MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on Wisconsin governor’s debate (all times local):
9 p.m.
Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic challenger Tony Evers delivered sharp attack lines in their first debate over hot topics in the race including taxes, education, health care and roads.
Some of the most pointed attacks in Friday’s debate came on the question of credibility.
Walker shrugged off criticism lodged by four of his former Cabinet secretaries, saying he welcomed diverse opinions.
And Evers downplayed reports that broke hours before the debate that his education budget proposal included uncredited sections lifted from other sources. Evers says “If that’s the best Scott Walker as, he doesn’t have very much.”
Evers again denied Walker’s charge that he may raise gas taxes by as much as a dollar a gallon. And Walker defended his attacks on “Obamacare,” saying he can oppose that law and still guarantee insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
___
7:35 p.m.
One of Democratic candidate for governor Tony Evers’ guests at his debate with Gov. Scott Walker is a former Walker Cabinet secretary.
Evers says former financial institutions Secretary Peter Bildsten is among his three guests for Friday’s debate at a Madison television studio. Bildsten joined with two other former Walker Cabinet secretaries this week in issuing a letter slamming Walker and endorsing Evers.
Bildsten has argued that Walker put his own political future over the best interests of the state. Walker has branded him and other Cabinet members as disgruntled.
About 50 supporters for both Walker and Evers were outside the television studio prior to the debate.
Walker and his wife Tonette snapped a selfie from the debate stage before it began and tweeted it. Evers and Walker will meet for a second and final debate Oct. 26.
___
11:44 p.m.
Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Democrat Tony Evers are meeting for the first of two debates ahead of the Nov. 6 election.
Walker and Evers are locked in a tight battle for governor with the election just over two weeks away. The debate Friday is hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association with a second and final one planned for Oct. 26.
Walker is seeking to become only the second governor in Wisconsin history elected to a third term. Evers is the state superintendent who argues Walker has failed the state and should be replaced.
Walker says now is not the time to turn back and has promised not to seek a fourth term should he win.
The candidates have been arguing over taxes, roads, education, health care and a host of other issues.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.