PBS, the AARP (represented by Bill Kallio) and the League of Women Voters (represented by Oldga Hernandez) sponsored a debate between gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R) in Richmond, VA tonight (Oct. 12, 8 PM). Here is the LWV press release for the debate.
The candidates were asked about gender equality on their staffs if elected.
Creigh Deeds indicated that 50% of his staff would be female, and Bob McDonnell said that he was raising three daughters to become professional women and would always support equal pay for all. McDonnell has to react to reports about his comments in a paper twenty years ago
Virginia’s Medicaid is one of the leanest in terms of eligibility levels. Virginia is sixth in income and 48th in Medicaid per capita expenditures. The candidates were asked about Medicaid funding levels. Deed is concerned about the funding level.
McDonnell argued for campaign finance reform and for right to work laws.
Bill Kallio said that 14% of Virginia’s population is over 65, and that will be 20% in 2020. McDonnell proposed doubling the tax credit for long term care insurance and strengthening the penalties for financial fraud or commingling or over abuse of seniors. There was no mention of filial responsibility laws.
McDonnell did support off-shore drilling in the Atlantic off Virginia Beach, but also tax credits for green energies.
McDonnell said that he does not discriminate against gays and lesbians in hiring, but he said that an executive order regarding discrimination was not constitutionally appropriate and violated separation of powers.
One of the last questions concerned bringing high-tech jobs to parts of Virginia other than the DC suburbs.
The McDonnell campaign has aired a political ad in which Creigh Deeds was caught "red-handed" threatening to raise taxes in a careless interview answer.
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