Post Your Debate Questions for Gubernatorial Candidates Here!

On payday lending... (4.00 / 1)

How we treat people when they are down tells us a lot about who we are.  Mr. McAuliffe has stated he opposes pay day lending.I'd like to ask him if he's willing to commit to seeing an end to pay day lending through.  And I'd like to know if the other two candidates would similarly oppose pay day lending and work to repeal it.

"One person, one vote" died at the hands of SCOTUS, January 21, 2010

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by: KathyinBlacksburg @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 18:58:48 PM CDT

My hometown is in my alias (Blacksburg, VA) n/t (0.00 / 0)

"One person, one vote" died at the hands of SCOTUS, January 21, 2010

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by: KathyinBlacksburg @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 14:31:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Va.'s colleges (0.00 / 0)

CNU has a 4 year grad rate of 12%, ODU 17%, VCU 19%, GMU 28%, what will you do to improve the performance of these and other state universities?  

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by: martinlomasney @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 21:00:26 PM CDT

Allow more VA Residence into VA University Systems (0.00 / 0)

Please explain how you will institute policies where Virginia residence students have priority over out of state student (and do not explain the tuition variance).  These are Virginia higher education institutions and they should be filled with at least 75% Virginia residence.

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by: totallynext @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 21:17:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

oops - hometown Alexandria, VA (0.00 / 0)

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by: totallynext @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 21:18:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

NoVa Roads (0.00 / 0)

Northern Virginian has the 2nd worst traffic congestion in the country. What roads and/or bridges would you construct to improve mobility in Northern Virginia?

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by: martinlomasney @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 21:05:07 PM CDT

And... (0.00 / 1)

...will you support expanding public transit infrastructure, including Metro and commuter rail?

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by: Drew J Jones @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 08:20:53 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

And... (4.00 / 1)

Do you support HOT Lanes which really just transfers the pains of congestion on to those who can afford it the least, while giving our public assets to the private sector to profit from?

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by: IsaacSmith @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 14:58:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

excellant question (0.00 / 0)

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by: martinlomasney @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 08:36:53 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

From Alexandria (0.00 / 0)

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by: IsaacSmith @ Tue Apr 28, 2009 at 10:06:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

ask your own question and don't piggy back mine (0.00 / 0)

I prefer not to be associate with rail lobbying.

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by: martinlomasney @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 08:35:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

We need to take back the House of Delegates (0.00 / 0)

to have any real shot at moving forward an agenda in 2010. Recruitment of Democratic candidates in competitive races this year hasn't been great. How will you deal with 2 more years of Bill Howell & co. putting a roadblock on changes we need here in the commonwealth?

Fred2Blue

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by: Chris Guy @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 21:18:08 PM CDT

Fredericksburg, VA (0.00 / 0)

Fred2Blue

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by: Chris Guy @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 23:48:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Cojones (0.00 / 0)

There are a few lobbying powerhouses in Virginia that pretty much run the state -- including Dominion, Phillip Morris and the NRA.  

If you were elected governor, how would you deal with these organizations and under what circumstances and in what ways would you stand up to them and just say no?

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by: kindler @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 21:30:52 PM CDT

FYI, I live in Falls Church, VA (0.00 / 0)

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by: kindler @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 14:43:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Virginia's "right to work" law (4.00 / 2)

means that Virginia workers have little protection from "at-will" termination, meaning that Virginians are at the mercy of employers who can fire them on short notice and with little recourse for unfair termination.  What would you do to expand the rights of workers in Virginia?

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by: Catzmaw @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 21:45:46 PM CDT

Thanks to Matt (0.00 / 0)

who pointed out that I garbled this question a little bit, mixing and matching right to work with at-will employment.  They are indeed not the same thing.  Therefore, with a choice between the two, I'd like to know what the new governor would do about Virginia's execrable misnomer called the "right-to-work" law.  

