Dayton, Johnson spar over education, divided government in fourth debate

Student-loan debt, the job market for recent college graduates and even a question on favorite ice cream flavors were among those asked during Sunday's debate between gubernatorial candidates Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican challenger Jeff Johnson.

Held at Hamline University, the debate was the fourth face-off between Dayton and Johnson, a Hennepin County commissioner. It was the first debate of two debates to be held in the Twin Cities.

The candidates were more subdued and cordial than in recent confrontations but nonetheless outlined starkly different visions for the state.

Asked how they would preside over a divided legislature, Johnson and Dayton sparred over how they have worked with members of their opposing parties and disagreed on the worthiness of one-party rule in state government. Dayton said that if Minnesotans are satisifed with policies made by the DFL-controlled Legisture, they should vote for that to continue. Johnson said divided government has hisotorically been a good thing for the state.

"I think you just have to look at my record in the House," Johnson, a former state representative said. "What you've done is the best way to tell what you're going to do."

Johnson said that during his time as a state lawmaker, the House was controlled by Republicans but the Senate had a DFL majority. He touted his work with DFL lawmakers on eminent domain and identity-theft bills. He blamed Dayton for presiding over the state's government shutdown in 2010.

Dayton defended the clash with Republicans that led to the shutdown, saying he shared responsibility for it with lawmakers but that the outcome -- a tax hike on the wealthiest 2 percent of Minnesotans to balance the state budget -- was worth it.

Questions for Sunday's debate, sponsored by Fox 9, came from a panel of political reporters from two local newspapers and public radio, as well as through social media and students who were present at the forum.

The two candidates fielded questions on how they would work to reduce student-loan debt and improve the job market for recent graduates.

Dayton touted a tuition freeze bill he signed last year that affected state colleges and university as an example of how he has helped keep rising college costs in check. Johnson said he would work to cut administrative costs.

To improve the job market, Dayton said that investing in higher education and early childhood education programs would be critical. "If we do that, the opportunities are going to be out there," he said.

Johnson responded by criticizing the state's tax and regulatory climate, saying it has hurt the state's competitiveness and "because of that, the good jobs are being created in other states."