Jerry Kilgore gets the word out-Tim Kaine a No-Show in Wise.

The campaign for governor in Virginia is on! Jerry Kilgore calls out Tim Kaine on the gas tax.

• "We must protect the transportation trust fund with a constitutional amendment saying that the money in that fund is off limits to other projects. But let me make one point clear. I will not use the protection of the transportation trust fund as a green light for raising the gas tax. Tonight, I challenge my opponent to declare the same," Kilgore told a gathering of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce in Staunton late Tuesday.

  The former attorney general said that Kaine, the state's lieutenant governor, has reversed his position on the gas-tax topic several times, raising the question of whether or not the Democrat would move to hike the tax in the future. "I want to solidify the transportation trust fund because it's the right thing to do. If money goes into that transportation trust fund, it ought to come out for roads and roads only. It's been five or so different positions on the gas tax from my opponent. Let's be clear on it. If he wants to discuss the gas tax, let's have a debate on it," Kilgore said. (John Behan has this.)

Kilgore also addressed the Potts issue and say's Potts will take Kaine votes, not his.

• "I don't have a problem with it. I really do believe, and we've seen some evidence of this, that he is taking more votes from Tim Kaine than he is me. And that's what we predicted in the beginning," Kilgore said.

  "They're two pro-tax candidates, and they share the same views on a large majority of issues. I am convinced that they're over there," he said, gesturing to his left, "and we're over here," he said, pointing to his right.

Speaking in Staunton Kilgore calls for government reform.

• In his speech , Kilgore focused on government reform, transportation, economic growth and education. He said he wants to lead an issues-based campaign."I say what I mean and mean what I say," Kilgore told the crowd. He talked about his record fighting a growing gang problem in Virginia and cited the success of programs like Boys & Girls Club at combating the issue.On transportation, Kilgore is in favor of public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure and said much of the state, including Interstate 81, needs investment. He called for a constitutional amendment to protect the Transportation Trust Fund from being used for other needs. On economic growth, Kilgore said the state's economy is growing. In order to encourage greater growth, businesses should not be burdened by excessive taxes or government regulation, Kilgore said. When it comes to education, Kilgore is calling for Virginia to become more competitive with its surrounding states at recruiting and retaining teachers. The top priority should be improving the pay of the best educators, Kilgore said.

This message will carry well in SWVA. As Kilgore gets his message out around the state, Tim Kaine was a No-Show in Wise. About 100 Kaine supporters ( 60 of them will vote for Kilgore when the curtain closes) showed up for pancakes and were informed that Kaine would not be in Wise County because of inclement weather. I will say that the Wise County School system was open and the weather was not that bad. The democrats were upset at this sign. What do they expect from Kilgore's alma mater? Kilgore is a native of SWVA, and as far as I know, Kaine has heard of SWVA, even if he can't come here. Wise County is Kilgore Country!