Minnesota Public Radio's gubernatorial debate Monday didn't create any fireworks, but candidates got a chance to make a final pitch to voters before caucuses.

MPR gave DFLers the first hour to debate and then GOP candidates got the second hour, both broadcasted live on the Midday program. During the DFL debate, a rare flash of levity came when state Rep. Tom Rukavina groused during a break about not getting enough time to share his views. During the Republican hour, MPR host Gary Eichten stepped in to correct Robert Carney Jr. when he wrongly suggested he was MPR's endorsed candidate. Here are some highlights from each candidate who attended: Matt Entenza: He said the federal No Child Left Behind law "is a disaster." One of the first things he'd do is get out of it. Paul Thissen: Health care is a "huge issue in our state." He said nobody has more experience in the issue than he does. R.T. Rybak: "We have too much government in the state of Minnesota." He'd explore ways to make government more efficient. Margaret Anderson Kelliher: There's too much name-calling in state politics and vows to be respectful of others as governor. Mark Dayton: On why he won't abide by the DFL party endorsement if he doesn't get it: "The essence of democracy is elections."

Tom Rukavina: If GOP lawmakers could vote among the DFL candidates for governor, "I'd win." Tom Bakk: Jobs, jobs, jobs. "I am the candidate with the most believable message on that. I've spent my entire working career as a carpenter."
Steve Kelley: Sending a DFL candidate into a race who hasn't done well in Republican areas is "like sending a high school quarterback into the Super Bowl." John Marty: Said Republicans will dismiss a good idea that solves a real problem when it doesn't fit their philosophy of government. Ole Savior: On why he won't abide by the DFL party endorsement if he doesn't get it: Because the mainstream journalists "cheated me and they continue to cheat me." Susan Gaertner: Paying teachers based on student performance is problematic. Teachers end up being penalized for things out of their control. From the Republican debate: David Hann: We need a governor committed to conservative government principles. Bill Haas: The whole state budget and government system needs reform. "We are going to take the budget apart." Marty Seifert: Would balance the budget with cuts, particularly to human services. "You don't spend more money than you take in." Phil Herwig: "Basically, I see myself as a freedom fighter, both for civil rights and for the tea party." Leslie Davis: People in Minnesota are tired of the misery. "Vote for someone else, you are voting for misery." Robert Carney Jr.: Wants to move the Republican Party in a more moderate, progressive direction. The show did not include the Independence Party of Minnesota. Eichten said there wasn't a contested race when they scheduled the broadcast. There are now five Independence Party candidates.