October 25, 2011

Democratic incumbent Creigh Deeds and his Republican opponent T.J. Aldous faced off at Nau Hall on University of Virginia grounds Tuesday night.

The debate, hosted by UVa's student council, is the first and only debate between the candidates vying for the 25th District's State Senate seat.

During the debate, Deeds and Aldous fielded audience questions ranging from transportation to taxes. The audience as diverse as the questions; a tenth grader from the Tandem Friends School showed up to ask where the candidates stand on the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.

As it stands, current state senator Creigh Deeds has an advantage over Aldous. Deeds has spent 20 years in the state legislature and leads Aldous in fundraising. Plus, this race is one that matters. Republicans need to snag three state senate seats to gain the majority.

Aldous says, he isn't intimidated. "The policies I believe in are the policies that are best for the Commonwealth of Virginia," Aldous said.

However, both candidates knew what issue would bring out the voters on Nov. 8. "The only issue right now is the economy," said Deeds.

"People don't want want a hand out, people don't want the government involved in their lives. They want to be able to provide for themselves and provide for their families," said Aldous.

While both candidates felt that they both won in the debate, who will win the election remains to be seen.