Bristol Herald Courier endorses Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor

Republican Bill Bolling has roots in Virginia’s coalfields and a clear understanding of its rural challenges.
And in the four years he has already served as its lieutenant governor, he has worked to increase the governor’s opportunity fund – a key tool for recruiting businesses to Southside and Southwest Virginia.
We’ve been most impressed by his 100 Ideas for the Future of Virginia tour. He traveled around the state to hear from Virginians about how to improve public safety, education and transportation needs. Of course, his aim is to put those plans into effect during a second term as lieutenant governor.
We hope you will give Bolling your vote on Nov. 3 so he has a chance to do just that. He’s already proven, as lieutenant governor under Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, that he is not a partisan. He has shown he can work cooperatively with people across Virginia and across party lines.
Democrat Jody Wagner, the former finance secretary under Democratic Gov. Mark Warner, is a capable candidate, and we believe she would make a good lieutenant governor. But we believe Bolling has stronger ideas and more experience and deserves a chance to continue in this role. Wagner’s recent allegations that Bolling has missed commission and board meetings are troubling, but not enough to convince us he doesn’t deserve to keep his job.
Throughout his term, Bolling has been a regular visitor to our region – as part of the “100 Ideas” tour and other visits to listen to citizens. We need this type of focus and attention from our elected leaders.