Gillum, DeSantis Meet For First Debate Ahead Of Election

Florida's candidates for governor met Sunday night to debate ahead of the Nov. 6th midterm election. 

Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum isn't a big fan of President Donald Trump, but said during the debate that he'd gladly work with the president to bring more money to the state for needed projects.

Republican opponent Ron DeSantis contested Gillum's words, saying "That's just not the way it works."

Sundays sparring marked the first debate between Gillum, the Tallahassee mayor, and DeSantis, who resigned his seat in the U.S. House to focus on the governor's race.

The two scuffled on the economy, race, and, of course, Trump.

"You need to be able to work with the president," DeSantis said. "Andrew can't do that. He wants to impeach Trump, he's always saying bad things about him ... I think I will be better positioned to advance Florida's priorities because I have a productive relationship with the administration."

Gillum said doing what's best for the state shouldn't be about politics, noting that he's worked closely with Republican Gov. Rick Scott in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, which left most of Tallahassee without power.

DeSantis said Gillum would hurt the state's economy by raising the corporate income tax and raising the minimum wage. And he repeatedly said that Tallahassee has the highest crime rate in the state, while Gillum repeatedly defended the city for being at a five-year low in crime.

Voters will decide between Gillum and DeSantis on Nov. 6.


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