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Warner is right choice in U.S. Senate; Wolf in the 10th
Mark Warner's pragmatic, solution-oriented leadership style is just what the doctor ordered for a U.S. Senate that doesn't seem to possess much of either trait at the moment.
As governor, Warner was forced to make some extraordinarily difficult budget cuts brought on by a Sept. 11-induced downturn and, frankly, some less-than-stellar fiscal stewardship by his predecessor, Jim Gilmore. He responded to that billion-dollar challenge by huddling with state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, separating “needs” from “wants,” and restoring order to Virginia's fiscal house.
In addition to his ability to crunch numbers and work across party lines, we like Warner's stance on the all-important energy question. A big part of his platform involves alternative energy and positioning the United States as a global leader on all things related to wind, solar and geothermal exploration.
Filling the shoes of John Warner is no small task, but Mark Warner clearly has enough gravitas, experience and know-how to make this a relatively smooth transition. The fact that many Republican leaders across the state have endorsed his candidacy confirms our choice.
He served us well as governor. He'll serve us well in the U.S. Senate.
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This newspaper endorsed Republican incumbent Frank Wolf in his first race against Democratic challenger Judy Feder, and we see no reason to change course this time around.
Wolf, now in his 29th year representing the 10th District, is a hard-working, straight-shooting legislator who has consistently delivered federal money for two of the region's most pressing needs --transportation and public safety. Over the years, nobody has done more to bring rail to the Dulles corridor, take cars off I-66 or curtail the rise of gang violence across the region.
Wolf also deserves praise for his tireless commitment to human rights across the globe, as well as his call for a national commission to study the nation's fiscal and budgetary health long before the economy blew up last month.
Feder, Georgetown University's public policy dean and a nationally respected health care expert, has spent more time ripping into Wolf's record than building a case for herself.
It's also worth noting that the departure of Tom Davis in the 11th District will likely impact Northern Virginia's ability to secure federal dollars. Given that, we wouldn't be doing our roads, schools or policemen any favors by voting a well-connected incumbent like Frank Wolf out of office next month.
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