Frederick, Muñoz Debate on News Channel 8

On Aug. 23, constituents of the 36^th senatorial district will have to choose between Jeff Frederick and Tito Muñoz in the Republican primary.

After much discussion on the possibility of a debate, first in Spanish, then in English, the two camps finally settled on a broadcasted debate on News Channel 8 Friday morning.

“I’m a business guy, I have a different approach. I’m logical, I find solutions for problems and that’s why I’m running for office,” said Muñoz.

Frederick, who has experience in the House of Delegates, said he is also looking to end “politics as usual.”

“I’ve seen some things happen over the last couple of years since I’ve been out,” said Frederick. “Time and time and time again Toddy Puller and so many others in the Senate react to so many things in Virginia with a job-killing tax hike. I don’t think that’s the direction we need to take.”

Frederick said he has a record of success, progress and getting things done. As he has said in previous public appearances, Frederick reiterated in the TV debate that he “will never forget who his bosses are.”

When asked why voters should pick him when Frederick has experience in state legislature, Muñoz said, “Well, he had his opportunity and he quit. He decided to be a party chairman.”

“We need a real business leader that understand the private sector and what we need to do to create jobs,” said Muñoz.  

In his rebuttal, Frederick said, “I’m the one with the economics degree. He [Muñoz] likes to say that I quit. In one breath he says he doesn’t want people in Richmond for 20 years, career politicians. But when people actually take themselves out, they go back to the real world to run their small businesses and raise their families, he criticizes that as well.”

Frederick, a small-business leader for 13 years, said that he has greater small-business experience than Muñoz.

“Look at what kind of business he has, he only works with government and lobbyists. I’m the only one who has a business in the private sector. I’m there with the people who are suffering these mandates from the federal or the state,” said Muñoz.

When asked about his criticism of Frederick’s tenure as party chairman, Muñoz said that Frederick “violated FEC [Federal Election Commission] laws. He has a record of violating laws.”

Frederick said he has not violated any laws, has not been convicted of anything and highlighted Muñoz’s campaign as “hypocrisy” because both candidates have done business with the government.

After a scuffle over federal government programs for minorities, Frederick showed the camera the Virginia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory, of which Muñoz’s construction business is listed.

“In 2004 I went into the program. I have never, ever taken a contract based on the program, but he has. He has taken millions of federal government [funding],” said Muñoz before going to a commercial break.

The argument over socially disadvantaged breaks from the federal government continued between Muñoz and Frederick, to which Frederick said Muñoz’s attacks were unfounded.

What each candidate views as the most important issue for the 36^th district:

Frederick said it is revitalizing the Route 1 corridor to fix the economic problems and to get job opportunities without raising taxes.

Muñoz said he wants to increase jobs, and fix traffic in the area. 

The winner of the Aug. 23 primary will face off against longtime Senator Linda “Toddy” Puller (D-36) in November.