Republican Bob McDonnell said Virginia shouldn’t participate in a federal health-care program that contains a “public option.“ Democrat R. Creigh Deeds said it might save money for the state.

The two candidates for governor clashed over transportation funding yesterday in the first debate of the general-election campaign. Democrat R. Creigh Deeds said Republican Bob McDonnell’s transportation plan, announced this week, would take $5.4 billion out of education funding over the next 10 years. McDonnell said Deeds has no transportation plan.

The first debate of the gubernatorial campaign season will be held today before the Virginia Bar Association at The Homestead resort in Democrat R. Creigh Deeds’ home territory. Deeds lives across the mountain in Millboro. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Deeds said he did not expect to have home-field advantage, but he does welcome the chance to sleep in his own bed.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia and AARP Virginia have agreed to be hosts for a debate between the candidates for governor on Oct. 12. WTVR-Channel 6 and WCVE have agreed to telecast the debate, and veteran political reporter Judy Woodruff of PBS, senior correspondent with the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, will be moderator.

Virginia’s private colleges will hold “WRAP Sessions” Jan. 24 to let prospective students know that even during a recession the schools can be an affordable option. The sessions will be held at 10 a.m. at 25 colleges, including the University of Richmond, Virginia Union University and Randolph-Macon College. Sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, the sessions are designed to let students know they don’t necessarily have to pay the school’s sticker price. Funding such as the state’s $3,200 Tuition Assistance Grant also lowers the costs.