the bulletin of the winter CENTER FOR ı GOVERNMENTAL spring STUDIES 2000

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Center Prepares to Launch Youth Leadership Initiative Statewide

PRESIDENT CLINTON, Barbara ipate were coming from all over Bush, Tipper Gore, Governor James Virginia, and there have even been Gilmore, Senator John McCain, localities outside the state asking how Senator John Warner, Senator Charles they can get involved with the pro- Robb, Sam Donaldson, Senator Emily gram,” stated YLI Director Ken Couric, Delegates Paul Harris and Stroupe. Mitch Van Yahres. What do these state As a result, what started out in the and national leaders have in com- first half of the school year as a test “As more people became mon? Certainly not political party project in Charlottesville and affiliation. But over the course of the Albemarle County has quickly expand- aware of the pilot project, the last year they have all demonstrated a ed to include schools in the commitment to the youngest genera- Shenandoah Valley, the central tion of Americans by supporting and Piedmont region, the City of Danville, requests to participate were participating directly in the pilot proj- and Henrico County. ect of the Youth Leadership Initiative. “We’ve been adding new schools coming from all over Virginia, With student-conducted debates; throughout the school year. In the the largest online mock election in the process we have been fine tuning the nation; student-hosted community program and now we look forward to and there have even been symposia; and a rigorous academic offering it to all Virginia schools,” stat- curriculum specifically linked to the ed CGS Program Director Alex Virginia Standards of Learning, the Theodoridis. localities outside the state success of the program has been over- whelming. Now the Center is making How It All Began asking how they can get final arrangements for the official Just one year ago, the Center moved statewide launch of the Youth forward on an idea to select student Leadership Initiative in public and pri- Youth Leaders in participating schools involved with the program.” vate middle and high schools through- to assist their teachers with the imple- out the Commonwealth in August. mentation of a new and largely unfa- –Ken Stroupe “As more people became aware of miliar Youth Leadership Initiative. the pilot project, the requests to partic- Forty talented students were nominat- ➛“E-voting” is a signature component of YLI.

Senator John Warner discusses youth involvement with high school students from Albemarle County.

Henley Middle School students YLI student leaders meet with CHS senior Jay Farmer listens as make last minute adjustments with Senator John McCain. candidates for the Virginia General State Senator Emily Couric before Assembly debate campaign issues. YLI Senate debate.

ed by their teachers and selected to general election voters attended the and challenging questions. lead the citizenship program by first two YLI debates with candidates Topics for the debate included conducting mock campaigns, host for the Virginia General Assembly. school safety, the death penalty, debates and conduct townhall meet- The debates were live-broadcast, charter schools, managed heathcare ings. But, as the students quickly public events that were conducted systems, school vouchers, education learned, their biggest challenge was entirely by the first class of Youth funding, and lottery profits. Faced not the rigorous schedule of YLI Leaders. Delegate Paul Harris (R-58th with such straightforwardness, the 2 events. Rather, it was finding a way District) took on Democratic chal- candidates themselves replied with to convey their energy and interest lenger Ed Wayland (D) at the first responses that quickly helped the in government and politics to all the debate, while the second featured students and the general public other students at their school. True Virginia state Senator Emily Couric learn who stood for what before the to their role as Student Leaders, as (D-Charlottesville) and Republican upcoming election. the school year progressed student challenger Jane Maddux. “Thank you for hosting the interest and participation—as well CGS founder Larry Sabato debate at Monticello High School,” as that of the general public—did opened the first debate with a word wrote the parent of a participating indeed grow rapidly. of caution to the candidates: “These student. “My son has never had any

2000 students don’t know what not to political interest until this YLI Hosts First Student-Conducted ask.” Indeed, as the debates pro- debate…You have definitely made a spring

ı Debates gressed, two things became very future voter out of my son.” As late fall approached, election sea- clear: the students knew their stuff, Would that level of interest hold

winter son was in full swing as hundreds of and they weren’t afraid to ask direct true for all the other thousands of participating students? The YLI Pilot ON THE AGENDA Project was about to find out.

