Lee Vogler's Political Points

Was 2009 the Beginning? My first Examiner article

2009-11-13T16:21:00.002-05:00

I am now a writer for Examiner.com . Here is the link to my first article. I will be writing near daily. Please suscribe and/or come back often. Feel free to leave comments.

Was McDonnell's victory the beginning of something bigger for the GOP?

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Exciting News for Yours Truly

2009-11-11T17:43:00.002-05:00

This blog has been a great experience for me over the past couple of years and I will always continue it in some capacity. However, I have been "re-assigned" if you will. I will continue to write, but I'll have a new location. I will post the details as soon as it all becomes official. This is a good thing though, trust me.

Best,

Lee Vogler

McDonnell Saves the Day: Was 2009 The Beginning of Something Bigger?

2009-11-04T23:24:00.006-05:00

November 3,2009 will likely be remembered as a pivotal date in political history. Yesterday's sweeping victories for the Republican Party in Virginia and New Jersey have caught the attention of the entire nation. But now the question is: What's next?

For many, Tuesday was seen as a referendum to President Obama. A warning shot, if you will, that if things do not get better (and soon) that independents will begin to lean back to the Republican Party. If you remember, prior to George W. Bush, people's overall view toward the GOP over the past 30 years has been pretty positive.

For others, it was simply a day where local elections were decided primarily on local issues. I tend to fall somewhere in between.

For New Jersey:
I believe that a lot of this race was decided on the corruption of the Democrat incumbent, Corzine. However, New Jersey is solidly a Democrat state. Barack Obama easily carried the state in 2008, so a GOP victory here was not a given.

For Virginia:
I think VA is the key in all this. Over the past 6 to 8 years, there was a growing consensus that VA was becoming a purple, if not blue, state. Election victories for Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, Barack Obama and then Warner again, had many believing that rapid growth in population for Northern VA had drastically reshaped the political landscape in the Commonwealth. But perhaps not.

McDonnell has really been the first candidate in this time frame that could appeal to a wide group of people. I always like to say about Bob that you can dress him up or dress him down, and he would fit in perfectly either way. He's "down-home" enough to appeal to voters in the southern part of the state, but shrewd and crafty enough to blend in with fast-paced crowd in the Northern reaches of the state. Also, Bob had a message and HE STAYED ON IT. Even when Dems tried to dredge up a 20 year old thesis and use it as the basis of their campaign, McDonnell never wavered.

From the very beginning, McDonnell said this campaign was going to be about jobs and the economy, and it was...all the way to the end. "Bob's for Jobs" was a slogan that probably everybody that voted Tuesday had heard at least once. But McDonnell did something that's always a given in campaigns: he followed up his slogans with actual detailed plans. Agree with them or not, they were there.

Not only did McDonnell win in the state that Barack Obama carried in 2008, but he won it in a landslide. Adding to the significance of VA, is the fact that ALL 3 candidates on the GOP ticket won by double digits. All 3 top positions in VA being held by the same party is rare. In fact, it's only the 2nd time it's happened.

Local elections? Perhaps. But it didn't seem very local to the White House. President Obama and Vice President Biden both made multiple trips to VA and NJ over the past couple of months and as recently as this past week. Obviously they recognized the significance of these races.

Certainly, the outcome of these races does not directly effect the lives of those in other states, but it definitely has entered their psyche. Republicans and Conservatives have hope again. They're rejuvenated. Democrats are a little more frightened today than they were 6 months ago. The tides may be turning back to a sea of red.

I wrote a piece on here several months ago comparing Barack Obama to Jimmy Carter. (You can still find it on here) That observation may be more true than I realized. Not only do their policies nearly mirror one another, their political fates may as well. Carter was elected in 1976 in the wake of Republican corruption and distrust among the American people (Nixon, Watergate, etc) Carter was seen as an outsider and something different. But after Carter was elected, it became crystal clear that he was not ready for the burden of the Presidency and could not accomplish was he wanted to do. He was seen as "weak" on foreign policy (Iran hostage crisis) and misinformed on domestic issues (oil shortage). During that time a storm began to brew and that storm found a face and name: Ronald Reagan. Reagan was the epitome of what people were looking for at the time: the anti-Carter. Carter seemed unsure and frail; Reagan was confident and strong. Carter wavered on policy with the Soviet Union; Reagan wanted to confront them head on. When the election came in 1980, it wasn't even close. Reagan won in a landslide and I don't mean a landslide in MSNBC's definition of Obama's 2008 victory. I mean a REAL landslide.

What followed would be known as the Reagan Revolution that carried on, for the most part, over the next 15-20 years. Is Obama another Carter? Was his election an anomaly? Will his election actually HELP Republicans? Maybe. And if so, people will look back 30 years from now, and say that November 3,2009 was the day that it started and Bob McDonnell was the man to do it.

posted by
Lee Vogler

Thank You VA and Thank You NJ!!!

2009-11-04T04:26:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to give a quick post thanking all of you for the massive victories today in VA and NJ. I was at the McDonnell Victory Party tonight and I will give full analysis later in the day. For now, I'm off to sleep for the first time in 2 days.

"Today VA is red and Democrats are blue."

ELECTION DAY

2009-11-03T01:02:00.001-05:00

Short and Sweet:

Vote for McDonnell/Bolling/Cuccinelli TODAY!!

And if you have Michael Gage or Ernesto Sampson or Danny Marshall on your ballot: VOTE FOR THEM TOO!!

-Lee

A Republican Sweep in VA: Trick or Treat?

2009-10-31T19:25:00.002-04:00

That's what is on the minds of those in the political realm as we head into the final days prior to the November 3rd election. All the polls point to a Republican landslide across the board for the top 3 offices. But can they be trusted?

