Election Big for Cities, States

Odd-numbered year elections give voters a break from deciding on representation in Washington. Nevertheless, some big decisions will be made in local and statewide elections across the country.

Epoch Times staff reporters preview a few key local elections.

A Close Gubernatorial Race

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Virginia governor’s race could go either way. Lt. Governor Tim Kaine, who was trailing a few points behind his opponent former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, has now taken a modest lead in the polls.

Conservative Republican Jerry Kilgore, a hard-working, high achiever in his youth is known for his anti-tax message, combating domestic violence, supporting the death penalty, and his stark opposition to illegal immigrants.

His liberal opponent Tim Kaine is well known for his Christian missionary work in Honduras during his youth, an experience that set the direction of his life, one that involves helping others.

While he talks about his faith he says it shouldn’t affect his policy decisions. Due to his religious beliefs he opposes the death penalty but said he will enforce it, as it is a Virginia law. Kaine is also criticized by conservatives for taking a pro-choice stance despite the fact he is morally opposed to abortion.

President Bush is coming to Virginia in hopes of boosting support for Kilgore.

—Noel Thomas

Mayoral Race in the Homestretch

SAN DIEGO - With no elected mayor at the helm since July and a looming $1.4 to $2.2 billion pension deficit crippling city finances and operations, America’s 7th largest city teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.

Amidst the pension deficit crisis, a city credit rating barely above junk bond status, an unstable general fund, an additional $2 billion in infrastructure needs, and $500 million more in other unfunded needs, mayoral candidates vie to take on the worst financial crisis in the history of San Diego.

It’s Councilwoman Donna Frye, the Democrat, versus newcomer Jerry Sanders, the Republican. Frye stands for big government, big budgets, and big solutions, and Sanders, who touts himself as an outside reformer, is for downsizing, streamlining, and privatization of city services.

At center stage in the election is San Diego’s pension deficit crisis. The deficit, or unfunded liability, is the difference between what the city’s retirement system owes city employees and retirees and its assets. The deficit is currently estimated between $1.4 and $2.2 billion.

Both Frye and Sanders have put forward what they consider to be comprehensive plans for the city’s financial recovery.

—C. William Kuhn

Making Sense of a Complicated Ballot

NEW YORK - Even though most of the news around the coming New York elections has been focusing on the mayoral race between incumbent Republican Michael Bloomberg and challenger Democratic Fernando Ferrer, Tuesday’s ballot will by quite busy with different proposals and offices that are little known to the public. Details for individual districts can be found on the city’s Campaign Finance Board website at www.nyccfb.info.

There are three city offices one and one in each of New York’s five boroughs up for grabs in this year’s election. One thing on the ballot that might surprise voters is the number of candidates under each office.

This is due to the city’s multifarious, yet little-known parties, which can gain a spot on the ballot but rarely make much of an impact. Candidates are often listed under multiple parties. This gives voters the chance to vote for a candidate without feeling forced to vote for their party.

—Ben Freed