State Sen. Emily Couric, D-Charlottesville, and challenger Jane Maddux (R) debated last night over election issues at the School of Law in a forum organized by the Youth Leadership Initiative program of the Center for Governmental Studies.
The two candidates also showed typical ideological differences as they answered questions from a youth panel. In their opening statements, both repeated campaign themes - Maddux promoted relief for families through tax credits and improved education, while Couric emphasized support for schools.
"Public education must be Virginia's highest priority," Couric said.
During the question session, both candidates affirmed their belief in reducing the car tax, cutting the food tax, reducing school class sizes and continuing welfare reform.
However, stark differences arose on several issues.
Maddux differed from Couric by supporting school vouchers and tax credits, as well as giving public schools broader discretion in spending state-provided funds.
On the issue of vouchers, Maddux said she would look at tax credits to provide choices to parents.
But Couric said such measures would drain money from public schools.
"I do not support tax credits, nor do I support vouchers," she said, but raised the possibility of charter schools set up by school systems.
In response to a question on gay rights, Couric said homosexuals should be protected under General Assembly hate crimes legislation.
Maddux said everyone should be treated equally under the law, but that she opposed homosexual marriage.
She said she supports the 21-day rule, which forbids the introduction of new evidence in capital crime cases after 21 days have passed from the day of judgment. Couric described the rule as "absurd," but Maddux said it upheld the justice system.
Maddux has based her campaign on a "Five-Star Plan for Virginia's Families," which includes a focus on education, economy, environment, health care and technology.
Couric's campaign also emphasizes education, economy, health care and quality of life.
The ideological differences between their platforms involve the nature and degree of government involvement. Their discussion on public education spending was an example of the candidates' division. Both listed smaller class sizes, early education and accountability through higher standards as factors in improving education.
While both candidates support welfare reform, Couric stressed the need for training welfare recipients and providing government services such as child care, while Maddux emphasized community efforts.
"I believe faith-based, community-based organizations are very important," she said.
Audience members said they enjoyed the chance to become familiar with the candidates.
Charlottesville resident Elizabeth Williams said the debate was the first time she has heard either candidate speak.
"It was nice to get a feeling for who they are and what they think is good for the community," Williams said.
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