MADISON (WKOW) -- The four Democratic candidates for governor debated in front of a statewide audience on public television Friday night.
They've participated in forums together, but this was the first debate.
Just days before the primary election, each candidate laid out their plans to add jobs, restore collective bargaining rights and increase aid to schools.
They were also asked, if elected governor, what one promise they're committed to fulfilling by the next gubernatorial election in 2014.
"My priority is to do what I can to replenish some of the cuts, and I say some of the cuts because it's going to be difficult to do all the cuts that have been made to the technical schools, to the university and most important, to K-12. Because I think we do have to set priorities and my priority will be education," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said she'll work hard to heal the state from partisan divide. "When a family is at war, sometimes that happens I think people can relate to that, it takes Mom to get the folks together. She has the firm hand but knows how to get people without losing face. That's what I think this state needs. We need a Mom and I'm anxious to be that mom to get us back working together and solving problems," Falk said.
Both Secretary of State Doug La Follette and state Senator Kathleen Vinehout are far behind in recent polls. Friday, each tried to cast themselves as alternative candidates to Barrett, Falk and Governor Scott Walker.
"The promise I will make is that I will bring a new way to govern Wisconsin, with a governor that focuses on the details. We need to change the way state government does its services. We need to lower the cost by focusing on the details of state government," said Vinehout.
La Follette said, "The promise I will make is that I will bring a new way to govern Wisconsin, with a governor that focuses on the details. We need to change the way state government does its services. We need to lower the cost by focusing on the details of state government."
"As governor, I will not be polarizing. I've never been a polarizing person in terms of partisanship. The Democratic party gets angry with me sometimes because I'm so independent but that's what's going to be necessary to get Wisconsin working again," Vinehout said.
27 News caught up with the candidates after the debate, they all felt they did well.
MADISON (WKOW) -- The four Democrats looking to unseat Governor Scott Walker will debate at UW-Madison Friday evening.
Tom Barrett, Kathleen Falk, Kathleen Vinehout and Doug La Follette all are expected to appear at a Wisconsin Public Television debate.
The debate is set to begin at 7 p.m.
A Marquette poll out Tuesday shows Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett pulling away from the other candidates for governor. Barrett has a 17 point lead on Kathleen Falk, with Doug La Follette and Kathleen Vinehout even more behind.
Friday's debate will mark final go-round between all four candidates ahead of Tuesday's primary. The winner will likely face Walker in the June 5 general recall election. Walker's opponent in the primary is Arthur Kohl-Riggs.
27 News reporter Danielle Lama will have a live report following the debate at 10.
