Gubernatorial candidates Democrat Mark L. Warner and Republican Mark R. Earley faced off last night in the final debate before next month's general election, battling over each other's position on taxes.
Government and Foreign Affairs Prof. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University's Center for Governmental Studies, served as moderator. The televised debate, sponsored by the center, was held at the WDBJ-7 television station in Roanoke.
A question from panelist Pam Stallsmith of The Richmond Times-Dispatch highlighted the tax debate when she asked Earley to defend his current position on taxes, given his history of going "back and forth."
Earley said that during times of recession, increasing taxes is "the worst thing we can do."
He attacked Warner for his support of the Northern Virginia tax referendum, which Earley said could lead to a $900 million tax increase.
Warner, in turn, questioned the consistency of Earley's tax policies.
"You flip-flopped on this issue so many times, I'm afraid you're going to throw your back out," Warner said.
Warner defended his support of the referendum, saying it only applies to the local sales tax in Northern Virginia.
The tax referundum, if passed, would raise the sales tax in Northern Virginia by a half-cent to increase funds for road improvements.
Warner, who has been accused of treading the line between liberal and conservative throughout the campaign, said he considers himself a "fiscal conservative." He highlighted his experience and reaffirmed his pledge not to raise taxes and his commitment to reach out to all corners of Virginia as qualities of the "real Mark Warner."
Earley said his opponent has "no experience in the area of public safety," which he considers to be his first priority.
Earley, who served as a state senator for 10 years and recently finished a term as attorney general, says he can offer the necessary experience.
In the wake of economic crisis, Earley pledged, if elected, he would provide for a job creation tax moratorium that would allow businesses to exempt the corporate income tax for the next five years. He also would create the position of a workforce czar to ensure job security for all Virginians.
Warner said that Earley's rhetoric did not "meet reality."
"I've put my money where my mouth is," he said.
Earley, however, made several attacks on Warner's personal wealth. In one rebuttal, he said that some people must "live from paycheck to paycheck."
Warner, a successful entrepeneur, reportedly has given $810,594 of his own money to the Warner for Governor group, while Earley has given $200 to his group, Earley for Governor.
Earley then condemned Warner's support of a $900 million increase in taxes.
Warner said he "will not raise taxes" and cited Earley as using this attack 13 times during the debate.
Warner criticized Earley for the budget deadlock that Virginia faced in the spring and the effect that it had on teachers' salaries.
Earley said that he is committed to raising teachers' salaries to the national averages and creating more accountability via competency testing.
On education, Warner said he is a "defender and supporter of education for Virginia."
He said Earley's statements on commitment to raising teachers' salaries did not reflect his voting record.
Virginia elections take place on Nov. 6.
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