Deeds Campaign on McDonnell's Record

August 10, 2009

Dear Friend,

I read in the paper yesterday that Bob McDonnell is telling people he won't focus on social issues as governor. That's pretty funny...

Talk is cheap, especially during campaign season. The best way to predict what someone will do in public office is by examining what they've already done. And throughout his career, Bob McDonnell's record and priorities have been crystal clear: he's focused on a narrow ideological agenda rather than expanding opportunities for Virginians.

Bob McDonnell and Creigh have very different views concerning a woman's right to choose. Creigh believes it is up to a woman, her family, her doctor and her spiritual advisor to make this decision. Our opponent believes government should make this decision, and supports outlawing a woman's right to choose even in cases of rape and incest.

But this is about more than just one issue. It's about priorities.

In the state legislature, Bob McDonnell sponsored not one, not twenty, but thirty-five bills restricting a woman's right to choose. Think about that for a minute. Thirty-five bills -- at least one a year, usually more.

He could have spent that time advancing resources for public education, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for it plenty of times. He could have spent all that time working to create jobs through economic development, like Creigh did -- but he didn't -- although he did vote to cut funding for the Governor's Opportunity Fund and other economy-growing initiatives. Instead, he spent all that time working to chip away at a woman's right to choose and single-mindedly advance his anti-choice agenda.

Virginians want a Governor who will focus on creating jobs, expanding opportunity for every family, and making our public schools the best that they can be. That's what Creigh has done his entire career. Bob McDonnell has not, and I'm counting on your help to communicate the truth about his record.

Thanks so much for all of your help. Together, we'll bring hope and prosperity to every corner of the Commonwealth and keep Virginia moving forward.

Joe Abbey