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by: Catzmaw @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 15:48:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Arlington, VA n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: Catzmaw @ Tue Apr 28, 2009 at 06:53:33 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Law Enforcement Officers Procedural Guarantee Act (0.00 / 0)

Deputy Sheriff's throughout the Commonwealth have been excluded from coverage under the Law Enforcement Officer Procedural Guarantee Act in recent years and many are considered "at-will" employees where they can be fired without cause.  Do you support deputy sheriff's having the same procedural rights as any other law enforcement officer covered under this act.  This is a yes or no question.

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by: DanielK @ Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 22:06:13 PM CDT

Herndon, VA (0.00 / 0)

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by: DanielK @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 21:43:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Health care (0.00 / 0)

Health care costs are not just a national problem, especially since it is states that handle Medicaid. Do you have plans for not just dealing with Medicaid costs but for improving and expanding health care for all Virginians?    

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by: Teddy Goodson @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 08:52:45 AM CDT

Teddy in Fairfax,Virginia (0.00 / 0)

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by: Teddy Goodson @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 14:47:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

EFCA (4.00 / 1)

Do all of you support the Employee Free Choice Act?

If not, why not?

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by: VADEM @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 09:15:00 AM CDT

In (0.00 / 0)

Charlottesville, VA

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by: VADEM @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 10:05:01 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

How is the Sully plant different from the Wise County plant ? (0.00 / 0)

Having just read the "Sully ain't clean coal" diary comments, I'd like for each candidate to say if they oppose or favor a coal-fired electrical plant in Wise County or Sully, and why or why not.

If a candidate favors one but opposes the other, then the question has to be "what is the difference between the two other than size, location and company ownership ?".

As most of you know I'm from Wise County, am a retired engineer (Va. Tech, class of 1963), and totally agree with comments on the Surry coal thread that there is NO technology difference at all whether the plant is in Wise County or Surry.

It is extremely important to me to hear how each candidate answers and how each explains his respective reasoning for opposing one and supporting the other plant if that is the case. So far, Moran is the only candidate I'm aware of who has supported the Wise plant and opposed the Surry plant, and I believe he owes it to the voters to explain how he thinks the two are different.

Full disclosure: I started out as a Moran supporter, but soon moved over to the McAuliffe campaign where I remain.
Brian's lack of a coherent campaign, and especially what I view as contradictory positions on this very serious matter, motivated me to meet Terry, learn more about his positions and his very detailed plans.

I will attend the debate in Blacksburg next Wed. eve. and hope to observe some spirited and informative discussion on this important topic.

                       T.C.

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by: Tom @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 14:52:36 PM CDT

In response to the req. below: I live in Gainesville, VA (0.00 / 0)

n/t

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by: Tom @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 18:58:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Question for Creigh Deeds; Bipartisanship (0.00 / 0)

Having heavily sported a campaign theme of "bi-partisanship", what would qualify yourself to more effectively negotiate with (if it happens) a Republican House and/or Senate more than Mr. Moran or Mr. McAuliffe?  

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by: Bigvinu @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 15:06:55 PM CDT

City/State (0.00 / 0)

(read the edit at the top)
I live in Chester, Virginia

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by: Bigvinu @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 08:21:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

No city and state info? (0.00 / 0)

At the other sites they have requested that people posting questions include their city and state so that the moderators could get a good balance.  I was wondering why this requirement was not specified on BC.

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by: tx2vadem @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 15:38:25 PM CDT

You're welcome (0.00 / 0)

n/t

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by: tx2vadem @ Fri Apr 24, 2009 at 21:06:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Virginia is a right-to-work state... (4.00 / 1)

What do you think the economic impact in the state would be in Congress enacts the Employee Free Choice Act?

Pocahontas County, West Virginia

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 07:34:27 AM CDT

typo alert: (0.00 / 0)

should have been... if Congress enacts... not "in" Congress enacts

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 07:36:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Question for Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran (0.00 / 0)

Both of you have made a lot of statements on the campaign trail. From clean energy, to redistricting, both of you are promising bold changes to the existing way Virginia is run. However, as State Legislators, much of the power to change things was ALREADY in your hands. My Question is: What was beyond your reach in the state legislature to pass measures regarding these initiatives.

