Debate May Shift Focus To Issues

In addition to Iraq, the candidates could face questions about stem cell research, abortion, taxes, transportation and education.

Allen has begun focusing on taxes with an advertisement that accuses Webb of wanting to raise taxes by $2,000 for the average Virginia family. It also attempts to link Webb with liberal Democratic lawmakers who are perceived to be opposed to recent federal tax cuts.

"Webb would bring back the death tax, marriage penalty tax and cut the child tax credit from $1,000 to $500," the ad states.

Webb campaign officials called the ad incorrect. They said the former Navy secretary favors many tax cuts for families while opposing breaks for the richest families.

"This ad is totally wrong. Jim Webb supports extending tax cuts for Virginia's families like the college tuition tax credit, the child tax credit, and he supports the compromise estate tax cut," Todd said.

Neither candidate has had much success communicating with voters about his ideas. In his stump speech, Allen tries to talk about energy independence and the need for more women and minorities who are interested in math and science. Webb usually talks about the need for economic fairness in Virginia.

But with just weeks until Election Day, neither currently is advertising those positions. Allen continues to hammer Webb on 27-year-old comments he made about women serving in combat. Webb has responded with an ad defending his record on women's issues.

Aides for both said they are hoping to get some help in the final days from national party leaders.

Webb strategist Steve Jarding said he has been frustrated by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which has declined to say whether or how they will spend money on Webb's behalf.

"I think they can come in and do a tremendous job. That clock is ticking and you don't get these days back," he said. "It is getting more and more difficult to explain why they are not here."

Phil Singer, a spokesman for the campaign committee, said again over the weekend that candidates and the media should "stay tuned" for more action out of the national party. Monday's debate could generate help from both directions.

WETA (Channel 26), the Washington area PBS station, will show the debate live. WNVC (Channel 56) will air it at 8 a.m. Sunday.