Virginia Politics

Independent Gubernatorial Candidate H. Russell Potts Jr.

H. Russell Potts Jr., a Republican senator from Winchester who is running as an independent in Virginia's gubernatorial race, was online Monday, Sept. 19, at noon ET to discuss his campaign.

Recent Coverage:

Virginia Candidates Push Hot-Button Topics From Debate (Post, Sept. 15)

Taxes and Transportation Top Va. Debate (Post, Sept. 14)

Complete Campaign Coverage

Democratic candidate Timothy M. Kaine was online Thursday, Sept. 15, at 10:45 a.m. ET to discuss his campaign for governor of Virginia (Read the transcript).

washingtonpost.com has extended an invitation for Kilgore to participate in a live online discussion about his campaign; As of today, Oct. 20, he has not accepted the invitation.

The transcript follows.

____________________

Alexandria, Va.: Why should people vote for you for Governor?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. You should vote for me because I am the only candidate with a transportation plan which details rail and road plans. I have named what we're going to build, how we're going to build it, when we're going to build it and how we're going to pay for it. Neither one of my opponents has a plan. I have more experience (14 yrs) and a decisive leadership style. I've been named Senator of the Year by 11 different organizations. I am also the most moderate candidate on women's issues. If you want decisive leadership, please consider me on Nov. 8.

_______________________

Stafford, Va.: What specifically will you do to ease traffic congestion in Northern VA?

Are you in favor of "HOT" lanes for 95 and 395?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. I am in favor of HOT lanes for 95, 395 and 495. I support rail to Dulles. I would like to increase emphasis on the Virginia Railway Express. I would like to widen I66 inside and outside beltway. I want to create a western and eastern bypass. My comprehensive transportation plan is available at www.russpotts.com

_______________________

Woodstock, Va.: I am very concerned the plans to widen I-81 will destroy the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Do you support the current proposal? If not, what alternative do you propose?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. My transportation plan addresses construction of new truck passing lanes, widening of certain ramps and alterations to various choke points on I 81. I also support reviewing the I 81 corridor strategic plan when it is completed, including giving consideration to rail throughout the corridor. I'm the only candidate from the Valley and I intend to preserve its natural beauty.

_______________________

Kingstowne, Va.: Sen. Potts: I just wanted to say that while I don't like paying taxes any more than the next guy (who does?), I respect the fact that you are the only candidate who's actually come out and addressed the transportation funding issue, and I am considering giving you my vote for that very reason.

My question is what your position is on funding for higher education. I'm a UVA alumnus and we've seen the Commonwealth's share of the University's funding cut drastically over the past 15 years beginning with the Wilder Administration. I have not really heard anything from any of the candidates for governor.

Thank you for considering my question.

H. Russell Potts Jr.: I appreciate your comment. I am the only candidate who is talking straight with the voters. Financial support for higher education and K-12 education is my second highest priority after transportation. Without an outstanding higher education system, we not only shortchange Virginians, but we stifle economic development and expansion. Great win over Syracuse!

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: What is your position on more investment in the State's railroads to increase both freight and passenger capacity? Do you see your administration pushing for additional passenger services notably to serve Norfolk and to points like Roanoke, Christainsburg and Bristol?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Great question. I support a major investment in rail. I'm the only candidate with a transportation plan. The Kaine/ Al Gore lock box plan will create no new projects until after 2009. Mr. Kilgore proposes regional referendums. He does not believe that transportation is the Governor's responsibility. I emphatically support additional passenger services to those areas you mention.

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: Northern Virginia supplies a good deal of the tax revenue for the state and receives a less proportionate amount of funds back. We understand the need to subsidize needy schools in the rest of the state, but because our needs are increasing due to a larger influx of immigrants (both legal and not) would you support some reworking of the formulas?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. Just as with our Transportation Trust Fund Formula, we need to look at how our funds are dispersed to make certain that they are utilized in the most sufficient manner.

_______________________

Big Stone Gap, Va.: What would you do as Governor to help small businesses, especially those in Southwest Va?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. I'm the only businessman in the race. It all goes back to transportation. I support the construction of the coalfields expressway which will allow manufacturers to locate in SWVA. An improved transportation system will provide a better business atmosphere in your area. I support more research dollars to Virginia Tech - a major economic driver in SWVA. We are trying to create a more educated workforce.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: I am a long-time Republican voter who is less-than-thrilled with Jerry Kilgore and is more than willing to look elsewhere for a qualified candidate to support. I've got to tell you, though -- your support for increasing the gas tax really turns me off. I appreciate the need for straight talk. But at a time of record high gas prices, that aspect of your candidacy seems to defy common sense.

