The debates can be viewed again Wednesday afternoon at www.scetv.org/candidatespotlight
Update:
It’s a year before the 2010 election, but 10 gubernatorial hopefuls gathered for a debate-type forum. The event at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College was hosted by the SC Natural Resources Society and broadcast over SCETV Tuesday night.
But this event was different from similar events in its subject matter. The five Democrats and five Republicans spent 90 minutes discussing issues connected specifically to natural resources, especially with regard to conservation and economic development.
On the subject of global warming, Democrat Jim Rex fully agreed that the phenomenon exists. He began his response with a joke.
Listen to Rex remark :32 MP3
On the subject of the “water wars” between South Carolina and neighboring states over control of river water, Attorney General Henry McMaster had a lot to say. McMaster filed a law suit on that matter which is being considered by the US Supreme Court.
Listen to McMaster on water as a resource :26
Tuesday’s debate marked the first time in South Carolina history that the primary candidates from both parties shared the stage at the same time.
One question involved US Senator Lindsey Graham’s comprehensive energy legislation, which he is co-sponsoring along with Democrat John Kerry. Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, a Republican, disapproved of Graham’s legislation.
Listen to Bauer on Sen. Graham’s “cap and trade” position :30
Contrast that with the opinions of Democratic candidates like Dwight Drake, who applauded Senator Graham for his by-partisan effort. Drake says the country has needed similar legislation for a long time.
Charleston's Haley is the only woman in the field
Participants in the forum included, from the Republican Party:
US Rep. Gresham Barrett R-SC
SC Lt. Governor André Bauer
SC Sen. Larry Grooms of Charleston
SC Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington
SC Attorney General Henry McMaster
Democratic Party:
Columbia Attorney Dwight Drake
Charleston's McLeod says he'll plug the holes of politics and rhetoric
SC Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston
Charleston Attorney Mullins McLeod
SC Superintendent of Education Jim Rex
SC Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden