Debate season is in full swing. The two candidates in Virginia's 6th district took the podium in Roanoke on Saturday. Political signs surrounded James Breckinridge Middle School in Roanoke. Inside people were hoping to hear some passion.
Republican and Incumbent Bob Goodlatte is being challenged by Democrat Andy Schmookler. Goodlatte has been in office since 1993. He told the crowd government has gotten too big. "Government now is running trillion dollar deficits for each of the last four years and our national debt is $16 trillion," he told voters.
Andy Schmookler is an author, professor, and consultant. He jumped in the race because he says there is too much dishonesty in Washington, D.C. "Now is the time the truth telling needs its champions," Schmookler said.
Of course the economy was the biggest issue for voters. "I'm kind of looking to see how they hit on the jobs situation and what they plan to do about the workforce out there," voter Frank Marley told us.
Both candidates were asked how they would lower the nation's deficit.
"First thing we gotta do is bring down the soaring health costs. We have a problem with Medicare but it's not Medicare's fault," Schmookler told voters.
Goodlatte said, "We also need to cut government spending. The fact of the matter is our economy cannot sustain the level of spending."
Both candidates do agree on one issue. They said democrats and republicans need to do a better job at working together.
