Gubernatorial Candidates Prepare For First Televised Debate

The two main candidates running for Wisconsin governor will meet on Friday night in their first live televised debate.

Republican incumbent Scott Walker and Democrat Mary Burke are expected to wrangle over issues such as job creation, budgetary policy, school vouchers, women’s health and the environment. The panelists might also ask the candidates about a state investigation into Walker’s past campaign activities, as well as allegations that Burke plagiarized parts of her campaign platform.

Walker has now participated in several of these debates, having successfully run for governor in both 2010 and in the 2012 recall election. He told reporters this week that his focus at Friday night’s debate will be on having a conversation with voters.

“To me, this is more of a conversation with the people in Wisconsin and less of a debate,” he said. “Debates in my mind are going back and forth, going at each other. I’ve seen that in other states, I just don’t care for it that much.”

For Burke, the experience of debating on statewide TV and radio is completely new. She said in a conference call that it was a chance to introduce herself to voters.

“My goal in the debate is just for folks to get to know me and my plans for leading Wisconsin forward,” said Burke. “And if I’ve been able to communicate that effectively, that will be for me a win.”

For many Wisconsin voters, the debates will mark the first time they get to examine the candidates’ platforms outside of the context of political advertisements. Many of those advertisements have focused on job creation and the economy, with each candidate painted starkly contrasting views of Wisconsin’s current outlook.

The debate, sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, will take place in an auditorium inside Eau Claire’s Mayo Health Clinic. Journalist Jill Geisler will moderate, while four panelists will ask the pose questions to the candidates. Another WBA debate between the gubernatorial candidates is scheduled for Oct. 17 in Milwaukee.

Walker declined to participate in a debate proposed by Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television, citing scheduling conflicts.

Editor’s Note: The debate will broadcast at 7 p.m. on Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio, and livestreamed on WPR.org and WPT.org. In full disclosure, WPR news reporter Shawn Johnson will be one of the panelists for the debate.