Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., Democrat Al Weed and Independent Green Party candidate Joseph Oddo discussed issues ranging from Iraq to campaign finance to Medicare last night during their first televised debate. This is the second of four debates to be held as the candidates vie to represent Charlottesville and other municipalities within Virginia's Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Held at Liberty University, the debate began as four panelists, including two Liberty debate team members, directed questions at each of the three candidates. The candidates later had the opportunity to ask each other questions, and ultimately addressed audience members with final remarks.
Among the more contentious issues addressed by the candidates was campaign finance.
While Weed accused Goode of accepting $250,000 from political action committees, Goode, who has been accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions from defense contractor MZM, Inc., maintained that he opposes PACs and supports campaign finance reform.
"I think the best system would be one of limited individual contributions," Goode said. "I did not vote for legislation that increased the amount of individual contributions from $1 million to $2 million. A $1,000 limit with no PACs, no corporate or union, would be preferable to the current system."
Oddo, who was not included in the candidates' August debate, agreed that corruption in campaign finance demonstrates the need forchanges to the system, adding that the issue poses problems especially significant for independent candidates.
"Folks, I need you to pray for me," he said. "Send me in a dollar or two. Why not help the little independent?"
The candidates also debated earmarking funds as representatives of the fifth district. While Goode said he had earmarked funds that ultimately improved educational opportunities in the state and allowed for exploration of alternative energy sources, Weed said he opposed any type of earmarking.
"Earmarks are not leadership," Weed said, adding that they are "like a bucket under a leaky roof."
The candidates differed in approaches to U.S. involvement in Iraq as well--Goode supported implementing an effective exit strategy that would establish peace in the Middle East while Weed supported immediate withdrawal of American troops.
College Republicans Chair Amber VerValin said Goode's experience and familiarity with issues important to citizens of the Fifth District came across during the debate.
"He really cares about the people in South-side Virginia," she said. "He goes to Washington truly wanting to help bring jobs and revitalize Virginia."
While Weed received only 34.4 percent of the vote when he ran against Goode in 2004, Virginians' dissatisfaction with the Bush administration may create more favorable election conditions for Weed, according to University Democrats President Katie Cristol.
"People are really realizing how disastrous the Bush agenda has been, and how closely linked to that agenda Virgil Goode's vote has been," Cristol said.
VerValin maintained that the outcome of this election will not differ from that of 2004.
"I don't think any more Democrats are going to decide they want to vote for Al Weed this time than they did last time," she said.
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