Bob McDonnell's Virginia: Proving Conservatism Works

If states are laboratories of democracy, political scientists have observed unchecked liberalism construct budgetary Frankensteins in places like Illinois and California in recent years. At the other end of the spectrum are Rick Perry's Texas and Bob McDonnell's Virginia, which has just been named CNBC's 2011 'Best State for Business.' An unambiguous message is emanating from the Old Dominion State: Principled, well-executed conservative governance works:

This interview with Gov. McDonnell is must-see TV. It's like watching a discussion with Bizarro Barack Obama (for non-Seinfeld aficianados, this is a good thing). McDonnell talks about fostering a positive business climate; Obama scolds businesses for "complaining" about excessive government regulations. McDonnell cheers the Commonwealth's right-to-work status; Obama's NRLB launches political witchhunts against right-to-work states and job creators. McDonnell erases budget deficits by exerting spending discipline and eschewing tax increases; Obama falsely claims that "every single" expert agrees that tax hikes are unavoidable. This year, Richmond faces a budget surplus; Washington faces a $1.6 Trillion deficit. The unemployment rate within McDonnell's jurisdiction is 6 percent; it's north of 9 percent in Barack Obama's America. The differences are stark, and Virginians are taking notice:

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has a strong 55 – 26 percent job approval rating, as many more voters like him personally than back his policies, according to the inaugural Quinnipiac University Virginia poll released today.

McDonnell’s job approval is 77 – 11 percent among Republicans and 59 – 24 percent among independent voters. Democrats disapprove 42 – 33 percent. Men approve of his performance 61 – 25 percent and women approve 50 – 26 percent. White voters approve 58 – 25 percent, while black voters approve 50 – 25 percent.

McDonnell receives a 50 – 34 percent approval on handling the state budget. Voters approve 40 – 30 percent of the budget passed by the legislature and signed by McDonnell. Asked if this budget is fair to people like them, 43 percent say fair and 32 percent unfair.

Looking to 2012, 43% of registered voters nationwide report they plan to vote against President Obama in 2012. This compares with 36% who say they definitely plan to support him. A notable 21% are unsure. Independents play a key role in Obama’s re-election bid. 43% say they would vote against Mr. Obama in 2012 while 29% are securely in his corner.

President Barack Obama is in a fragile position as the 2012 campaign begins: Only 37 percent of registered voters approve of his handling of the economy, his lowest rating ever, according to a new McClatchy-Marist poll. Another ominous sign for Obama: By nearly 2-1, voters disapprove of how he's handling the federal budget deficit, expected to hit a record $1.5 trillion this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

Ironically, Obama's blueprint for success is sitting right across the Potomac. Fortunately for Republicans -- and unfortunately for the country -- he's willfully ignoring it.