In their last chance to win over Wisconsin voters in a debate setting, both Milwaukee-based gubernatorial candidates not only reiterated their plans for economic development but attacked each other's track record on running the state's biggest city.
Republican candidate and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker blamed Democratic candidate and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for creating a hostile business environment in Milwaukee through high taxes, stunting the city's economic growth.
In turn, Barrett criticized Walker for partaking in many of the same practices he has condemned in Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, including budget deficits, borrowing money and raiding funds.
""You talk about Jim Doyle a lot, but the fact of the matter is there's more similarity between you and Jim on some of these issues than you want to acknowledge,"" Barrett told Walker.
Barrett asked Walker if he could name a single job he created as County Executive in central Milwaukee during his eight years in office, as he himself could not.
""Well I can tell you the way you don't do it,"" Walker shot back. ""You don't do it by raising taxes and fees $21 million, which is what the mayor did in the city of Milwaukee this year""
Barrett said he would not raise taxes, but the state cannot afford tax breaks for the rich and corporations. Walker said these tax breaks will not only create jobs, but attract high-paying, high-skill employment to the state as well.
Although the economy dominated the conversation, the candidates took the time to discuss social issues as well.
Walker said he supports the use of clean energy as ""they always taught us in Scouts that you should leave your campsite cleaner than when you found it,"" but he also said the goal of making 25 percent of Wisconsin's energy usage would be too costly for the state.
Barrett not only supported that goal, but emphasized the need for bipartisan support on the issue.
When asked about the issue of same-sex marriage, Walker said he supported the amendment to the state's constitution passed in 2006, which banned it. Barrett said same-sex couples deserve equal rights and benefits.
