Debate - Hoeven vs. Mathern

They are two men who want to lead North Dakota tonight they square off in their first debat...  More »

They are two men who want to lead North Dakota tonight they square off in their first debate... Republican Governor John Hoeven and Democratic challenger Tim Mathern debated issues affecting North Dakota tonight. It's the first time these two men have debated each other. They traded blows on taxes, engery and other issues. In all they answered more than a dozen questions. Hoeven concentrated on his accomplishments over the last eight years. Mathern says the governor takes credit for initiatives that he didn't even include in budgets. The candidates were asked about the state's oil boom and what they would do to sustain the growth we are experiencing here's part of their answer... (Tim Mathern / (D) Gov. Candidate) we are taking our oil, sending it out of state at discounted price, bringing it back at retail selling price, something wrong with that picture. We can build an oil refinery. (Gov. John Hoeven / (R) Seeking re-election) look what's going on in the country, and how they are doing compared to ND. That didn't happen by accident, that happens with a plan to build and expand and diversify this economy. And a sound, prudent approach to leadership that continues to build for the future. The candidates were also asked about what proposals they have to keep more young people in North Dakota. (Hoeven) It is about opportunity, that is what's going to bring people back. If we keep creating opportunity we'll keep moving wages higher, more career choices, we'll bring them back. Since 2003 - we've brought back 7,000 people. (Mathern) Whether they have college degree or vocational degree, those people who decide to live here should be rewarded they should have their tax and and tuition refunded. I think we are educating too many people to leave the state. Both candidates agree there are clear differences between them. The issue Hoeven and Mathern came back to several times dealt with the surplus and property taxes.  « Less