First Click - Virginia

Happy Friday, Virginia, here's what's happening in state politics today.

The news offers political junkies two interesting indicators about the gubernatorial contest between R. Creigh Deeds (D) and Robert F. McDonnell (R). The two men sparred over a wide range of issues, from the economy to energy to gay adoptions, at a debate in Tysons Corner yesterday, which was tense from the very start.

Afterward, Deeds was asked by a scrum of reporters about an apparent contradiction in his position on raising taxes for transportation. The line of questioning provoked a snippy response to a female reporter, which was caught on tape. Bob McCartney was not impressed with Deeds' performance.

The second indicator came late yesterday in the form of a Rasmussen poll that shows the race in a statistical dead heat. While The Post is not a fan of "robo-polls," it is interesting to note that just two weeks ago Rasmussen had McDonnell up 9 points. Bob Holsworth ponders what the numbers might mean.

And in other state news, Northern Virginia lawmakers are questioning the wisdom of sacrificing local roads to qualify for federal matching funds on highway construction and maintenance.