Des Moines Register
10-21-06
Last debate key chance to impress Iowa voters
Today's gubernatorial event allows freewheeling exchanges
By THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
It's a last chance, a pivotal moment, the beginning of the end.
No matter how gubernatorial candidates Jim Nussle and Chet Culver approach
today's debate, it marks an opportunity for them to leave a lasting impression in
this competitive campaign.
The event, scheduled to air live at 1 p.m. on Iowa Public Television, is the final
chance for Iowans to judge Culver, a Democrat, and Nussle, a Republican, on
the same stage together.
Today's debate, the fourth meeting of Culver and Nussle, will allow time for
freewheeling exchanges between the candidates, a first for the series that has
showcased increasingly pointed exchanges.
It also comes with a little more than two weeks left until Nov. 7 and as Culver,
Iowa's secretary of state, has established a slim lead over Nussle, an eight-term
congressman from Manchester.
"Culver can probably afford to take the higher road. He's got a cushion, although
it's not huge," said Dianne Bystrom, an Iowa State University professor who
has studied the effects of candidate debates. "Nussle has got to be careful. It can
really backfire when candidates attack."
The campaign to succeed Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack until recently has been
waged largely on traditional partisan issue differences, although Culver and
Nussle have been stepping up their criticisms of each other's records and
positions during debates and through advertising.
Culver, a self-described progressive Democrat, and Nussle, who calls himself a
conservative, have stuck to their campaign plans, clashing most on economic
and social policy.
Nussle and Culver have also run hard-hitting advertisements, criticizing each
other's issue positions and policy proposals.
But this week, Nussle launched a new offensive, attempting to refocus the race
on the issue of who is better qualified to lead and questioning whether Culver has
the experience and basic competence to serve as the chief executive of state
government.
Nussle can afford to stick with the tactic, if his goal is to invigorate voters who
already are likely to vote for him, Bystrom and some leading Iowa Republicans
said.
"It's a very difficult thing to appeal to everybody and solidify your base at the
same time," said former Gov. Robert Ray, a Des Moines Republican. "This
debate is really another step toward getting the people you need locked in."
Debate watchers usually tune in either because they've already made up their
minds or to learn more about the candidates, Bystrom said. Few walk away from
a debate having decided whom they'll support.
Both candidates have raised prodigious amounts of money - more than $13
million between them.
Culver has raised more than Nussle in the past two fund-raising periods, but
Nussle has collected more since January 2005 and had more on hand, according
to reports filed Thursday.
Vilsack, who is not seeking a third term, advised Culver to remain poised.
"I think he needs to continue to do what he's doing, and that's appear calm,
comfortable and collected," said Vilsack, who has a stake in the outcome of the
election as a prospective 2008 presidential candidate.
The end of the debate season clears the way for the run to Election Day and can
have an energizing effect on the campaigns, said Eric Woolson, a longtime
Republican communications specialist in Iowa.
"You do well in the debate, it really lifts you up and it really (gives) you that shot
of energy and adrenaline to move you forward into the last days," said Woolson,
communication director for 2002 GOP gubernatorial nominee Doug Gross.