Here's my thoughts:
All 3 on the GOP ticket will win. And win handily. Maybe not the 15+ points some polls are showing, but I don't think it's unrealistic to think that at least 2 of the 3 races will be won by double-digits. The GOP has a very unified ticket, exemplified especially here in the final days. The Democrats, on the other hand, seem to be in disarray. Not sure how to respond to the politics in Washington, and, at times, not sure how to respond the stances of those on their own ticket. The "undercard" of the Deeds ticket seems to be trying to distance themselves from him in a last ditch effort to gain ground. It's probably too late....

posted by
Lee Vogler

RNC Chairman Michael Steele in Richmond

2009-10-29T01:07:00.002-04:00

Michael Steele, chairman of the RNC, paid a visit to the McDonnell Headquarters in Henrico County Wednesday night before traveling around the state with the VA GOP ticket on Thursday. Here's a photo of myself with Mr. Steele. Enjoy.

-Lee Vogler

Bob McDonnell: A Better Future for Virginia

2009-10-28T01:39:00.002-04:00

The final week before the election. Posts will be made daily. Check out some of these videos.

McDonnell for Governor: Because Bob's for Jobs...Seriously

2009-10-11T17:23:00.005-04:00

The following is the full version of an editorial I wrote this week for the Commonwealth Times. A trimmed down, edited version will appear in the paper this upcoming week and on the VCU site. While the edits were not major, I still wanted to have my full version available to the public. Here it is, enjoy.

BY LEE VOGLER

With under a month to go before the first election held since Barack Obama’s historic victory last November, many young voters are wondering: Who should I vote for? And it’s a logical question since gubernatorial races are typically not as publicized as a Presidential election. Fortunately for all of you non-political junkies out there, the choice in this election could not be clearer. On one hand, you have an economically savvy former Attorney General who has carved out a clear vision for how to boost Virginia’s economy and bolster a faltering transportation situation that has only worsened in the past few years under Governor/DNC Chairman Tim Kaine. On the other hand, you have a state senator with little by way of legislative achievements and one of the most baffling and incoherent transportation plans I’ve ever seen. To put it plainly, when it comes to helping college age students by creating jobs and growing the economy, Bob McDonnell gets it, and Creigh Deeds doesn’t. Let me explain further.

Spending
At a time when leaders in Washington are spending more money than most of us can imagine, even during a recession, Bob McDonnell understands that the solution to fixing the economy is not to just toss a lot of money in the air and hope it lands in the right places. McDonnell believes in a limited government that will keep taxes low, so people can keep the money they worked hard to earn. In the 14 years McDonnell was in the House of Delegates, he voted over 50 times to cut taxes, resulting in over $2 Billion in tax cuts for residents of Virginia. His opponent, however, has a track record of the opposite approach and doesn’t appear to have had a change of heart. In fact, according to the Washington Post, “R.CREIGH DEEDS, the Democrat running for governor in Virginia, has now unequivocally committed himself to support higher taxes to rescue the state's sclerotic road system.” Deeds’ steadfast belief in higher taxes and reckless spending is one of the reasons former Democratic Governor Doug Wilder, even after several pleas from President Obama and Governor Kaine, refused to endorse Deeds in the election. “That doesn’t show leadership and responsibility to me,” Mr. Wilder told The Washington Times when referring to Deeds’ plan to raise taxes in order to cover his newly formed transportation plan. McDonnell, on the other hand, has been very efficient at running an effective office on a trimmed budget. As Attorney General, he cut his office’s budget by 15% to streamline how government works. As Governor, I have no doubt that McDonnell will stretch every penny of the state’s budget to give us an effective government that will not break our wallet.

Jobs and the Economy
Many of you all may have heard the slogan “Bob’s for Jobs” or seen the bumper sticker around Richmond in the past several months. Campaign slogans are often catchy but rarely do they have real meaning behind them. In this case, they do. Bob McDonnell recognized early on (I’ve been working for the campaign for over a year now) that the main issue facing Virginians today is the economy. As a result of that, McDonnell made the main focus of his campaign the economy as well. He has been endorsed by several major business groups in the state such as the National Federation of Independent Business, Associated Builders and Contractors, Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, among many others. McDonnell believes that small businesses are a vital part of Virginia’s economy and therefore wants to help them succeed. He has promised to take measures that will make it easier for small businesses to be created and to thrive. McDonnell received a 91% rating from Virginia’s small business owners as a result of his efforts over the years to help Virginia’s economy grow. He plans to have a more direct approach for helping job creation by appointing Lt. Governor Bill Bolling as a Jobs Creation Officer to specifically focus on creating jobs, particularly in areas that have been affected the most. Also, McDonnell will provide a $1000 tax credit PER JOB to businesses that create 50 new jobs or 25 new jobs in economically distressed areas.
McDonnell also has some ideas that are a little outside the box from the typical political jargon we hear each campaign season. For instance, did you know that in Virginia that the government owns and operates all the ABC stores? It’s true. Under McDonnell, that will change. He plans on privatizing the ABC stores, which will provide the state with an additional $500 million each year to spend in other areas such as transportation and education, and in turn, providing more jobs. Once again, the economy is priority number one for McDonnell.

