THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501120413
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Del. C. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, House minority leader: ``A for politics, F for governance. I don't think it really focuses on Virginia and what we really need to be doing for Virginia. I think it put more focus on George Allen so he can get some national reputation to run for some other political office. . . The worst thing that happened to me in my political career is to have back-to-back governors who want to run for higher office. They forget about what's needed in Virginia.''
Del. Jay W. DeBoer, D-Petersburg: ``I think this Ronald Reagan routine has gone too far. I tried to count the `reckons.' At least I didn't hear `Golly.' the country, which has given rise to the likes of Newt Gingrich. An appeal to base human emotions: fear, greed, hatred.''
Del. Robert F. McDonnell, R-Virginia Beach: ``He kept using the word `vision,' telling people what he will do the next three years, not just in terms of isolated legislative proposals but by tying it all together. That was the brilliance of the speech. . . . It wasn't just a policy speech, it was classic conservative philosophy, and then he told what policies he will put in place to implement it. . . . He'd have rather delivered it to both houses and most of us would rather have been there. There's a great sense of camaraderie when the governor delivers a speech with the two houses and the Supreme Court and the State Corporation Commission and all. It's a very exciting environment, and I'm sorry we were deprived of that.''
Del. William P. Robinson Jr., D-Norfolk:
``Once the whole plan is unmasked and once the full costs in services are stated . . . the people of Virginia will make it very clear this is not the direction they want the General Assembly to go. Our responsibility is to provide the level of service that is expected by the people, and we will do just that.''
Del. C.A. ``Chip'' Woodrum, D-Roanoke:
`` `It is full of sound and fury signifying nothing.' He quotes Frost. I quote Shakespeare.''
Del. J. Randy Forbes, R-Chesapeake: ``I thought it delineated the issues that are going to be important this session. . . I don't think the circumstances today were created by either the House or the governor. Obviously, it was a quarrel in the Senate and it's very unfortunate that it occurred. I think the Senate Democrats made themselves look obstructionist.''
House Speaker Thomas W. Moss Jr., D-Norfolk:
``To say we are a high-tax state is ridiculous. He'll pick out one tax or one exemption and ignore the larger picture. If you don't know all the facts, sure, it sounds good.''
Sen. Virgil H. Goode Jr., D-Rocky Mount: ``Good delivery. It was probably delivered better there than in the House chamber. It wasn't really too specific. The generalized points were ones that were outlined at the budget hearings. . . I think most people favor streamlined government.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Cranwell
McDonnell
Robinson
Moss
KEYWORDS: STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH SPEECH GENERAL ASSEMBLY by CNB