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At This Week in Missouri Politics debate, candidates make final pitch

ST. LOUIS — Three of the Republican candidates for governor met for a final debate Sunday on This Week in Missouri Politics and they got their last chance to make an impression on television and social media.

Businessman John Brunner, former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder responded to questions about how voters would know their term as governor was a success, Eric Greitens and differences between themselves and likely Democratic nominee Chris Koster.

Brunner called for ethics and regulatory reform. His ideas included setting up a “stupid regulation hotline” and an audit of Missouri’s current regulations.

Hanaway focused on her campaign theme of law and order and said that in four years she could be judged by whether Missouri’s streets were safer.

Kinder said he’d be judged by whether there were more jobs in Missouri and incomes were higher, focusing on “wallet” issues as he put his wallet on the table.

While, the three candidates at the debate talked about issues, they also responded to attacks from the missing candidate, former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens. Kinder said that he welcomed Democrats converting to the Republican Party, but unlike another convert, President Ronald Reagan, Kinder said he didn’t think Greitens had enough of a track record of conservatism yet.

Hanaway responded to claims that she wasn’t pro-gun enough by touting that concealed-carry was passed during her time as speaker because of her efforts. She also reminded viewers that she has an “A” rating from the NRA.

Brunner responded to attacks that he didn’t pay his taxes by claiming they were “recycled attacks” from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada.

While the candidates were focused on responding to Greitens, the audience was wondering where he was.

 

While the debate was filmed, Greitens held a press conference outside Missouri Democratic Party headquarters in Jefferson City, where he was “welcomed back” to the party by MDP staff members. At the end of the show, the candidates made their final pitch to Missouri Republicans. Hanaway told the story about her adopted son, who turned 14 last month. Hanaway said they celebrated his birthday because a woman “chose life.”

“I have joined the fight to make sure that this generation passes on to the next generation as good a Missouri as we got,” she said.

Kinder argued that he’s proven that he can win statewide elections. ”

When no other Republican wins, I win. That’s not a boast, it’s a fact,” he said. He also said he can win extra votes in urban areas where other Republicans can’t.

Brunner told viewers that his life experiences as a Marine and a businessman make him the best candidate.

“It comes down to competence, it comes down to character and it comes down to courage,” he said. “I’ve come under tremendous attacks and I’m still here to fight for you.”

The Democrats had their own response to the debate, saying the candidates were all talk and no substance.

“At no point during today’s debate between the three Republican candidates in the GOP primary did we hear any serious solutions to the challenges Missouri families and businesses are facing,” said Kristin Sosanie, spokesperson for the party. “Missourians need a governor who will put harsh ideology aside to get things done in Missouri. With just days to go in a tight race, the GOP candidates offer few ideas and showed no substance. Missourians deserve more.”

Others were pleased with the rhetoric they heard coming from the Republican candidates.

 

 

 

See more social media response to the debate here. And watch the debate here.