Transportation
With many VCU students traveling home, sometimes frequently, to areas like NOVA and Hampton Roads, I’m sure you can appreciate what I’m about to say: Virginia has a huge transportation problem. The roads are in bad shape in many areas, traffic is a headache to say the least, and to top it off, recently the state shut down many of the rest stops on the interstate. With this issue, the contrast between the 2 candidates could be starker. McDonnell set a bold vision for transportation early in his campaign and has gone around the state for months articulating it to the public. He will take a percentage of sales tax collected in Northern VA and put it in a regional transportation account so the money spent in Northern Virginia will go towards bettering the roads in Northern Virginia. Also, he supports Hot Lanes, a monorail that extends to Dulles, widening of I-66 and tele-work tax credits. College students may also be interested to know that McDonnell plans to build a high speed rail (like those found in Europe) from DC to Richmond into Hampton Roads. This would be a great form of affordable transportation, especially for students, many of whom do not have a car on campus. Not only that, but it would lower the amount of vehicles on the road, lessening traffic and the carbon monoxide output in the environment. McDonnell’s support of offshore drilling would not only help with lowering energy costs and creating jobs, but he also plans to take a percentage of the revenue from it and allocate it to helping fund these new transportation developments. Deeds, on the other hand, had not even formulated a transportation plan until recently and only after an embarrassing YouTube video (“Deeds on the Ropes with Taxes”) surfaced showing him stumbling over the subject. His plan, even after the long wait, leaves plenty to be desired. The main basis of his plan is to raise taxes on Virginians to fund it, including a 20 cent increase of the gas tax. To explain, look at the cost of gas per gallon right now. It’s roughly $2.25 a gallon. Under a Governor Deeds, it automatically jumps to $2.45.

Education
Bob McDonnell, like President Obama and many others, believes that students should always have the chance for the best possible education, regardless of where they live. Therefore, he, like the President, supports charter schools and school vouchers. Education is very important to McDonnell as he would implement a 4% average increase in education funding in the classroom, as well as awarding 100,000 additional four-year and community college degrees over the next 15 years. As a father of 5, with ages ranging from 17-28, Bob McDonnell understands what people our age are going through. His daughter Cailin graduated from VCU as a grad student just 2 years ago. Not only will he help with reforming and improving our education system, he will improve the economy so we all have jobs available once we graduate.

Overview
The theme of last year’s election was “Change” and I believe this year’s should be no different. Many of you all may not realize this, but for the past 8 years, Democrats have been in power in Virginia; first under Mark Warner, and currently under Tim Kaine. In March of this year, the Richmond Times Dispatch reported that the Labor Department announced unemployment in Virginia had reached a 17 year high. In September, Governor Kaine announced that Virginia has a $1.5 BILLION budget shortfall. This is the type of leadership that the Democrats have brought us, and the type of leadership Creigh Deeds promises to continue. He says that he will follow in Warner-Kaine style of governance once he is elected. He wants to follow in the footsteps of the style that got us here in the first place? No, as Virginians we cannot afford another 4 years like the last 4 have brought us. I do believe it is time for a change, and a change that only Bob McDonnell can bring. The Tim Kaine style approach to fixing the economy has obviously not worked, and with Deeds we are only going to get more of the same, only worse.
I would briefly like to mention, as well, the way that Deeds has run his campaign. Anyone with a television has probably seen some kind of attack ad against Bob McDonnell recently. It’s very likely that you have, since those are primarily the only type of ads Creigh Deeds is running. Even other prominent Democrats are becoming concerned with overly negative tone of Deeds campaign. “Tell people what you stand for,” was the advice of former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. “People don’t vote for the negative stuff.” The problem for Deeds, however, is beyond the negative attack ads, many of which have been proven false, he doesn’t have much to stand on. These ads have been so far from reality that newspapers across the state have blasted Deeds for the type of campaign he’s running. The Virginian-Pilot called Deeds ads, “Ludicrous….Disingenuous….Deceitful.” The Roanoke Times said Deeds “should be ashamed.” Despite cries from the media and other Democrats to lay off the false attacks and focus on a positive message, Deeds continues to flood the airwaves with these ads. Why? This is a question you should ask yourself before you go to the polls.
If you want a Governor that will come through on his promises (he followed through on all 7 he made while running for Attorney General) and move Virginia forward with a modern, growing economy; then Bob McDonnell should be your man for Governor. This election is not about being a Democrat or a Republican. Ask Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and a prominent Democrat contributor, who has adamantly endorsed and supported Bob McDonnell. This election is about who is right for Virginia and who can turn this economy around. It is about who has a clear, positive vision for the future and how to improve it for all of us, and who doesn’t. What we all need to realize is that we don’t have to settle for less anymore. If you’re a Democrat, there is nothing wrong with voting for a Republican if they are the better person for the job, and vice-versa. It is time for a change. Virginia can do better, should do better, and if we elect Bob McDonnell as our next Governor, we will do better.

The Home Stretch

2009-10-08T11:53:00.002-04:00

We're coming down the home stretch in the VA election race. Election Day is just a matter of weeks away and the race is certainly heating up. McDonnell has seen his lead bounce back in the last several days, and the Republican ticket as a whole is in good position right now for a clean sweep. Of course, all that can change in a few days, but for McDonnell in particular, I'm optimistic. Deeds constant attacks on McDonnell, primarily on his character and social issues, have not sustained a push for his campaign. And now it seems that the public is shifting its focus back to the economy and that is nothing but bad news for Deeds. Deeds has not been specific in his plans for VA, particularly on issues such as transportation and the economy.

Sorry for the lack of recent updates lately but with working on a few campaigns, my senior year of college and having family functions to attend...it's been a busy time. I will do my best to update this page more often but the quickest way to follow me is to click on the FACEBOOK BADGE on the right hand side of this page.

Until then, take care.

Points for the Week: McDonnell-Deeds Debate, S.E. Cupp at VCU, Obamacare and more

2009-09-20T16:38:00.004-04:00

By Lee Vogler
Hello people of the blogosphere, I hope this week has found you well. This is a return of an old segment we used to do here on the blog: Points for the Week. This will be a weekly recap of the political happenings in VA and abroad. With that being said, here we go....

McDonnell Plays It Cool, While Deeds Gets Flustered

This week Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds met in what will be the last of the non-prime time debates for VA Governor. Several patterns reoccurred in this debate that we have seen in the last several months, such as:
1) McDonnell, similarly to President Obama, does not seem to get rattled by hard questions or verbal tradeoffs with his opponent. Whether it's there underneath or not, McDonnell doesn't show it. He remains cool as a cucumber nearly all the time.

2) Deeds has a folksy way about him that some may find endearing, but he's definitely too "under-polished" as many times he comes across baffled, flustered or both. Often times during the debate he stuttered or stumbled over his words when pressed on certain issues, such as his transportation plan (or lack there of).

3) Perhaps Deeds biggest pitfall was what he did AFTER the debate. I'll let the video speak for itself:

If this video continues to make the rounds, I believe we will see a slight uptick back in McDonnell's favor, as Deeds as yet to formulate ANY type of coherent transportation plan, and that will definitely hurt him in populated areas such as NOVA, Richmond and Tidewater. I'll discuss the polls more in a minute.

ANALYZING THE LATEST POLLS FOR MCDONNELL/DEEDS

It's true that Deeds has seen a slight rise in the polls as of late. With that being said, he still trails McDonnell in every one, ranging from 4 to 9 points. The RCP average right now has McDonnell up 4.5 points. I see these numbers as very little surprise. First of all, the Deeds campaign has sunk a TON of money into negative advertising against McDonnell for the past month. Radio, TV, Internet, etc. They have focused heavily on his "conservative record" and tried to paint him as outside of the mainstream. While over 90% of the claims being made by the Deeds campaign have been proven to be misleading, or outright false, the ads continue to blanket the airwaves. It's a typical move from a floundering campaign against the ropes. It's shown some traction for Deeds.

HOWEVER...
McCain's campaign saw similar movement against Obama around this time last year when they began to move towards focusing on the personal issues by shifting focus on Ayers, Rezko and Wright. It rallied the base for sure, and it moved a number of independents, but as time wore on, people began to focus back on the most pressing issue: THE ECONOMY. Last year, most Americans trusted Obama on the economy, and right now, Virginians OVERWHELMINGLY favor McDonnell. I believe that unless something drastic happens (maybe they find one of McDonnell's high school english papers?) that most people will begin to focus on the main issues as the election draws near, such as the economy and transportation. If that happens, I tend to believe that McDonnell will begin to pull away with a 2-3 point upswing.

Author S.E. Cupp Comes to VCU

Thursday night author/political analyst S.E. Cupp held an open forum/book signing at VCU. I want to thank her personally for coming and truly being a class act. She delivered about a 20 minute speech followed by another 20-25 minutes of Q&A with the audience. Afterwards, she signed copies of her book, "Why You're Wrong About the Right" and took pictures.

OBAMACARE numbers continue to drop

President Obama made his huge support speech for his version of health care reform, or what is known to most as Obamacare. Many Democrat analysts believed his charm and appeal would raise support for the fledgling proposal. That hasn't happened. In fact, support for the reform is as low as ever. Currently, only 41% of Americans support it, while 54% are opposed to Obamacare. I would seriously suggest to President Obama that he drop the subject for now, and focus on the economy, which is still in shambles. If he doesn't, not only is he hurting the country, but he is most definitely hurting he and his party's chances for election success over the next few years.

S.E. Cupp and Cailin McDonnell at VCU This Thursday

2009-09-14T19:06:00.003-04:00

Author/Columnist S.E. Cupp will be making a speaking appearance at Virginia Commonwealth University this Thursday, September 17. The event will also feature Cailin McDonnell, daughter of Bob McDonnell, and will start at 7 pm in the VCU Commons building-Richmond Salons room.

Cupp is the co-author of "Why You're Wrong About the Right" and will be doing a book signing after the event.

Latest McDonnell TV Ads

2009-09-12T07:49:00.001-04:00

McDonnell/Bolling Unveil Education Plan

2009-09-03T16:13:00.001-04:00

Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Attorney General of Virginia, and Bill Bolling, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, announced today a bold education proposal that will dramatically increase money for Virginia's teachers and students by $480 million a year, without a tax increase. The two announced their "Education Funding: In the Classroom, Where it Counts" plan at an early afternoon news conference at T.C Williams High School in Alexandria.

The McDonnell/Bolling plan focuses on putting more education dollars directly into the classroom. Currently, only 61% of Virginia education dollars go to the classroom. By shifting money from the central office and administration and increasing the percentage of funding that goes directly to the classroom by an average of 4%, the McDonnell/Bolling administration will direct an additional $480 million each year to Virginia's teachers and students. Several cities and counties across the Commonwealth have already achieved the 65% goal, to the benefit of the students and teachers in those localities. The McDonnell/Bolling plan will take this commitment statewide.
Speaking about today's historic announcement, Bob McDonnell noted, "Our children will get the best education by having the best teachers, best textbooks and best technology, not excessive administration and bureaucracy. We need to put education funding in the classroom, where it counts. With $480 million more dollars directed to Virginia's classrooms we will be able to increase pay for the best teachers and ensure that teacher salaries are equal to or better than our neighboring states. We must focus on putting as much money as possible in the classroom to give our children the knowledge and skills they need to compete for the high-quality jobs they deserve. We are committed to making sure that our teachers across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to teach our children. Children learn in the classroom, not the central office. That's where we must invest our education dollars. This is a bold proposal that will benefit Virginia's teachers, students and parents."
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling remarked, "One of the most important challenges currently facing Virginia is the need to improve the educational opportunities we are providing to our children. In order to do this, we must continue making an increasing financial investment in our public schools, but we must also learn to spend our educational dollars more wisely. By increasing classroom spending by 4% over the next four years we can redirect $480 million a year in existing education funding to the classroom, where it can help boost teacher pay, reduce class sizes and improve textbooks and technology. This will help improve the educational opportunities we provide to our children, and now is the time to make this important and common sense investment."
Patrick Salyer, a member of the Virginia Beach School Board had this to say about the McDonnell/Bolling initiative; "It is absolutely vital that we channel more of our public education dollar into the classroom. That is where our money does the most good. I believe that Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling have the right plan to get more of taxpayers' education dollars into the classroom, where it counts."
Fairfax resident and mother of four, Teri Christoph shared her excitement about the McDonnell/Bolling plan, "As the mother of three young children currently attending public school in Virginia, I am thrilled to hear of Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling's plan to put more resources into the classroom and into recruiting top-notch teachers. A good, well-supported teacher translates into improved classroom performance, so providing them with the means to teach effectively is crucial. Bob and Bill's simple, yet significant, "65% solution" would give our educators access to the tools they need for a successful classroom, and I foresee it having a particularly beneficial impact on our special needs and immigrant populations. I can think of no better way for our tax dollars to be spent!"
Both Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling believe that a well-educated workforce is the key to successful job creation. Every child in the Commonwealth must have an opportunity to be well-educated and prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The McDonnell/Bolling administration will work closely with the Secretary of Education, School Board members, administrators, teachers and education policy leaders to ensure that we maximize the use of money and resources in the classroom for our teachers to use and our children to benefit from.

*Part Four of Bob McDonnell's Education Reform Plan*

"Education Funding: In the Classroom, Where it Counts"
Almost Half a Billion Dollars More Per Year for Virginia Teachers and Students

The cornerstone of the McDonnell/Bolling Administration will be an all out effort to create new jobs and greater opportunities for all Virginians. A well-educated workforce is the key to successful job creation. Every child in the Commonwealth must have an opportunity to be well educated and prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The Virginia Standards of Quality (SOQ) serve as basic standards of minimum quality education in Virginia. As Governor, Bob McDonnell will fully fund the Standards of Quality in each budget; however, fully funding the Standards of Quality alone will only get us part way to having the best educational system in the nation.
One of the top priorities for a McDonnell/Bolling administration will be ensuring that more money is spent in the one place it does the most good: the classroom. When examining education funding, it is not just a question of total funding, but also whether the most money possible is going into the classroom for our children and teachers, rather than inflated bureaucratic budgets.
Our children will get the best education by having the best teachers, best textbooks and best technology, not excessive administration and bureaucracy. Students learn in the classroom, not in the central office. We need to focus as much of our money as possible in the classroom to give our children the knowledge and skills they need to compete for the high-quality jobs of the future. Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling will ensure not only that our teachers are paid at the national average, but also that our best teachers are some of the best paid in the nation.

4% Average Increase in Education Funding in the Classroom
The McDonnell/Bolling administration is committed to prioritizing education funding and ensuring that more taxpayer dollars are spent in the classroom on teachers, students, classroom materials, technology, and innovative programs. Throughout the administration, we will transition more money from the central office and administration, into the classroom. The McDonnell/Bolling Administration will increase the state average for spending in the classroom by 4% over the course of their administration.
Examining classroom spending in Virginia based on the federal "instruction" expenses definition, we are spending a statewide average of 61% of education funding in the classroom for instructional use, according to the latest spending numbers (FY 2007). Instructional spending is the total current operation expenditure for activities dealing with the interaction of teachers and students in the classroom, home or hospital, teacher salaries, textbooks, equipment, as well as co-curricular activities. It also includes amounts for activities of teachers and instructional aides or assistants engaged in regular instruction, special education, and vocational education programs.

Out of every dollar we put to education, only 61 cents is going directly to the classroom for our children and teachers. This is unacceptable and it will change under the McDonnell/Bolling administration.
By raising the average for classroom spending by 4%, we will put roughly $480 million more dollars in the classroom annually when fully implemented.
This will mean real money to recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers, which is critical to a great education for our children. With $480 million more dollars in the classroom, we will be able to increase pay for the best teachers, and ensure that teacher salaries are equal to or better than our neighboring states. It will mean real money for our children to have updated textbooks, new technology, and supplies in their classroom. Teachers should not have to pay for basic supplies out of their own pocket. It will put the focus back on the classroom, and require real streamlining of the administrative offices.

Increasing the statewide average by 4% will ensure 65% of taxpayer dollars are spent in the classroom. This is an objective that is realistic and critical to the future success of our public education system. In fact, several cities and counties - large and small - have already met the challenge. According to the latest Federal F33 forms, for FY 07 (2006-2007 school year) Hanover County, Bristol City, Shenandoah County, Fluvanna County, Colonial Beach, Smyth County, Norton City, Greene County, Augusta County, Colonial Heights City, Fauquier County, Amherst County, Page County, Roanoke County, Harrisonburg City, and Highland County all spent more than 65% of education funding in the classroom on instructional items.

In coordination with the Secretary of Education, School Board members, administrators, teachers and public education policy leaders, we will evaluate ways to incentivize localities to increase their classroom spending to a minimum of 65% - an increase in the statewide average of 4%. Each locality will have the flexibility on how to increase the amount of money spent directly in the classroom.
To ensure that the legislature, our state Department of Education, and individual school districts have the most useful and accurate information about best practices and the effectiveness of programs, the McDonnell/Bolling administration will partner with the Curry School of Education at UVa to provide analysis and evaluation of education spending utilizing consistent and accepted performance metrics. This Virginia Center for Education Policy will leverage existing and new resources to provide capacity for policy analysis in education and human capital development from preschool through higher education. This is critical to understanding how to best spend dollars in the classroom and provide accountability to taxpayers who are paying for our public education system.
Unfortunately, there are many examples of questionable spending. Take these examples from localities across the Commonwealth:
• $1.1 million per year on cell phones and pagers
• Increased employees "fringe benefits" by $915,000, while cutting funding for equipment, material and supplies by $900,000
• Superintendent salary of more than $225,000 and an additional $14,000 a year for a car (a district with just four schools)
• $450,000 for travel, $332,000 for office supplies, and $190,000 on Dues & Association Memberships.

