Virginia Is Still for Lovers

It was a family affair at the state Capitol this afternoon.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and his father-in-law, former governor Linwood Holton, kicked off the 40th anniversary of the state's well-known slogan Virginia is for Lovers to a standing-room only crowd in the ornate Jefferson Room. Supporters wore flashing red heart buttons.

Holton was governor as the state began using the catchy, but then-controversial, slogan to attract more young tourists to Virginia. He quickly became its chief promoter, handing out Virginia is for Lovers buttons.

"I wasn't quite sure what the reaction was going to be when I first saw that slogan,'' Holton said.

Kaine and Holton lavished praise on each other, told some humorous stories and even accused New York of copying Virginia with its "I love New York" slogan.

Both men joked they would be back at the Capitol in another 20 years to celebrate the 60th anniversary.

"It's been magnificent to see that it continues,'' Holton said.