WDBJ 7 - "Gilmore, Warner attack each other early"

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WDBJ 7 - "Gilmore, Warner attack each other early"

Poor lending practices and plug-in cars were just a few issues debated by Virginia's candidates for the U.S. Senate.

The second meeting of two former governors began in agreement. Both men say lending institutions need more government oversight.

"We ought to have lending practices that are ethical," said Jim Gilmore.

"If there was ever a time to send someone to Washington who can read a balance sheet, because an awful lot of people on Capitol Hill can't, and understand finances, it's now," said Mark Warner.

Warner says his personal fortune is down 10 to 15%. Gilmore hasn't studied how the volatile markets are affecting his.

"One thing we know for sure, we can't make matters worse. And if Barack Obama becomes President of the United States, and has support from Mark Warner in the United States Senate, we're gonna see higher taxes," said Gilmore.

"It's like plug and play, you're gonna keep doing: Barack Obama, Mark Warner, Barack Obama, Mark Warner. I'm proud to support Barack Obama," said Warner.

The GOP's nominee has based his campaign on high gas prices and the need, he says, to drill here, drill now. The Democratic nominee supports some drilling too.

He also wants American companies developing 100-mile plug-in hybrids.

"I think there will be more jobs and more wealth created over the energy sector in the next 25 years, even more than cell phones," said Warner.

Warner wants to eliminate the Bush tax cuts. A move he says will only affect millionaires.

"Don't believe this stuff about how just a few little rich people over here are gonna end up having to pay this. Down through history, we've seen the middle class ends up paying those taxes, and that's what's going to happen again," said Gilmore.

Two former governors with an intimate understanding of the issues facing Virginians. Two men with very different records, both confident will carry them to Washington.

The candidates' next and final debate will be held next month in Roanoke.

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