YLI Mock Elections—Would They Vote? In the coming months there will be even more inno- The Youth Leadership Initiative was vation and excitement in the Youth Leadership developed according to the theory Initiative. that if government, politics and the Early spring will see the launch of the new YLI electoral process were presented in a website that will further integrate the program and manner that interested young peo- make it accessible for students in every public and ple, they in turn would be interested private middle and high school in Virginia. The new and active participants in the elec- site will serve as a ready resource and information guide for all YLI initiatives, toral process. There could be no bet- including its educational mission, civic participation projects, and other communi- ter proof of such a conviction than ty activities. The YLI website will also be the online location for webcast debates, success with the fundamental event as well as the secure poll-site for the YLI Internet-based Mock Election that will of elective democracy: an election. If scale to the entire state for the November election. students could be inspired not only Growing out of the training sessions last fall, the Youth Leadership Initiative to participate in, but also to help will host a Summer Camp and Training Seminars for students and teachers in July run, an election—with real ballots, on the historic grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s University. voting stations, tabulation, and media coverage—it would show that THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE IS ALSO DESIGNING AN INTERACTIVE CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS the YLI had developed an antidote CD-ROM FOR ROLLOUT IN AUGUST. THE CD ROM WILL CONTAIN: to political apathy among America’s • Interactive versions of all YLI citizenship course units; young. • The YLI Town Square where students will have access to the most comprehensive list of local civic organ- Going into the project, however, izations available online including contact names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for most national statistics and polls their elected officials, local governments, and civic and community organizations; suggested that the challenge was • A YLI “polling consultant” to create and conduct classwide or schoolwide surveys and analyses; nearly insurmountable. Voter partic- • An extensive “Facts” data base that converts to classroom exercises using political and historical ipation in 1996 among young peo- trivia; and ple (age 18-24) was less than 30%. • An impressive interactive exercise that allows students to manage the intricacies of a U.S. Senate cam- During the 1998 mid-term paign, from announcement through Election Day, in the hypothetical state of “Columbia.” Congressional elections, voter turnout was the lowest it had been since 1942. And with a voter ballot based on the location of a voting online, Virginia again made turnout rate of less than 15% that student’s school, new technology history by conducting the largest same year, it was young people who enables us to offer each student the Internet election in the nation’s his- showed the greatest level of disinter- same ballot their parents use in a tory. Reported by state and national est. So the question was a troubling general election,” said Theodoridis. media, thousands of YLI students one. Many had registered, but demonstrated the use of secure, would they actually vote? YLI Students Conduct the Largest encrypted cyber-ballots that were 3 The Youth Leadership Initiative Internet Ballot in the Nation’s History individually customized to their did have one ace up its sleeve: as No one could have anticipated the home precincts. Election Day approached, students level of participation and the result- “I e-voted!” exulted one student learned that the days of the old ing impact of the first YLI Mock as she exited the polling station. paper ballots and counting by hand election. On Tuesday, October 26, That phrase, e-voting, caught on were a thing of the past. With tech- 1999—one week before the quickly, and is now used by the nology as a signature component of November general election was held Youth Leadership Initiative to winter the program, the YLI unveiled a in Virginia—YLI students went to describe its online balloting process. state-of-the-art cyber ballot for the the polls and participated in what As a result of the success of the YLI’s ı student mock election, with ballots became one of the most watched first Internet-based mock election, spring individually tailored according to and exciting events of the Youth State Senator Emily Couric (D- each student’s home voting location. Leadership Initiative. Charlottesville and the first Senator 2000 “Rather than vote with a generic With more than 5,000 students continued on page 14 OF THE MANY PROBLEMS in American political life today, none looms so large as the crisis of non-participation: the United States consistently has the low- est voter turnout of any industrial democracy. But that is only half of the sad story, for many Americans who do participate in the electoral process know shockingly little about the candidates and the issues. The UVA Center for Governmental Studies has as its goal nothing less than the complete reversal of this lamentable state of affairs. From the very beginning of the Center less than two years ago, two objectives have guided all our activities. First, we want to reach the young people of America at the earliest possible age, so that the political process becomes familiar to them Director’s Corner and part of the natural rhythm of their year. Second, we want to make politics comprehensible and accessible to voters of all ages, including those who have BY LARRY J. SABATO long since finished their classroom education. In such apathetic times as these, with vital elections drawing ever nearer, America desperately needs to re-discover the inestimable worth of an active commitment to elective democracy. These two goals, simple but compelling, are the genesis of Center programs such as the Youth Leadership Initiative, whose active curriculum leads students to explore and embrace every aspect of political education and participation. Similarly, our many public events—attended by the most thoughtful and influen- tial public figures in America today, televised on C-SPAN, and reported in nation- al papers—inform and engage even citizens who have tuned out or turned off from the political life of the nation. I encourage you to read about past and upcoming events in this edition of our newsletter. We are a young and dynamic institute with a broad non-partisan mandate, and through our efforts to revitalize the political and governmental processes, we are here to serve you. We welcome your comments and suggestions on our projects and activities—please call the Center to learn more about us and get involved!

Linwood Holton Governors Conference is Second in Annual Series

VIRGINIA’S STATESMEN net members, and other state lead- GATHERED in Charlottesville July ers from the Holton era discussed 16 and 17 expecting to learn a les- the former governor’s accomplish- 4 son from the past; in the bargain, ments and failures. Some told sto- they got advice for the future. Those ries about their old friend; others present at the second annual took a more critical tone, discussing “Instead of standing in the school Governors Conference, sponsored the merits of Holton’s tax increases by the Center for Governmental and Holton’s role in shaping the house door, he walked his kids through Studies and the Weldon Cooper “New South.” “Our panelists did an Center for Public Service, examined excellent job of expressing the con- the Gubernatorial career of A. troversy of the time but also it. That will be remembered forever.” Linwood Holton, the first acknowledged the success and

2000 Republican governor of Virginia in importance of Holton’s revolution- –Former Governor Gerald Baliles the 20th century. ary policies. They demonstrated that spring

ı The panel conversation ranged Governor Holton was truly the first from lively and lighthearted to seri- New South governor,” said Alex

winter on Linwood Holton ous and controversial as press, cabi- Theodoridis, CGS Program Director. congratulations, Battle and his fami- ly walked over to Holton’s victory party to shake his hand. “Panelists commented over and over again on Mr. Battle’s noble gesture. Many said they wished politics could be so honorable today,” said Northern. Friday night at the Rotunda Dinner, Holton discussed the GOP today, calling it “overly obsessed” with tax cuts and in need of new priorities. Holton said the Republicans should once again become America’s mod- erate party and should “find a way to serve all the people.” He cau- tioned party leaders that an extrem- Linwood Holton delivers the keynote address at the Second Annual ist stance on issues such as gun con- Governors Conference examining his legacy. trol could alienate more voters than it would attract, and encouraged Race Relations a wide-reaching Republican party realignment of the party towards the Panelists focused on Holton’s lead- that encompassed minorities, subur- middle of the political road. ership in race relations, often citing banites, labor interests, the conser- Holton also intimated that the a day that would become a pivotal vative right, and leftist voters impa- Republican Party appeals to the seg- moment in the history of the nation tient for the fall of the Byrd organi- regationist element in the south, in and in Holton’s career. Other south- zation. Most panelists agreed that direct opposition to the efforts of ern governors were blocking school- this miracle electorate was merely a the “New South” governors of the house doors to African-Americans, transient amalgamation of voters early 70’s. Mark A. Miner, a repre- but Holton escorted his daughter, and were not surprised that it did sentative from Governor James Tayloe, to her first day at a predomi- not survive the next election, but Gilmore’s office, later disputed nantly African-American public agreed it was an essential boost for Holton’s claim that the party still school. Holton also made the inclu- the Republican party. suffers from racial prejudice in the sion of minorities in government Holton’s ’69 Democratic oppo- Washington Post. positions one of his first priorities. nent Bill Battle attributed his party’s “Governor Holton forged an “Several of our panelists were instru- loss to the influence of liberal entire political career out of creating mental in Governor Holton’s Democratic primary candidate controversy, so his speech would not administration not only as employ- Henry Howell. He noted that have been fitting if it didn’t raise a ees, but also as examples to the rest Howell’s post-primary attempts to few eyebrows. When you give lead- of the nation,” said CGS Event kill off the Byrd machine were a ers an open forum to discuss their Coordinator Melissa Northern. major reason many voters aban- legacy and how it can be applied to 5 “They gave us tremendous insight doned Battle, though he still denies the present and future, sparks will into the mood of the times, the a significant role in the organiza- fly. By the time this series runs its challenges they faced, and the tion. “The conference was intended course, though, we will have includ- impact of Holton’s policies on the to explore a variety of perspectives ed voices from many different polit- Commonwealth.” on history, so we were delighted to ical eras and divergent points on the include Governor Holton’s 1969 ideology spectrum,” said Historical Legacy gubernatorial opponent in our dia- Theodoridis. winter Panelists debated Holton’s place in logue,” said Theodoridis. history, eventually naming him the No matter what the reason for