Inflated budgets are not just at the local level. While student enrollment has increased only 7.9% from 2000 through 2008, the budget of the "Department of Education, Central Office Operations" has grown from $75,546,367 to $120,313,176, a 59% increase.
Increasing money in the classroom is common-sense for teachers, parents and students alike, but it also affects student performance. Using the Virginia Department of Education's Data definition of Instructional Spending, the school performance in localities that spend 65% in the classroom is higher.
• 15 of the top 20 school districts with the highest total average on the English/Science/Math Proficiency federal benchmarks were school districts who spent at least 65% in the classroom.
• 17 of the top 20 school districts with the highest average on the English Proficiency federal benchmarks were in school districts that spent at least 65% in the classroom.
• 13 of the top 20 school districts with the highest average on the Math Proficiency federal benchmarks were in school districts that spent at least 65% in the classroom.
• 18 of the top 20 school districts with the highest average on the Science Proficiency federal benchmarks were in school districts that spent at least 65% in the classroom.

Deeds Gets Desparate as McDonnell Continues to Hold Strong Lead

2009-08-31T16:53:00.002-04:00

We're about 2 months away from a statewide election that is being watched by the nation. 2 months away from deciding who VA's next Governor will be. This is most definitely "crunch time" as they say. People are starting to make up their minds for good on who they will vote for. So it comes as no surprise that Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds is finding himself in a state of panic. After all, most polls show him trailing by double-digit margins. There seems to be no enthusiasm for his campaign whatsoever. Bob McDonnell, on the other hand, is seeing large crowds and very positive responses from voters across the board. So what's a Dem to do?

ATTACK!!! But not just attack, but get personal with it. After vowing several times to focus on the economy and people's state of well being, rather than try to get into divisive social issues....Deeds has done just that. First, he went after McDonnell on abortion, calling him "extreme." Now, he's had some staffers dig up a 20+ year old college thesis paper that McDonnell wrote while in graduate school and claim that it's relevant to the campaign. His says that some of the views McDonnell expresses in the paper make him unqualified to be Governor.

Did he think writings of Jim Webb saying that women were unfit for the military, or Barack Obama's writings and quotations praising communist leaders and divisive figures such as Jeremiah Wright, were relevant? No, absolutely not. They were a non issue. And perhaps they were. But now that Deeds is watching his campaign fall apart by the minute, he knows he must try and divert the attention away from the economy.

Because the economy battle is one he cannot win. He has YET to establish a single plan of his own to create jobs and money for the citizens of VA. In fact, on most major issues such as the economy, jobs and transportation, Deeds has either remained silent or followed whatever plan McDonnell laid out first.

What's ironic is that Democrats BLASTED the McCain camp last year for going after Obama and his past. For wanting to dig into his relationship with terrorist William Ayers, or blatant racist Jeremiah Wright, McCain's camp was labeled "divisive" and "unneccessarily diverting the attention away from the REAL issues." But now Democrats are doing the EXACT SAME THING.

The truth of the matter is, this is a NON STORY. Deeds' camp will push it as much as they can and to hardcore Dems, it probably does matter. But for the single mother with 3 kids that's barely making enough to get by, or the man who just lost his factory job of 20 years, or the recent college graduate who can't find a job....a 20 year old thesis paper means NOTHING. People want someone who understands how the economy works and how to make it work better. People want jobs. People want security. People want to know their future is going to be alright. Bob McDonnell can provide that. Creigh Deeds can't...and he knows it. That's why he is trying to change the subject. I hope that Virginians are smart enough to see through this charade.

-Lee Vogler

Now the Time Has Come

2009-08-31T01:24:00.002-04:00

My friends,

I write this note at a time of great uncertainty. People are uncertain about their jobs. People are uncertain about their homes. People are uncertain about their future and security. People are, quite simply, uncertain. Not just in the Commonwealth, but across this great nation, as well. Our government has failed us on every level. The Federal Government has certainly failed us, and in many cases, our local governments have also failed.

It is in these times of uncertainty that we, as a society, must pull together and strive for the common good. Our communities, and our country, have seen dark times before. But we, like our predecessors, will find strength in each other and work together to find the solutions we need. It is from the collective strength of the American people that our society will find success. There are some who want you to believe that Government is the solution to our problems. To them, I quote a statement that is more relevant today than the date on which it was given: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government IS the problem.” Ronald Reagan’s words have never rang more true.

We need to remind our elected officials that they work for US and not the other way around. Many people within our government have become drunk with power and greed. They have become more concerned with serving special interest groups and corporate fat-cats, as opposed to serving the individual people that have worked hard to make this country what it is today.

Now the time has come for Americans to decide the fate of our country. This truly is, “A Time for Choosing.” We, as Americans, must choose. Will we allow America to continue to decline into despair? Or will we demand MORE from our government and our leaders? Will we return to the principles and values that have allowed us to thrive for nearly 300 years? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. The ball is in our court. We hold the fate of this country in our hands. Now is not the time to feel hopeless or powerless. We are the future of this country, but more importantly, we are the PRESENT of this country, as well. What we decide now will determine the livelihood for future generations. We hold the key to this country’s success. Now the question is: What will we do with it?

It is my hope that Americans will decide to pursue a course that promotes individual freedoms and liberties. I believe that all people have a desire to be free and a desire to be represented equally. If elected officials or government bureaucrats stand in the way of these freedoms, then they need to step aside, or be removed. For far too long, politicians have used their position to promote their own agenda, in spite of what is best for the community as a whole. To those people I say, “Step aside.” Now the time has come for a movement that demands accountability; a movement that demands improvement; and a movement that demands SUCCESS.

The point is simple: We can do better; we should do better; and if we make the right choices starting today; we WILL do better!

