Grafton shows candidates’ debate

by Tom Beppler, contributing writer

On Monday, Grafton-Stovall Theatre rebroadcast a conference in which a three-person panel questioned Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates.

The panel, composed of a student, a business leader and faculty member, asked candidates questions relating to higher education issues.

The debate screening, co-sponsored by the University Program Board, Virginia 21 and the SGA was shown to a Grafton audience of about 100. Onscreen, Democrat Tim Kaine, Republican Jerry Kilgore and Independent Russell Potts were quizzed by Heywood Fralin of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, Mehreen Farooq of Virginia 21; and Jim Lollar of the Faculty Senate of Virginia. 

Before the debate section, each candidate was allowed a few minutes to use for opening remarks. In his opening remark, Kaine said, “Economic development depends absolutely on higher education,” and that although he preferred to cut taxes when possible, he would not shy away from raising them in order to pursue a serious goal. He mentioned economic expansion on the deep-south-side of Virginia, in the hopes of combating unemployment and local economy slumps. 

Kilgore followed Kaine, and spent time both thanking his campaign volunteers and discussing his 9-year-old daughter Kelsey’s aspirations of being a lawyer. These comments he used to segue into his main point, concerning opportunity and equal chances at success; Kilgore was the first in his family to graduate college.

Potts then took the podium and began his barrage of political one-liners. “Show me the money!” he screamed at his opponents.

Potts, appeared most comfortable when drawing the fire of Kaine and Kilgore, both of whom seemed to be on a different energy level than the former sports promoter Independent candidate.

Senior Leah Seastrum remarked, “I don’t think Potts registered seriously at all. He seemed more like a mascot, or a used-car dealer.”      

The question-and-answer session afforded the candidates another chance to offer platforms and party promises. Farooq questioned, how can colleges expect to hang on to their best and brightest?  Salary, was the answer from all three candidates.

Faculty representative Jim Lollar posed a question about schools being able to ensure meeting student financial aid needs. The answers from the candidates grew vague and then more vague.

Senior Kevin Sturm said, “It was clear that  Potts stands no chance in this election. The race between Kaine and Kilgore is another story, and at times, it was obvious who some members of the audience supported. Personally, I feel that Tim Kaine has a better stance on the issues.” He added, “Political activism does not have to wait until you’re married with children. It’s good to see students get involved at this time in their lives.”