The First Lady’s Story ı catalyst for the downfall of the Byrd Holton’s victory, all at the confer- Former First Lady Jinks Holton spring machine and the figurehead for the ence agreed that Battle was a true spoke at the First Lady’s Luncheon rise of Virginia’s Republican party. gentleman on election night, 1969. on Friday, delighting the audience 2000 Holton’s candidacy in 1969 inspired Rather than simply phone in his continued on page 6 The Center Goes to the Capital D.C. Roundtable Hosts Political Celebrities As the United States began to recover from a year of scandal and impeachment proceedings, the Center for Governmental Studies took its show on the road to host two events in our nation’s capital. On May 11, 1999, the Center sponsored a star-studded Washington Roundtable, which drew pundits, politicos and guests to the Crystal Gateway Marriott for an evening that included a keynote address by Sam Donaldson. Despite some initial technical difficulties, the program began with a discussion featuring Mark Shields, Al Hunt, and Kate O’Beirne of CNN’s “The Capital Gang”, as well as NRCC Chairman Tom Davis and House Democratic Caucus Chair Martin Frost. After dinner, master of ceremonies Tony Snow introduced former Newt Gingrich Communications Director Tony Blankley who spoke on the importance of civic participation. Donaldson then proceeded to captivate the audience with insights and tales from his decades of covering American politics. The primary function of the Roundtable was to raise the Center’s profile within the D.C. community. However, with just under 300 people in attendance, it also proved to be an exceptional fundraiser, earning approximately $150,000. Conference Draws 100 PAC Leaders Later in the summer, on August 4, 1999, the Center teamed up with the National Journal’s Hotline for a presen- tation, which was attended by over 100 PAC leaders, on the upcoming congressional elections. Held at the Watergate Office Building in Washington, D.C., “The Fight for Congress 2000” offered both insightful presentations about the 2000 elections and a lively forum in which to discuss its impact on the nation’s politics and economy. The half-day conference brought together a variety of informed sources and political insiders, including Republican and Democratic pollsters John McLaughlin and Fred Yang, as well as Erik Smith and John Guzik of the DCCC and NRCC respectively. A panel discussion featured Hotline’s Chuck Todd, Cook Political Report editor Charlie Cook, and CGS visiting scholar Bruce Larson. “We were absolutely delighted with the reception these two events received from some of the most important players inside the Beltway,” said CGS Program Director Alex Theodoridis. “At what many perceive as a low point for politics in the United States, the success of these forums is a refreshing reminder that the positive message of hope and empowerment still has tremendous appeal. We’re happy to see that many of our nation’s elected officials, busi- ness leaders, journalists, and scholars still believe in the power of America’s democratic process.”

continued from page 5

with stories of the family’s four each. Mrs. Holton confessed her in March of 2000. 6 years in the Governor’s Mansion. original worries about the school Other conference attendees Along with tales of their young son situation, but admitted that the kids included Lieutenant Governor John selling unauthorized tours of the rose to the occasion. She saw her Hager, Congressman Caldwell family’s living quarters, Mrs. Holton children as young leaders and good Butler, Delegate Richard Cranwell, described the children’s feelings on examples for the rest of the country. Senators Hunter Andrews, Benjamin their first day of integrated school- Mrs. Holton and other panelists Lambert and Henry Marsh; journal- ing. She said that Woody was the will appear in a documentary pro- ists such as Margaret Edds, Margie most affected by the attitudes of his duced in conjunction with the con- Fisher, James Latimer and Charley new, mostly African-American class- ference by Central Virginia’s Public McDowell; and former administra-

2000 mates, saying that he felt like a Broadcasting WCVE-TV23 tion officials, such as Staige “tourist attraction.” The young Richmond/WHTJ-TV41 Blackford, Alexander Gilliam, spring

ı Holton was willing to return to Charlottesville. The documentary, a Cynthia Newman, John Ritchie and school once he figured out that he history of Holton’s career and politi- William Robertson. •

winter could sell autographs for a dime cal contributions, will be broadcast Thomas Jefferson: Political Strategist

BY JAMES R. SOFKA, PROFESSOR OF GOVERNMENT AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

