I just told Governor McDonnell I didn't vote for him... but i wish I had.

I attended Delegate Rich Anderson's campaign kickoff this morning. It was hosted my Supervisor Marty Nohe at the Appliance Connection. Governor Bob McDonnell attended and spoke. It was an excellent, well attended event. I had a chance to chat with Governor McDonnell and took this opportunity to tell him that I didn't vote for him... but I wish I had.

I'm a Libertarian and an Independent voter. I was "ready for change" and had some issues with the "Graduate paper" thing so I voted for the "other guy". It turns out that the "right thing happened" without my vote and Bob McDonnell got elected. He is, IMHO, an excellent Governor. I don't agree with everything that he does; however, I agree with most of what he does. That's a Libertarian's lot in life.

The Governor is one of the reasons I'm a "right leaning Libertarian" these days. I have noticed that Republicans have been moving this Country back on course by reducing the defect and size of Government and working on job creation. As with the Governor and the Republicans who are straightening out our County, State, and this Country, I don't agree with everything they do; however, I agree with most of what they do.

One reason I am a really big fan of Governor McDonnell is because he realizes that he is the steward of "our money" and acknowledges that frequently in his speeches. You just don't here that from the left. They think it's all "their money" and let us keep what they think they don't need.

I had a "brush" with the left last year that pretty much convinced me I don't want liberals or progressives running my Government or my life. Some will push back that the Right also gets into my personal business; however,when comparing the two I'll take the Right. I consider lower taxes, smaller Government and State's rights to choose their own course (the 10th Amendment) my preferred style of Government.

So, I'm pulling the Republican Leaver this time around (and for the foreseeable future). Our County Chairman, Corey Stewart, has done an excellent job navigating this County through international economic difficulties of historic proportions. Supervisor Marty Nohe continues to represent "all of his constituents" and remains strong on constituent services. I'm not sure who my state Delegate will be this time around; however, I suspect it will be Delegate Rich Anderson (after the state District boundaries are redrawn). I really like Delegate Anderson and will be proud to support him. Should I remain in Delegate Scott Lingamfelter's district, that's just fine. Scott Lingamfelter has provided outstanding constituent services to my neighbors and I... and is also someone I like. I'll admit that there are a couple of other options that I wouldn't be so enthusiastic about.

I often am asked of late "What I'm running for". I'm flattered to be asked; however, I find wanting nothing, needing nothing, running for nothing, and being an independant voter obligated to no one is a good place to be. My father once told me to never pick a fight with someone who has less to lose than you do because eventually, you WILL lose.

I have nothing to lose in a world of folks with lots to lose... and plan to leverage that position as I participate in County and State policy in the future.

As an old soldier who's lucky to be alive, there's just not much that scares me.