From the booming suburbs of western Henrico County to the rolling farmland of Louisa and Goochland counties, the 56th District is a study in contrasts.

The incumbent is W.R. "Bill" Janis, a lawyer and Henrico Republican who takes a hard line against raising taxes and increasing the size of government. He is seeking his third term.

His opponent is Peter L. deFur, coordinator of Virginia Commonwealth University's environmental-studies graduate program. DeFur is running as a Democrat.

"Bill Janis has signed his no-tax pledge, and that seems to have been the cornerstone of his service," deFur said. "I'm not afraid to take whatever steps are necessary to maintain essential services," such as schools, roads and health-care systems, and "to make sure the needy are taken care of."

During a recent public debate at Louisa County High School, Janis and deFur -- in response to questions submitted from the audience, and in other comments during separate interviews -- squared off on taxes, the death penalty, oil exploration in the Chesapeake Bay and same-sex marriage.

As someone who has worked on environmental issues for years, deFur said he is opposed to oil exploration in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic Coast off Virginia because of the potential environmental risks.

"I believe securing the energy independence of America is critical. I don't believe we should rule out categorically exploring for reserves of oil, no matter where they may be," Janis said.

On the issue of same-sex marriage, Janis said he sided with the majority of Virginians who he said believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.

"The government of Virginia has recognized for 400 years that marriage between a man and a woman is a fundamental building block, not only of every community but every civilization," Janis said.

In response, deFur said: "I don't think a law narrowly defining the relationship between adults serves the best interests of freedom, reason, justice and tolerance among members of a community."

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