FAIRFAX, Va. \u2014 Monday was an important day in Virginia’s race to elect a new governor. Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin\u00a0revealed his plans, after weeks of criticism from Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe that Youngkin hadn\u2019t publicized any ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major difference between the two candidates: what to do with Virginia\u2019s\u00a0more than $2 billion budget surplus, with much of that money from the federal stimulus bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Youngkin wants to cut the grocery sales tax and the gas tax plus open charter schools but denies those tax cuts will take away funds for public schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis will be adding to public school funds,” he said. “Again, we have a big inflow of resources into Virginia right now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When WUSA9 asked Youngkin whether his gas tax cuts would also cut into road and rail projects relying on that money, he said no. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe progressives in Richmond overtaxed Virginians by $2.6 billion this past year and they\u2019re going to do it again and we\u2019ve just received billions of dollars from the federal government that has gone all over Virginia and Richmond,” Youngkin said. “There is enough money to do everything we need to do and fully fund my plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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But as much as the race is a fight for Virginia\u2019s future, leftover conflict from the 2020 presidential election remains one focus of this race. Youngkin\u00a0started his campaign\u00a0calling for what he says is the need for more election integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery time here in America some politician says an election was stolen when it wasn\u2019t, it makes us look bad,” McAuliffe said in response. “It just takes us down a notch in the world’s eyes as the greatest democracy in the world.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked for his response to the planned rally coming into the D.C. area on Sept. 18 to \u201cfree the January 6th prisoners\u201d and support the reinstatement of President Trump, Youngkin responded, \u201cI don\u2019t know anything about that, but I will tell you I\u2019m the Republican leader in Virginia today and Republicans are coming together and Virginians are coming together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early in-person voting in Virginia begins on Sept. 17. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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FAIRFAX, Va. — Monday was an important day in Virginia’s race to elect a new