Gubernatorial candidates in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. - The two candidates for Governor of Virginia visited Norfolk Tuesday. Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds spoke to the Norfolk and Portsmouth bar associations at Harbor Park.

McDonnell, who left his post as Virginia's Attorney General six months ago to focus on campaigning, told the crowd of mostly local attorneys that he believes a strong economy depends on a strong free enterprise system. "Tax and regulatory incentives, one-stop permitting, these are things we need to turn the economy around, not tax increases and federal programs, but small business development," said McDonnell.

State Senator Creigh Deeds said he wants to encourage small businesses to hire more people with a "create a job, get a tax credit" program. "Most employees in Virginia have fewer than 50 employees, they might hire one or two or three employees. We ought to incentivize (sic) growth of businesses in every sector," said Deeds.

On the issue of transportation, both candidates say they have a plan to pay for major projects. Deeds said he'll establish a long-term funding stream. "And I'm the only candidate in the race that will sign a bill that produces new money, real money for transportation and I'm not going to rob Peter to pay Paul either, I'll tell you that. The general fund is off the table for me. I will not take money out of education to fund transportation," said Deeds.

McDonnell said he does not plan to cut education to pay for transportation either. "It's bonds, public-private partnerships and redirecting money from the general fund because it's the core function of government to build roads," said McDonnell.

On other issues, Senator Deeds said he wants to lend a hand to the unemployed and minorities. "We want to help the unemployed workers purchase health insurance, boost investments in job training, tourism and women and minority-owned small business."

McDonnell said Virginia needs to capitalize on the business of energy. "I think Virginia should be the energy capital of at least the east coast because we've got more coal and natural gas than most other states and new uses for natural gas that's going to create tremendous new opportunities," said McDonnell.

Both candidates are now preparing for Thursday's debate in Fairfax.