Politics & Government

You Tell Us: Who Won the First Gubernatorial Debate?

The campaigns from Gov. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett each claim victory from Friday night's gubernatorial debate. Now we want to know what you think.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett clashed Friday night in the first gubernatorial debate ahead of the June 5 recall election.

After the forum ended, both camps released statements about how they thought it went. No surprise that both Walker and Barrett declared victory.

From Ciara Matthews, spokesperson for Walker:

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Gov. Walker showed Wisconsin voters tonight why he is the best choice to move Wisconsin forward. Gov. Walker’s reforms transformed a $3.6 billion budget deficit into a $154 million surplus, saved taxpayers over $1 billion, and helped Wisconsin employers create over 35,000 jobs. Mayor Barrett knows the truth is on our side, which is why he is resorting to angry and desperate tactics to distract voters and hide from his failed record as Milwaukee’s mayor.

From Barrett:

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Tom Barrett won the first general election debate against Scott Walker in overwhelming fashion by focusing the discussion on critical issues of jobs, honesty, trust and the people of Wisconsin. The debate drew a strong distinction between their approaches to leadership.

What did you think of the debate? Who won? Why? Tell us in the comments.


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