Rhetoric Heats Up in Assembly Races

Yesterday, top Republican and Democratic leaders traded barbs over who is responsible for the strength of the state's economy and whether President Bush should be a factor in voters' decisions this year.

With the Nov. 6 election less than a month away, the rhetoric and campaign promises are increasing as Democrats try to retake the state Senate and make inroads in the GOP-led House of Delegates.

In recent weeks, Democrats have stepped up efforts to link GOP candidates to the policies of the Bush administration. In Fairfax County, House Democratic candidate Rex Simmons has sent out a mailer with a photo of Del. Timothy D. Hugo (R) standing with Vice President Cheney.

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