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Michigan's candidates for governor face off in only debate on Sunday

Steve Carmody
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Michigan Radio

Sunday evening, Republican Governor Rick Snyder and his Democratic challenger Mark Schauerwill square off in their only scheduled debatebefore November’s election.

The town hall-style debate will be televised from Wayne State University, and you can hear it live on Michigan Radio at 6:00 pm.

Recent pollshave shown incumbent Snyder opening a lead over Schauer.   

Credit Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Democratic candidate Mark Schauer appearing at last night's Ballot Bash event in Lansing

But Mark Schauer says he does not see Sunday’s debate as “make or break” for his campaign. He insists this remains a “jump ball race.”

“This race is going to be very close until Election Day,” says Schauer. “I think (Sunday’s town hall debate) is a very good opportunity for the public to see there’s a difference between candidates.”

Education spending and the economy are expected to be major topics during the hour-long town hall. 

During the campaign, Democrat Schauer has repeatedly claimed Republican Snyder has cut $1 billion in state education spending. Snyder has called the campaign claim “a lie,” citing figures showing his administration has been increasing education spending.

Credit Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI) called campaign claims he cut state education spending by a billion dollars "lies" during a recent campaign event in Kalamazoo.

Schauer has also attacked Snyder’s policies as favoring businesses and the wealthy, at the expense of the poor and senior citizens.

Snyder insists his policies have helped reduce Michigan’s unemployment rate and improved Michigan’s economy.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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