LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Endangered Gov. Karen DeSalle found herself playing defense in her first televised debate with Conservative opponent, businessman Tony Ritonio.
The NAT incumbent remains deadlocked in the polls with Ritonio, who has a real chance of winning the governorship in a liberal-leaning state.
During the debate, which was sponsored by the Association of Kalnier Businesses, the two candidates sparred mainly over the economy and fiscal policy.
Ritonio went on the attack early, criticizing Karen DeSalle for a "pathetic" business climate and a failed economic recovery.
"What have you been doing for the past four years, governor?" Ritonio asked DeSalle. "Because it doesn't look like you've been doing anything to fix the economy in this state. We still have burdensome taxes. We still have government bureaucracy and red tape. We're lagging behind Carova in job creation and growth. Kalnierans are hurting financially; our economy is struggling. And Governor DeSalle has been missing in action," said Ritonio.
Appearing highly energized and ready for a fight, Ritonio continued his criticism, hitting the governor on taxes and spending.
"Under Gov. DeSalle, spending has increased significantly, taxes have increased on three-quarters of Kalnierans, but what do we have to show for it? Is our economy back on track? Is government working efficiently and working for the people? I think most Kalnierans would agree that these higher taxes and more spending by Gov. DeSalle has not bought us much except more debt and more problems," said Ritonio.
DeSalle responded, but appeared to be caught off-guard by her challenger's strong criticisms.
At one point, after a lengthy monologue from Ritonio, DeSalle paused for almost 15 seconds, and then said, "I'm not even sure where to begin with all that."
She acknowledged many Kalnierans are struggling in the recession-hit economy.
But the governor insisted the state's economy is improving, and she pointed to a growing population and a recent construction boom as proof.
She also brought up job growth in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors in the greater Lamberth area.
"I'm not sure what Mr. Ritonio means when he says the economy isn't improving. All the indicators show Kalnier's economy is improving. Our housing market is improving, construction has been stronger this year than any year since before the recession. Our population is increasing, people are moving here because they see opportunity. There are so many opportunities in our beautiful state."
DeSalle also hit back about Kalnier's economic recovery in comparison to other states.
Recent numbers released by the federal Department of Labor indicate Carova has had the strongest economic recovery of the northeastern states, but Kalnier's recovery has been more successful than neighboring Lial and Trinton.
On the budget, the governor defended increased spending, but largely dismissed criticism of her tax increases.
"Yes we did increase spending on education, veterans and healthcare. Because I refuse to gut [spending for] these vital programs, which is exactly what Mr. Ritonio will do as governor," said DeSalle.
The governor seemed to get back into the groove in the final minutes of the debate, slamming Ritonio for his connections to big business.
"What Mr. Ritonio won't tell you is that all these tax cuts that he's promising are going to go to big corporations and the top 10% of earners. These tax breaks will not go to the average Kalnieran, to the families, the single mom, the college students working two or three jobs to make ends meet. Mr. Ritonio's tax policy favors the rich," said DeSalle.
Both candidates pledged to nurture small businesses and give aid to families.
Ritonio pledged to cut spending by 8% in his first 100 days in office. He also pledged to cut the governor's salary by 15%.
DeSalle declined to make the same pledges.
Both voiced concern over the level of out-of-state spending in the contentious race, though neither made any specific pledges to stem the flow of outside cash into the race.
A University of Kalnier poll released earlier this week found Karen DeSalle slightly edging Tony Ritiono in a head-to-head match up, 51% to 49%, well within the margin of error.
Most political analysts rate Kalnier's gubernatorial race as a "toss-up."
The NAT incumbent remains deadlocked in the polls with Ritonio, who has a real chance of winning the governorship in a liberal-leaning state.
During the debate, which was sponsored by the Association of Kalnier Businesses, the two candidates sparred mainly over the economy and fiscal policy.
Ritonio went on the attack early, criticizing Karen DeSalle for a "pathetic" business climate and a failed economic recovery.
"What have you been doing for the past four years, governor?" Ritonio asked DeSalle. "Because it doesn't look like you've been doing anything to fix the economy in this state. We still have burdensome taxes. We still have government bureaucracy and red tape. We're lagging behind Carova in job creation and growth. Kalnierans are hurting financially; our economy is struggling. And Governor DeSalle has been missing in action," said Ritonio.
Appearing highly energized and ready for a fight, Ritonio continued his criticism, hitting the governor on taxes and spending.
"Under Gov. DeSalle, spending has increased significantly, taxes have increased on three-quarters of Kalnierans, but what do we have to show for it? Is our economy back on track? Is government working efficiently and working for the people? I think most Kalnierans would agree that these higher taxes and more spending by Gov. DeSalle has not bought us much except more debt and more problems," said Ritonio.
DeSalle responded, but appeared to be caught off-guard by her challenger's strong criticisms.
At one point, after a lengthy monologue from Ritonio, DeSalle paused for almost 15 seconds, and then said, "I'm not even sure where to begin with all that."
She acknowledged many Kalnierans are struggling in the recession-hit economy.
But the governor insisted the state's economy is improving, and she pointed to a growing population and a recent construction boom as proof.
She also brought up job growth in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors in the greater Lamberth area.
"I'm not sure what Mr. Ritonio means when he says the economy isn't improving. All the indicators show Kalnier's economy is improving. Our housing market is improving, construction has been stronger this year than any year since before the recession. Our population is increasing, people are moving here because they see opportunity. There are so many opportunities in our beautiful state."
DeSalle also hit back about Kalnier's economic recovery in comparison to other states.
Recent numbers released by the federal Department of Labor indicate Carova has had the strongest economic recovery of the northeastern states, but Kalnier's recovery has been more successful than neighboring Lial and Trinton.
On the budget, the governor defended increased spending, but largely dismissed criticism of her tax increases.
"Yes we did increase spending on education, veterans and healthcare. Because I refuse to gut [spending for] these vital programs, which is exactly what Mr. Ritonio will do as governor," said DeSalle.
The governor seemed to get back into the groove in the final minutes of the debate, slamming Ritonio for his connections to big business.
"What Mr. Ritonio won't tell you is that all these tax cuts that he's promising are going to go to big corporations and the top 10% of earners. These tax breaks will not go to the average Kalnieran, to the families, the single mom, the college students working two or three jobs to make ends meet. Mr. Ritonio's tax policy favors the rich," said DeSalle.
Both candidates pledged to nurture small businesses and give aid to families.
Ritonio pledged to cut spending by 8% in his first 100 days in office. He also pledged to cut the governor's salary by 15%.
DeSalle declined to make the same pledges.
Both voiced concern over the level of out-of-state spending in the contentious race, though neither made any specific pledges to stem the flow of outside cash into the race.
A University of Kalnier poll released earlier this week found Karen DeSalle slightly edging Tony Ritiono in a head-to-head match up, 51% to 49%, well within the margin of error.
Most political analysts rate Kalnier's gubernatorial race as a "toss-up."
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