There’s no place Ed Gillespie isn’t willing to go in order to get elected — and that includes railing against the signature policy achievement of fellow Republican Governor McDonnell, whose campaign Gillespie chaired: the 2013 bipartisan transportation funding deal.

For Immediate Release
Date: September 14, 2017
Contact: Ofirah Yheskel, ofirah@ralphnortham.com

On 2013 Transportation Deal, Ed Gillespie Willingly Threw Everyone Under The Bus

While Gillespie Releases His Transportation Plan Today, Virginia Republicans Are Reminded That Gillespie’s Attack On Governor McDonnell’s Signature Policy Achievement Is A Bridge Too Far

Richmond, Va. — There’s no place Ed Gillespie isn’t willing to go in order to get elected — and that includes railing against the signature policy achievement of fellow Republican Governor McDonnell, whose campaign Gillespie chaired: the 2013 bipartisan transportation funding deal.

And now, Gillespie is trying to paint himself as a transportation champion with Bob McDonnell as the backseat driver — when Virginians already have a clear picture of Gillespie’s thoughts on Virginia’s transportation.

“Ed Gillespie may be trying to pose as Bob McDonnell’s Uber driver now, but it’s unfortunate because he has already willingly thrown Bob McDonnell under the bus,” said Northam for Governor spokeswoman Christina Freundlich. “For Gillespie, being Virginia’s leader on transportation means slamming one of Virginia’s most transformative transportation bills that has improved the commonwealth’s economy and quality of life. Republicans in the legislature who have been critical of Gillespie are right — he is just being a political opportunist who is only looking out for himself and not what is best for Virginia.”

Ed Gillespie Has Attacked Governor McDonnell’s Signature Policy Achievement

HEADLINE, Richmond Times-Dispatch: “Gillespie Rails Against Transportation Deal That Was McDonnell’s Key Achievement.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

Gillespie “Is Attacking What His Own Party Once Described As A Historically Important Piece Of Legislation That GOP Officials Wrote, Championed And Signed Into Law.” “The $6 billion 2013 funding package he’s talking about was the signature policy accomplishment of Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, which McDonnell and GOP leadership called a mechanism for providing much-needed transportation improvements in Virginia.  In essence, Gillespie — who was the general chairman of McDonnell’s 2009 campaign — is attacking what his own party once described as a historically important piece of legislation that GOP officials wrote, championed and signed into law.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

• Republican Governors Association: Under @BobMcDonnell, Virginia passed a much-needed, long-term, sustainable, bipartisan transportation bill. He got the big things done. [@The_RGA, 1/10/14]

Republicans Have Criticized Gillespie For Opposing The 2013 Transportation Deal

HEADLINE, Virginian-Pilot: “Ed Gillespie Getting Heat From Both Parties For Criticizing Transportation Deal.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]

GOP Leader John Fredericks: “Gillespie… Would Have To Blast The Majority Of Republicans In The House And The Senate Who Also Backed It.” “Virginia. Needs. Roads. Where are you going to get the money? So now Gillespie, blasting Northam for voting for that, he would have to blast the majority of Republicans in the House and the Senate who also backed it.” [John Fredericks Radio Show, 7/10/17]

• Fredericks: “You Got To Pay For Roads. They Don’t Just Come From Pennies From Heaven. You Have To Pay For It.” “Well where do you think this money came from? Do you just like…where do you think this came from? The general fund? There wasn’t any money. Look, I know — nobody wants tax increases, but you got to pay for roads. They don’t just come from pennies from heaven. You have to pay for it. Tax. Tolls. Or something. Gas tax. Some tax. So now the Gillespie campaign, blasting what I thought was one of the best things Bob McDonnell did. And this is the centerpiece of his campaign.” [John Fredericks Radio Show, 7/10/17]

Former GOP Senator John Watkins: “I Think [Gillespie]’s Being A Political Opportunist.”“Watkins, who supported Wagner in the GOP primary, said he’s not surprised that the 2013 legislation has become a political issue in the gubernatorial campaign. ‘I think he’s being a political opportunist,’ Watkins said of Gillespie.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

