"Republican Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr. and Democratic challenger Al Weed each presented his own vision of a prosperous Southside but highlighted philosophical differences in the role government should play in helping the visions become reality.

During a forum yesterday at Longwood University, Goode played up his record and efforts to reduce the role of government. Weed faulted Congress for not asking enough questions of President Bush as the nation went to war and talked about the active role government should play.

Goode, who was elected to the House of Representatives as a Democrat but became an independent and finally a Republican, advocates a reduced role for government.

During a question-and-answer session, the men highlighted their differences:

• While Goode noted he supports elimination of what he called the death tax that forces many farmers to sell their land, Weed called it an estate tax affecting less than 2 percent of the population.
• While Weed said the federal Patriot Act features some elements that should not have been included, Goode praised it as a 'very necessary tool in dealing with terrorist and drug dealers.'
• Goode supports privatization of Social Security; Weed is opposed.
• Weed supports extension of the Brady Law on gun control; Goode is opposed.
• Goode noted that he supports affordable, quality health care and is working to protect and preserve Medicare, but he would support private leadership in the medical field.

'When government runs the show you get a one-size fits all, our way or the highway [philosophy],' Good said.

In addition, Goode said he has supported or supports reduction of individual income tax rates, increasing the child tax credit, elimination of the marriage tax and allowing for increased contributions to retirement accounts.

'This has helped millions of Americans keep more of their money and [have it] in the economy,' he said.

'I can tell you, if you see a big change in Congress, you're going to see a big tax increase.'

But Weed, a 61-year-old Nelson County farm-winery owner and a combat medic in Vietnam, said concerns such as jobs, health coverage for all, deficit politics and the effects of the war in Iraq are 'problems that Democrats, who trust the role of government in American life, can best solve.

'Republicans are naturally suited to the role of the opposition,' Weed said. 'They don't trust government, and except for reaching into our private lives, claim that they want to limit the powers of government. But government is hard work.

'Sending a Republican to Washington and expecting good government is like sending a vegetarian to the butcher to buy next week's meals. He's uncomfortable being there, doesn't like talking to people there, and we're lucky if he brings home a bit of bacon from time to time.'

Goode has represented the 5th District since 1996. The district, which includes largely rural Southside, has lost thousands of tobacco and textile jobs in recent years." (Jamie C. Ruff, Richmond Times Dispatch, March 3, 2004)

Contact Jamie C. Ruff at (434) 517-0997 or jruff@timesdispatch.com.