BRISTOL, Va. – Saying the battle for the November elections has begun, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling urged supporters to work hard for “129 days” to assure a Republican victory.
Bolling, who is running for re-election, cut the ribbon Monday evening to signify opening the GOP campaign headquarters in downtown Bristol.
Speaking to a crowd of about 50 outside the office on Cumberland Street, Bolling said the campaign won’t be easy.
“Working together, we can get this done,” Bolling told supporters from as far away as Buchanan County. “From here, we can make the phone calls and knock on the doors that will assure a more prosperous future for Virginia. And that all starts here in rural Virginia.”
Bolling is completing his first term as lieutenant governor and shares the ticket with GOP gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell. They will face Democrats
Creigh Deeds and Jody Wagner in the Nov. 3 general election.
“This is not about good guys and bad guys. I believe our opponents want what is best for Virginia,” Bolling said. “But there are a lot of different issues and two clear visions for building a better Virginia.”
Bolling said the GOP ticket favors reducing taxes and regulations on businesses to help foster economic growth, while the Democrats favor raising taxes and more governmental regulation.
Energy also is a key difference, Bolling said.
“My dad was a coal miner. I know what coal means to Southwest Virginia. We ought to be the nation’s leader in coal production,” Bolling said, drawing a loud response from the crowd. “We need to be building more clean coal plants, not shutting down the ones we have.”
He also attacked Gov. Tim Kaine’s economic policies, comparing them to the federal government’s massive spending plans.
“There is no fiscal integrity in Washington, D.C. They are spending money we don’t have and making promises we can’t keep,” Bolling said. “And there’s not much fiscal integrity left in Richmond.”
After his formal remarks, Bolling said there are significant differences between this campaign and his 2005 bid.
“The challenges facing Virginia are a lot bigger. The economy is deep into a recession and a lot of people think state government has got to help where it can,”
Bolling said. “The economic problems are a lot more acute than four years ago.”
In addition to the Bristol headquarters, the party plans to open other regional campaign offices later this year, spokeswoman Alex Stanley said.
“This is the only one southwest of Blacksburg,” Stanley said. “We’ve used this location before and it’s pretty central to everyone. We’ll open more this summer.”
City GOP Chairwoman Joyce Kistner said she is pleased the Twin City was chosen.
“It’s a real treat for us. We’re just tickled to death,” Kistner said. “We’ve got people here from Bluefield, Marion and Buchanan County.”
dmcgee@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2532
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