California gubernatorial frontrunners clash in high-stakes debate as early voting gets under way

Seven of the leading contenders in California’s unexpectedly
dramatic race for governor will meet on a debate stage
Tuesday night.Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters
(Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters)

Seven of the leading contenders in California’s unexpectedly dramatic race for governor faced off on Tuesday night, in a feisty, high-stakes showdown that arrived as voters begin casting ballots in the state’s nonpartisan primary.

The heightened tenor of the two-hour scrap matchup reflected how important the candidates viewed the debate, which aired on CNN to a national audience.

“This is a very serious moment for California. The ballots are out there in your hands, and we have a really big choice to make, which is, do we go for another four years of one party rule?” said Republican Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host who has continually led the jumbled field.

By Lauren Gambino

Full story at Yahoo News