Politics expert weighs in on gubernatorial debate

It had all the punches, the talking points and the candidates who made their case to be the next governor of Colorado.

Last night was the first time the candidates squared off in Colorado Springs.

UCCS Associate Professor Josh Dunn called it another night of stumping.

“You would like for the campaign to be more fluid, a little more back-and-forth so voters can get a feel for how candidates feel about particular issues,” Dunn said.

They’ve both released plenty of political ads, conducted speeches and held debates. But at this point, Dunn said they’re too predictable and don’t want to take chances.

He summed it up as one of the last chances to drum up support.

“What both campaigns are doing now is to really mobilize their base, making sure the Democrats show up and vote for the Democrat, and Republicans show up and vote for the Republican,” he said.

Real Clear Politics combined recent polls taken in Colorado and showed Hickenlooper ahead, but only by 0.4 percent.

There are still two debates for the candidates, including one in Denver next Friday.