INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Latest on the Indiana governor debate (all times local):
8: 25 p.m.
Candidates for governor of Indiana faced off in a town hall forum, with Republican Eric Holcomb arguing for a continuation of the economic development policies of Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels. However, Democrat John Gregg called for an end to some of the divisive conservative social issues that punctuated Pence’s time in office.
The candidates appeared alongside Libertarian Rex Bell and did not address each other or debate each other. Rather they each answered questions asked by a moderator or members of the audience.
The forum was ostensibly about economic development and the economy, but touched on gun rights, immigration, LGBT rights and the degree to which the state should fund preschool.
On the economy, Bell said the state needs to focus on job competition.
7:55 p.m.
The Republican, Democratic and Libertarian candidates for governor of Indiana had differing opinions on the impact of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on the state’s economy.
During Monday’s debate, Libertarian Rex Bell said he opposed RFRA but doesn’t know if the state saw economic damage from it.
Republican Eric Holcomb said in his travels across Indiana, it is apparent a compromise on the issue has not been reached. He said the ability for local communities to pass civil rights protections provides balance. He added there are “good people on both ends of this issue who have differing opinions.”
Democrat John Gregg said he would push for full civil rights protections for LGBT Hoosiers if elected for governor. He went on to say the legislation hurt the state economically, adding respect is needed for all the state’s residents.
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7:14 p.m.
A campaign debate between the Republican, Democratic and Libertarian candidates for governor of Indiana is underway.
Democrat John Gregg, Republican Eric Holcomb and Libertarian Rex Bell were meeting Monday evening at the University of Indianapolis for their second of three debates.
The televised event is expected to last an hour.
Holcomb, the current lieutenant governor, and former Indiana House Speaker Gregg didn’t confront each other much during an initial debate last week on education issues before an Indianapolis audience consisting mostly of high school students. Gregg blamed Republican-backed school initiatives for Indiana’s teacher shortages, while Holcomb argued the state isn’t alone in struggling to attract would-be educators.
One more debate scheduled for Oct. 25 at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville.
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6:18 a.m.
The candidates for governor of Indiana are set to square off in another debate.
Democrat John Gregg, Republican Eric Holcomb and Libertarian Rex Bell will meet Monday evening at the University of Indianapolis for a televised, hour-long debate.
Holcomb, the current lieutenant governor, and former Indiana House Speaker Gregg didn’t confront each other much during an initial debate last week on education issues before an Indianapolis audience consisting mostly of high school students. Gregg blamed Republican-backed school initiatives for Indiana’s teacher shortages, while Holcomb argued the state isn’t alone in struggling to attract would-be educators.
After Monday evening, there’s one more debate scheduled, Oct. 25 at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville.
