Deeds, McDonnell discuss energy, roads

LYNCHBURG -- Gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, in their first back-to-back appearances on the same stage, told Boys State attendees in Lynchburg yesterday that they could improve transportation in Virginia without raising taxes.

Deeds, a Democrat, said he would seek to pay for better roads by promoting business growth that would increase state revenues, but ultimately that growth depends on better roads.

"I have no plan to raise taxes," Deeds said twice.

McDonnell, a Republican, said he'd try to finance roads by "cutting spending on things that are not a priority."

Both candidates, who have served as prosecutors in criminal courts, drew applause when they told the 800 high school students that they support the death penalty for certain crimes.

Deeds, a state senator from Bath County, said "when a person commits a crime that sets him apart from society, you forfeit your life." But people shouldn't be "gleeful" about the penalty's use, Deeds said.

McDonnell, a former state attorney general, said, "I support the death penalty" for crimes that are premeditated and heinous, although "it is the ultimate penalty."

Deeds, responding to a student's question about his qualifications, said he has 22 years in elected office, 18 of them in the General Assembly.

"At the end of the day, the questions can't be about left or right, and you have to be right for every part of the commonwealth," Deeds said.

"I've got what it takes," he said, to applause.

After his speech, Deeds said crowds on the campaign trail have responded most strongly to messages about strengthening the state's economy. "People want to have hope, and that when things improve it will include them," Deeds said.

McDonnell gathered his share of applause as well, starting with his idea to make Virginia the energy capital of the East Coast, starting with offshore drilling in 2011.

He also said Southwest Virginia coal deposits, the state's nuclear-energy companies, and the spaceport on Wallops Island are other key parts of the state's energy potential. Deeds mentioned green energy as a potential new fuel source.

Both candidates told the young audience that they plan to curb college tuition costs by using more state funds to operate universities.

"I have a four-year plan to stabilize tuition costs," said Deeds, adding that tuition for Virginia students has risen 78 percent in eight years. Those plans include "putting a big chunk of money into needs-based financial aid."

McDonnell, also noting that Virginia has lowered the share of tuition costs it covers with state funds, said he has a goal to award 120,000 more degrees in the next 15 years than state education officials now expect.

McDonnell didn't say how he'd find more tuition funds in the state budget.

Ray Reed writes for The News and Advance in Lynchburg.