Where the Democrats stand on the issues
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MORE: • Democrats hustling to get out the vote • Where the Democrats stand on the issues • Democratic Primary Voter Guide |
On Tuesday, Democrats will pick their nominee for governor, ending a primary campaign distinctive, in part, for the candidates' few clear distinctions on issues.
State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe of McLean and former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria offer variations on a theme in their plans to boost the economy and education.
All three say Virginia should have accepted $125 million in federal stimulus money to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits.
But differences emerge on a few other issues, such as a proposed coal-fired power plant in Surry County, drilling for oil and gas off Virginia's coast, and whether people with concealed-weapons permits should be allowed to bring guns into bars and restaurants.
COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT IN SURRY COUNTY
DEEDS
Says he wants to learn more during the permitting process. Says domestic energy needs are too great to write off coal and has called for research on clean coal.
McAULIFFE
Wants to see environmental reports on the proposed plant before making up his mind.
MORAN
Opposes what he calls "a new coal megaplant in Surry County."
OFFSHORE DRILLING
DEEDS
Says he is "open to" offshore drilling for natural gas as long as it does not harm the environment, tourism or fishing industries or affect military operations, and if Virginia could share in the royalties.
McAULIFFE
Backs exploratory drilling for natural gas at least 50 miles off the Virginia coast.
MORAN
Opposes drilling off Virginia's coast for either oil or natural gas.
EDUCATION
DEEDS
Offers a plan to produce 70,000 college degrees over the next 10 years in twoand four-year programs; backs a long-term commitment to prekindergarten education; has written legislation requiring that Virginia teachers' salaries meet the national average.
McAULIFFE
Backs expansion of pre-K; says Virginia must pay teachers at least the national average; says Virginia should consider assisting teachers with their mortgages and car loans; says any student who wants to go to college should have that opportunity; says the state should help colleges capitalize on research.
MORAN
Says he would invest in expanding pre-K, improve technology in K-12 classrooms, focus on improving graduation rates and fight to raise teachers' salaries to the national average. Says he would invest in expansion of community colleges; increase access to, and affordability of, four-year colleges and universities; get rid of unnecessary regulations; and provide incentives for private companies to invest in university research.
ECONOMY
DEEDS
Says Virginia must invest in "a statewide system of transportation to unblock the avenues of commerce and get Virginia's economy moving again." Says he will offer an innovative, long-term, statewide transportation plan.
McAULIFFE
Offers a business plan that focuses on green jobs, expanding the economy, making health care more accessible, investing in education and modernizing the state's transportation infrastructure. Says he wants to make Virginia the film capital of the world. Says he would not raise taxes in a down economy but that the state must "have an honest discussion regarding revenue once the economy recovers."
MORAN
Says Virginia needs to rebuild the economy "from the bottom up, not the top down." Proposes a job-creation tax credit for small businesses. Says he would create thousands of green jobs by investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
DEEDS
Opposes Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions but says he would not focus on repealing it if elected governor.
McAULIFFE
Opposes Virginia's ban but says it would be hard to overturn.
MORAN
Opposes Virginia's ban and would work to repeal it. "Treating our gay and lesbian Virginians equally is important to me," he says.
GUNS
DEEDS
Voted to override Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's veto of a bill to let people with concealed-weapons permits carry concealed weapons into bars and restaurants.
McAULIFFE
Backed Kaine's veto of the bill.
MORAN
Backed Kaine's veto of the bill.
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Reader Reactions
Please read “(oneuser) on June 07”
Sadly, the use of the term “afraid” does not reflect realities of the candidates. It DOES reflect that the writer may be one of the “politics of fear” people who continually promote a narrow social agenda while often ignoring much larger issues, such as those that the RTD outlines.
Well-rounded, realistic Virginians would do well to think beyond narrow and often warped perceptions of “illegals”.
Instead, we need leaders who (1) have solutions for the economy, (2) understand that “guns-n-drunks” are bad news, and (3) offer knowledge and impetus for green jobs and alternatives to coal (i.e., like to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and support the positive values of clean oceans).
If those who have no concern for these basic issues do not vote—good for us all!
The major issue is not listed here. What does the next governor plan to do about illegal aliens in Virginia? Are they afraid to talk about it? I would be afraid to vote for a governor who is silent on this major issue.
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