Virginia’s two major-party candidates for governor duked it out over the weekend in the first of three debates.
Democrat Ralph Northam and Republican Ed Gillespie clashed over gun control, reproductive rights, fracking and offshore drilling — to name just a few. But one of the most significant areas of disagreement was about the current state of the economy. Northam brought up the latest unemployment rate in Virginia, 3.7%, the lowest rate since the recession. Then he turned to Gillespie and asked why he would brag about Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s 4.7 unemployment rate but dismiss a lower number under Governor Terry McAuliffe.
“What’s the deal with not showing us any love? 3.7 is a whole percentage point less than 4.7. So, you know, be kind. We’re working hard. To hear him talk, the economy is going to hell in a hand basket. It’s not.”
Gillespie responded by invoking Northam’s primary opponent.
“As Tom Perriello pointed out in your Democratic primary in the race to the left, he said the unemployment rate is not as significant in terms of measuring the benefits of the economy or the benefits of the economy as it used to be.”
Gillespie says the number of people employed captures part-time workers who want to work full time. Northam responded that Gillespie was cheering against the economy. Voters will make the ultimate determination about how they feel about the economy when they head to the polls in November.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
