Debate recap: Candidates for governor, attorney general have their say

Governor

Debate No. 1

During Sept. 11's gubernatorial debate, Kenny Hulshof and Jay Nixon became rather heated on a smattering of topics despite both sides' earlier call for a genteel conversation in recognition of Sept. 11.

Debate No. 2

Republican Kenny Hulshof and Democrat Jay Nixon participated in a radio debate Oct. 9, arguing over school vouchers, the economy and health care.

Debate No. 3

Republican gubernatorial candidate Kenny Hulshof claimed Oct. 16 that Democratic rival Jay Nixon's "grandiose plans and promises" would result in $2.6 billion in new spending, raising taxes by $1,200 for every Missouri household.

Nixon denied he would raise taxes and countered by repeatedly painting Hulshof as a Washington politician responsible for the nation's economic woes during a Saturday evening debate in St. Louis.

Attorney General

Debate No. 1

During a Sept. 11 debate, Missouri attorney general candidates Mike Gibbons and Chris Koster declared their opposition to a campaign tactic that they both admitted using — automated telephone calls.

Debate No. 2

The only major disagreement that emerged between Missouri's attorney general candidates on Oct. 9 in their second debate involved a proposal to protect journalists from having to disclose anonymous sources and unused information in court.

While GOP candidate Mike Gibbons supported a "shield law," Democratic attorney general candidate Chris Koster reinforced his opposition during their debate in Poplar Bluff on Thursday.

Debate No. 3

The Missouri Natural Resources Department faced criticism from both attorney general candidates on Oct. 21 in their third general election debate, held in St. Louis.

Democratic candidate Chris Koster said the Natural Resources Department has not done its job of adequately regulating the environment, while Republican candidate Mike Gibbons said the relationship between the department and the attorney general's office needs to be repaired.