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Sept. 18, 2009

Gov. Kaine Visits Herndon: Endorses Miller as Councilmen Protest Democratic Policies

By Leslie Perales Observer Staff Writer

People who drove through downtown Herndon Wednesday evening or attended a campaign fundraiser for Stevens Miller, the Democratic candidate challenging Thomas D. Rust in the 86th state house district, probably noticed some excitement on both sides of Elden Street.

The Democrats were gathering at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern at the corner of Station and Elden streets. On the other side of the street as a group of about eight protesters headed up by Herndon Town Council members Dennis Husch and Charlie Waddell paraded along the sidewalk holding signs protesting Gov. Tim Kaine, who attended the Miller fund-raiser, President Barack Obama's health care plan and government spending.

Husch waved a "Don't Tread on Me" flag while Waddell waved an American flag. They also held signs in support of Del. Tom Rust, who is Miller's opponent in the upcoming election for the Virginia House of Delegates.

About 100 people mingled inside the campaign fundraiser, held in the alley space behind Jimmy's. Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy's, introduced the guests of honor, including Sen. Janet Howell (D-32) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36).

When Kaine stepped up to the stage he told Miller's supporters that under Democratic leadership Virginia has been named one of the best states to raise a child in, has been recognized as having excellent management and has worked to preserve open space, among other achievements. "We banned smoking in restaurants in Virginia—that wasn't easy," he said. "We've gotten a lot done."

Kaine encouraged Miller's supporters to work hard over the next month and a half to ensure he is elected. He said if the state had a better House of Delegates to work with more could have been done for road funding, pre-kindergarten education and other issues. He said the House has been standing in the way of Virginia moving forward.

"The current incumbent who represents this area is a nice person, and I get along with him, but basically he will do what his leadership gives him permission to do," Kaine said. "He doesn't do what the region needs, he doesn't do what the district needs, unless he gets a green light from his leadership and his leadership ain't giving a green light to anybody to do anything that really is hard and important for the district."

Kaine said the difficult election work did not end last year. He said although his term as governor is almost finished he will continue to be passionate about state politics and who is leading Virginia. He said with Miller's knowledge of local politics, as a delegate he would know what works and what does not work within Virginia's communities. "He would not be afraid to stand up and be counted," he said.

Miller said polls at the beginning of his campaign reported that he and Rust were tied at 40 percent each, and it will be a difficult and close election.

Miller said as a supervisor for Loudoun County he voted to lower county taxes, hold off on building a new county government center and took a 10 percent pay cut as supervisor. "Even those noisy people across the street—they've got it wrong," he said. "I know how to manage money."