Goode has honored his office

William N. Eddins Greene County
Published: October 12, 2008

The Honorable Virgil H. Goode Jr., served 23 years in the Virginia Senate as a Democrat. He has served in the U. S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, Independent and Republican, respectively. Sometimes the extreme left chooses to misconstrue his position and attempts to distort his admirable record of accomplishments and exemplary character. These same people probably would support Rep. Goode if he were running as a Democrat.

Rep. Goode is one of the most independent voices in Washin-gton, and his conscientious voting record reflects a true bipartisanship, which is a rare attribute we desperately need. He achieved this phenomenon without being perceived as a brash maverick type, but as a gentleman respected by members of both parties.

Rep. Goode has been effective and proficient in providing for all constituents, with appropriations for police and fire departments, water and sewer renovations, veterans’ health care and with his dedication to improving Medicare and prescription medicine benefits for senior citizens. He has continuously honored his commitment to bringing quality employment opportunities to his district.

As a lifelong resident of Southside Virginia, he understands the economic hardship this region has endured probably better than anyone.

Rep. Goode has been at the forefront of the needed effort to secure the borders of the United States as a matter of national protection, as a matter of federal and international law and as a matter of fiscal responsibility. He has consistently opposed wasteful spending and foreign aid to rogue nations.

Rep. Goode was an advocate of energy independence before it became an essential issue.

Much has been said this year about the low approval ratings surrounding the Bush administration; however, voters need to be reminded of the significantly lower approval ratings of the Democrat majority Congress under the guidance of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Ms. Pelosi and company attained this disgraceful decline in less than two years. If we add another inexperienced freshman congressman into this amalgamation, in all likelihood it will just be another vote for Speaker Pelosi’s unpopular agenda.

There are many serious problems and situations in the world, but also in the United States and here in Virginia. We need the proven leadership, honesty, experience and integrity of Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., now more than ever.