In the News: The Winchester Star on Bob McDonnell’s Debate Invitation

This Sunday, The Winchester Star joined other Virginia newspapers in calling for an expanded series of debates in this year’s gubernatorial campaign.  The paper noted, "So we, like a few other newspapers across Virginia, say, ‘The more debates the better.’ Give more Virginians a chance to see how these two men weigh in on the day’s important issues."

The full editorial is available at this link, or below. 

 

EDITORIAL

McDonnell-Deeds

Say ‘yes’ to more debates

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Virginia’s two gubernatorial candidates - Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds - are currently dickering over the number of debates in which they will participate. For the record, Mr. McDonnell has suggested as many as 10. Mr. Deeds seems to be thinking more along the lines of the traditional three.

To be sure, these rhetorical confrontations, in times more tranquil and serene, can be tediously repetitive and, therefore, tiresome. But not this year.

Given the state’s - and nation’s - fiscal and economic woes, not to mention Virginia’s ever-evolving (or so it seems) political demographics, a case can be made for at least a few more debates than usual.

To be considered as well is the Old Dominion’s place on the political calendar. We choose our governor the year following a presidential race. Thus, if anything resembling a "realigning election" takes place, Virginia (and New Jersey, too) has first crack at assessing the affects of that change. This is definitely one of those years.

In this sense, Virginia is a microcosm. What affects America affects Virginia, and vice versa. Thus, we’ll want to hear what our gubernatorial hopefuls say about health care, cap-and-trade, card-check, and so on. And, likewise, on matters of state import, such as whether our next chief executive should consider himself a "jobs governor" or a "transportation governor."

So we, like a few other newspapers across Virginia, say, "The more debates the better." Give more Virginians a chance to see how these two men weigh in on the day’s important issues.

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