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks, I too am also upset with the party of my Grandfather and Father. The extremists have taken over and driven off the cliff.

I agree with you on the gas tax. I can't support a gas tax increase at this time because of the soaring prices. However, as I stated before, everything will be on the table in my administration to resolve our transportation crisis. There are other revenue sources available and we will give them all a fair look.

_______________________

Annandale, Va.: Mr Potts,

I think the VA Republican "establishment"'s treatment of you over the past year has been reprehensible. Your public reaction, to the best of my knowledge, has been to ignore them.

Do you have any comments to share on the "state of the hate" within your party?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Kate Obenshain has set the VA Republican Party back fifty years with an obsession with abortion, no guidance counselors in public schools and no investment in our core services. Kilgore cowers at the first challenge by the far right crowd. Its my party too, and I was a Republican before Kilgore was born. VA's Republican party doesn't represent the mainstream - they've driven straight off the cliff. That is why I have decided to run for Governor.

_______________________

Nokesville, Va: Hi Senator Potts, thanks for taking my question. You say you'll call a special session of the General Assembly to consider transportation. What if they deadlock?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. When I call a special session, we will keep the members of the Senate and the House of Delegates in Richmond until the cows come home. We will vote up or down a transportation package.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: In Mr. Kilgore's TV commercials, he has proposed using General Fund dollars for transportation purposes. May we assume, based on your transportation plan, that you oppose such a move?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Great question. I absolutely oppose using General Fund dollars for transportation spending. I challenge Mr. Kilgore to explain which programs - health care, education or others that he will cut in order to rob the General Fund for transportation. Ask Mr. Kilgore to show me the money!

_______________________

Leesburg, Va.: Senator Potts,

Usually a Dem, I have great respect for what you stand for in this gubernatorial race and find myself leaning toward voting for you. How do you respond to the argument, though, that voting for you lessens the chances for Kaine, who, according to the polls, has a better chance of defeating Kilgore?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: I appreciate your respect and will appreciate your vote on Nov. 8. You can only waste your vote if you don't vote for the candidate you consider best prepared to lead the Commonwealth. If you don't vote your convictions, then you are willing to settle for second or third best. That is how I define a wasted vote.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hello Mr. Potts,

I am submitting early because I'll be on the bike trails to and from campus during your chat. Speaking of biking, will I ever be able to drive my car again? Or will gas prices and traffic just keep getting worse?

I also wanted to say thank you for speaking up for all of the Republicans (like myself) who feel like our party has run away from us. You have given us hope.

H. Russell Potts Jr.: I am the only candidate who has unveiled an honest, workable transportation plan to alleviate gridlock and congestion throughout the Commonwealth. Correcting the transportation crisis will be a long term effort, but it must begin now. The cost of fixing the problem is $1.03 per day for each licensed driver - the cost of one soda or candy bar. We must begin now. The ultimate cost of doing nothing about transportation is almost beyond comprehension.

It is heartening to hear a like-minded young Republican who wants to see the party on a reasonable, responsible course. If you want to get involved, please contact our office at 540-327-9598.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: Lately, there has been more discussion about poverty in America. If I remember correctly, the rate of Virginians living in poverty is increasing. Do you have any plan for turning that figure around?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Thanks for the question. The Potts Administration will carefully view Virginia's tax policies with an eye toward reforming our entire tax system. The best way to turn the poverty situation around is to ensure that Virginia continues to have a significant economic development and that we maintain a business climate that will keep existing businesses functioning here in the Commonwealth. We must combine that with reasonable training and excellent public education to prepare Virginians for careers here in Virginia.

_______________________

McLean, Va.: What are the greatest successes and failures of the last two administrations in Richmond?

H. Russell Potts Jr.: Great question! The greatest success of Warner's administration was providing desperately needed new revenues for the four core services of public education, higher education, health care and public safety. This great success was achieved under my bipartisan leadership along with Sen. John Chichester. Warner's failure was the inability to make any significant progress for transportation. Gilmore left the state in terrible shape. The elimination of the car tax was a disaster. A good aspect of Gilmore's administration was the improvement of the Standards of Learning and Standards of Quality.

_______________________

H. Russell Potts Jr.: I would like to thank everybody who participated in this chat. I want to encourage the people of Virginia to vote for the candidate with the most leadership and business experience and who is willing to be honest with the citizens of the Commonwealth. That candidate is Russ Potts. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8!

_______________________

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.