Ed Gillespie got caught attacking Virginia’s historic, bipartisan transportation bill – and now he’s lying about it. First, Gillespie criticized his opponent for supporting the transportation bill, which provided critical funding for Virginia’s transportation system and was signed by Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, whose campaign Gillespie once chaired.
After facing sharp criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, Gillespie denied ever launching the attack – turning a dishonest talking point into a flat-out lie.
“Partisan Hack Ed Gillespie got caught being himself – a political opportunist who will say or do anything to advance his own career – and now he’s lying about it,” said American Bridge spokesperson Lizzy Price. “Virginians deserve better, and Gillespie owes them an apology.”
- Gillespie Attacked Northam For Supporting Bipartisan Transportation Bill. According to Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Gillespie wants you to know that Democrat Ralph S. Northam voted for ‘the largest tax increase in Virginia history.’ But Gillespie is conveniently leaving out a big detail. 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, 7/8/17]
- Gilespie ‘Took Heat’ From Republicans For Attacking Bipartisan Transportation Bill. According to Virginian-Pilot, “Gillespie has pulled out a new attack against his Democratic rival, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, saying he helped pass ‘the largest tax increase in Virginia history.’ […]The bipartisan 2013 deal, passed with Republicans at the helm and signed by then-Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, was generally praised by Hampton Roads constituents. While no one likes a tax increase, the region’s drivers felt the daily pain of congestion and were well aware of the need for an upgraded interstate system. Democrats and Republicans alike have chastised Gillespie for his position. […]Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne, a Republican, called Gillespie’s stance perplexing.” [Virginian-Pilot, 7/15/17]
- Gillespie Denied Criticizing Northam For Supporting Bi-Partisan Transportation Bill. Gillespie said, “Let’s be clear. I didn’t criticize him for the transportation bill.” [Virginia Bar Association Debate, 7/22/17]
Published: Jul 24, 2017