Kaine and Kilgore set agendas

They seek momentum and distinctions as they get ready for governor's race

BY TYLER WHITLEY
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Jan 9, 2005


With both men running for governor, the legislative focus of Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore will have a distinct political tilt this session.

Republican Kilgore's legislative package emphasizes law and order, including a new death-penalty crime. Democrat Kaine is morally opposed to the death penalty but says he will enforce state death-penalty laws. Kilgore's backers think Kaine is vulnerable on this issue, and the legislative measure could keep the death penalty in the public eye.

Kaine, who is emphasizing education, will press ahead for a new university in economically distressed Southside Virginia.

He is getting help from Gov. Mark R. Warner. Warner has put $1.5 million in the budget to begin planning for the university, which would be in the Martinsville-Henry County area. Kilgore also supports the proposal.

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