VA-GOV: Former think tank leader joins race for Virginia governor

[RandySF]

RICHMOND — Peter Doran, a former Washington think tank executive and author, joined the crowded race for Virginia governor this week with a promise to phase out the state income tax.

“We’re going to zero percent,” Doran, 45, says in a campaign video. In an interview Wednesday, he said the state could wind up with more revenue without the tax because the change would fuel business and population growth.

Doran, who lives in Arlington County, is the sixth Republican to seek the party’s gubernatorial nomination. Five Democrats and an independent also are seeking to succeed Gov. Ralph Northam (D), who is prohibited by the state constitution from seeking back-to-back terms.

In addition to phasing out the income tax, Doran promises in the video to make Virginia the best state in the nation for schools, safety and jobs. In an interview, he described himself as a conservative on gun rights and abortion, but said he supports gay rights as long as there is no conflict with religious freedom.



https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/peter-doran-virginia-governor/2021/02/10/3ad1a326-6bbd-11eb-9ead-673168d5b874_story.html

[underpants]

1. I hope they have a debate

That would be fun to watch.

[bpj62]

2. Car Tax

Gilmore ran on eliminating the car tax in 1997. He won in a landslide. Problem was the car tax was a local issue and most of the jurisdictions used the money from the car tax to fund the schools. Removing the state income tax will simply cause the legislature to create or raise the existing fees for things like car inspection and emissions as well as hunting and fishing and car related fees. Look at states like Florida and there is a fee to use every single public facility. This is a gimmick.

[FSogol]

3. +1, Correct. n/t

[NewJeffCT]

5. It may be a gimmick

but, it worked in 1997 and unless Democrats come up with a great response that's easily contained in a Tweet and/or soundbite, it will work again.

[rogue emissary]

4. Thought this was going to be another Democrat running.

Five is more than enough candidates.