Voters Sound Off As Md. Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ)—Democratic gubernatorial candidates face off in their first televised debate.
Political reporter Pat Warren has more on what you think should be discussed.
Because this is a primary debate to see which Democrat will end up on the November ballot, the candidates are not expected to stray far from the party line.
Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Del. Heather Mizeur are scheduled to participate.
Voters have plenty to say to the candidates for governor.
"Candidates, I want more accountability in the government," a man said.
"Candidates, I would like to see you lower taxes and increase job opportunities for all of us who are searching," said another man.
"We're being taxed for pretty much everything," one woman said.
"We're being taxed a lot, and I can't stand it. I can't stand the rainwater tax. It's just ridiculous," another woman said.
"Candidates, I think there should be more done with regard to the state's infrastructure," one man said.
"Candidates, I would like to see a better way of life for those who are in the middle to lower class," one woman said.
"Fund programs that will help the disadvantaged, the mentally ill," a woman said.
"I would like to know what you will do to improve the job rate," a man said.
Polls continue to show that most voters are undecided in this race.
Gansler and Brown are on TV.
"What we've heard in the television ads so far is mostly about what they've done and who they've been," said analyst Matthew Crenson.
Crenson says the debate is an opportunity to declare what they will do in the future.
Expect to hear other issues, including education and the legalization of marijuana, a step beyond the decriminalization that takes effect this year.
While the minimum wage hike has passed, expect to hear more about it in the jobs and economy front.
The health exchange is another topic expected to come up in the debate Wednesday night. It's a weak spot for Lt. Gov. Brown, who was charged with setting up the program.
The Brown-Ulman supporters and the Gansler-Ivey supporters arrived early in College Park. WJZ has not seen any representatives for Del. Mizeur.
Maryland's primary is June 24.
Wednesday's debate begins at 7 p.m.
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