Not politics as usual

by Robert Powell
Virginia Business
October 2005

Gubernatorial elections in Virginia are usually uncomplicated affairs. The contest doesn't compete for attention with the election of presidents, congressmen or senators. The ballot is fairly simple with only three statewide races to decide.

That is all true this year as well, but this election is different. With three candidates on the ballot, some interesting things could happen on Nov. 8. The independent in the group, state Sen. Russell Potts, points out that he is not trying to win a majority of the votes but "only 34 percent," a plurality in the three-man race. Analysts believe that a more likely scenario is that Potts will not become governor but he might become the kingmaker as the votes he wins may weaken either former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore or Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. Richmond-based contributing writer Garry Kranz examines the election in our cover story.

In addition to electing a governor this year, many companies are electing health plans and deciding on other benefits. The costs of these benefits keep climbing at a time when employees value benefits more than ever. Contributing writer Heather Hayes of Clifford in Amherst County reports that many human resources specialists are finding that benefits, in fact, can be the crucial factor in attracting and retaining employees.

One way to keep valuable employees, of course, is to pay them well. That seems to be the case for some of the state's leading CEOs. Contributing writer Brett Liebermann of Annandale examines the compensation offered by Virginia public companies with revenue of at least $1 billion.
Finally, this issue takes a close look at the changing economy of the Shenandoah Valley. Traditionally a rich agricultural area, the Valley has branched into a number of industries while retaining its quality of life. Contributing writer Calvin Trice, a resident of Waynesboro, reports on the economic evolution of the region.

In retrospect, it's not surprising that Virginia's gubernatorial election is so unusual. Why should it remain the same when so much else in the state is changing?