Vermont Dems for A-G Spar in Radio Debate

The two Democrats vying for their party's nomination for Vermont attorney general are voicing disagreement over whether a tax on soft drinks is a good idea.

Attorney General William Sorrell has supported such a tax, saying obesity is starting to vie with tobacco among preventable threats to Vermonters' health.

Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan says he opposes a soda tax, arguing that it would fall disproportionately on working-class Vermonters.

The exchange came Monday morning as the two debated on "The Mark Johnson Show" on Waterbury-based radio station WDEV.

The two also disagreed about corrections, with Sorrell suggesting the state might need more beds for minimum-security inmates. Donovan said he'd rather spend the money on community-based programs designed to keep potential minor offenders out of trouble.