marginal Wilder is now that he does not go along to get along.

But, remember, there is no hypocrisy involved.

Maybe the leftists didn’t hear the news as they were too busy learning the words to the new “supreme leader” song that is being taught to our 2nd grade children for their appropriate indoctrination.

[Not John S. Mosby]

Hey, did you hear that Osama Bin Laden has endorsed Bob McDonnell? He was a little concerned that Bob's thesis was a little backwards, even for his tastes, but overall, he thinks Bob's the right guy to try and create a theocracy.

[change]

Hey Mosby,

Unlike your baseless attempt to link McD with Bin Laden.
I wonder if you have followed the news as radical leaders like Chavez, Gadfahi and their ilk are calling Obama their “brother”, and hoping he will “rule America forever”
All the while the Russians are laughing their asses off at the abuse they are giving us.

Interesting that you have to make things up about McD, as your party is being accepted by these radical leaders just as we are shunning our long time allies like the British, Poland, the Czech Rep.

Do you really believe it is in the best interest of America to “screw” our long time allies and cozy up to these dicktators?

I think you picked the wrong example to provide, because Americans are now seeing the real democrat party and their real agenda.

If you would honestly answer this question I would be interested.

Do you wish to have our leaders cozying up to the likes of those socialist dictators or would you have us keep the faith with our long time allies?

[change]

and furthermore Mosby,

have you memorize the words to the Obambi song of allegiance?

I am sure you are proud that there is verse to accompany your out of tune (and out of touch) melody of allegiance.

[Not John S. Mosby]

Long time allies? Well, I seem to remember from my time in West Germany and Poland and Czechoslovakia were on the other team? Oh well, I guess 15 years or so does make them long-term allies.

As to the rest, if you honestly believe that Obama is a terrorist, that just proves that you're a moron.

[truthnjustice]

Change, I see you havent spared any braincells in support of your partisan crusade

You have none left to consider that there might be a point of view

BTW I'm looking forward to how your hero Taliban Bob McDonnell handles the news that Dave Albo has decided to make the Republican abuser fees proposal a centerpiece of the transportation debate :)

[change]

Mosby,
I never said that Obambi was a terrorist.

I suppose when you have no answer to a question you must make things up to change the subject.

[change]

TnJ

“You have none left to consider that there might be a point of view”

That is a deeply considered observation; are you and Mosby related??

Hasn’t you wife told you that drinking and typing “don’t mix”?

I would be interested in hearing from you when you have some coherent thoughts.

[Kevin in Arlington]

The three most recent polls show that the governor's race has tightened significantly to near or within the margins of error. This seems like the most important development in the race.

Instead, everyone on this site is desperately trying to bring up international or national issues, Doug Wilder, or just taking digs at one another.

Am I missing something?

[The Obvious]

Just the utter stupidity of about 90% of the posts on here Kevin.

For some reason, this asshat named 'change' (and his various other names, one of which could very well be NLS if you ask me) takes great pleasure in trying to rile up the mostly liberal-leaning (or moderate) folks who post here. And for some equally unknowable reason NJSM plays along. They both sort of make me want to puke; change for his idiocy and NJSM for 'feeding the trolls' as they say. You should think in a country with as many wonderful opportunities as ours, they'd both have something better to do. Guess not.

[SouthsideCentral]

Who needs a debate when she can dodge the questions that were asked here?

[I.Publius]

NJSM once again demonstrates that he should have studied more, and picked his nose less.

Poland and the Czech Republic were "on the other team?" Please, son, get a vasectomy before you procreate. This country is already over the limit on illiterate dumbasses.

[change]

The Obvious=NJSM=tnj
who are trying to fool?

[Congratulations to Governor-Elect McDonnell!!]

It's over. Deeds as already lost, he just doesn't know it.

He's lucky to win Fairfax at this point! Suck it, libs!

[Congratulations to Governor-Elect McDonnell!!]

We should really be focusing on how Governor-Elect McDonnell will appoint to his new cabinet, and why Kaine as DNC Chair couldn't even keep his own state in his party's column.

Those are the real stories here: Governor-Elect McDonnell's cabinet and the failure of Chairman Kaine.

[Congratulations to Governor-Elect McDonnell!!]

BTW NJSM how does it feel to lose, loser?

Robert McDonnell: Governor-Elect. It is in you future.

[Reagan Democrats Are the Key!]

Anyone else have skins season tickets? I plan to boo the team early and often next week against the Bucs.

I'll boo if they kick a field goal.

I'll boo when they punt.

I'll boo at the end of all quarters.

And I'll boo them off the field at the end of the game.

Who's with me? This isn't about the Redskins players at all. The skins have some hard working mediocre players, and I don't think this is about them. We can't blame the players. It's not their fault that the Redskins have inexplicably decided to put waiver wire trash on an NFL roster. The Skins players may be undersized, underskilled, and not smart enough to run a simple offense (Jason Campbell), but I don't blame them for collecting NFL paychecks if some rube franchise is dumb enough to pay them millions of dollars. This is about Daniel Snyder and the product he's been putting on the field while fleecing the home fans for every penny they're worth. If “Little Danny” Snyder tries to force a court ordered sellout every game – if he's going to put a gun to our head and force us to keep our season tickets, while raising prices, outlawing tailgaiting, and putting a crappy team on the field, then he deserves to hear it.

I say we boo and boo loudly and make it a tradition to continue booing until something change