Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls take final swings at McAuliffe in last primary debate
The fourth and final debate of Virginia’s Democratic primary for governor was the most contentious yet as progressive candidates tried to portray frontrunner Terry McAuliffe as out of step with the type of message the party needs to deliver to keep the state blue.
One week out from the primary, it remains to be seen whether the attacks on the former governor will dramatically alter the race, which McAuliffe seems to have dominated ever since he announced he was making the rare move of seeking a second term after leaving office in early 2018.
But the last debate, held at Christopher Newport University in Newport News and televised by Hampton Roads-based TV station WVEC, showed McAuliffe’s opponents weren’t interested in a sleepy primary finish even as McAuliffe signaled that he’s looking ahead to the general-election matchup against Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin.
That dynamic drew the first major shot of the night as Del. Lee Carter of Manassas faulted McAuliffe for overemphasizing the dangers of electing Republicans instead of focusing primarily on what Democrats should stand for.
Read more: https://www.virginiamercury.com/2021/06/01/democratic-gubernatorial-hopefuls-take-final-swings-at-mcauliffe-in-last-primary-debate/