There were clearer distinctions but still no haymakers in the second Indiana governor debate.
Democrat John Gregg and Republican Eric Holcomb steered clear of attacks on each other. But unlike their first debate, the candidates laid out clear differences in policy and outlook.
Holcomb reeled off a string of statistics pointing to a strong economy, and says he’d continue those efforts “on steroids.” Gregg notes Indiana household income still ranks in the bottom third in the nation.
Gregg made his case for universal preschool, while Holcomb again made his pitch for expanding funding for low-income families. Libertarian Rex Bell argues the state shouldn’t be funding preschool at all.
Gregg echoes an appeals court in labeling Pence’s attempt to block Syrian refugees from locating in Indiana as discrimination. He says refugees should be vetted on a case-by-case basis. Holcomb says he understands the balance Pence was trying to strike, noting the F-B-I has acknowledged the difficulty of getting a perfect picture of refugees’ backgrounds. But the lieutenant governor says the state will obey the court’s ruling.
The candidates will meet for their final debate on October 25 in Evansville.