- Chester, Virginia

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by: Bigvinu @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 16:44:54 PM CDT

Investing in jobs and infrastructure (0.00 / 0)

Candidates isn't this the time to begin the Coalfield Expressway and increased rail service to southwest Virginia?

Carl Williams
Bristol, VA

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:21:20 PM CDT

Road Maintenance (4.00 / 1)

When you work on your new state budge will there be funds designated for raod maintenance?  For example, portions of I-81 are in terrible shape from Marion northward to Wytheville.  Building new roads makes a politician look good, but road maintenance is what we need.

Catherine Brillhart
Bristol Democratic Committee Chair

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:23:30 PM CDT

Enviornment (0.00 / 0)

What will each of you do as Governor to limit carbon emissions by coal fired power plants and how will you expand usage of alternative, renewable energy so that we can begin closing coal fired power plants rather than continue opening new ones?

Rex Young
Lee County
VAYD 9th district Chair

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:25:33 PM CDT

Education (0.00 / 0)

As governor, how would you preserve quality education without cutting jobs or arts and music programs?  How would you promote higher standards for the social studies which are not included in no child left behind?

Amy Looney

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:26:53 PM CDT

Business (4.00 / 1)

How would you encourage businesses to locate to our area of southwest Virginia rather than move abroad to exploit cheap labor?

George Haydt
Grayson Co. Democratic Committee Chairman

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:28:33 PM CDT

Healthcare (0.00 / 0)

As governor how will you improve access to healthcare for the uninsured in Virginia?

Dr. Diana Conco
Bristol, VA

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:29:38 PM CDT

Our Heroes (0.00 / 0)

The Commonwealth awards a kicker to the GI Bill for higher education for those that join.  To receive the money the soldier must have a year or more remaining on their contract.  Due to increasing deployment soldiers are losing two to three years of eligibility.  Would you as governor return the lost months of eligibility to Virginia Guardsmen?

Richard Hubbard
Scott County

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by: SConco23 @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:32:19 PM CDT

thanks for getting and posting these questions (0.00 / 0)

we also look foward to your personal participation.  And perhaps you can persuade those whose questions you posted to stop by and share what is happening in their necks of the woods.


This is my world and welcome to it

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by: teacherken @ Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 18:38:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Health Question for Debate (0.00 / 0)

As Governor, how will you help families with a disabled child who will grow to be a disabled adult?  What will you do to help the others in the family lead normal lives?  How will you help them stop being amateurs in health care of the disabled?

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can
John Wesley

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by: alankrishnan @ Sun Apr 26, 2009 at 01:07:45 AM CDT

Will you support internet based supplementary education? (0.00 / 0)

The best teachers in Virginia could be recorded in classes and their teaching made available by chapter, over the internet at no charge, so all children in our state may use this for additional instruction.  Will you support a pilot project to study impact of such supplementary education?

Asked by: Alan L. Krishnan, Oak Hill, Virginia

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can
John Wesley

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by: alankrishnan @ Sun Apr 26, 2009 at 01:12:16 AM CDT

Wind power... (0.00 / 0)

Do you support the off-shore development of wind-powered as opposed to the development of industrial-scale wind power in the Allegheny Highlands? Or do you support both equally? Or do you, perhaps, favor off-shore development more than the development of miles of mountain ridetops but will not stand in the way of ridgetop development?

Pocahontas County, West Virginia

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Sun Apr 26, 2009 at 06:38:21 AM CDT

Corollary wind power question... (0.00 / 0)

What are your thoughts on the development of industrial-scale wind power on public lands, such as the George Washington National Forest (and specifically, in that forest on the border of Virginia and West Virgina)?

