The Year was 1973.......

This article first appeared in the Staunton Newsleader on July 20, 2008. The year was 1973, President Nixon was being inaugurated for his second term, troops were beginning to be withdrawn from Vietnam, the Watergate scandal erupted, and Roe v. Wade made abortion a constitutional right. In 1973, the average price of a new house was $32,500, and you could get a gallon of gas from the pump for just $0.40. Advertisement Television shows like "M*A*S*H," "Columbo," and "The Price is Right" were popular, and movies like "The Exorcist" and "American Graffiti" were hitting the box office. The year was a significant one in our nation's history, filled with events that have continued to affect public opinion and public policy. While it was a significant year in our nation's history, it also carries some importance for the state of Virginia. In 1973, William B. Spong Jr. left the United States Senate and was succeeded by William L. Scott. This is significant due to the fact that Spong was a Democrat, and Scott a Republican. It was the last year that Virginia had two Democratic senators hold office. With John Warner retiring at the end of this term, it is very possible that after 35 years, Virginia could once again be represented by two Democratic senators. At the end of John Warner's fifth term, he will have served the state of Virginia as a United States senator for 30 years. Regardless of political affiliation, the state of Virginia owes John Warner a debt of gratitude. He has served and represented the commonwealth of Virginia with dignity and grace and indeed is a true statesman. As Virginia remembers and reflects on a full and rich political career, it is time to look ahead to the question of who will continue his legacy. Who will continue to represent the best interests of Virginia and of the nation? This election year voters in Virginia are faced with candidates who offer very different track records, and very different styles of governing. Former Govs. Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner are no strangers to Virginia voters. Jim Gilmore's campaign has been about attacking his opponent, and making excuses for the problems that affected Virginia during his tenure as governor. Mark Warner's campaign has been about positive ideas, and about remembering his accomplishments while in the Governor's mansion. Former Gov. Mark Warner inherited $6 billion dollars in budget shortfalls. By the end of Warner's term Virginia was operating on a surplus budget, and was named "the best managed state in the nation" by Governing Magazine. Mark Warner represents politics of cooperation, bipartisanship, and pragmatic problem-solving. Jim Gilmore represents politics of divisiveness, attacks, and stubbornness. We need politicians who are willing to work across the aisle to fix the pressing issues that are facing America today. While Mark Warner and John Warner are affiliated with opposite parties, their styles of governing are more similar than those of John Warner's and Gilmore's. Mark Warner represents the type of politics that Virginia needs, and this country needs. As this campaign season winds on, it is important for Virginia voters to take time to learn about the candidates, and to understand what they stand for. In November, Virginia needs to elect a candidate that will carry on the legacy of John Warner, and will represent the type of change that this country has been yearning for. It has been 35 years since Virginia had two Democratic senators. It's time for a change. Author - Seth Lovell