scientist, and architect seems to stand as an ideal Renaissance man. A This paper was delivered in the plethora of specialized monographs examining virtually every aspect of Dome Room of the UVA Rotunda to his life—including, in a recent case, his wine cellar—appear with star- participants in the CGS National tling regularity. Yet, one could labor through modern Jefferson scholar- Homeownership Conference, ship for ages and never learn that he held elective office or managed November 12, 1999. American foreign policy through the darkest years of the Napoleonic Wars. Part of this is due to a uniquely IN 1813, JOHN ADAMS told his American view of politics, which friend Thomas Jefferson that “Your tends to look for saints and sinners: Character in History may be easily statesmen are either pigeonholed as foreseen. Your Administration will idealistic and pure—such as be quoted by Philosophers as a Woodrow Wilson—or as cunning model of profound Wisdom; but by and devious strategists, like Richard Politicians as weak, superficial, and Nixon. Europeans don’t have this short-sighted.” Adams proved problem—they can praise their Jefferson’s real remarkably prophetic. Most studies politicians for enlightenment and of Jefferson’s politics, beginning with political agility simultaneously— that of Adams’ great-grandson Catherine the Great, Frederick the Henry, treat Jefferson as a modern Great, and Francois Mitterand come “profound Wisdom” was philosopher-king whose policies to mind. were rooted in deeply-held princi- But in American context tradition- ples. The debate on Jefferson is al Jeffersonian scholars are loathe to always about whether those princi- consider their hero an ordinary using philosophy to ples were realistic or correct, or from politician. They prefer to discuss his which sources they were derived. The ideals rather than the at times more critical issue of whether Machiavellian means by which he conceal at times cunning Jefferson was really motivated by pursued them. Contemporary schol- principle is often overlooked, and ars are caught up in the current aca- therefore Adams and successive demic rage for identity politics rather interpreters of Jefferson have missed than his diplomacy or partisan political objectives. a defining characteristic of his state- infighting. While both schools have craft: that Jefferson’s real “profound their merits, and certainly the field Wisdom” was using philosophy to of Jefferson studies is broad enough conceal at times cunning political to offer both a home, tonight I’d like objectives. to try to fill a gap—unfashionable as At first glance this assertion it may be—by examining Jefferson as appears preposterous. The American an American political leader and Enlightenment is frequently personi- assess his character and methods in fied in the figure of Thomas the turbulent political climate of Jefferson. His career as statesman, early America. From his birth in 1743 six miles a career in this field. Yet, any man success at obscuring his intrigues east of this spot, on what was then who could seriously argue that “the behind the facade of science and the frontier of colonial Virginia, greatest service which can be ren- learning partly explains the modern Jefferson was groomed for a leader- dered any country is to add a useful reluctance to treat him as an express- ship role in politics. His father Peter plant to its culture,” or who spent ly political figure. was one of the wealthiest landown- part of his vacation in 1791 analyz- Jefferson intended posterity to ers in the colony, and from his youth ing an obscure species of fly, was view him as a reluctant politician, a Jefferson was directed towards the heavily indebted to the scientific sage never quite at home in the tur- study of law to prepare for an active advances of the eighteenth century. bulent affairs of state. Thus any mis- role in colonial government. He calculations could be conveniently entered the College of William and excused as the products of scholarly Mary in 1760, and soon became Although he claimed to detest naivete. This was a useful means of acquainted with the Royal Governor distancing himself from his oppo- and his circle who took the young statecraft, it was his consuming nents—whom he frequently dispar- man into their orbit. aged as “professional politicians.” By his account Jefferson found the Jefferson therefore measured study of the law tedious, and his passion, and he could never stray American politics by a double stan- chief interest in Williamsburg was dard: one for men of letters like him- the political process. Through many from it for long. self and his allies, and one for the conversations with the learned lower species of politicians who by Governor and his observation of the coincidence populated the Northeast proceedings of the House of Jefferson’s own contributions to this and supported the Federalist Party. Burgesses, Jefferson thoroughly field are legendary: in one case he Two days before leaving the White absorbed the nuances of Virginia went so far as to commission House he sighed, “Nature intended politics. Indeed, he admitted that American soldiers to capture a me for the tranquil pursuits of sci- Williamsburg politicians moose and send it to him in Paris so ence, by rendering them my supreme had a more lasting he could more concretely refute delight. But the enormities of the impact on him than French claims as to the inferiority of times in which I have lived have the faculty of William American species. In the field of forced me to take a part in resisting and Mary. architecture Jefferson attempted to them, and to commit myself on the To be sure, reconcile the competing styles of boisterous ocean of political pas- Jefferson’s interest in classical and contemporary, though sions.” science was profound, never to his his satisfaction: Work on Yet Jefferson did not tenuously but he never serious- Monticello was begun in 1769, the sail on this ocean at the mercy of its ly considered structure was torn down and rebuilt breezes and currents, as this account three times, and Jefferson would suggests; rather, he dominated it likely regard it as unfinished if he with an impressive armada of politi- toured it today. cal tactics. A quick glance at his cor- But appealing as it was, the natu- respondence reveals an encyclopedic ral world was distinct from the polit- grasp of American politics which has ical for Jefferson. He did not been exceeded by few subsequent approach politics from a scientific Presidents. Although he claimed to viewpoint, and was loathe to apply detest statecraft, it was his consum- mechanistic or biological formulas ing passion, and he could never stray to the body politic. Metaphorically, from it for long. he kept the portfolios of his two When one thinks of Jefferson and Presidencies—that of the American politics one usually conjures the Philosophical Society and that of the image of a bookish and scholarly United States—in separate drawers. man rather than a skilled and savvy Condemning politics as “base” was a political operator. Indeed, this is the disingenuous tactic Jefferson fre- man who admitted that “I cannot quently deployed, and his brilliant live without books.” Yet these books were intended for practical rather to Adams after the 1796 election. “It relieved at not attaining the than academic use. He once argued is a painful and thankless office.” Presidency, as “I know well that no that “I am not fond of reading what Such typically apolitical comments man will ever bring out of that office is merely abstract, and unapplied were disingenuous at best coming the reputation which carries him immediately to some useful science.” from one of the most sophisticated into it.” Like Isaiah Berlin’s celebrated “fox,” political operators of his day. Indeed, This zealous regard for maintain- Jefferson rejected broad ideologies: the day before he had just run sec- ing his personal standing led him to “No one axiom can be laid down as ond in a close race for the Vice- a wily secretiveness which character- wise and expedient for all times and Presidency! Jefferson was perhaps ized many of his political actions. circumstances,” he declared. He was unwilling to champion Believing that context was vital in unpopular causes, even if he consid- determining the correctness of an ...throughout his career ered them “right” in the abstract, for action, Jefferson abhorred rigid fear of negative publicity. This trait canons of thought, approached texts Jefferson consolidated his manifested itself most clearly in his with a skeptical eye, and used their approach to slavery. Jefferson con- ideas to suit a specific purpose. stantly rejected appeals to denounce He drew most of his lessons from power base by feigning the institution on the grounds that it concrete examples: “Forty years of would undermine his reputation and experience in government,” he indifference to politics. power base in Virginia and the argued, “is worth a century of book- nation. It is necessary, therefore, to reading.” As a politician, Jefferson reluctantly accept Richard was more concerned with establish- the most ambitious leader in the Hofstadter’s famous conclusion that ing and implementing his own agen- new republic with the possible while Jefferson spoke “the most da than in remaining faithful to a exceptions of his chief adversaries, advanced and liberating ideas of his philosophical tradition. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. time he was not in the habit of Indeed he quickly tired of specula- Indeed, Hamilton noted in 1792 breaking lances trying to fulfill tion and proclaimed himself “satis- that “‘tis evident beyond a question, them.” fied and sufficiently occupied with from every movement, that Mr. Jefferson therefore attempted to the things which are, without tor- Jefferson aims with ardent desire at stay as far removed from political menting or troubling myself about the Presidential Chair.” battles as possible. He would offer those which may indeed be, but of But how could Jefferson hope to minutely detailed policy briefs to his which I have no knowledge. “When I maintain an image of scholarly friends, which betrayed the hours of meet with a proposition beyond impartiality in the heated political thought he put into them, only to finite comprehension,” he sighed, “I climate of early America? His pre- conclude that he had utterly no abandon it as I do a weight which ferred tactic was to maintain a low interest in the matter at hand and human strength cannot lift: and I profile when confronted with any- preferred to cultivate his potatoes at think ignorance, in these cases, is thing controversial. “My great wish is Monticello. His true masterpiece was truly the softest pillow on which I to go on in a strict but silent per- the dinner party: After plying his can lay my head.” A study of formance of my duty: to avoid guests with liberal quantities of Jefferson’s reading of political theory attracting notice and to keep my wine, Jefferson encouraged airing of leads to rapid frustration. He read name out of the newspapers,” he the latest political gossip and took and criticized almost every work wrote in 1789, “because I find the careful notes! popular in the eighteenth century, pain of a little censure, even when it At times, however, Jefferson found but generally disparaged their useful- is unfounded, is more acute than the it necessary to fight for an important ness in day to day politics. “What is pleasure of much praise.” Even issue. In these instances he employed practicable,” he claimed, “must often among his friends Jefferson’s reputa- another favorite tactic: letting his control that which is pure theory.” tion for being thin-skinned was friends do the heavy lifting. He In terms of political character, notorious, and despite what he could thus simultaneously provoke throughout his career Jefferson con- wrote about the virtues of a free battle while peering down at the solidated his power base by feigning press, he could not tolerate criticism fight from the Olympus Monticello indifference to politics. “I have no of himself or his policies. He and keep his own hands clean. ambition to govern men,” he wrote observed in 1796 that he was Indeed, Jefferson paid journalists to uncover personal information about impressed with the...principles... of ciples among our youth, and the dif- his rivals—including on one instance [slavery] Restrictionists.” fusion of that poison by a prescrip- Hamilton’s sex life—and write edito- In Jefferson’s Ptolomeic concep- tion of the texts to be followed in rials denouncing their politics. When tion of federalism the American their discussions.” He, of course, confronted, Jefferson shrugged and political system revolved around would be the judge of what would argued that he had no control over Virginia. He was convinced that the be taught. For this reason Jefferson the emotions of his supporters. only way to preserve the political sought to recruit U.Va’s first profes- Consequently Jefferson never culture of the Old Dominion was sors in Europe. He did not trust made himself the prisoner of a party through the careful indoctrination of American scholars; most had been platform, and never proposed radical the states’ rights principle. This was educated in the North and therefore measures that might serve as a light- best accomplished in the friendly cli- lacked a proper appreciation of ning rod for criticism. Never did he mate of central Virginia, where his Southern politics. He insisted that embrace an idea of such controver- personal and political influence was every student read his Kentucky sial originality as Hamilton’s finan- unrivaled. As he observed to John Resolutions of 1798, in which he cial policy, and suffer the political Taylor in 1821, the schools of the argued that the states retained ulti- consequences of it, as Hamilton did. North “are no longer proper for mate sovereignty in American poli- He was not prone to take risks, Southern students. The signs of the tics. especially where his reputation was times admonish us to call them Jefferson’s chief political objective concerned, and thus he was extreme- home. If knowledge is power we in founding the University was to ly reluctant to transform bold ideas shall look to its advancement at restore the unrivaled power of into practice. Ironically, this has home where our resource of power Virginia in American politics which served brilliantly to enhance his will be unwanting.” He observed it had enjoyed in colonial days. reputation even at the distance of that “we are now trusting to those Realizing that within several decades 250 years. who are against us in position and its alumni would be occupying posi- Tonight we converse in the physi- principle, to fashion to their own tions of power in the federal and cal center of Jefferson’s last and form the minds and affectations of state governments, Jefferson was greatest political achievement: the our youth... This cancer is eating determined that they be trained in University of Virginia. While away at the vitals of our existence, the principles he deemed vital to the Jefferson had contemplated an edu- and if not arrested at once, will be existence of the South. “Our sister cational mission for the United beyond remedy.” He would not states,” he noted, “... will bring (us) States since the 1780s, the immedi- allow the sons of the Virginia gentry their genius to be kindled at our fire, ate impetus for this University was to be “infected with the doctrines of and will carry back the fraternal expressly political: specifically, the consolidation.” Therefore he prohib- affections which, nourished by the issue of slavery. The Missouri Crisis ited a distinguished New York judge same alma mater will knit us to them of 1819-20, which began the forty from teaching law at the University by the...bond of early personal year sectional divide of North and because he had ties to Hamilton’s friendship. The good Old South over control of the Senate, old political machine. “An angel Dominion...will become a center of convinced Jefferson that American from heaven who should inculcate ralliance to the States whose youth politics was beginning to splinter such principles in our school of gov- she has instructed.” and a new generation of leaders ernment should be rejected by me,” Jefferson sought to prepare anoth- required training in the doctrine of Jefferson solemnly declared. er generation to carry on his legacy states’ rights. He was horrified at the Jefferson’s intolerance of ideas he and lifelong defense of his beloved number of young Virginians going to deemed “heretical” led him to per- Virginia. The Academical Village, he Harvard, Yale, and Princeton for sonally select textbooks in the field told a friend, “will become the rally- their education. “How many of our of politics, and to make his own ing centre of the South and the youth [the north] now has,” he brand of “political correctness” the West.” Truly the “lengthened shadow lamented in 1821, “I know not; but standard for hiring faculty. “There is of the man,” the University—like a gentleman, lately from Princeton, one branch in which I think we are much of Jefferson’s legacy—is the told me he saw there the list of the the best judges,” he argued to expression both of an extraordinary students at that place, and more than Madison, “It is that of government. It political will and living monument half were Virginians. These will is our duty, to guard against the dis- to one of the consummate political return home, no doubt, deeply semination of such [Federalist] prin- strategists in American history. • PROFILE

CHARTER SPONSOR MEMBERS Dominion Resources, Inc./ Virginia Power Ken Stroupe ESG Companies Mr. Randolph G. Flood AT 33, KEN STROUPE has already experienced Mr. and Mrs. William H. Goodwin, Jr. more in the political arena than most people do in Mr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Gottwald an entire lifetime. Today, he is using his experience The Haney Company in politics and his lifelong interest in student Mr. and Mrs. James B. Murray, Jr. government to guide the statewide and The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation national kick-off of an exciting new program called the Youth Leadership Initiative. EXECUTIVE TRUST MEMBERS Since he was first elected as Bell Atlantic Corporation statewide President of the Virginia Capital One Student Council Association in high Patricia Cornwell school, Stroupe has always held a Mr. and Mrs. William H. Fishback, Jr. strong interest in the workings of politics Mr. and Mrs. John T. Hazel, Jr. and government. Over the years, that interest William A. Hazel, Jr. has served as the springboard for an impressive Markel Corporation career in state and national politics. Mobil Oil Corporation He began his career in politics as an assistant on Oracle Corporation Capitol Hill to then-Congressman George Allen. Mr. and Mrs. E. Claiborne Robins, Jr. Less than three months had passed in Washington Ralph Rocks when Congressman Allen asked Stroupe to serve as Waste Management, Inc his Press Secretary. Then in 1992 when George Allen announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for Governor of the Commonwealth of LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS Virginia, he asked Stroupe to leave Washington and America Online join him on his campaign. In November 1993, Bond Market Association George Allen was elected and at 25, Stroupe became CSX Corporation one of the youngest people ever appointed as Davenport & Company LLC Communications Director and Press Secretary for The Fund for American Studies the Governor of Virginia. GTE When George Allen’s term ended, Stroupe moved Lockheed Martin to Charlottesville and enrolled as a graduate student Mays & Valentine, L.L.P. at the University of Virginia where he is completing McGuire Woods Consulting a Masters Degree in American Government. In early Norfolk Southern Corporation 1999, Stroupe was encouraged to run for a seat in NVR, Inc. the Virginia House of Delegates from his home dis- 11 Pepsi trict in Page County, but chose instead to complete Phillip Morris his graduate studies and take on the role of Director R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company of the CGS Youth Leadership Initiative. Robert E. Pogue & Associates, Inc. “We’re very fortunate to have Ken leading the Sallie Mae development and implementation of the YLI. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert J. Sullivan Under his stewardship, the program has grown Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield faster than any of us ever imagined,” stated CGS winter UST Public Affairs Director Larry Sabato. “A statewide and national Value Options program with an ambitious agenda like that of the ı Virginia State AFL-CIO Youth Leadership Initiative required an enthusiastic spring UVA CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES SPONSORS CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL UVA Virginia Waste Industries Association person with tested leadership skills and an excellent WEST Group understanding of the political arena. In Ken Stroupe 2000 we found exactly that.” • American Democracy Conference 1999 Surveys Politics Past, Present, and Future

of the 2000 elections. With the help about media bias, reporter’s ethics, of some hard statistics from Rice and the impact of the Internet and University’s Dean Robert Stein, the “wallpaper coverage” of politics. panel showed that the outcomes of America’s Voice Producer Ann only a few races might make a large Klenk suggested that although jour- difference in the upcoming cycle. nalists seem to report anything and Cook predicted a one or two seat everything, they are filtering out THE CENTER’S AMERICAN loss for the Republicans, but the quite a bit of unsubstantiated rumor DEMOCRACY CONFERENCE NRCC’s John Hishta said he before press time. Even though all 1999 ended on December 6 with a “tend[s] to be a little more opti- admitted that the drive for sensa- few conclusions reached, some new mistic about the Republicans’ tionalism has had a negative effect questions raised, and one widely chances, provided we have a good on reporting, they also said that it is accepted sentiment best expressed nominee at the top of the ticket.” up to the reporter to uphold jour- by National Journal’s Charlie Cook: On the other side of the aisle, Jim nalistic integrity, and they oppose “This election really is just huge.” Jordan of the DSCC said, “we need any control over the media. Panelists cited many reasons to keep some luck—we need to win the Tammy Haddad, former producer an eye on this coming November, close ones,” including the “freak of Larry King Live, emphasized the saying that the outcome would show” that is the New York Senate internet’s contribution to reporting. decide much about our nation’s race. Hishta referred to the “If John McCain gives a speech for future. Clinton/Giuliani contest as a “psy- 10,000 people in New Hampshire chodrama” and a “national race in a and none of us (press) are there, “Congress on the Cusp” state,” and Jordan said, “no one does it count?” She went on to say Panelists in the first session, who votes in New York is going to that “wallpaper” coverage provided “Congress on the Cusp,” engaged in be either ignorant or agnostic in by services like MSNBC and The a thorough exploration of Hill hap- that race.” Hotline is important—that it gets a penings, including the ramifications According to Stein, party affilia- message out quickly and effectively. tion will not mean as much in the 2000 elections. “When I was born in Luncheon Speakers 1950, you could go to the bank on During their lunchtime keynote just knowing party ID and predict- speeches, Virginia Lt. Governor John “[The Senate Race in] in New ing the world,” he said. “Now, you Hager and former Colorado have to look at 4 or 5 other vari- Governor Roy Romer both stressed ables.” Stein also cited the expand- the importance of encouraging peo- 12 York is whatever you choose to ing Hispanic population as one of ple to become involved in govern- the main considerations every can- ment. Romer also brought up the didate will have to face in the near contentious issue of an internet tax, believe New York is—I mean, future. suggesting that keeping the internet tax-free would eventually hurt fund- it’s a freak show.” Babes on the Plane! ing for schools and the businesses The Washington Post’s political corre- on “main street.” spondent Ceci Connolly began the –Jim Jordan next panel, “The Road to Insiders Speak Out

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue on the Media The third panel of “insiders” includ- Bus,” saying that the “the boys on ed Senator Dole’s former press sec- spring

