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RICHMOND -- Republican Bob McDonnell talks about the first debate of the 2009 gubernatorial campaign in terms that make his contest with Democrat Creigh Deeds seem like the renewal of an old sports rivalry.

"I'm looking forward to coming into his home turf and talking about the differences in our records, the differences in our ability to lead and our different visions for the future," McDonnell said earlier this week.

The two candidates for governor will have their first face-to-face clash of the campaign this morning when they debate at The Homestead resort in Bath County, the area where Deeds grew up and still lives. The 11 a.m. event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Virginia Bar Association as part of its annual summer meeting.

McDonnell and Deeds are familiar foes, having opposed each other in the 2005 election for attorney general. McDonnell won that contest by a mere 360 votes in the closest statewide election in modern Virginia history. The Republican now claims that he has the better experience to lead the state for the next four years, and is hoping to end a string of GOP losses in major statewide elections.

Deeds is just six weeks removed from a decisive victory in a three-way Democratic primary. The veteran state lawmaker held his own in a series of debates throughout the spring, and McDonnell said Deeds has been "sharpened by that process."

Deeds agreed, saying: "Even though people might think I might not be the smoothest guy in the world, I think those opportunities gave me a chance to distinguish myself from the other candidates and to win."

The economy has emerged as a major issue in the campaign as Virginia copes with the effects of a national recession and rising unemployment. Both candidates said they are eager to contrast their plans for creating jobs and addressing the state's chronic transportation problems. And both are trying to stake out ground in the political center to capture support of critical swing voters.

Deeds is running as a logical heir to outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine and Kaine's Democratic predecessor, Mark Warner. Warner, now a U.S. senator, joined Deeds in Roanoke on Monday when the candidate rolled out his economic plan.

Among other things, Deeds proposed targeted tax breaks to help businesses create jobs and to develop "green" industries. He also vowed to focus on the needs of rural and distressed areas as Warner did during his administration.

McDonnell also has outlined a series of economic plans that include proposals targeted at rural and distressed areas. He insists his economic plan would be more friendly to businesses and industries by limiting taxes and regulation. And he has argued that his executive experience gives him a leg up on Deeds, who has been in the General Assembly for 18 years.

"He's been a good public servant for his community," McDonnell said of Deeds. "But this is about being governor of Virginia. This is about who's got the ability to make tough decisions; who's got the leadership skills, the management experience to guide Virginia in a tough time."

Deeds has tried to cast McDonnell has a hard-line obstructionist who opposed major initiatives advanced by Warner and Kaine.

"I'm going to be able to reach across the aisle," said Deeds, who picked up endorsements this week from a handful of former Republican legislators. "I'm going to bring people together."

McDonnell has tried to tether Deeds to organized labor and the economic and energy policies advanced by President Obama and congressional Democrats. Deeds has dismissed the tactic, saying McDonnell "must think we're in a congressional race."

But Deeds is welcoming the support of Obama, who last year became the first Democrat in 44 years to carry Virginia in a presidential election. Deeds' campaign announced Thursday that Obama will headline a Northern Virginia fundraiser and rally for Deeds on Aug. 6.

Virginia is one of just two states electing governors this year, and the race already is drawing national attention as an indicator of each party's strength in the aftermath of last year's presidential contest. The battle lines between Deeds and McDonnell should become more well-defined today.

Deeds enters the fray with one advantage: The road-weary candidate got to sleep in his own bed Friday night.

"I don't get home enough," Deeds said Thursday. "I miss home, I miss my family, I miss the people I know the best, and I'm looking forward to being home."