Thank you so much for your time. I hope to hear from some of you and wish the best for all of you. Look to the future, reach for the stars and live a life that is far from ordinary.

Take Care,

Lee Vogler

McDonnell Receives Big Endorsement from BET Co-Founder

2009-07-20T15:59:00.002-04:00

BET channel co-founder and business extraordinaire Sheila Johnson has endorsed Bob McDonnell for Governor of VA today. This is a move that shows the importance of this Governor's race. I have been saying for quite some time now that this race is not about party affiliation but about who can best lead VA forward in these tought times. Johnson, a long time Democrat supporter and donor, understands this as well. That is why she has chosen McDonnell.

You can read more at bobmcdonnell.com

posted by
Lee Vogler

McDonnell: "I Will Not Raise Taxes as Governor"

2009-07-14T02:24:00.003-04:00

VA Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell told people via Twitter a few days ago that he will not raise taxes as Governor.

Here are some pieces from the "Twitter Interview":

@thehotline: "let's get down to it. Top 3 priorities for the next Gov of VA?"

@bobmcdonnell: "Jobs, Jobs and Jobs!"

@thehotline: "How do you run against the perceived success of last 2 Dem Govs, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine?"

@bobmcdonnell: "elections r about the future. VA's care about who's the best leader and who has the best ideas about growing jobs and economy"

@thehotline: "time for the personal stuff. Numbers: houses/cars/guns/kids in public school?"

@bobmcdonnell: "Own 1 house and shares in investment property, 2 cars, 0 guns, all kids went/in public schools"

@thehotline: "Why Regent Univ law school? What appealed to you about attending 'America's Preeminent Christian University'?"

@bobmcdonnell: "attended all good schools, Notre Dame, Boston U, Regent. Had GI Bill, wanted to study in VA. Liked focus on ethics & civility."

LEEVO'S POINTS FOR THE DAY:

Where is Tim Kaine? Probably not in VA. He has STILL not released his travel schedule with the DNC. With the economy crumbling as we speak, jobs at a stand still and transportation as bad as ever, you would think Tim Kaine would spend more time focusing on his "day job" as Governor, instead of moonlighting as the head of the Democratic party.

Creigh Deeds: Ever since he won the nomination, he has been very quiet. Where are all his big campaign ideas? Where is the promotion? It's my belief that Deeds has spent the past few weeks boning up on his talking points and trying to be as polished as possible when he faces off against McDonnell. The McDonnell campaign has been a pretty well-oiled machine so far, and Deeds cannot afford any slip ups right now. However, he is losing valuable time right now as McDonnell continues to reach voters across the state.

It's still a long way til November. Happy Campaigning!!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-05T02:57:00.002-04:00

"I just wanted to personally wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July. I hope everyone has found this weekend to be joyous and pleasant. Let us please remember all of our troops, past and present, and the sacrifices they have made to make this country the greatest on the Earth."

-Lee Vogler

Here is a video message from Bob McDonnell:

McDonnell vs Deeds: The Choice is Clear

2009-06-19T01:22:00.003-04:00

Take a look at Creigh Deeds, candidate for Governor, and after a short while, you will come to realize, that he is NO moderate. Look at his voting record on tax votes. He has voted to raise taxes every chance he has gotten. At almost every opportunity, he has promoted a progressively liberal agenda. Look beyond his stance on the 2nd Amendment, which I'm sure he will tout at every chance to make you think he is not a liberal, and you will find that he is just another liberal posing as a moderate to get your vote. We cannot afford to be fooled again. Just look at what is happenening to our country right now. We cannot afford anymore failed leadership, we need Bob McDonnell.

And here are some videos of Bob McDonnell:

McDonnell/Bolling/Cuccinelli for Virginia: A Retrospective Look of the 2009 VA GOP Convention

2009-05-30T16:48:00.005-04:00

Well the 2009 Virginia Republican Convention is complete and the ticket is as well. Bob McDonnell, who was unopposed, is the nominee for Governor, while Bill Bolling won his bid for nomination to be re-elected as Lt. Governor. Ken Cuccinelli came out victorious over his two opponents, John Brownlee and Dave Foster.

I was a delegate for Pittsylvania County at the convention this year, and to be honest, I wanted Foster. However, it became apparent throughout the day that Cuccinelli was the odds-on favorite. Foster and Brownlee graciously conceded the nomination and Cuccinelli took his place alongside McDonnell and Bolling at the end for a photo-op.

Several Republican heavyweights made appearances over the weekend, including Sean Hannity, George Allen, Jim Gilmore and Eric Cantor. The highlight of the day, however, belonged to Bob McDonnell. This was his day. The entire convention was a very well designed celebration of McDonnell. In between other people's speeches were McDonnell campaign ads and other videos featuring the Gubernatorial candidate. Then after a well-delivered introduction from his daughter, Jeanine, McDonnell hit the stage. The speech, which lasted about 30 minutes, featured many highlights. McDonnell focused mostly on jobs and how he plans to create them.

"To every Virginian who needs a job

To every small business owner trying to make payroll

To every retiree alarmed at losses in their retirement account

To every homeowner concerned about their home value

To every parent writing that next tuition check

To every clergyman fighting to keep a strong community

To every young person who just wants an opportunity to live and experience the American Dream.

This campaign is for you. This campaign is about you!"

McDonnell seemed to be boasting a newfound confidence and slight swagger about him, that differed a little from his usual calm, laid-back approach. Not cocky, but definitely showing that he has not only the demeanor to be Governor, but maybe more in the future.

McDonnell also mentioned his accomplishments:
Four years ago you nominated me to serve as your Attorney General.

After my "landslide" victory, we worked together to establish a 25-year minimum sentence for sex offenders who commit violent crimes against children, and stiffened penalties for drug dealers and gang members.

We made Virginia a national leader in fighting Internet Crimes Against Children and identity theft.

