Shields, O'Bannon Spar Over Economy, Education in First Debate

From the Shields for Delegate campaign, Go Tom!

In their first debate, today, Tom Shields and John O'Bannon outlined their significant policy differences. Shields spent his time focused on his vision for a new generation of independent leadership that will put partisan politics aside to create good-paying jobs, build an education system that prepares our kids for the 21st Century economy, and cut waste to save taxpayer dollars. O'Bannon focused on part of his record, but when questioned by Shields, did little to explain his vote against trying to save 2,700 jobs at the recently-closed Qimonda plant, his vote against the $125 million in unemployment benefits that Virginians already paid for, his vote to cut $1/2 billion in K-12 education funding, or his vote to cut $8.5 million in health care for kids and pregnant moms.

"Clearly there are things we agree on like fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes low," said Shields, "but there seems to be more we disagree on. $1/2 billion in K-12 education cuts is not an acceptable way to balance the budget. Claiming not to know Qimonda's financial troubles before voting against trying to save 2,700 jobs is not an acceptable way to handle our local economy. And, cutting $8.5 million in health care for kids and pregnant moms and turning away $125 million in unemployment benefits is not an acceptable way to represent Virginia families. We need a new generation of independent leadership that will put partisan politics aside to get things done for the residents of the 73rd district, not party leaders and special interests."