Seward Anderson Blasts Danny Marshall for Opposing Governor's Opportunity Fund

I just got off a conference call with Seward Anderson, the Democratic nominee for House of Delegate in the 14th district against Del. Danny Marshall (R). Just as a bit of background, this is a district in Southside that was carried by Barack Obama in 2008, and which Democrats narrowly lost in 2007 (52%-48%), so it's definitely winnable with a strong candidate willing to take on Danny Marshall. From what I heard today, Seward Anderson appears to be such a candidate.

What the call was about was this article, and specifically the last three paragraphs.

Marshall said he opposed adding money to the Governor’s Opportunity Fund under Gov. Warner and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine because the money wasn’t being used much. The money in the opportunity fund, which Marshall said is about $12 million, could have been used for education or funding for law enforcement or to help the handicapped.

However, if Bob McDonnell is elected governor in November, Marshall said he would support expanding the Opportunity Fund because McDonnell would appoint a secretary to help create jobs in areas with high unemployment, such as Danville.

Marshall said he has worked to lower the eligibility thresholds under the Opportunity Fund, making it easier for more job-creating companies locating to communities like Danville to receive funding.

That's right, believe it or not, Del. Marshall actually admitted that he opposed expansion of the Governor's Opportunity Fund under Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, but would support expansion under Republican Bob McDonnell. Talk about putting partisan politics over the people of your district. Wow.

Anyway, on the call a few minutes ago, Seward Anderson blasted Marshall, pointing out that Southside has been harder hit by the recession than any other region in Virginia, and that we need to be "help[ing] a neighbor in need." Anderson said he's "really disappointed" in Danny Marshall for voting against the Opportunity Fund and for saying he would only support expanding it if Bob McDonnell is elected. That's a "partisan political game we can't afford," according to Anderson.

Also on the call was unemployed Dan River worker Dale Garvin, who said that the Opportunity Fund is one of the "few tools to attract jobs to the region," and that Marshall's statement was a "childish act."

The bottom line from Seward Anderson is that he's for fully funding the Governor's Opportunity Fund, whoever is governor. For Danny Marshall, apparently, it's all political.