Virginia gubernatorial candidates recently visited the University, meeting with University community members to discuss the economy, higher education and transportation issues.\nDemocratic contender Creigh Deeds outlined his plans for the commonwealth at a Sunday rally, discussing his desire to revamp the transportation system and restore Virginians' confidence in the economy.\n"No. 1 is to restore confidence in the economy and create jobs necessary to drive economic growth in the commonwealth for the present and the future," said Deeds, who stopped in Charlottesville for a rally with University students as part of his campaign.\nThe economy is also a priority for Deeds' opponent, Republican contender Bob McDonnell, who visited the University and held a roundtable discussion about textbook and higher education costs Aug. 17 with students and faculty members.\n"We're focusing on new jobs and more opportunities for every region of the commonwealth," McDonnell press secretary Crystal Cameron said, noting that McDonnell believes strongly in small business outreach and easing the tax burden on Virginia residents.\nDeeds said he plans to build the commonwealth's economy on alternative energy, specifically solutions like wind and solar power. With an improved economy behind him, Deeds hopes to update the state's transportation systems and provide greater opportunities for Virginia students.\n"Transportation is an issue that has to be dealt with," Deeds said. "I'm confident I can get that done the first year I'm governor."\nMcDonnell has a multi-prong, comprehensive transportation plan, which Cameron said Deeds lacks.\n"We've got to get Virginia moving again," Cameron said.\nStudents at the Deeds rally said they appreciated that candidates visited Grounds to campaign and reach out to students.\n"Even though the timing was kind of dicey with Convocation going on, it was refreshing to have candidates reaching out to the students by making themselves accessible and going to a place where students actually are," University Democrats President Megan Durkee said.\nDurkee said she believes that because the incoming governor will affect higher education and public universities, this election holds greater importance for college-aged students.\n"It's really important to note how the campaigns are bringing to light the importance of the governor's position for students," Durkee said. "This is a huge election, especially for college students in Virginia"
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