Baliles said his work as a city employee in the economic development office, in then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder’s press office and as a councilman more than qualifies him.

“I’ve seen it all,” he said.

Cain and Martz asked Morrissey to address his personal life: “You’ve made what some would call some questionable decisions in your personal life,” Cain said. “Why should voters expect anything different if you’re elected mayor?”

Morrissey, who served jail time both while serving as commonwealth’s attorney and in the House of Delegates, acknowledged missteps.

“There’s no question I have had some trials and tribulations and stubbed my toe on more than one occasion,” he said. But he asked voters to consider both his years of business experience and of political experience.

He also said that, despite his “Fighting Joe” moniker, he has mellowed recently. “I think perhaps I’ve tempered things a little bit being a father and a husband.”