ı the bus” have now become “the retary, Nelson Warfield, the DCCC’s babes on the plane.” The panel con- John Del Cecato, Curt Anderson

winter tinued with a lively discussion from The Anderson Group, and political researcher Celinda Lake. Clinton presidency as eventful rather Their opinions on the apparent than event making, and engaged in White House favorites were varied a heated debate with Clift over the but strong, except when the conver- finer points of Clinton’s policies. In sation turned to the unpredictable a final word, Cannon called Clinton Reform Party. “I left my Ouija board “a great story—I wouldn’t have at home – I can’t figure out the missed it for the world.” Reform Party,” said Warfield. Alexander Advocates Political Reform Debating the Clinton Legacy At the final event of the Conference, Lamar Alexander, twice governor of Tennessee and twice a presidential The last panel, “The Clinton Lega- the Rotunda hosted panelists, hopeful, speaks at the ADC ’99 keynote cy,” was an obvious crowd favorite. guests, and former Tennessee on campaign reform. Moderator Doug Bailey, the founder Governor Lamar Alexander for an of Freedomchannel.com, asked the elegant Dome Room dinner. The audience and panelists to fill in the two-time presidential hopeful blank of the following statement: addressed the audience in the form “Today in 2050 a monument was of a Socratic dialogue with Sabato erected to President William Jeffer- and Bailey, and had two pieces of son Clinton, who….” Some, includ- advice for improving the electoral ing panelist Eleanor Clift, Con- process: first, remove all limits on tributing Editor to Newsweek, chose campaign contributions, and sec- to highlight Clinton’s economic ond, spread out the presidential pri- achievements. She described him as maries so more Americans have a the “Democrat who brought fiscal say in party nominations. Holding Fred Barnes makes his case for future interpretation of Bill Clinton’s legacy. discipline to the economy, and up a recent newspaper article that changed the tone of the country on pictured the four “favorites,” some important issues” like guns, Alexander said, “What’s wrong with tobacco, health care reform, and this picture? No one’s voted yet… trade. National Journal’s White The media picks a winner, the House correspondent Carl Cannon fundraisers place their bets, and the said that years from now historians $1000 limit runs everyone else out will not only take into account the of the race… no one else can raise domestic issues, but will also look money at a $1000 limit.” at Clinton’s foreign policy successes. The evening concluded with He pointed out Clinton’s contribu- questions from the audience and a tion to the progress in Northern Ire- strong round of applause for all par- Eleanor Clift gives her opinion land, the incursion into Kosovo, the ticipants in the event. CGS Program on the effectiveness of Clinton’s expansion of NATO, and also the Director Alex Theodoridis said, legislation and policies. failures of Somalia and Rwanda. “This conference has been a great 13 Cannon concluded, however, saying, success for the Center and a big day “to have a president that doesn’t tell for the University—to have so many the truth—I think historians will respected political minds in one conclude that that had a corrosive place and engaging in the sort of effect.” discussion we had today is always a Many in the audience sided with valuable experience, but particularly Fred Barnes, Editor of The Weekly important today because of the winter Standard, in his analysis of Clinton’s weight of the upcoming elections.” Legacy. “Fifty years from now you’ll Coverage of the conference aired ı be able to sum up the Clinton live on C-SPAN, and repeatedly over spring CNN’s Bob Franken answers a question Presidency in one word—and that the following weeks on both C-

from the audience during “Congress on 2000 word is obviously impeached,” said SPAN and local public-access televi- the Cusp: The Battle for 2000.” Barnes. He also described the sion. • continued from page 3 STAFF in Virginia’s history to be “elected” In total, students cast online bal- using the Internet) introduced legis- lots in 57 state and local races or Larry J. Sabato lation in the Virginia General referenda during the 1999 YLI Mock DIRECTOR Assembly to study the viability of Election. Interestingly, the results of Alex Theodoridis Internet voting in a general election. the mock election correlated with PROGRAM DIRECTOR Regardless of the outcome of the the actual general election results in Howard Ernst legislation, the students of YLI had more than 90% of the races, with VISITING SCHOLAR made their mark by demonstrating some schools matching—exactly— Brett Ferrell the potential of this new technology the general election results in their UNDERGRADUATE STAFF for the electoral process. Through local community. Mike Greenwald the YLI debates and the online stu- Students will repeat the process UNDERGRADUATE STAFF dent elections, the citizenship edu- in February 2000 as they, and thou- Bruce Larsen cation program had achieved its sands more of their closest friends, VISITING SCHOLAR goal—at least in the short-term—of participate in the largest online Melissa Northern getting young people interested and Presidential Primary in the nation’s EVENT COORDINATOR AND involved in the American political history. And for our friends in the INTERN COORDINATOR system. Democratic Party, the Youth Danelia Robinson “When young people see that Leadership Initiative is already BOOKKEEPER they have a stake in the outcome of working on plans to facilitate a James Sofka an election, when they see that their mock Presidential caucus in April. HEAD SCHOLAR opinion matters, they will partici- “From our first training session to Ken Stroupe pate,” said Stroupe. “But the mes- their attendance at this year’s State YOUTH LEADERSHIP sage of the Youth Leadership of the Union Address, it’s been a INITIATIVE COORDINATOR Initiative is that our responsibilities great year for the Youth Leadership Matthew Wikswo as citizens do not start or end at the Initiative.” stated Sabato. “Virginia’s SENIOR WRITER/ ballot box. What sets the Youth young people have already made RESEARCHER AND LECTURE COORDINATOR Leadership Initiative apart from a history and the program is just get- student mock voting program is its ting started!” Interns, Spring Semester 2000 ongoing effort to show how our “We’ll do this every year from Josh Abrons roles as citizens span the entire now on!” said Dr. Irving Jones, prin- Margaret Ashby democratic process—not just the act cipal of Albemarle County’s Allison Barrett of voting.” Monticello High School. • Corey Benjamin Iain Bolton Laura Burkholder Jonathon Carr Malika Good Courtney Hagen Emily Harding Tina Hong 14 Melissa Huhn Louisa Jilcott Tim Johnson Jay Lazus Naureen Malik Colleen Maloney Anne Martin Eric McDermott Tom McKee Andy Oldham Dan Payne 2000 Michelle Perrin Tipper Gore speaks on the importance of political Andrew Rogers

spring Josh Scott

ı participation with CGS interns and UVa student leaders on September 29, 1999. Chris Smith Chris Thomas

