Both Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Candidates faced off in their only debate Monday night, and spoke on topics ranging from the death penalty to gerrymandering to jobs in Pennsylvania to education.
“I’m not here to embarrass the candidates, they are perfectly are capable of doing that all by themselves,” said moderator Alex Trebek.
Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek moderated Pennsylvania’s only Gubernatorial Debate in a conversational manner with one rule.
“I will not tolerate any booing or hissing, not even if you direct it at the candidates,” said Trebek.
After opening remarks, candidates Governor Tom Wolf and GOP Nominee Scott Wagner talked about the state of politics and both agreed it’s not a positive place right now.
The candidates also talked about the death penalty. Trebek noted Governor Wolf’s moratorium on capital punishment. Wagner has called for mandatory death sentences for school shootings. During the debate, Trebek pointed out the Supreme Court made mandatory death sentences illegal.
“That’s set law, isn’t it? You had mentioned that you’re going to put forward legislation to change all of that. It’s not going to go anywhere is it?” said Trebek.
“Alex, a life is a life,” said candidate Scott Wagner. “And someone needs to stand up for someone who has lost a loved and the victim and that’s what I intend to do.”
The candidates also touched on education and the need for funding.
“Can we do more, for education? Absolutely,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “You’re right, that’s true. But are we doing more now than we were three years and eight month ago? The answer is yes. I’ve put a billion dollars back into education. We have a ways to go but we are on the right track.”
Both candidates ended their time on stage with different approaches.
“My vision is really simple. It is that if you start where I started three year and eight months ago, we actually have money in the rainy day for the first time in over a decade,” said Governor Wolf.
“I pledge to the people of Pennsylvania, if you elect me as the next governor I will get more done in the first six months than you’ve seen in the last 12 years,” said candidate Wagner.
Election day is on November 6.