Cantor to debate economic issues with Powell on Oct. 1

Rep. Eric Cantor, R-7th, will debate economic issues with Democratic congressional challenger Wayne Powell on Oct.1, in an event sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local chambers of commerce.

The debate, rescheduled from Sept. 28, will be held at 7 p.m. at the headquarters of CarMax on 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway in Goochland County.

Chamber official Ryan Dunn said the debate is open to chamber members and their guests as well as invited guests of both campaigns. Members must purchase tickets at $25 each. There will be media coverage.

Longtime political analyst Robert Holsworth will moderate the hour-long debate, which will feature questions from chamber members that are "business focused" and deal with issues that matter to the business community, Dunn said.

The Virginia Chamber represents about 13,000 member companies throughout the commonwealth. The majority of 7th District residents live in Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and Spotsylvania counties, with smaller percentages residing in the city of Richmond and Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, Goochland and New Kent counties.

Cantor has represented the 7th District since 2001. Powell is an attorney and retired Army colonel in his first run for elected office.