Issues: Virginia Senatorial Election 2006 Sharply negative statements and accusations flying between the two main candidates for the Virginia Senate threaten to overshadow what many Americans consider the most essential element of any election: the issues. As attack ads proclaiming, “my opponent will raise your taxes, “my opponent does not like the truth” and “my opponent is wrong for America” flood televisions, internet, and radio, mudslinging obscures issues; without understanding each candidate’s stance on various issues, determining which candidate to vote for can seem like an impossible task. Therefore, to aid anyone who might need candidate-issue clarification, the following is an overview of each candidate’s stance on some of this year’s main campaign issues. Republican Senator George Allen: Issue-Marriage Amendment: Supports the passage of Virginia’s definition of the marriage amendment: a sacred union between one man and one woman. Issue-War on Terror: Believes that America had and is having success and therefore cannot yet pull out of such countries as Iraq. Issue-Energy development: Wants to develop in our own country. Stresses the importance of clean coal technology and supports drilling in Alaska, specifically the ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge). Issue: Border Security: Supports more detention facilities as well as actual and virtual defenses to strengthen border security provisions. Issue-Education: Feels that vouchers should be used by parents in the choosing of schools for their children. Issue-Abortion: Voted to ban partial birth abortions except for maternal life. Issue-Flag burning: Considers flag burning a desecration of a sacred symbol and disrespect to the nation. Democratic Candidate Jim Webb: Issue-Marriage Amendment: Feels that marriage should be between one man and woman but opposes the controversial marriage amendment because he feels that it removes rights from a variety of relationships. Issue-War on Terror: Does not feel that the United States should have permanent bases in Iraq and should leave that war as soon as possible. The U.S should focus on such countries as China instead. Issue-Energy development: Promotes finding alternative sources and opposes drilling in the ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge). Issue-Surveillance: States that the government intervention should end at a citizen’s front door and the right to privacy is an essential human freedom. Issue: Border Security: Believes that securing the border is the primary concern regarding immigration. Once this is solved, then the U.S can solve other immigration issues. Issue-Education: Believes that a public education levels the playing field for all children. Issue-Abortion: Supports Roe v. Wade and pro-choice regarding a woman’s right to abortion. Issue-Flag burning: Opposes the flag burning amendment because he does not feel that protecting the dignity of our flag requires an amendment to the constitution. Though the candidates change, there will always be issues for politicians to debate and government leaders to face. With a better understanding of some of the actual issues and the stance of each candidate regarding these issues, one can make a more informed voting choice, both for the November 7th Virginia Senatorial race, and elections in general.
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