The Virginian Pilot reported its positions on ten issues and whether the candidates in Hampton Roads’ contested races agreed or disagreed with those positions. First, the Pilot’s positions:
- Transportation. No major changes should be made to the 2007 transportation plan except to the abuser driver penalties. Any alterations in taxes for the HRTA should be revenue neutral.
- Smoking ban. Smoking should be prohibited at all restaurants in the commonwealth.
- Expanded Pre-K. The General Assembly should appropriate $75 million to expand pre-kindergarten classes for low-income 4-year-olds.
- Redistricting. A nonpartisan, independent commission should be created to draw congressional and General Assembly district boundaries after the 2010 census.
- Payday lending. Payday lenders should be required to abide by the 36% annual interest rate limit that covers other financial institutions.
- Campaign audits. Campaign contribution reports should be subject to regular audits by the state Board of Elections.
- Offshore energy. Permit exploration, not drilling, for oil and gas only beyond the 50-mile limit. OK drilling if Virginia gets a fair share of the royalties and US energy policy mandates conservation.
- Campaign money. Campaign contributions by corporations and unions should be limited.
- Two-term governor. Virginia governors should be permitted to run for re-election at the end of their first term.
- Gun-show loophole. The loophole should be closed that allows purchases of firearms at gun shows without an instant background check.
Where the candidates stand is shown in the chart. (Note: R= Republican, D=Democrat, L=Libertarian, I=Incumbent, E=Endorsed by the Pilot. As always, click to enlarge.)
And don’t forget to vote tomorrow!
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Not much difference between Rerras and Northam, why would and should anyone change their vote?
Not much difference? You’re kidding, right? There is a whole lot of difference between Rerras and Northam, even if this chart doesn’t reflect it.
I think the difference relates to how they are going to vote. Explain why I should vote for Northam if his votes in the Senate are not going to be any different than that of Rerras. Rerras clearly has the pulse of the district, people don’t care what he looks like or sounds like, as long as he has their interest in mind. He certainly does in the District, especially the ES part
sorry,
I meant to say, “I dont think the difference relates to how they are going to vote”
Because Nick says one thing and does another. Take eminent domain, for example. When he is in front of some groups, he says he supports it, despite his vote against it, even giving excuses as to why he voted that way!
Rerras is a lightweight. Remember what the Pilot said:
I think most voters recognize the importance of saving the Chesapeake Bay. Rerras doesn’t. 28% rating by the League of Conservation Voters.
I think most voters want their elected officials to be personally accountable, not creating authorities to tax them for roads, etc. Chicken****.
I think most voters would be concerned to know that Nick was appointing guys from his church to be judges who are so whacky that they are threatening other judges and have been banned from the courthouse.
I also think most voters don’t want more politicians promising something they can’t deliver-5%cap.
If he can’t produce while in the majority, what good will he be next year? The man can’t even hold a real jb.
“The man can’t even hold a real job.” Kind of like Troy Farlow!
AND I don’t think they want their campaign contributions used to take their kids bowling and to entertain the family.