Kaine and Allen face-off in first debate

RICHMOND — Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen are former governors and familiar faces in the Capitol. But their ideas on how to fix the country’s finances could not be more different as the two clashed Wednesday during the first Senate debate of the 2012 race.

The first question asked whether or not it would be in the nation’s best interest to mine uranium in Dan River Region.

Kaine said it is too early to tell if mining uranium would be good. He said that while studies show there will be a significant economic impact, there could also be heavy environmental consequences. He wanted to make sure mining is safe and expressed a passion for developing more alternative energy initiatives which is also a lucrative industry.

Allen said lifting the ban is ultimately a decision for the General Assembly, the governor and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors and, while safety is a priority, the U.S. must take advantage of domestic forms of energy. The high cost of energy is hurting lower and middle income families and increasing domestic energy production would increase revenue and make America more competitive.

Allen referred to many government regulators as “sanctimonious social engineers” regarding the matter. Kaine later referred this remark to the type of name-calling that Washington does not need — and said Allen has a habit of making these remarks and bullying opponents.

The infamous 2006 “macaca” incident was brought up during the debate as well. During his Senate re-election campaign in 2006, Allen famously pointed to a young man in a crowd during a speech and said “Let’s give a welcome to macaca here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia.” The video of the remark was widely circulated and is often cited as one of the reasons Allen narrowly lost that election to Sen. Jim Webb.

Kaine acknowledged that Allen apologized for the remark but said it was not a unique incident. Allen said it was a mistake and he “never should have singled out that young man.” He wants to remain focused on other issues.

Both candidates spent a lot of time associating each other with their party’s most recent presidents. Kaine repeatedly accused Allen on contributing to the out-of-control spending prevalent during the Bush administration. Allen continually labeled Kaine as a yes-man for President Barack Obama’s policies. In one of the testiest exchanges during the debate Allen accused Kaine of advocating for the “likes of not only President Obama’s policies but also those of Nancy Pelosi.”

Kaine cut him off and asked, “The likes of President Obama?”

Allen said Kaine advocated their agenda, which was not in the best interest of the people of Virginia.

Kaine shot back in defense of Obama’s policies and asked if “wiping out al-Qaida, stopping the Iraq war, saving the auto industry” were not in Virginia’s best interests. The moderator eventually stepped in to stop their retorts.

The two men also sparred over the abortion issue when asked if they support putting in place a “personhood” law that states life begins at conception.

Kaine was opposed to the law because it he said it would outlaw forms of contraception and was a government overreach of the worst kind. Allen disagreed because the word contraception means there is no fertilized egg. He believes life begins at conception.

Allen and Kaine face a host of primary challengers, but are the front runners of their party’s nominations. Their Senate race is expected to be one of the most-watched — and most expensive — of 2012.

Holland reports for the Danville Register & Bee.