Busting the Mark Warner Myth

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner has convinced many across the Commonwealth that he's a self-made man with the Midas touch; a man of honesty and honor. Unfortunately, this "pillar" of the community seems to have built this reputation on some pretty soft bottom.

Warner built his initial fortune on some questionable, if not illegal, practices. Trading on what seems to be insider information, he amassed a fortune in the then-burgeoning wireless communications arena. Attempting to buy the favors of working class Virginians, Warner then set-up a series of venture funds which were supposed to create jobs and build the economies of less wealthy portions of Virginia.

What has been the result? These venture funds have failed.

Running for Governor, Warner promised to not raise taxes. Upon entering office Warner claimed that his predecessor, former Gov. Jim Gilmore had left him with a deficit.

In a recent op-ed, Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) busts one more myth of the Mark Warner success story. We all know that Virginia is a state that requires a balanced budget. Warner just couldn't spend all of the money he wanted to without raising the taxes of hard working Virginians - so he did.

Now Mark Warner wants to be Virginia's next Senator. If twisting the truth got him elected Governor, why won't it work now? Or at least Warner hopes so.

In a recent television commercial, Warner claims that he has a plan for making American energy independent - including the expansion of oil and gas production at home. How can that be when former Gov. Warner has repeatedly and consistently opposed drilling in ANWR and offshore?

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings