Why it's good to have a Democractic governor -- even if you live in backward-ass Virginia.

washingtonpost.com: Warner Vetoes Repeal of Estate Tax Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner today vetoed a proposed estate tax repeal that General Assembly Republicans championed this legislative election year despite Virginia's persistent state budget crisis.

Warner also vetoed a bill authorizing the state to issue a "Choose Life" license plate, which abortion opponents had won over the protests of abortion rights advocates and others who complained about the message. In addition, Warner returned measures on certain late-term abortions and parental consent for minors' abortions to the legislature with proposed amendments.

On a marathon day of executive action on bills passed during the assembly's winter session, Warner condemned the proposed estate tax cut as "irresponsible" during a fiscal crisis that he said may warrant the attention of a special budget-cutting legislative session this fall, just days before the Nov. 4 elections for all 140 assembly seats.

"We're still in the crunch," Warner said, alluding to weak tax collections and escalating state costs associated with terrorism preparedness.