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Virginia Capitol C onnections, Spring 2016 9
David Toscano. “I watched her career unfold, from her days on
the Charlottesville School Board to her campaign for Senate to her
consideration of a bid for statewide office. She was never without
her characteristic smile and had a very positive approach to getting
things done. She was an effective legislator…”
What Would Have Happened?
When Couric passed, Tim Kaine was known locally. He was the
mayor of the City of Richmond. He was also a Democrat, with a
family that was very tuned in to the political world. His wife, Anne
Holton, was Governor Linwood Holton’s daughter.
So it was no longer going to be “Couric for Lieutenant Governor,”
and that may be why Kaine decided to run for lieutenant governor,
which he won, and then succeeded in becoming Virginia’s governor,
going on to the U.S. Senate.
“I have no doubt that Emily would have been elected Governor
of Virginia,” said Tim Kaine. “She would have served with an upbeat
and engaged spirit and energized Virginians in a unique way. And
by breaking the glass ceiling for a woman to serve as governor, she
would have inspired countless women in Virginia and elsewhere
to seek elected office. Not since the death of J. Sargeant Reynolds
has the passing of a young leader so affected the history of our
Commonwealth.”
Couric’s Legacy
Couric leaves both concrete and ideological legacies. She
is commemorated by the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center
in Charlottesville. The Center offers a full range of state-of-the-
art cancer treatments. She is also honored by The Emily Couric
Leadership Forum, which encourages all women to adopt an active
role in government, public issues, and policy debates affecting their
communities, and to inspire young women to pursue activities which
will enable them to become effective leaders.
We missed Emily at our 40th and 50th high school reunions. We
danced and laughed the night away, but she, and all our other lost
classmates, were never out of our minds. It is almost 15 years since
her death and in that time, Virginia has seen alleged corruption, party
wars, and some would say arrogant posturing by politicians of all
stripes. Would it be that way if we still had Emily Couric?
“She was serious and down to earth,” said former Delegate
Barnie Day. “a principled advocate for her constituents, certainly,
but she had that sheer exuberance and joy of living that made her
irrepressible. What would the Commonwealth be like today, had she
lived? I don’t know, but just thinking about it makes me smile.”
Bonnie Atwood, a freelance writer with Tall Poppies Freelance
Writing LLC, is the winner of 30 national and state writing awards,
and represents legislative clients with David Bailey Associates. She
can be reached at All rights reserved by
Bonnie Atwood.
Emily Couric from page 7
(87 percent) and those who live in the Western (81 percent) and
Northern (87 percent) regions of the state were most supportive.
“Police legitimacy and public support are extremely important
to maintain order and safety in our communities,” McDougle said.
“Consequently, public perceptions of police have implications
for effective policing. Virginians’ perceptions of police are very
favorable, which is impressive considering many states are facing
citizen outrage toward law enforcement.”
The poll also showed significant citizen confidence (85 percent)
in the ability of public safety agencies to prepare for and respond to
a crisis and natural disasters across the state. Virginia has weathered
many storms, tornadoes and hurricanes—most recentlyWinter Storm
Jonas—and respondents across all regions were very supportive of
public safety agencies’ ability to respond effectively.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
People with outstanding restraining orders should be allowed to have rearms
Strongly
Disagree
Somewhat
Disagree
Somewhat
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Perceptions of Law Enforcement Agencies
Police treat people fairly
Satis ed with police problem solving
78 19 3
84 15 2
Agree Disagree DK/Refused
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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