Virginia is at a critical crossroads. For the last decade, the state has been on a tax-and-spending spree under Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Now it needs to sober up. But tax-and-spend politicians never know when it’s time to stop. So Virginians must decide on Nov. 3 whether to continue to raise taxes and bust budgets – and become a failing state like California and Michigan – or to return to the commonwealth’s sterling tradition of fiscal restraint and careful governance. Only one candidate, Republican Bob McDonnell, clearly understands this choice and is focused like a laser on the most important tasks facing the next governor – creating new jobs to keep Virginia growing and getting state government taxes and spending back to prudent levels.

McDonnell has the correct approach to both taxes and transportation, the top two issues facing Northern Virginians. In an editorial board interview with The Examiner, McDonnell pointed out that his transportation plan includes a dozen funding mechanisms that do not raise taxes, including selling off state-owned liquor stores and earmarking royalties from future offshore oil and natural gas production. McDonnell’s approach will enable Virginia to maintain existing highways and mass transit services, while building the new roads commuters so desperately need. A military veteran who served 14 years in the General Assembly before being elected attorney general in 2005, McDonnell has been a superlative public servant and will make an excellent governor. The Examiner enthusiastically endorses him.