Democratic gubernatorial candidates Brian Moran, R. Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe debate in Blacksburg's historic Lyric Theatre Wednesday night.
Moran supports closing the loop hole and also is not a proponent of expanding the rights of gun owners. He contended a recent bill supported by Deeds, which did not pass, should never allow citizens to carry concealed weapons in establishments that serve alcohol, stating, "Guns and alcohol don't mix."
"I have voted to close the gun show loop hole, not just shrink it," Moran said. "I truly believe anyone purchasing a firearm should have to go through the background check.
I support closing it, not merely shrinking it. I do support (the) second amendment, but I don't believe we should be expanding gun rights right now."
Deeds said he had consorted with State Police authorities and other firearms enthusiasts in order to come up with amendments to the "gun show loophole" bill that were commonsensical.
"Politics is the art of the possible, not of the art of the perfect," Deeds said. "I needed votes to get that bill out of committee, and that's what I did."
McAuliffe and Moran fired off again over the subject of delegate seats, where Democrats are close to reaching the majority. Moran said McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005, may have the star power to succeed, but wouldn't be able to seal the deal when it counts.
"Well under your chairmanship, Terry, our Democratic Party lost 10 seats in house, six seats in the senate, and the presidency of the United States with George W. Bush, the worst president in modern American history," Moran said. "We don't need you to pick up those six seats."
McAuliffe countered that the party gained more voters and resources than ever despite the lost seats in Congress and behind the Oval Office's Resolute desk.
McAuliffe added that President Obama approved of his capabilities and lauded his leadership during the campaign trail. However, elections are determined by voters, he said.
"Now, I can take a lot (of) responsibility," McAuliffe said. "But I don't think the chairman of the DNC is responsible for winning or losing. I think the candidate who is running has a little bit to say about that."
The final debate, sponsored by the Washington Post and WashingtonPost.com, is slated for May 19 at the Northern Virginia Community College Campus in Anandale.
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what a bunch of whiny douches I don't like the republicans but these guys make me want to vote McDonnell
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It shows that Brian Moran has no leadership, management and executive experience. He talks about what he did, but never mentions the positive results of "what he did" which appear to be few and far between. Why can't he get off the attacks and get with offering positive solutions? Mr. Deeds seemed very nervous most of the time. Mr. McAuliffe is a born leader. He's a proven executive. No wonder he strengthened so many businesses and created so many new jobs. Mr. McAuliffe will continue the fine work of our past two Democratic governors.
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Wanna know a great way to ruin your campaign? Keep pushing the fictitious 'gun show loophole.' That myth has been busted so many times, it isn't even worth calling it 'controversial' anymore. It's old and burnt out, and is just going to hurt their campaign (well, not that there's much good in Dems anyway).
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As soon as I found out that Brian Moran was running for governor I automatically knew that if he wins the Democratic nomination that the Dems won't have a chance against McDonnell come November. Moran should head back to Massachusetts because he just haven't what it takes to win a statewide office in Virginia. I'm not a big fan of his brother, but Jim is a genius compared to Brian. Of the other two candidates, Creigh Deeds seems to be the most genuine out of the three, and Terry McAuliffe seems to be the most politically skilled. I like McAuliffe, and I think he's the only chance the Dems have against Bob McDonnell because he can raise tons of money, and the Democrats will need it considering the fact that the GOP recognizes how much they need to win this election. It should be the most interesting election between now and the 2012 presidential election.
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After watching these guys debate their is only one clear choice for Virginia Bob McDonnell. McDonnell '09
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