winter Shulamit Warren Center, Cuomo, MBA Explore Politics of Homeownership

AT THE CGS NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP connected the missions of the MBA and SUMMIT, Andrew Cuomo, Secretary of the U.S. the Center and made the conference a Department of Housing and Human Development, success for both groups. Center Director seized the opportunity to introduce a new computer Larry J. Sabato said “the critical issue of “a glass box, exposed program that will greatly ease the application process for homeownership [is] a matter that should a government home loan. During his closing remarks on be fully discussed in the 2000 elections.” Friday, November 12, Cuomo described the benefits of Along with Secretary Cuomo, 5th to the light of day the new program, saying that it will give homeowners a District Representative Virgil H. Goode detailed explanation of their chances of securing a loan. discussed the Piedmont Housing and public scrutiny.” Cuomo called the program “a glass box, exposed to the Alliance, and New York Congressman light of day and public scrutiny,” as opposed to the Rick Lazio, Chairman of the House “black box” blind system formerly in use. Banking Subcommittee on Housing and –Andrew Cuomo, The two-day Homeownership Summit was co-spon- Community Opportunity, gave Thursday sored by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, night’s dinner keynote. on the government’s and was sub-titled “Developing a Public/Private Agenda In connection with the Summit, CGS to Increase Homeownership.” Christopher J. Sumner, Visiting Scholar Howard Ernst prepared MBA President and President/CEO of CrossLand an extensive statistical analysis of poll new home loan Mortgage Corp. said, “The overall vision of the Summit results exploring the relationship is to engage national leaders in a dialogue that seeks between home ownership and political approval program common ground on actions to responsibly increase behavior. The analysis is available for homeownership in America.” The politically high-pro- download from the Center website at file issue of homeownership and its potential impact on www.virginia.edu/govstudies/publica- both local and national governments’ economic polices tions. •

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

The Housing Gap: A Political Analysis of American Voters by Housing Tenure The Center is pleased to announce the web-publication of The Housing Gap: A Political Analysis of American Voters by Housing Tenure, Professor Howard Ernst’s assessment of the relationship between homeownership and political atti- tudes in the U.S. The study analyses the results of a national survey of 1,000 likely voters conducted between March 23-24, 1999. It contains extensive tables, graphics and figures, as well as written commentary, exploring the promi- nent and unique role that homeowners play in contemporary American politics. The Housing Gap is published by the Center for Governmental Studies, and is available for download in both MS-Word and Adobe Acrobat formats from www.virginia.edu/govstudies/publications.htm 15 Virginia Votes 1995-1998 The Center is pleased to announce the recent release of the latest installment of Virginia Votes, Professor Larry J. Sabato’s regular series of exhaustive analyses of the voting preferences, out- comes, and implications of both Virginia elections and Virginian voting in national elections. The present volume, the eighth in the series, covers the election years from 1995 to 1998, including the Gilmore gubernatorial victory in 1997, when Republicans swept all three winter statewide offices. Virginia Votes contains extensive statistical tables, graphics and figures, and written commentary, and will be a valuable resource to anyone concerned with current ı Virginia elections and politics. The series is published by the Weldon Cooper Center for spring Public Service at the University of Virginia; to order copies of Virginia Votes 1995-1998, con- tact the Cooper Center at (804) 982-5522. 2000 Calendar Upcoming Events on the CGS Calendar These late-breaking or future events appear in YLI Mock Election Livingston, Jean Elshtain, Don Regan, February 28 Paul Taylor, Charles Krauthammer have chronological order and will be covered in the This Internet election will be the largest already agreed to appear and speak on panel topics such as “Morality and next edition of the CGS Newsletter. Please online mock presidential primary in the nation, with students in every region of Ethics: The Struggle to Define America’s contact the Center or check the Center the Commonwealth casting votes using Values,” “Media Influences: What’s Public, state-of-the-art cyber-ballots. What’s Private?,” and “The Public Figure’s website (www.virginia.edu/govstudies) for Point of View: Life Under The Magnifying Glass.” more information. Peepshow: Media and Politics in an Age of Scandal, by Larry J. Sabato, Mark Stencel, and S. Robert Lichter Initiative Conference Barbara Bush appearance for YLI April 1 June 8 & 9 February 9 As the line dividing public life and pri- The Center will host a two-day national A YLI Community Forum will feature vate behavior in conference bringing together scholars, former First Lady Barbara Bush and stu- American politics politicians, and media experts to dis- dents from YLI 2000 in a discussion of becomes more cuss the growing use of initiative the importance of youth participation blurred than ever, politics at the state level. Several in the American electoral process. Peepshow looks conference participants will con- behind the scenes tribute scholarly essays and Richmond Benefit Dinner at news coverage of responses to a volume co-edited by February 24 political scandals, CGS Director Larry Sabato and Continuing the tradition begun by the analyzing what gets CGS Visiting Scholars Bruce 1998 benefit roast of Larry Sabato, the reported, what does- Larson and Howard Ernst. Center’s second Richmond n’t, and why. With fundraiser will feature an historical case studies YLI Summer Camp and Teacher evening of bipartisan revelry. and prescriptions for Workshop The event will honor James reform, Peepshow offers July 12-16 Gilmore and feature the an alternative to the prurient side of The first annual YLI Summer Camp complete slate of potential election coverage, helping newsroom and Teacher Workshop will bring candidates for the 2000 decision-makers and campaign man- together students and teachers from Virginia governor’s race. agers see through the inevitable scan- across the Commonwealth for the The event will also serve as dals of election year 2000 and gain official launch of the statewide imple- the premiere of the new YLI insight into presenting a politics of mentation of the YLI. video, “Imagine A Nation’s public trust. Future.” John Dalton Governors Conference The First Annual National Symposium: The July 20 & 21 YLI Legislative Day Role of Character in Public Life Third in the well-attended series of February 24 April 3 & 4 annual CGS Governors Conferences, Students will visit the state capitol in The first installment of our annual this conference will examine the Richmond, where they will meet their National Symposium Series, the 2000 political legacy of Governor John local legislators and other prominent “Character Conference” will be the Dalton, governor of Virginia from members of the Virginia General Center’s biggest public event to date. 1978 to 1982. Assembly. Bill Bennett, Paul Wellstone, Bob

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