Ferguson, Reichert Set to Square Off Tuesday: A Preview of the Gubernatorial Debate

Background on the Candidates

Tuesday, October 11th, marks the first of two scheduled debates between Democratic candidate Patty Ferguson and Republican candidate Loren Reichert in the race for Washington State Governor. Ferguson, the current Lieutenant Governor, is seeking to become the state's first female governor, while Reichert, a former King County Executive, is aiming to unseat the incumbent, Jay Inslee. Ferguson, a former state legislator, has a long history of public service. She is known for her work on education, healthcare, and environmental issues. Reichert, a businessman and former prosecutor, is known for his work on economic development, transportation, and public safety.

Key Policy Differences

The two candidates have different views on several key issues, including: *

Education:

Ferguson supports increased funding for public education, while Reichert supports tax breaks for private schools. *

Healthcare:

Ferguson supports expanding access to healthcare, while Reichert supports repealing the Affordable Care Act. *

Climate Change:

Ferguson supports taking action to address climate change, while Reichert is skeptical of the science behind climate change.

Debate Format and Expectations

The debate will be held at the Seattle University Redhawk Center from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. It will be moderated by KCTS 9's Enrique Cerna and will be broadcast live on KCTS 9 and streamed online. The debate is expected to focus on the candidates' positions on the key issues facing Washington State, including education, healthcare, climate change, and the economy. The candidates are also expected to discuss their plans for the future of the state.

Conclusion

The first gubernatorial debate between Patty Ferguson and Loren Reichert is a critical event in the race for Washington State Governor. The debate will provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and to compare their positions on the issues. The outcome of the debate could have a significant impact on the race.