The first debate is in the can.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka traded barbs Friday over ethics, campaign finance and a host of other issues in a contentious debate, the first of the campaign for governor.
Topinka, a Republican, accused the Democratic governor of breaking promises and proposing empty programs. Blagojevich said Topinka was “against everything” and “not for anything.”
During the taping of the debate for WMAQ-TV’s “City Desk” program, Topinka repeatedly hammered Blagojevich about state and federal investigations into his administration’s hiring practices.
“I still have a name; you’re Public Official A,” Topinka told Blagojevich. […]
Topinka assailed the well-funded Blagojevich about accepting money from people who get state contracts. The governor countered that Topinka takes campaign donations from banks that handle the state’s deposits.
“Her hypocrisy is breathtaking,” Blagojevich said.
Topinka again dismissed Blagojevich’s newly announced $10 billion education plan, calling it a “gamble.” When asked if she had an education plan of her own, Topinka promised she was working on one and would produce it this summer.
She didn’t miss the chance to take a jab at Blagojevich by saying she’s “not in a rush to buy off someone.”
UPDATE: From a reporter friend:
You oughta track down a copy of the debate…after a slow start, she blistered him. From pillar to post.