Former GOP Speaker Howell: “I Think What We Did Was Right.” “Howell had to defend his support of the measure in a 2015 primary challenge from Susan Stimpson, who criticized him for sponsoring House Bill 2313. ‘I think what we did was right,’ Howell said Thursday, noting that he otherwise likes much of what Gillespie has said on the campaign trail. ‘A lot of people didn’t agree with it. I got a primary out of it.’” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones: “It Was The Consensus… To Fashion A Bill To Address The Pressing Needs Of Virginia’s Transportation Networks.” “House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, also voted for the legislation, crafted by House Appropriations Chairman S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, whom the speaker had enlisted to carry the bill. ‘It was the consensus of the leadership in the House and the Senate, working with the governor, to fashion a bill to address the pressing needs of Virginia’s transportation networks,’ Jones said Friday.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

GOP Delegate Knight: “I Called Him And Told Him That I Fought For It And (Other Republicans) Fought For It And I Don’t Think That Ed Understood It.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne (A Republican): “This Is The Type Of Partisan Political Ideology That Got Us Into This Transportation Mess To Begin With.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]

Now, Gillespie Is Talking Out Of Both Sides Of His Mouth — Does He Oppose It Or Not?

GOP Delegate Knight: “I Called Him… He Said, ‘If Ya’ll Supported It, I Support It.’” “Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, said he’s since talked to Gillespie and thinks the candidate will reverse course. ‘I called him and told him that I fought for it and (other Republicans) fought for it and I don’t think that Ed understood it,’ Knight said. ‘He said, ‘If ya’ll supported it, I support it.’’” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]

Gillespie Spokesman: “Ed Was Proud To Support Bob McDonnell’s Campaign For Governor In 2009. In 2017, He Is Running On His Own Policies Versus Ralph Northam’s.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/7/17]

• Gillespie Spokesman: “Ed Won’t Repeal The Transportation Bill.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]

The 2013 Transportation Deal Brought In Nearly Two Billion In Transportation Investment

HB 2313 Has Infused Northern Virginia With A Billion Dollars For Transportation Projects Since 2013.

• HB 2313 Made Possible The Route 28 Widenings And Alterations, Which Are Estimated To Make Commuting Easier For About 125,000 Drivers Per Day. [Fairfax Times, 1/13/17]
• HB 2313 Made Possible I-66’s Outside The Beltway Project That Will Expand I-66 To Three General-Purpose Lanes And Two Express Lanes. [Fairfax Times, 1/13/17]

HB 2313 Has Infused Hampton Roads With Half A Billion Dollars For Transportation Projects Since 2013.

• HB 2313 Made Possible The “I-64 Widening And High-Rise Bridge Replacement Project.”[Virginian-Pilot, 6/30/17]
• HB 2313 Made Possible The “I-64/264 Interchange Project, Which Aims To Reduce Congestion And Increase Safety.” [Virginian-Pilot, 6/30/17]

The 2013 Deal Was Widely Supported By Republicans And Chambers Of Commerce

Governor McDonnell Praised Passage Of Transportation Bill: “There Is A ‘Virginia Way’ Of Cooperation.” “This is a historic day in Virginia,” McDonnell said in a statement released after the votes. “We have worked together across party lines to find common ground and pass the first sustainable long-term transportation funding plan in 27 years. There is a ‘Virginia Way’ of cooperation and problem solving, and we saw it work again today in Richmond.” [Daily Press,3/4/13]

• Governor McDonnell: Failure To Pass Bill Will “Hurt The People Of Virginia Long Term In The Ability To Create Jobs.” In February 2013, Governor McDonnell urged passage of the bipartisan transportation compromise on the John Frederick radio show. He said, “We dropped this year from 1st to 3rd in the CNBC business ranking and it was almost solely because of our transportation infrastructure. So, it’s going to hurt the people of Virginia long term in the ability to create jobs and get our people to work if this isn’t resolved.” [John Fredericks Radio Show, 2/22/13]
• Governor McDonnell: Virginia Needs Transportation Bill To Help Recruit Business To The State. In February 2013, Governor McDonnell urged passage of the bipartisan transportation compromise on the John Frederick radio show. He said, “I can tell you when I try to recruit jobs to Virginia, John, we’ve done fairly well we’re down to a 5.5 percent unemployment rate right now it’s the lowest in four years, it’s the lowest rate in the southeastern part of the United States you know, we’re making progress but we still have challenges when it comes to infrastructure. When people look at locating here they look at quality of life, they look at ability to move goods to market, they ask about the road structure and they ask about these kind of numbers and they say, you know, ‘you guys have got some real problems.’” [John Fredericks Radio Show, 2/22/13]

