The Bristol Herald Courier Is Mad at Governor Bob McDonnell

Guess why the BHC editorial board is mad? Because McDonnell would not say he would turn down a spot on the national Republican ticket. That's right. The real laugh is they compare McDonnell's no answer to Tim Kaine's jet setting around the country for the DNC while ignoring Virginia.

But asked if he would stay if offered a spot on the national Republican ticket, his answer was wavering: “There are a lot of good vice presidential candidates out there.”

That vague reply opens the door to the same kinds of critics who blasted Kaine for taking the DNC job while still in the governor’s mansion. McDonnell’s bigger problem is that he said it barely a month into the job.

Certainly McDonnell is a rising star in the GOP. He has an exemplary business and military career and a 14-year conservative track record in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was recognized by both Republicans and Democrats, and endorsed by this newspaper, for making his run for governor about jobs, not conservative dogma.

But Virginia residents desperately need a governor who is focused on Virginia’s needs, not a run for higher office. McDonnell must keep his aim on leading Virginia out of its ever-widening budget crisis and rebuilding the state’s economy.(LINK)

There is no comparison here. Kaines's actions stand on their own. To compare McDonnell's no answer to a hypothetical question to Kaine's actions is absurd.

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