Race for governor heats up in Colo. Springs debate

In their first debate in Colorado Springs, Colorado’s gubernatorial candidates answered pre-selected questions from the media and from the audience. They covered a variety of topics, including the economy, homelessness, arts, energy, reproductive rights and recreational marijuana.

The debate was held at the UCCS campus Wednesday night. An audience of more than 700 packed Gallogly Events Center.

Gov. John Hickenlooper said that under his leadership Colorado now has one of the fastest growing economies in the country. But Republican challenger Bob Beauprez disagreed with the statistics, saying the gains aren’t good enough.

“If we’re good, when was good ever good enough for Colorado?” Beauprez said. “Let’s be great again. Let’s be that robust nation-leading economy.”

“We’re not going to stop until we get everybody back to work in this entire state,” Hickenlooper said.

When it came to marijuana, both candidates were reluctant to say they didn’t support legalization in the state, though both said as governor they would make it a priority to keep it out of the hands of children.

Each candidate was also allowed to ask the other a series of questions. Hickenlooper asked Beauprez if he would sign a hypothetical bill that would ban abortions even in cases of rape or incest.

“John, that bill is not going to come across my desk and you know it,” Beauprez said. “I believe ladies should have the choice on whether or not to use birth control. I believe ladies should have the choice of what type of birth control to use. I just don’t happen to think taxpayers ought to be paying for it.”

The general election is on Nov. 4.