Hanger’s record, experience solid

The News Virginian / News Virginian
Published: June 5, 2007

Voters in Virginia's 24th Senatorial District, which includes most of our readership area, face a difficult choice when they go to the polls next Tuesday to choose a Republican nominee for the November election. The incumbent, Sen. Emmett Hanger, has three terms under his belt and has built a solid record of moderate conservative leadership and support of the agricultural community that comprises a large part of the district.

He is challenged in the primary by a political newcomer who built a successful local business. Yet when an incumbent is challenged, the election often turns not on the challenger's credentials but on the incumbent's record. Sen. Hanger's record is worthy of withstanding the challenge.

The campaign against Sen. Hanger is primarily centered around his support of the 2004 tax package that generated about $700 million in new state revenue a year. Although we generally oppose tax increases, this was a moderate increase at best, was necessary at the time and was partly offset by reductions in other taxes, such as the sales tax on food. The net effect, particularly on Valley voters, was more or less neutral. We do not believe that Sen. Hanger's support of this package is enough of a reason to throw him out of office.

In addition, we're not a big fan of candidates who take a hard line against tax increases, because that is little more than a political ploy and is unrealistic. What results are votes to increase "fees" instead of taxes, but any additional money paid to state government is a tax, no matter what it's called.

Another issue has been Sen. Hanger's support of legislation regarding granting in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. However, a close reading of the bill - and a comparison with current law - indicates that it would have placed more restrictions on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants than are currently in place. This is an example of how an incumbent's record can be read in many different ways. Only the most negative interpretation of Sen. Hanger's record would lead to the conclusion that he should not be re-nominated.

Sen. Hanger also has demonstrated strong support of issues important to Valley voters. If he wins the primary and is re-elected to the Senate in the fall (a likely outcome in the predominately Republican district), he will become chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, an important role for Augusta County. Hanger understands the concept of controlled development and the need to maintain open space, and he has pushed for and produced significant legislation that puts Virginia at the nation's forefront on these issues.

On another key issue, transportation, the candidates disagree somewhat regarding their positions on Interstate 81. Sen. Hanger believes that eventually the interstate will need to be widened to three lanes in both directions, but using existing rights-of-way. Although we are not sure that widening the entire length of I-81 in Virginia is necessary, we trust that through his experience and contacts, Sen. Hanger will make sure that I-81 receives the attention it deserves when competing with other critical transportation needs throughout the state.

Indeed, Sen. Hanger's experience will be valuable due to the major transition that appears likely to occur in the state Senate next year, following the retirements of several key senators. Sen. Hanger has an opportunity to strengthen his leadership role in the moderate conservative faction of the General Assembly, and that will help the Valley receive the attention and money it needs and deserves.

Although his opponent is an outstanding businessman and community leader who has run a solid campaign, there is no compelling reason to overthrow Sen. Hanger. Therefore, we urge voters to support him in the June 12 primary.