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Talent and Holden discuss issues

This is Aaron Cummins for Missouri Capital Caucus with a recap of the first debate in the race to be Missouri's next governor.

Republican Jim Talent and Democrat Bob Holden traded jabs at each other's record on the major issues facing Missouri.

A mixed audience of Democrats and Republicans showed up at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau to hear the candidates debate.

They talked about highways, methamphetamines and the death penalty. And, tackled issues like public education and partial-birth abortion.

But, the most entertaining exchange of the night happened on the topic of prescription drugs.

Talent said he thinks subsidies should be provided by the feds, but said he would work on it as governor if the federal government doesn't get it done.

Actuality:drugs
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: [230K WAV file - Talent says getting prescription drugs for seniors is what's right to do... but, Holden counters by asking Talent why he hasn't gotten it done in Washington.]

Another interesting topic of debate was Missouri's growing methamphetamine problem.

Talent said he wants stronger laws.

Actuality:talmeth
RunTime: 10
OutCue:
Contents: [107K WAV file - Talent says the laws need to be strengthened to discourage dealers. ]

Actuality:holdmeth
RunTime: 10
OutCue:
Contents: [114K WAV file - Holden says the state's record on the drug has gotten a lot better since Talent left for Washington. ]

Holden said that strong enforcement would continue if he was elected.

Holden also criticized Talent's much-talked about highway construction plan.

Actuality:holdhwy
RunTime: 15
OutCue:
Contents: [172K WAV file - Holden says Talent's plan is fiscally irresponsible.]

Actuality:talhwy
RunTime: 11
OutCue:
Contents: [126K WAV file - Talent says his plan will keep a promise to Missourians... something he says will be new to politics in Jefferson City. ]

Talent and Holden will debate at least two more times before the November 7th election... once in Kansas City and once in Springfield.

In Jefferson City, I'm Aaron Cummins.