I’ve worked with many Virginia governors since I moved to Virginia with my family, in 1977, to join the Law School and then the Public Policy faculty at George Mason University. Went on trade missions, worked on campaigns, and served on state boards. From Baliles, Wilder, Warner, Kaine, McAuliffe, and McDonnell. They have all been generally excellent. Representing the best in Virginia and its spirit of public service.

    Never worked with Youngkin. But my assessment is that he simply does not fit in — a lightweight and an uninspiring follower of Trump. Too bad. Supports firing federal workers and contractors. Supports Trump’s tariffs with grave impact on Virginia employment and in particular on Virginia farmers. Inexplicably, with his Attorney General, belittles Virginia’s great public universities — especially, George Mason, UVa and VMI. All essential to Virginia’s economic development, global competitiveness and growth of its workforce. 

     He does not understand public service or Virginia. Virginia deserved much better.