DALLAS — The three candidates running for governor in the Republican primary faced off for the second and final time Friday night in the Belo Debate.
In their first face-off, Rick Perry showed why he does well on the attack—and not so well when attacked.
Kay Bailey Hutchison attempted to build on her solid performance and cleared up the abortion question. Debra Medina’s performance was critical. Things were quite different this time around.
11 News anchor Len Cannon served as a panelist for Friday’s debate, along with senior political writer Wayne Slater of The Dallas Morning News and news anchors Sarah Lucero of KENS and Terri Gruca of KVUE. WFAA veteran news anchor John McCaa served as moderator.
In Friday’s debate, Perry, Medina and Hutchison shifted dynamics and KHOU political expert Bob Stein said Friday’s debate was much better than the first.
“There were better questions than the first debate,” said Stein. “Hutchison seemed more prepared, self assured and confident.”
Stein said in his opinion it is clear which two will battle for the seat.
“Hutchison and Perry established themselves as the front runners,” he said. “They didn’t let Medina run away with the debate like they did the first time.
The Belo debate was seen in nearly all of Texas’ 19 media markets, providing the candidates their deepest reach yet to voters.
A total of 1,436 participated in the LIVE chat from across the state. There were also over 1,300 LIVE streaming views on KHOU.com
Viewers who participated in the live online chat with political pundits and other voters around the state had a lot to say. Here are a few of their comments:
“No doubt Medina is making this race much more interesting,” said Will in Euless.
“Perry hammers KBH for being a Washington-type but then pushes his responsibility off to Washington,” said Dan in Fort Worth.
“Texas has its own boarder and Perry should secure it,” said Jeff Cambeis.
“It’s going to be a Kay and Rick show tonight,” said Kathy JB.
“Seems this debate is garnering lots of interest from outside Texas,” said Wil in New York.
Readers also voted for their favorite candidate in a mobile texting poll during 11 News at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. The result of the unscientific-statewide poll offered a glimpse of the candidates’ popularity with voters before the March primary.
11 News asked viewers who they thought would win Friday's debate and they answered.
The results of the polls are as follows:
5 p.m. Poll Results:
Hutchison: 30%
Medina: 42%
Perry: 28%
6 p.m. Poll Results:
Hutchison: 24%
Medina: 52%
Perry: 24%
10 p.m. Poll Results:
Hutchison: 10%
Medina: 68%
Perry: 22%
