Milwaukee Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tom Barrett faced off against Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial nominee Scott Walker Friday at Marquette University in the second of three scheduled debates.
The debate was town-hall style, with questions coming from people in the audience and in major cities throughout the state through video feeds.
Barrett went on the offensive throughout the night, attacking some of Walker's policies, namely his proposed tax cuts.
""He wants to add 1.8 billion dollars to that structural deficit,"" Barrett said in reference to the current $2.7 billion deficit. ""So if you care about education, if you care about public safety, if you care about property taxes, hold on to your hat.""
Walker countered with attacks on a campaign promise Barrett made when running for mayor that he has allegedly not fulfilled.
""It said he will stop the dumping of sewage into Lake Michigan,"" Walker said. ""The sewage district … has dumped more than eight billion gallons into Lake Michigan.""
Barrett made a point of asking Walker to ""take responsibility"" for taxes, which increased in his county in 2010. Walker repeatedly denied the taxes were his fault and said Barrett has raised taxes as mayor and Wisconsin lawmaker.
Walker said jobs and fixing the economy overshadow social issues in this election.
Barrett said although the economy is the focal point, people should look at social issues as well.
A question from a La Crosse resident focused on state funding for the UW System, as well as rising costs of secondary education.
""One of the best things we can do is the idea of giving greater autonomy to each of our individual campuses,"" Walker said.
Barrett promised he would not raise taxes to make up for issues like higher education.
Barrett added he strongly supports embryonic-stem-cell research.
""Politicians should not be telling these world-renowned scientists what they can do,"" Barrett said.
Walker said adult-stem-cell research has more potential and he would move embryonic research funds to that field.
The candidates also fielded questions on the environment, business regulation, the budget deficit and renewable energy.
The third and final debate will take place in Madison Oct. 29.
