After VCU debate, voters pick attorney general
The candidates for attorney general have been campaigning for months. But Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, and Delegate Robert McDonnell, R-Virginia Beach, debated just once: at VCU in September.
The debate, sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, was the only face-to-face duel between the two candidates.
Creigh Deeds
Sexual predators: “Keeping our children safe is one of the most important responsibilities of government. … I have the experience and the vision to keep our families safe from violent sexual predators as Virginia’s next attorney general.”
Identity theft: “Identity theft harms both Virginia’s consumers and businesses, and as attorney general I will work with Virginia’s business leaders to prevent identity theft and educate consumers on how to protect themselves. Identity theft is a serious crime, and identity thieves deserve serious time, not just low-level felony convictions. I will make sure the more you steal, the more time you serve.”
Gang violence: “Gang violence is invading all parts of Virginia. Illegal immigrants continue to fill the ranks of gang members, and our children are turning away from families to gangs for support structures. … We have to send a strong signal …that (gang activity) is behavior we’re not going to tolerate.”
Bob McDonnell
Drugs: “As attorney general, I will be a drug dealer’s worst nightmare. When I’m attorney general, I will fight to create a climate in which Virginia will not be open for business for drug dealers.”
Sexual predators: “A major step toward ensuring that Virginia’s children grow up safe and secure is to put convicted sexual predators behind bars for a very long time the first time they offend. These criminals cannot be rehabilitated, and are likely to commit new crimes. We must act now in Virginia to reform our laws to reflect this known danger to our children.”
Identity theft: “The identity theft epidemic is one of today’s top law enforcement challenges. It is a scourge that victimizes young children, young and middle-aged adults and the elderly alike. I will continue to take the lead in cracking down on criminals who threaten Virginians and prey on vulnerable citizens.”
The candidates for attorney general have been campaigning for months. But Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, and Delegate Robert McDonnell, R-Virginia Beach, debated just once: at VCU in September.
The debate, sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, was the only face-to-face duel between the two candidates. It gave Deeds and McDonnell a chance to discuss such issues as tort reform, illegal immigration and Virginia’s right-to-work law.
McDonnell touted his support of medical malpractice reform and his efforts to upgrade technology that would be beneficial during a terrorist attack or natural disaster.
He said he was a “friend to Virginia businesses” and advocated cracking down on illegal immigration.
“In Virginia, we should not afford the right of citizenship to people who are here illegally,” McDonnell said. “It takes away from the people who come here through a legal process.”
Deeds said he wrote Virginia’s version of Megan’s Law, requiring sex offenders to register with police after being released from prison. He also sponsored the bill creating an Amber Alert system in Virginia, a subject on the minds of many people since the disappearance and death of VCU student Taylor Behl.
“I don’t know why it took two weeks to get the alert issued,” Deeds said. “It should have been issued earlier. I have kids of my own.”
He said he was part of the “solution to Virginia’s economic woes” by supporting Gov. Mark Warner’s plan in 2004 to balance the state budget by raising taxes. McDonnell opposed the tax and budget legislation.
“We passed historic budget reform,” Deeds said of the $1.4 billion tax package. “When the going got tough, they (McDonnell and other Republicans) quit. He’s had his chance and he chose not to lead.”
McDonnell said Deeds has “sided with criminals” because he wanted a “moratorium on the death penalty.” He also said Deeds would be a “litigation-happy AG.”
The candidates agreed on one thing: that the biggest issue facing Virginia is transportation.
“All areas of the state are affected by poor road conditions and congestion problems,” Deeds said.
McDonnell said, “Being from Virginia Beach, I know easing traffic problems is a priority.”
The candidates are looking to succeed Judith Williams Jagdmann, who became attorney general after Jerry Kilgore stepped down to run for governor.
