LETTER TO THE EDITOR

William N. Eddins Greene County
Published: October 2, 2008

To the Editor:
Some voters seem to be unable and unwilling to separate partisanship from reasoning regarding their choices, while some voters analyze, with resolve, the candidates’ positions and experience or lack thereof.  An example may be the 5th District of Virginia’s Congressional race with the Honorable Virgil H. Goode, Jr., confronting challenger Tom Perriello.
Rep. Goode served 23 years in the Va. Senate as a Democrat. He has served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, Independent, and Republican respectively. Sometimes the extreme left chooses to misconstrue his positions and attempts to distort his admirable record of accomplishment s and exemplary character. The truth is these same people would support Rep. Goode if her were running as a Democrat.
Rep. Good is one of the most independent voices in Washington, and his conscientious voting record reflects a true bi-partisanship, which is a rare attribute we desperately need. He achieved this phenomenon without being perceived as a brash maverick type, but as a gentleman respected and revered by members of both parties.
Rep. Goode has been effective and proficient in providing for all constituents with appropriations to police and fire departments, water and sewer system renovations veterans’ healthcare, and his dedication to improving Medicare and prescription medicine benefits for senior citizens. He has continuously honored his commitment to bringing quality employment opportunities to his district. As a lifelong resident of southside Virginia, he understands the economic hardships this region has endured probably better than anyone.
Rep. Goode has been at the forefront of the necessity to secure the borders of the United States as a matter of national protection, as a matter of federal and international law, and as a matter of fiscal responsibility. He has consistently opposed wasteful spending and foreign aid to rogue nations.  Rep. Goode was an advocate of energy independence before it became an essential issue.
I have a couple of concerns about Mr. Perriello’s candidacy. I am concerned about his complete lack of political experience unless serving on a school board is a qualification for Congress. I am also concerned about his fundraising from New York to California.  While I fully realize that federal elections are of national importance, I wonder why so many New Yorkers and Californians have such prodigious interest in a Virginia District with the difficulties their states must be encountering. Who knows, may be one day a foreign entity will attempt to influence our election.
Much has been said this year about the low approval ratings surrounding the Bush administration; however, voters need to be reminded of the significantly lower approval ratings of the Democratic majority Congress under the guidance of Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Ms. Pelosi and company attained this disgraceful decline in less than two years. If we add another inexperienced freshman Congressman into this amalgamation, in all likely it will just be another vote for Speaker Pelosi’s unpopular agenda.
There are many serious problems and situations in the world, but also in the U.S. and here in Virginia.  We need the proven leadership, honesty, experience and integrity of Rep. Virgil H. Goode, Jr., now more than ever.