What They Are Saying: Virginia Press Corps Reacts To Northam’s Shameless Pipeline Dodge

The Virginia press corps is buzzing this morning about Ralph Northam’s refusal to answer a simple yes or no question on where he stands on Virginia gas pipelines at last night’s Democrat gubernatorial debate in Roanoke, Virginia. While the failed lieutenant governor still won’t be clear on where he stands on the issue, he appears very clear in his belief that Virginia voters do not deserve a straight answer from him. Here are some highlights of recent coverage:

NBC Roanoke reported that Northam dodged the question after being asked for a yes or no answer on pipeline support:

“Northam was asked to say yes or no to those pipelines, but dodged the question.

‘He continued to dodge a very simple answer about the pipeline, and continued, despite claiming he believes in transparency, to answer a very simple question about whether he’d had a secret meeting with Dominion before submitting a letter about the pipeline,’ said Perriello.”

The Washington Post highlighted Northam’s repeated failure to provide his position while noting Perriello’s clear opposition to pipeline construction:

“Northam, who has received campaign cash from Dominion and owns stock in the company, repeatedly declined to stake out a position Thursday on the multibillion dollar Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines, which would bring fracked gas from West Virginia through Virginia.

Former Congressman Tom Perriello, who is challenging Northam for the nomination, is opposed to the projects and sought to underline that fact, as well as his pledge not to accept campaign donations from Dominion.”

WTOP also took note of the difference between Perriello and Northam’s responses on pipeline issue:

“When asked if they support the pipelines, Perriello said he absolutely does not.

‘When we got into this race I asked two questions: is there any authority to do something about this? And, do we have a better idea?’ said Perriello.

Northam, meanwhile, dodged the question, drawing jeers from members of the audience who wanted to hear a yes or no answer.

‘I can tell you, though, that if the pipeline moves forward, I will make sure that it’s done with transparency,’ Northam said.”

ABC Roanoke reported on the audience’s frustration with Northam’s refusal to give them an answer:

“Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and former Congressman Tom Perriello faced off during a debate for the gubernatorial nomination. It started off calm and polite, but it didn’t take long before the gloves were off. 

It became clear the audience wanted an answer out of Northam on the proposed pipelines in Virginia, but he would give one.”

The Roanoke Times also noted the audience’s boos when Northam was pressed for a yes or no response and still refused:

“When debate moderator and WDBJ-TV (Channel 7) anchor Jean Jadhon pressed Northam for a yes or no response, the candidate said he had sufficiently explained his stance — a reply that prompted shouts from pipeline opponents in the audience.”