Students Gather for Governor’s Race Debate

The UW-Milwaukee Gasthaus was packed with about 30 students Friday as they came to watch the first debate between Gubernatorial challenger, Mary Burke and Gov. Scott Walker.  As the students watched eagerly, cheers from both sides of the aisle were heard for the hour-long debate, with those watching primarily interested in the candidates’ comments on education.

The College Democrats on campus hosted the viewing event, although they declined to be interviewed. Interviewed students were divided in their praise for the candidates, although, judging by the overall applause, there was more support for Burke in the room.

Logan McDermott, a UWM student majoring in history who attended the event, explained why he believes events like the viewing party are necessary.

“I think it’s very important that college students follow politics, no matter the spectrum, because we’re the next generation to step into the adult world,” he said.

McDermott said he was interested to see what Democratic challenger Burke would bring to Wisconsin as governor.

“I know what Scott Walker has, I know what Scott Walker is doing, and I think Mary Burke came out of left field, and I think that is a good thing,” he said. “A fresh mind, a fresh look.”

However, another student in attendance thought Walker performed better in Friday’s debate.

Morgan Paradis, a UWM student majoring in Journalism, gave points to Walker.

“Scott Walker looked more relaxed and comfortable,” she said. “I thought Mary Burke looked like she was reading off a teleprompter.” Paradis said she was looking forward to the next debate between the two politicians.

For nearly an hour, the crowd watched vigorously as Burke and Walker sparred over topics like job creation and the economy, abortion, education, mining, and healthcare.

During the debate, the loudest cheers on both sides were heard on the topic of education. Clearly, the cost of tuition was a major soft topic close to home for a large majority in the crowd.

Burke jabbed at Walker over cuts to education, which have left nearly 41,000 potential students on the wait list for financial aid. Walker was quick to rebut that under Burke’s time as Commerce Secretary under then Gov. Jim Doyle – if Wisconsin grew at a rate of the policies held by that administration – Wisconsin would see about half as many jobs available in the state today.

In one instance and exchanging punches on jobs, contender Burke criticized Walker for failing to meet his promise of 250,000 new jobs in Wisconsin. The Governor was quick to the defense to state that nearly 70,000 jobs are listed on a state-run website, but that many employers are finding a lack of candidates who are well equipped with a specific skillset needed for a job.

Exposure of the debate exploded on social media site Twitter with the hashtag #WIGovDebate. One tweet in favor of Scott Walker by the username @MattBatzel read, “Mary Burke says she wants to reduce the cost of college, so she must be a fan of Walker’s UW tuition freeze.” In contrast, one Twitter user, @GKMTNtwits wrote, “@Burke4WI has balanced budgets for her entire career. Scott Walker’s legacy?”

A recent Marquette poll found that incumbent Walker led challenger Mary Burke among likely voters by a 50-45 margin.  On the flip side, The New York Times found the race tied at 48 percent a piece, with as a result of rounding going to contender, Burke. Both polls were taken before the yesterday’s event.

The next debate is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, broadcast by WTMJ-TV.