Virginia Republican leaders defended the controversial abusive-driver fees that level high-priced tickets for excessive speeding, drunken driving and other violations while vowing to add out-of-state drivers to the plan to make it more fair during a campaign stop in Manassas.

“The abuser fees are working,” Republican House Speaker William Howell said of the fines of up to $1,000 a year for three years for traffic offenses. “Democrats want to give [abusive] drivers a free pass.”

Some driving violations are down 20 percent because drivers are mindful of the new reforms, Howell said, adding the tickets make for safer, better-funded roads. The GOP lawmakers said they were working on ways to extend the policy to cover drivers passing through the state.

But Democrats continued to blast the fees for locals or visitors.

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“Trying to solve our transportation problems with $1,000 speeding tickets is just another example of him not willing to look at real solutions,” said Mark Bergman, spokesman for the House Democratic Caucus.

The jockeying occurred as Republican and Democratic leaders made a concentrated pitch for votes in Northern Virginia’s battleground seats Monday.

Gov. Tim Kaine stumped for three candidates in conservative districts by touting transportation programs and energy policy.

“It’s time for the legislature in Richmond to step up and pass a comprehensive energy plan that protects Virginia’s natural landscape and reduces our dependence on foreign oil,” Kaine said.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders showed support for Prince William County’s proposed crackdown on illegal immigration and promised the state’s help.

“We may not be able to secure our borders, but we can ensure we are not awarding more services to illegal immigrants,” Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling said.

Democrats haven’t been willing to come up with ideas on issues like public safety, Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell said.

“The Democratic Party has become a do-nothing party,” Bob McDonnell said during a stop in Manassas. “I can’t tell you one major reform the Democratic Party came out with.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com