"Fifth District Congressman Virgil Goode and his Democratic challenger, Al Weed, calmly shared their views on a number of policy issues Tuesday before a full crowd at Danville’s American Legion Post 325. But when it came to their opinions about each other, the gloves came off.

“I believe a congressman ought to work for everyone’s best interests and not for corporate interests,” Weed said. “I believe that the congressman we have is not that person.”

Weed later claimed that Goode’s voting record has been more in tune with the Republican Party and special interests rather than with working people.

“Look where his money comes from,” Weed said. “Look at his voting record.”

Goode’s countered by taking a swipe at Weed and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

“If you want a very liberal candidate who is in tune with Massachusetts, Mr. Weed is for you,” Goode said.

Throughout the debate, Goode highlighted his conservative views, including his stance against gay marriage, keeping the phrase “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and his opposition to abortion.

Weed cited Goode’s votes against extending unemployment benefits and against plans to give full health-care benefits to the unemployed. He attacked Goode for making appearances with Abbott Laboratories and taking campaign contributions from the Chicago-based drug manufacturer.

The company’s Together RX Medicare Discount program is currently being investigated for prescription drug price fixing, Weed said. Goode responded by saying that Abbott Laboratories is a major employer in the 5th District - the company manufactures nutritional health products in Altavista. Goode said regardless of what PAC money he takes, he is not in the drug company’s pocket.

“For most drug manufacturers, the big issue is defeating drug importation,” Goode said. “I am for Americans getting their drugs from Canada if they so choose.”

Perhaps the most stark difference in the candidates was their stances on gay marriage.

Weed, whose daughter is gay, supports civil unions for gay couples.

“I want (my daughter) to have the same rights as my straight son,” he said.

Goode remained steadfast in his opposition to hate crime legislation involving homosexuals and civil unions.

When asked directly what he would do if he had a gay daughter, Goode said he would continue to love and support the child. However, he added, “Maybe the child would change its ways.”

Following the debate, Weed criticized Goode’s stance on gay issues.

“We all have our biases. We all have a streak of bigotry,” Weed said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for a leader to encourage that bigotry.”" (Mac McLean, Danville Register-Bee, October 13, 2004)

Contact Mac McLean at gmclean@registerbee.com or at (434) 793-2311, Ext. 3043.