Signs of Contradiction

By Emily Buck

HARRISONBURG, VA–Governer-elect, Bob McDonnell, then only the republican candidate for governor in Virginia, rallied support from students when he visited James Madison University’s “D-Hall” on August 25.  Hosted by JMU’s College Republicans, McDonnell introduced himself to students eating dinner around D-Hall, and he spoke to his supporters about the current success of his campaign, as well as the areas that he needed help with, urging students to volunteer at the local Harrisonburg Republican headquarters, as well as to talk to their peers about the important issues in the upcoming election.
About 30 students came to meet McDonnell and hear him speak.  McDonnell took time to speak to all of the students present individually, asking them how they thought he could generate his campaign towards young people and gain their support.  McDonnell then walked around D-Hall, accompanied by his two daughters, and introduced himself to students eating dinner.  All students seemed obliged to meet him and there were no people that seemed to protest his presence.  “It was smart of McDonnell to come to JMU because he is appealing to our generation, and I think he could gain a lot of support here, especially because his daughter is a student and an athlete here, as well as his his running mate Bill Bolling’s son,” Rachel Gribling, a member of the College Republicans said.
“The issues which McDonnell is focusing on during his campaign such as employment and lowering taxes will affect me once I graduate from JMU,” continued Gribling.
Ian Anderson, a JMU student and an intern for the McDonnell campaign, said “One of the reasons I support McDonnell is because he is trying to lower the cost of education for students in Virginia.”   Some students were concerned about this election because issues such as these are matters directly affecting them.
This past November election determined Bob McDonnell the new governor of Virginia with a win of 59% over Creigh Deed’s 41%, according to the Virginia State Board of Elections.  Virginia, now “back in the red”, will have its new governor sworn in on Saturday, January 16, 2010.
At his victory speech on November 3 2009, Bob McDonnell accepted his position, “ Eight months ago, I applied for the job of governor of Virginia, tonight you have hired me.  Thank you.”