Candidates in Virginia governor’s debate clash over shutdown and violent rhetoric
Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger have faced off on the debate stage in Virginia’s high-stakes governor’s race. It was a fiery affair in which Earle-Sears, seen by both sides as trailing in the race, went on the offensive from the very beginning, repeatedly interrupting Spanberger and asking her direct questions. Spanberger sought to cast a more bipartisan tone. The candidates sparred over violent rhetoric, the federal shutdown and transgender children. The economy was largely an afterthought. Virginia is one of just two states choosing governors this November. Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce and Congress’ current government shutdown have an outsize impact in a state filled with federal employees and military personnel.