Running for governor of Virginia, Democrat R. Creigh Deeds, left, and Republican Robert F. “Bob” McDonnell debated Monday night in a forum moderated by Judy Woodruff of PBS. Photo by Steve Helber/AP Photo

Summary:
• Deeds, McDonnell square off in statewide debate
• Governor candidates talk aging, education, transportation
• Vote for governor on Tuesday, Nov. 3

Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and Republican Robert F. “Bob” McDonnell spotlighted the personal side of politics Monday night as they tried to connect with Virginia voters through their experiences on aging, education and pay equity.

Virginians choose a new governor on Nov. 3 and polls show Deeds trailing McDonnell. Both candidates referred to their families and their personal stories throughout their first debate on statewide radio and television in Richmond.

Bill Kallio, state director of AARP Virginia, asked the candidates how they would cope with the state’s shifting demographics.  Currently, 12 percent of Virginia’s population is over 65 and, by 2030, it “will look like Florida,” Kallio said.

In reply, Deeds said he was raised in rural Bath County, which has a large elderly population. His grandfather was an outsize influence after his father left the family. “I’ve been around older Virginians all my life,” he said. Citing his efforts as a state senator to protect older people’s interests, Deeds said as governor he would improve transportation for citizens of all ages and ensure that medical professionals provide services in inner cities and rural areas where many older Virginians live.

McDonnell said aging issues were personal to him because his father, 93, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The family cared for the elder McDonnell at home as long as they could; he now lives in a nursing home in Northern Virginia. As governor, McDonnell said he would double the tax credits for purchasing long-term care insurance and increase penalties for those who prey on older people.

Aging issues were uppermost for Brenda Kelley Nelum of Woodbridge, one of about 120 invited guests in the studio audience. Nelum, an AARP volunteer who describes herself as an aging advocate, had hoped the candidates would endorse the idea of an “aging czar” like some other states have. But the issue didn’t come up during the debate.

“Seniors are the first ones to get cut,” especially for programs on the local level, said Nelum, a retired auditor. “People only find aging issues interesting when problems happen to them.”

On education, McDonnell cited his middle-class background and said his five children attended public schools. He pledged to turn around the 72 Virginia schools that are not accredited and to add charter schools.

Deeds said his family sent him off to college at 18 with four $20 bills in his pocket, noting that today that won’t even buy a textbook. He favors more spending on K-12 and a college tuition payment program for those who commit to two years of public service.

The debate was sponsored by AARP Virginia and the League of Women Voters of Virginia, and moderated by Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent of The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer on PBS.

Flashes of animosity peppered the hour-long session.

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