By Frank Morris, Matt Sepic
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Governor Bob Holden and his rival for the Democratic nomination, State Auditor Clair McCaskill debated Monday night in Kansas City. It was the first of two debates of the campaign. Holden talked a lot about taking what he described as principled stands against Republicans who control the General Assembly. He touted what he said were hard fought victories, won with no help from McCaskill. "When the Democrats stood beside me to fight for education in this state, you were no where to be found," Holden told McCaskill. "When the Democrats stood with me to protect health care for women and children, you were silent and absent."
McCaskill countered she was busy doing audits at the time, that if implemented could have eased the state's financial crisis.
She conceded that she and the governor are a lot a like on policy issues, but she maintained that she is the more effective leader. "This campaign isn't just about fighting for the things that matter, it's about winning for the things that matter."
McCaskill said the if she's wins the Democratic nomination, she'll not only keep the Governor's Mansion in Democratic hands, but help Democrats win back control of the state House of Representatives.
Both candidates also said they will vote for the Constitutional Amendment 1, which would authorize river boat gambling in a small town near Branson.
McCaskill also continued her attacks on Governor Holden, questioning his decision to withhold education funds, recounting his bitter battles with state Republicans and his frailer to improve that state's highway system.
She accused Holden of failing to stop the off shoring state social service call center jobs. "You could re-bid the contract, it could have been done months ago. People in this state are hurting, they are picking up the phone and calling India for help."
Holden responsed by noting Missouri is among the states doing the most to prevent state contracts from going over seas.
He said the sour economy, when he took office forced him to make tough choices, cutting $1.2 billion from the state budget, but said he has been able to achieve Democrat objectives despite Republican legislative control.
"We've had to make changes all along the way to reduce the size of government, but you know we've made the right changes, we've got the right principals in place, and we've fought for the issues that matter to Democrats: Education, health care, jobs.
The governor says he's worked hard to preserve jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis and across the state.
Holden and McCaskill will meet again tonight (Tuesday) for their second and final debate in St. Louis. You can hear it live on KWMU