Two in Race For VA Governor Push Tax Cuts to Spur Jobs

By Warren Fiske
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 24, 2009

RICHMOND

Tax credits for businesses that create jobs was the key phrase Monday in the Democratic primary campaign for governor.

Two of the three candidates in the race - Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe - called for the tax breaks during dueling news conferences.

Moran, campaigning in Norfolk, said he would create a $2,000-per-worker credit for each new employee hired by a small business. He also pledged to eliminate the state corporate income tax on small businesses making less tha n $200,000 a year.

"People are struggling today, and they need us to take real action to fix our economy," Moran said. "We're going to have to grow this economy from the bottom up, not the top down. "

Moran, a former state delegate from Alexandria, did not put a price tag on his proposals. A spokesman said it is hoped the tax breaks would pay for themselves by creating new jobs that will contribute to the tax base.

McAuliffe visited Danville, a Southside Virginia city that suffers high unemployment. He proposed tax incentives for companies that go into economically stressed regions and create jobs in high-growth industries, such as energy. In such instances, McAuliffe said the state should refund to businesses the increase in federal payroll taxes they would incur by expanding employment.

The former Democratic national chairman declined to say whether he supports uranium mining near Chatham, saying he wants to wait for the results of an environmental and health study.

The third candidate, state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, campaigned in Norfolk on Monday and said he plans to release more information about his business agenda shortly.

Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/two-race-governor-push-tax-cuts-spur-jobs

But over on this blog, describing a recent meeting in Henrico, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell is quoted as saying he believe Virginia needs to develop its abundant natural resources, especially coal and uranium. Anyone surprised?

http://unitedconservatives.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-first-foray-into-local-politics.html