The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
The shotgun race to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Ken Stolle is heating up and winding down at the same time.
Candidates Rosemary Wilson, a city councilwoman, and Jeff McWaters, a retired businessman, made a rare joint appearance Saturday at a Republican breakfast forum. McWaters and Wilson will face off in a GOP primary, or canvass, on Dec. 5. Since Democrats have yet to put up a candidate, it's likely the winner will be the next state senator for the 8th District, which covers eastern Virginia Beach.
Stolle, who was elected Beach sheriff earlier this month, has held the seat since 1991.
At the Crowne Plaza, Wilson, a former teacher-turned-real estate agent, stressed her 14 years as an elected official. She served on the School Board before winning three terms on the City Council. McWaters, founder and retired CEO of Amerigroup Corp., touted his business acumen and list of big-name supporters, including Stolle, who endorsed him Friday.
Both listed their conservative credentials on abortion, gay marriage and tax increases - they oppose them - and focused on transportation and job creation. In their only marginally heated exchange, Wilson accused McWaters of favoring mandated health insurance for all Americans, a charge he did not deny.
"This all has to be paid for," Wilson said, citing the potential impact of required health insurance on small-business owners. "Who's going to pay for it?"
A Wilson mailer distributed on breakfast tables Saturday pictured McWaters next to President Barack Obama with the words, "Like President Obama, liberal politician Jeff McWaters wants the government to control your health care."
McWaters, whose former company specializes in managing care for Medicaid recipients, said all Americans should have health insurance.
"Health care is a right in America," he said. "We don't let sick people lie on the street and die."
McWaters said requiring health insurance would be cheaper than taxpayers' footing the bill for uninsured people who use emergency rooms for routine health care needs.
On transportation, Wilson said regional leaders need to focus on improving the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, which she said would be her top priority.
McWaters would not commit to a specific top project but said leaders need to "prioritize" projects to increase chances of funding.
Both candidates said that they would work to retain retired military in the region by creating good jobs. Wilson suggested a tax break for small-business owners who create jobs. McWaters said he would meet with top executives to try and lure businesses to Virginia Beach.
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
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Shame on you Rosemary
Unfortunatly Rosemary is getting desperate and feels like this is her only way to win. If any of you have ever heard Jeff and Rosemary speak about this race it's scary obvious who the better choice is. Jeff has NEVER once spoken badly about Rosemary...he sticks to the issues and answers any and all questions. The only thing I've ever heard Rosemary talk about is her years in politics...is that all you have to offer Rosemary? Your voting record has been less than impressive if you're supposed to be supporting the people of Virginia Beach!! Jeff and Rosemary also agreed to not campaign on election day beacause it really wasn't appropriate since it was not their day yet. Jeff stuck by those rules, while Rosemary had to be asked to leave SEVERAL voting locations!!! Is this the kind of person you think can lead us best in the senate? Someone with that kind of character? No thank you! Jeff McWaters you have my vote.
Do the Math
It's a pretty simple matter to put 2 and 2 together and see that McWaters is part of a tight-knit group of GOP power brokers who think they know more than the average citizen, and know better than we what is good for us. He gave Stolle $17,000, Stolle endorses him, etc, etc. This is politics in its rawest form, and Virginia Beach should be beyond that. At least Rosemary Wilson has taken an independent positions on various issues (regardless of what a couple of posters have said)and she has a more down to earth quality about her.
If citizens really evaluate both candidates and consider what truly is best for Virginia Beach, they will see the wisdom in nominating Rosemary Wilson for the state senate. Don't be led blindly down a path just because McWaters ran a big company. There are plenty of incompetent big shots running big companies.
"has taken an independent positions on various issues"
Yet, not a one can be shown?
are we electing a queen?
Rosemary W. speaks of herself in the third person.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosemary-Wilson/104641163032
"Who's going to pay for it'
Is Rosemary suddenly getting religion on fiscal matters? Seems very convenient. She stood by quietly in the greatest spending orgy this city has ever seen. Don't forget her ties to Bruce Thompson and Ed Ruffin proprietors of the 31ST Hotel and public park. Hubbie is their acct. She voted yes on the purchase of an abandoned rail line for 4 times the ass'ed value, costing the taxpayers millions of $$ in overpmt. and lost tax revenue. She supports the billion $$ boondogle known as Light Rail. Remember Light Rail equals Heavy Taxes. A cost effective sensible alternative is rapid bus transit.You can google it and educate yourself. It's a shame none of the elected's have done so.
At least Mr. McWaters has run a large company and can make a payroll. I would think he has a greater potential to be his own man and not cave to the group think, yes man, mentality both parties embrace. However,he did give Stolle 17k for his sheriff's campaign. OOPS. Nevermind.
Whos next ?
Looks like two weak candidates. Cant VB do better than this ?
great points made
Thanks!!
How far right can we go?
Russb comments below that state MedeCaid is in the hole in Virginia. Of course, almost every category of state funding will see cuts. The problem with Virginia is that we are 47th among the states in support of MediCaid, which begs the question, how disdainful of the health of the sick, the elderly, and the disabled are we in Virginia that our goal ought to be to attain the lowest level of support of all the 50 states? Is that the position of the republican party of Virginia, to cut off more funding for MediCaid until we rank 50th? From reading the posts herein, and from calculating the percentages of republicans in this senatorial district, it is not surprising that the candidates are trying to outdo themselves to see who is the most right wing and radically anti tax. I guess the concept of living in a civilized society in which we share an obligation for health, welfare, and puhblic safety is a concept not up for discussion.
Socialist
Once again Barrett shows himself to be a socialist...or better yet a Marxist. It was Marx who said to "to each according to his needs from each according to his ability". Mike says "I guess the concept of living in a civilized society in which we share an obligation for health, welfare, and puhblic safety is a concept not up for discussion." The problem Barrett is that it is not the government's job. I am all for charity. The difference is that you like to be charitable with other people's money...kind of like Public-private ventures, eh?
numbers
"From reading the posts herein, and from calculating the percentages of republicans in this senatorial district, it is not surprising that the candidates are trying to outdo themselves to see who is the most right wing and radically anti tax."
--the nail hit squarely on the head--
thought better of rosemary..........