Collegiate Times

mcdonnell_center

“McDonnell has so far been very careful to not make the major slips that so many people do.”

Both candidates continue to campaign across the state. McDonnell’s stop in Blacksburg coincided with a visit by Deeds and the Democratic ticket, which was tailgating with the Young Democrats a few parking lots away.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele spoke about the importance of young voters to those gathered at the German Club tailgate.

“This election is about you more than anything else,” Steele said. “Questions at the national level about debt will rest on your doorstep when you graduate. You have an important stake in this game.

“I think bob McDonnell and the team here offer a better alternative because it empowers people, small businesses, and families.”

In contrast, Brians said Deeds’s weaknesses are among the only distinguishing factors between the two opponents.

Both gubernatorial candidates have spoken during debates and campaigning about lowering college tuition.

“If we had better education and better roads,” McDonnell said Thursday night, “a lot of other things would be stronger.”

He also said he would make higher education a priority as governor. “I’m concerned about doubling to college tuitions over the last decade and saddling people with debt,” McDonnell said.

Republican candidate for attorney general Ken Cuccinelli said that his hopes for Election Day include not just securing a Republican governor, but a statewide conservative landslide.

“I’d like to see a romping victory for my whole ticket,” Cuccinelli said.

Brians voiced doubts that either gubernatorial would be able to make big, positive differences in the state quickly.

“The governor in these times can’t really do much because usually their power comes from spending money, but there’s no money to spend,” he said. “I can’t imagine in the next two years how a new governor will be able to do much of anything without generating more revenue.”

McDonnell and the rest of the Republican ticket, however, remain hopeful for Tuesday’s election.

“I’m going to be the jobs governor,” McDonnell said. “I understand what young people need.”

Continue Reading:  « Previous12