Pocahontas County, West Virginia

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Sun Apr 26, 2009 at 06:42:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Nice HuffPo blog by Nico Pitney on cohosting the debate (0.00 / 0)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

Among other observations about the debate, he says:

2) Another sign that Virginia is changing: The intense interest in the Democratic primary of Virginia's gubernatorial race is yet another sign that the state is undergoing a major political realignment. Not everyone is pleased with the shift, obviously (particularly conservative Republicans). But from the recent Democratic dominance of the governor's chair, to the Senate election of Jim Webb, to Barack Obama's Virginia victory last November, there is big change afoot in the Old Dominion State.

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 15:46:12 PM CDT

Education (0.00 / 0)

There are numerous areas in the Commonwealth that are experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers.  How do you plan to solve this problem?  CHESAPEAKE, VA

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by: ncmcpherson @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 17:40:08 PM CDT

C-Span Coverage (0.00 / 0)

I thought I saw something about C-Span carrying the debate live, but might be wrong.  Can anyone confirm whether C-Span will be carrying this debate?  Come to think of it, I might have seen it announced on C-Span this weekend.

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by: Catzmaw @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 17:41:45 PM CDT

Pitney in HuffPo says... (0.00 / 0)

-- The debate begins at 7:30PM ET on Wednesday and we'll have live streaming video up on the Huffington Post, so please tune in. (If you miss the event live, it will be rebroadcast on C-SPAN.)

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by: benjaminwalterWV @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 18:05:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Green Alternative Energy vs Drilling for Oil (0.00 / 0)

Michael Hardy, Deputy Chief of Staff to Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling posted a response to my comment on the blog "Bill Bolling: What the Energy Debate is Really About." He said that "it is our position that we can safely drill for oil, all the while in an environmentally responsible way." What is the Democratic response to this and why?

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by: Sora Dina @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 18:46:42 PM CDT

ADEQUATE ELECTRIC POWER (0.00 / 0)

Virginia's electric utility is considering whether to build two coal fired power plants. Mr. Moran says build only one. The other two candidates say build both, but also advocate green energy alternatives for the future.

There are laws of nature and laws of man.

A law of nature is that energy is not available until green energy alternatives are constructed and brought online, and research and development needs to mature before green energy alternatives produce energy. If only one coal fired plant is built, will there be adequate generating capacity until green energy alternatives come online?

Mr. Moran advocates a law of man by denying the second plant. This could result in Virginia's electric utility purchasing energy on the not regulated spot market thereby resulting in possibly a quite large increase in electric costs for the consumer who is already stressed by the economic downturn. This could also be another cost to businesses -- a disincentive for a business to locate in Virginia. Not much different than a regressive tax increase in an economic downturn.

Further, if a coal fired plant were built in another state, for example West Virginia, then Virginia would get the pollution and at the same time pay higher utility costs. Nothing gained.

Has any candidate done the engineering research, the prognosis of energy requirements and laid out a process for meeting our energy needs, while Virginia works expeditiously toward a more cost effective and green energy future?

The only candidate's plan I've seen which starts to meet this need is Mr. McAuliffe's business plan for Virginia.

I eagerly await the quantatative analysis rather than sound bites.

From: Arlington VA  

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by: Willis @ Mon Apr 27, 2009 at 19:40:31 PM CDT

Posting question link not work--someone please ask why any of these guys..... (0.00 / 0)

I appear unable to post debate question (all links go back to same page for me) so can someone else then post this question?  As follows:  This very year, as many other states around the country are cutting back or abolishing the death penalty either for moral or economic grounds (too costly, studies show), Creigh Deeds joined Republicans in voting for a major EXPANSION of the crimes to qualify for the death penalty.  So far, Deeds has declined to respond to questions about it, and Terry McC has wholly shirked a question as to whether he supports this Deed's effort.  So question for candidate: please state whether/why you support such a position and, if you do, why you feel you  are representative of the democratic party rather than a republican using democratic coat-tails.  

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by: dee20002 @ Tue Apr 28, 2009 at 06:57:19 AM CDT

oops, left out obligatory city, state info (0.00 / 0)

from Charlottesville, Virginia

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by: dee20002 @ Tue Apr 28, 2009 at 06:58:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]