This weekend kicked off the first of several debates between gubernatorial candidates Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds.

They both weighed in on several important issues Saturday and one political analyst says the debate outcomes won't guarantee a win.

James Madison University political scientist Bob Roberts says Saturday's gubernatorial debate was an interesting one.

"I think Creigh Deeds was on the defensive most of the debate, which caught a lot of people unexpected because McDonnell hit him on national issues and then on transportation," says Roberts.

"As much as you talk about what's going on in Washington, I wonder whether you're running for Congress or Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia," comments Deeds.

Roberts says another disagreement between the two candidates is just how many debates they'll have. McDonnell hopes to have ten, but Roberts says debates aren't Deeds' forte.

"Deeds would much rather have forums where he talks to the audience and not one-on-one debates like he had this time. He's not very comfortable in those types of situations, and he'd much rather take questions from the audience," says Robert.

Roberts says McDonnell thrives in these situations, which is why political pundits declared him Saturday's winner.

"Creigh, you don't have a plan. You haven't subsisted one dime. To be able to say to the people of Virginia that you have a wish list of projects and if you get elected you'll tell them how to pay for it, that's not right," says McDonnell.

Roberts says the debates won't be the deciding factor in the election. The real test will be their individual campaigns.

"Whoever is able to define each other will probably win. And that's usually by TV and radio and mass media," says Roberts.

Campaign commercials haven't aired yet, but like Roberts says the goal will be to define their opponent. For now, Roberts says Deeds needs to define the issues and his plans and get back on the offensive.