Brewer, Goddard Exchange Blows in Debate

PHOENIX - A rocky start, an assailing middle, and an abrupt end to what may be the only gubernatorial debate between Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney Gen. Terry Goddard.

Republican Incumbent Jan Brewer and her Democratic Terry Goddard sparred over illegal immigration and the state's economic troubles in Wednesday night's televised debate, one required by Clean Elections law.

Goddard accused Brewer of damaging Arizona's image and business prospects by portraying the state as a violent place because of border-related crime.

Goddard said that's untrue and outrageous and she should admit she's wrong. "There are no beheadings that was a false statement and it needs to be cleared up right now," he said.

She responded, "Terry I will call you out, I think you ought to renounce your support of the unions that are boycotting our state." He dismissed her demand, saying he opposes the boycott.

Afterward, reporters asked her why she didn't answer Goddard about the beheadings. They said, "About the headless bodies? Why won't you recant that’ do you still believe that?" She turned on her heel and left the post-debate news conference -- and the reporters were left grumbling.

Brewer instead transitioned to a talking point: that the Goddard campaign is supported by unions that want to boycott the state.

At the beginning of the debate, she stumbled a bit with a long and awkward pause during her opening statement. But as the debate went on, Brewer got more comfortable discussing immigration and her struggles with the sales tax -- although not without an abrasive tête-à-tête with Goddard.

"We have cut the budget, we have balanced the budget, and we are moving forward. We are doing everything that we could possibly do," said Brewer, who in May won voter approval of a temporary sales tax increase. "They listened to Jan Brewer, trusted me and believed in me because of my long record in public service."

But Goddard said Brewer only balanced the budget on paper and that each of the past several fiscal years actually ended with deficits.

"We balanced the budget make no doubt... Terry Terry Terry we balanced the budget you are not going to get away with that. Check your facts. We have balanced the budget," said Brewer.

After the debate, Goddard says he believes the most important issue in the race is fixing unemployment.

"The conversation in the state is about the economy there is no doubt. That's what I think Arizona voters are most concerned about," said Goddard.

Green Party nominee Larry Gist and Barry Hess, the Libertarian candidate, also participated in the debate. Their participation was voluntary because neither is accepting public funding for their campaigns.

Did you miss the debate? You're in luck! We've gathered some of the most notable comments in our 10-minute "highlight reel."

Follow this story

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• Goddard Challenges Brewer to Debates in Arizona Race
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