Former Speaker Bill Howell: “We Had A Problem, We Needed To Find A Solution And, Unlike Washington, We Did.” “Lawmakers came to a ‘very politically challenging compromise … but in the end, a truly bipartisan effort,’ on transportation funding, says Virginia Speaker William Howell (R). […] Circuitous but successful. ‘We had a problem, we needed to find a solution and, unlike Washington, we did,’ says Speaker Howell. ‘Both sides came to the table, but not everyone loved it. As with any compromise, you have parts you don’t like and parts you embrace.’” [NCSL’s State Legislatures, June 2013]

• Howell: “Republicans And Democrats… Demonstrated To Our Citizens That Unlike Washington We Are Able To Work Together To Achieve The Results They Demand.” “‘This year, Republicans and Democrats put their differences aside, sat down at the table and demonstrated to our citizens that unlike Washington we are able to work together to achieve the results they demand,’ said Speaker of the House Bill Howell. ‘I applaud Governor McDonnell for his leadership and willingness to tackle the difficult challenges facing Virginia, and I thank the broad bi-partisan group of legislators and stakeholders who made today possible.’” [Governor McDonnell, 5/15/13]

Future House Speaker Kirk Cox: “Doing Nothing Now Would Only Increase The Cost Of Fixing Our Roads Later On.” “The major story this week was the agreement reached on a comprehensive transportation plan. This plan will close the $500 million transportation shortfall, inject a total of $3.5 billion into our roads and highways, and accomplishes these goals in a responsible manner that minimizes the financial impact on Virginians’ wallets. […] We have used every tool available to address the transportation problem without adjusting revenue sources, but a long-term infrastructure problem has remained because transportation’s primary funding revenue source, the gas tax, is a declining source of revenue. The value of the gas tax has declined by 45 percent since 1986, the year it was raised to its current level. Inflation, increased fuel efficiency standards, and the rise of alternative fuel vehicles are all chipping away at gas tax revenues. On the other hand, the costs of maintaining and repairing our roads have continued to rise. As long as our transportation funding comes from a declining revenue source, we will continue down an unsustainable path. Doing nothing now would only increase the cost of fixing our roads later on.” [Delegate Kirk Cox, Petersburg Progress-Index,2/24/13]

• Cox: “This Comprehensive Transportation Plan Addresses The Maintenance Funding Shortfall, Provides The Investment Needed To Significantly Reduce Gridlock In Northern Virginia And Hampton Roads.” “In our area, the average family will likely not see a change in their wallets if this plan is signed into law. It is estimated that gas prices will go down by 7 cents should the plan be signed into law. Furthermore, the guarantee of no tolls on I-95 in our area takes away what could have been a significant cost to our families. Overall, this comprehensive transportation plan addresses the maintenance funding shortfall, provides the investment needed to significantly reduce gridlock in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, and accomplishes these goals with a minimal impact on the bottom line for Virginia families.” [Delegate Kirk Cox, Petersburg Progress-Index, 2/24/13]
• Cox: Northern Virginia And Hampton Roads “Are In Desperate Need For New Funding To Address Their Chronically Congested Roads.” “While we are fortunate that our area’s transportation gridlock is at a minimum, it only takes a trip north on Interstate 95 or east on Interstate 64 to quickly realize just how congested Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads are. Congestion in these areas has not only stifled commerce and economic growth, but it has also cost residents countless hours stuck in traffic away from their families. These areas are in desperate need for new funding to address their chronically congested roads.” [Delegate Kirk Cox, Petersburg Progress-Index, 2/24/13]

Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment: “This Isn’t Any Bill, This Is The Only Bill, And We Did Not Reach This Decision Lightly… It Is The Only Solution We Could Come Up With.”“‘This isn’t any bill, this is the only bill, and we did not reach this decision lightly without hundreds of hours of anguish and numbers-crunching,’ said Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City), one of the transportation plan’s final negotiators. ‘It is the only solution we could come up with.’” [Washington Post, 2/23/13]

• Republican Delegate Albo Urged Passage Of Bipartisan Plan: “We Can Do Something Or We Can Do Nothing.” In February 2013, the Washington Post reported “We have a choice today. We can something, or we can do nothing,” Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) said. [Washington Post, 2/22/13]
• Republican Delegate Chris Jones Urged Passage Of Bipartisan Plan. In February 2013, the Washington Post reported, “Del. S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), a chief architect in the compromise, urged members to vote for the bill, saying any pact forces people on each side of a conflict to accept something they might not like but that both sides need.” [Washington Post, 2/22/13]

The Fairfax Chamber Of Commerce Urged Passage Of Bipartisan Compromise—Failure To Pass “Seriously Threatens Our Economic Competitiveness.” In February 2013, the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce urged passage of the House & Senate Transportation Conference Report. Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) President & CEO Jim Corcoran stated:

• “Today stands to be a historic day in Virginia. For the first time in 26 years, our Commonwealth is on the brink of achieving the sustainable transportation funding it needs to continue to thrive.
• The final decision rests in the hands of the members of the Virginia General Assembly. The Fairfax Chamber, on behalf of the Northern Virginia business community and its 650 member companies representing nearly 500,000 employees in the region, unequivocally urges all General Assembly members to vote yes on transportation today.
• The House & Senate Transportation Funding Conference Report provides nearly $900 million a year in statewide funding and over $300 million annually for Northern Virginia, as well as the $300 million needed to complete Phase II of Dulles Rail.
• Northern Virginia’s transportation crisis degrades our quality of life and seriously threatens our economic competitiveness. It’s been more than two decades since we have had an opportunity of this magnitude. If lost, it will not come again soon. The time to act is now.” [Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Press Release, 2/22/13]

The Prince William Chamber Of Commerce Urged Passage Of The Deal: “There Is No Better Investment To Make Right Now.” The Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocate issued an action alert stating “Now It’s Time to Pass the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.” The alert read, “We all know, we need new long-term transportation funding sources now, and every year that goes by without action is a year the situation just gets worse. It is past time for debating. It’s time to act. The Virginia House and Senate Conferees have reached an agreement on a sustainable transportation funding package. If members of the House and Senate approve the conferees’ proposal, which is expected to be voted on later today or tomorrow, it could mean hundreds of millions of dollars for the Commonwealth’s deteriorating transportation system… The House and Senate members must now vote to approve the Conferees’ proposal. The vote could be close. Now is the time to contact representatives and urge them to compromise and cross party lines. There is no better investment to make right now than to invest in new transportation funding in Virginia.” [Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate, accessed 2/21/13]

The Hampton Roads Chamber Of Commerce Urged Passage Of Bipartisan Compromise. In February 2013, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce issued a release describing the House-Senate Transportation Funding Conferees Report. They noted: “We urge you to contact your legislator and ask them to: Put their differences aside, work together and compromise on a sustainable, long-term transportation funding solution that both the House and Senate will pass; find a solution that will ensure Virginia remains an attractive and economically vital place in which to live, work and raise a family; they must do it NOW.” [Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 2/21/13]

The Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce Praised Passage of Bipartisan Transportation Compromise. In February 2013, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce issued a statement of support for the statewide transportation funding package the General Assembly approved Saturday. “We applaud Gov. [Bob] McDonnell’s leadership on this critically important issue,” the statement said. “Our chamber has been a steadfast advocate for decades for a comprehensive transportation funding plan by which the commonwealth would meet its fundamental, core responsibility. This bill achieves that goal.” [Daily Progress, 2/25/13]