Deeds, McDonnell debate gets heated

SALEM, Va | Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates clashed over transportation, the economy, health care and social issues Tuesday night in the most combative of their four debates with two weeks remaining until Election Day.

Democratic candidate R. Creigh Deeds resumed a line of attack he began during a debate last week in Richmond, repeatedly accusing his Republican rival, Robert F. McDonnell, of undergoing an “election year conversion” after spending years in the General Assembly attempting to advance a socially conservative agenda.

“Virginia needs a governor in these trying times who will focus on the big issues,” Mr. Deeds said. “Bob McDonnell has spent his career as a legislator focusing on social issues.”

Mr. McDonnell similarly returned to a theme Republicans have used repeatedly in the campaign, charging that Mr. Deeds would need to raise billions of dollars in taxes to pay for his plans to upgrade transportation infrastructure, especially in Northern Virginia.

“He’s making promises he has no way to pay for,” Mr. McDonnell said.

The first half of the hourlong debate took the form of a conversation between the moderator and the candidates. The format allowed the candidates to engage each other, each several times interrupting the other to challenge characterizations of their plans and proposals.

Mr. Deeds, who has been behind in recent polls, was especially aggressive, but both men leveled stinging shots.

When Mr. Deeds was asked what taxes would be raised under his administration, Mr. McDonnell quickly said, “I can answer that.”

“No, you can’t answer that,” Mr. Deeds fired back.

The debate, which took place before an audience of about 400 people at Roanoke College, was the final debate of the gubernatorial campaign. The appearance was widely seen as crucial to Mr. Deeds’ chances of closing a persistent gap against Mr. McDonnell in the polls.

“It’s one of his last two chances to turn things around.” said Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Mr. Sabato said the other opportunity would be a campaign appearance scheduled for next Tuesday with President Obama. “Let’s be blunt. Almost never does a single debate have that kind of impact.”

According to a poll released Tuesday by D.C.-based Clarus Research Group, Mr. McDonnell leads Mr. Deeds 49 percent to 41 percent in the race. The poll of 605 likely voters was conducted Sunday and Monday and had a margin of error of four percentage points.

Campaign finance reports released earlier in the week also show Mr. McDonnell with a significant financial advantage in the final weeks of the campaign.

The Republican raised $3.8 million and ended September with $4.5 million in cash on hand. Mr. Deeds raised $3.5 million and ended the month with $2.8 million on hand.

The McDonnell campaign in September boasted appearances by prominent Republicans, such as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain campaigned with Mr. McDonnell on Saturday in the Hampton Roads area, which has a large contingent of military members.

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. attended a fundraiser for Mr. Deeds earlier this month.

On Tuesday, former President Bill Clinton campaigned with Mr. Deeds in McLean.

Mr. Clinton told a rally of hundreds of Deeds supporters crowded into the Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign Headquarters in Northern Virginia that Mr. Deeds is the right choice for governor.

“I have reviewed this. There is no question Creigh Deeds has the best jobs plan, the best energy plan, has the best education plan — this is not a close question — has the best record on health care.”

Mr. Clinton made his first appearance on behalf of Mr. Deeds after visiting the state several times earlier this year to campaign for Mr. Deeds’ Democratic primary opponent, Terry McAuliffe.

“I tried to help Terry McAuliffe beat Creigh Deeds and we failed, and I respect people who win and win fair and square,” Mr. Clinton said, discussing the reasons why he is supporting Mr. Deeds. ” And, B, I am a lifetime Democrat and I like this guy. I like Creigh Deeds I like the way he handled himself in the primary. I like the way he has handled himself in the general election. I believe he would be a good governor.”

Mr. McAuliffe also attended the rally and expressed his support for Mr. Deeds, who was seen as a dark horse candidate through much of the primary campaign.

“Let me tell you one thing from a man who knows from experience, don’t pay any attention to the polls. Only one poll matters.” he said.