We dramatically improved our homeland security and mental health laws.

We fought to protect marriage, the right to life, and parental rights.

Each of these accomplishments represented not only a promise made at election-time, but a promise kept at governing-time.

92 of our 105 legislative proposals became law with broad bipartisan support.

Then he mapped out some of his plans:
During the previous two administrations, the average college tuition bill has increased by nearly 80%.

Maureen and I have a daughter at JMU, one who just finished at VCU and twin boys on their way to college in a year. Parents and young people know we must make college more accessible and affordable if we are to expand the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

We have overspent on our present and failed to invest in our future.

Our future ability to attract new employers to Virginia will be determined by our current commitment to the education of our citizens.

As Governor I will put the Commonwealth on track to award 100,000 additional degrees over the next 15 years, so more of your children can get into Virginia's great colleges and universities.

We will focus them on math, science, engineering, technology, health care, and education so we will stay competitive in the global economy.

Our community colleges will become the backbone of workforce development and retraining.

Virginia will be one of the most highly-educated states in the country and that will result in new industry and new jobs.

You like to hunt and fish? You like to hike and camp? As Governor, I will conserve an additional 400,000 acres of land for future generations of Virginians.

Conservation is a conservative value. It helps the economy because employers like to locate where workers like to live.

A government that inspires the trust and confidence of the citizenry honors the vision of Virginia's founders. We will institute true budget accountability and transparency. The more citizens can see, the less politicians will spend.

We will create a watchdog commission to root out waste in our state agencies. We will conduct a performance audit to help our major state agencies, and we will start with VDOT.

Reducing congestion on our roads gives you more time with your family and brings more business and jobs to our state.

We are going to upgrade US 460 to make it a modern highway from Suffolk to Petersburg. We will widen 66 inside the Beltway. We will get started on high speed passenger rail from DC to Richmond to Hampton Roads.

On these and other projects we will not accept excuses anymore. We will get dirt turned and projects moving by using public-private partnerships, market-based solutions, budget prioritization, and innovation and technology.

I will be a Jobs Governor. I will advance policies that will put Virginians to work.

And then he drew the contrasts between him and his possible opponent(s):

I will offer big ideas and positive solutions -- we will be the party that embraces reform and says YES.

On energy, our opponents will say NO to offshore drilling, NO to clean coal, NO to nuclear, and NO to the new jobs and investment that come with it.

When it comes to promoting energy independence:

They'll just say NO, we'll just say YES!

When it comes to the job-killing card check bill which threatens Virginia's Right to Work law, a cornerstone of our business success, our opponents will say NO to protecting the secret ballot, and NO to safeguarding Virginia's Right to Work law.

When it comes to keeping Virginia competitive:

They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!

When it comes to educating our children, our opponents will say NO to more educational choices, NO to charter schools, and NO to performance pay for our best teachers and principals who help our children to achieve excellence.

When it comes to improving our schools:

They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!

On the issue of government efficiency and spending, our opponents will say NO to eliminating burdensome regulations, NO to making government simpler and more user-friendly, NO to reducing unnecessary permits, fees, licenses, and decals, NO to reducing wasteful spending.

When it comes to government accountability:

They'll just say NO. We'll just say YES!

There will be a clear choice in November. We will offer positive, innovative solutions to create new jobs and provide greater freedom and opportunity for all Virginians.

When it comes to Virginia's future and the need for changes in Richmond:

We'll just say YES!

The excitement level was definitely high this weekend as Republicans see a bright future ahead with McDonnell leading the way. He has the ability to bring in Republicans, Independents and even some Democrats with his common sense solutions and bold ideas for Virginia's future. It's his proven track record of bringing people together and getting things done that makes him so appealing to the average voter.

I'll be posting more post-convention thoughts and photos this week, but for now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the moment. It's a good day for Virginia.

written by
Lee Vogler

McAuliffe: Do Your Research

2009-05-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

McDonnell's Lead Grows

2009-04-19T23:53:00.003-04:00

Here are the numbers:

While November is still far way, Republican Governor candidate Bob McDonnell is enjoying an increase in his lead in the polls over his 3 possible opponents.
Here are the numbers:

McDonnell 45 - Deeds 30 - Und 20
McDonnell 44 - Moran 34 - Und 19
McDonnell 45 - McAuliffe 33 - Und 19

These are improving numbers for McDonnell, who led this same group of Democrats by only 3 to 9 points in a February poll. It’s also a sign that Virginia, which has been trending Democrat in the last few elections, may be turning around back to the GOP.

This is sure to be a race that is heavily played in by national party groups like the Republican and Democrat governors associations, the RNC, the DNC and large PACs and associations. If the GOP can turn Virginia from blue to red, it will be a bad omen for Obama and the Democrats.

McDonnell leads rivals in cash on hand

2009-04-13T18:31:00.003-04:00

VA Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell reported having over $3.5 million cash on hand, which far exceeds his rivals. In fact, that is more than Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran have combined. And nearly 3 times the amount that Creigh Deeds has. While it can be said that McDonnell has not had to spend nearly as much as his 3 oppenents yet, it should also be mentioned that McDonnell was not allowed to take in any money for over 2 months when the General Assembly was in session.

All signs are pointing towards McDonnell momentum at the moment,and if Moran and McAuliffe continue to beat up on one another, McDonnell may quietly build up a strong enough coalition that his eventual opponent might not be able to over come it.

The Latest on Bob McDonnell

2009-04-03T17:08:00.003-04:00

Bob and Mike Huckabee jam away:

Bob's speech from campaign kickoff in Richmond. You can see me on stage in the top right corner. Wearing the very colorful shirt:-)

A day on the trail with Bob:

Hope you all enjoy these videos. I plan on doing some heavy blogging next week. Stay tuned. Until then....

Take Care,

Lee Vogler