Sparks fly over economy, transportation in debate

Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell traded barbs over taxes, wage discrimination, the environment and transportation Monday night in a gubernatorial debate set against a growing national backdrop.

The Richmond debate was the third of four planned for the governor’s race and the first to be televised live during prime time. It came amid increasing national chatter over the most closely watched political contest of 2009, and national policy issues were as much in play as state issues.