(Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor's Mansion - KIWA Staff Photo)Davenport, Iowa (KWQC) — The two candidates for governor met Tuesday night for their first televised debate, spending much of the evening sparring over campaign ads while also discussing property taxes, economic issues, and Iowa’s high cancer rates.
Republican Zach Lahn criticized Democratic candidate Rob Sand for campaign ads highlighting Lahn’s travel to Kansas. Sand countered by pointing to Lahn’s Kansas voting history and residency questions, prompting a lengthy exchange between the candidates over Lahn’s ties to the state.
Lahn flies to Kansas to see and pick up children from his previous marriage.
Sand returned to the topic during his closing statement.
A question about education led to another exchange over campaign messaging.
Lahn added that while most teachers are doing a good job, some educators have discussed ways to work around curriculum restrictions approved by Iowa policymakers.
The first question of the debate focused on the proposed steel mill project in Lee County. Lahn described it as a transformational project that could bring thousands of jobs to southeast Iowa. Sand said the project would be positive for the state if all aspects of the proposal are successfully completed.
Asked what they would do on their first day as governor to lower costs for Iowans, Lahn pointed to his support for allowing tax-exempt off-road diesel fuel to be used on public roads — a suggestion he says he made to Vice President Vance before it was implemented in President Trump’s executive order.
Sand said one of his priorities on day one would be limiting utility fees.
The candidates have agreed to participate in three more debates before Election Day. Tuesday night’s debate was hosted by KWQC-TV in the Quad Cities.
