Deeds, McDonnell split on health care in final debate

SALEM -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell said tonight that Virginia should not participate in a federal health-care program that contains a public option.

Democrat R. Creigh Deeds said he has reservations about such an approach, but would consider it because it might save money for the state.

"I'm not convinced that the public option is the only way we can reduce costs," Deeds told reporters after the debate. "It may be one way, but it may not be the best way."

In the fourth and final debate of the campaign for governor, two weeks before the Nov. 3 election, the two rivals broke little new ground, generally sticking to the themes that have dominated their campaigns.

The debate came amid a flurry of political polls showing McDonnell with a clear lead.

Congress is considering several health-care proposals, some that would include a public option meant to allow the government to compete with private insurers and push down costs.

Some Senate Democrats reportedly are considering a proposal that would include a public option, but give states the right to opt out, which means the next governor might have to act.

The debate was held before an invitation-only crowd of about 400 people on the campus of Roanoke College.

In his closing remarks, Deeds, a state senator from Bath County, said "I'll make Virginia the best place for jobs, the best state for education and the best state for you."

McDonnell, a former attorney general and former state delegate, said he would promote jobs by fighting against tax increases and more government regulation.

Both men said they would promote efficiencies, but neither would name a single program they would eliminate.

Deeds said McDonnell, as a member of the House of Delegates, did not introduce a single bill to create jobs. He said McDonnell, a social conservative who in 1989 wrote a graduate school thesis suggesting that working women are detrimental to the family, has been more interested in promoting a social agenda.

Deeds said his campaign has emphasized the thesis because it shows where McDonnell is coming from.

McDonnell said "values matter" but that he would not push a social agenda. McDonnell said he would promote adoptions and work to keep families involved in raising children. But he said he would not seek to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

As for creating jobs, McDonnell said he sponsored legislation to kill the estate tax. He said the savings indirectly could lead to more jobs. Deeds voted against killing the estate tax, McDonnell noted.

Deeds said he introduced the bill to create the Governor's Opportunity Fund, which allows a governor to offer incentives to attract industry. McDonnell voted against the bill, he said. McDonnell said he has had a change of mind because Virginia is losing out to other states. When he voted against the bills, times were better, he said.

The candidates also clashed over transportation, an issue both agreed is the most important facing the state. As in past debates, McDonnell held up a blank sheet of paper to signify his view that Deeds has no plan.

Deeds has said that he will convene a commission to study the issue. He has said he is willing to sign off on a tax increase for transportation as long as it arises from a bipartisan consensus.

McDonnell, who opposes new taxes, says he has a 12-point plan that includes privatizing ABC stores, creating public-private partnerships and issuing bonds.

Deeds said all of McDonnell's proposals have been rejected in the past. So has raising taxes, McDonnell said.

Deeds said he will not support federal "cap and trade" legislation meant to fight global warming by cutting carbon emissions. In TV commercials McDonnell has accused Deeds of backing the legislation.

Asked about the governors they would most like to emulate, Deeds named Democrats Gerald L. Baliles, L. Douglas Wilder, Mark R. Warner and Timothy M. Kaine. McDonnell named Wilder and Republican George Allen.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.