Bolling Releases Third Television Ad

"Record" highlights Jody Wagner's consistent support for higher taxes on Virginia families and businesses

RICHMOND - Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's re-election campaign today released its third ad, titled "Record", which highlights Democrat Jody Wagner's consistent support of higher taxes on Virginia families and businesses.

"During a time of record unemployment and significant economic decline, Virginians should be very concerned about Jody Wagner's consistent support of job-killing tax increases," said Matt Wells, Bolling for Lieutenant Governor Campaign Manager. "Jody Wagner has supported every major tax increase proposed over the last 8 years, including increasing the sales tax by 20% and imposing higher taxes on small businesses and seniors.  If she is elected Lieutenant Governor, Wagner has pledged to work with Creigh Deeds to raise taxes on Virginia's families, even during these difficult economic times."

"While Jody Wagner has tried to increase taxes on Virginians at every opportunity, Bill Bolling has opposed job-killing tax increases and worked to control state spending," said Wells. "When it comes to taxes and spending, Virginians have a clear choice in the Lieutenant Governor's race.  Bill Bolling will cut wasteful spending and oppose higher taxes.  Jody Wagner will raise taxes on families and businesses.  Virginia can't afford Jody Wagner."

"Record" will run in the Northern Virginia, Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke markets.  The ad can be viewed online at (link). 

Wagner's record of supporting higher taxes can be found below.

Jody Wagner has supported every major tax increase over the past eight years.

2002 - Sales tax referendum-Hampton Roads - SB 668

2002 - Sales tax referendum-Northern Virginia - SB 668

2004 - Sales and Use Tax - HB 5018

2004 - Cigarette Tax - HB 5018

2004 - Elimination of Tax deductions for seniors - HB 5018

2004 - Recordation Tax - HB 5018

2004 - Car Tax Cap - HB 5018

2006 - Car Titling Tax - HB 1611

2006 - Vehicle Insurance Tax - HB 1613

2006 - Registration Fee Increase - HB 1614

2007 - Car Titling Tax - HB 2071

2007 - Registration and Heavy Truck Fees - HB 3152

2008 (Special Session) - 1% increase on car titling tax, $10 increase on car registration, 1% increase in Sales Tax in Northern Virginia & Hampton Roads, 25 cent increase in Grantor Tax - HB 6026

A 20% increase in the sales tax - HB 30, 2004

Jody Wagner will raise taxes as Lieutenant Governor

In recent weeks, Creigh Deeds clearly and unequivocally stated that he will raise taxes on Virginia families and businesses.  Since then, Jody Wagner has repeatedly stated that she will support Deeds' plan.

[Wagner Campaign Manager Elizabeth Pearson] said. "Jody is looking forward to working with Governor Deeds to provide a long-term solution to transportation funding." (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog, 9/22/09)

"I am looking forward to working with Governor Deeds to provide a long-term solution to transportation funding." (Not Larry Sabato Liveblog, 9/24/09)

On the Virginia FREE survey, Wagner had the exact same answer as Creigh Deeds:

"I believe we need to leave all options on the table, and find consensus solutions in the General Assembly. Over the past seven years, as I worked with Governors Warner and Kaine to find revenue solutions, talks frequently stalled along party and geographic lines. I believe both sides need to enter discussions with open minds, and work towards a compromise that will allow us to address the short- and long-term transportation needs in Virginia." (Wagner Virginia FREE Survey)

Wagner attacks Bolling for opposing tax hikes for transportation: "For the past four years, Jody Wagner has helped Governor Kaine work across party lines to produce bi-partisan, common sense solutions to fix Virginia's transportation problems.  At every turn, Bill Bolling stood in the way of progress."  (Wagner Press Release, 7/22/09)

"As Treasurer and Secretary of Finance, I played a crucial role in passing the two largest investments in education in Virginia history-Governor Warner's 2004 budget (which my opponent brags about opposing), and the 2008 Higher Education Bond Package." (Not Larry Sabato, Liveblog 9/24/09)

$7 billion in budget shortfalls (RTD - 9/9/09) - "It is the fourth time that Kaine has had to make cuts to the current two-year, $77 billion budget. Administration officials said yesterday's cuts bring the total reductions to $7 billion."

2,000 jobs cut. (RTD - 9/9/09) - More than 1,100 state employees have been forced out of work during the past two years.....In addition to the 593 layoffs, the state is eliminating 336 unfilled jobs"

Increase in State Debt

General Fund supported debt has increased nearly fifty percent (48%) since Wagner took over as Secretary of Finance.  During her tenure as Treasurer and Secretary of Finance combined, General Fund supported debt doubled in size.

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