Both Hulshof and Nixon agree that a better trained workforce and education system would help the economy. But as unemployment rises to the highest point it has been in a decade, how will they assure that there are jobs available for people when they complete their education and/or training?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Do free trade deals such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement help or hurt the state? If elected governor would Hulshof or Nixon support such deals?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

A growing number of employers are sending jobs overseas. How has the issue been addressed already and how would it be addressed as governor?

Kenny Hulshof:

The US Department of Education says only half of Missouri's school are making "adequate yearly progress." As governor, how would each candidate make sure all of Missouri's schools are meeting national standards?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Congressman Hulshof recently proposed a plan to give bonuses to 1,500 new math and science teachers which drew criticism from two major teachers associations in Missouri (the Missouri National Education Association and the Missouri State Teachers Association). What is your opinion on increasing the demand of math and science teachers, by paying them more and giving them benefits?

Jay Nixon:

Hulshof said as governor he won't be the "Superintendent-in-Chief." What role will the Governor play in Missouri's education system?

Kenny Hulshof:

As students enter the work field after college what sorts of resources would each administration provide to help pay off the mound of debt they will have after exiting higher education?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

About 700,000 Missourians, including some 125,000 children, do not have health insurance. How do the candidates plan to extend health-care coverage to those who can't afford it? What about people who need more than just the basic coverage?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Governor Blunt reduced the eligibility for Medicaid to the point that a woman with two children does not qualify if she earns more than about $380 a month. Under each candidates' healthcare plan, what are the limits for eligibility and will it provide wider coverage than the current system?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

In Pete Rahn's State of Missouri Transportation Address, he said the each transportation improvement equals greater economic opportunity and increased personal freedom. He goes on to say that a greater investment in our transportation system creates jobs, personal income, economic activity and millions of dollars. If this is the case, why is Missouri's unemployment rate higher than ever? Where are the jobs going?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Is it the responsibility of the state government or the local governments to make sure they have the infrastructure, like 4-lane highways to get to town?

Kenny Hulshof:

There are several noticeable similarities between Hulshof's and Nixon's state energy policies, including the shared support of the ethanol mandate. How, specifically, do Hulshof and Nixon differ on the issue of biofuels in Missouri?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Many Missouri ranchers are concerned their increased livestock feed costs are due to the ethanol mandate. Do the canidates think this is a valid concern? Why or why not?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

Would Hulshof or Nixon support increasing a couple of wind farms in Missouri and different alternative fuels for energy?

Kenny Hulshof:

Jay Nixon:

There are more than 200 different kinds of subsidies, as well as a 54 cent-a-gallon tariff on imported ethanol. Many would say ethanol in America is a direct result of government subsidies. Should we continue to support the industry with ethanol and other biofuels? And if so, at which point should it stop?

Kenny Hulshof:

To learn more about Jay Nixon and his stances on the issues, read related stories on the SmartDecision08 news feed.

Jay Nixon's campaign Web site is located at http://www.nixonforgovernor.com/.

To learn more about Kenny Hulshof and his stances on the issues, read related stories on the SmartDecision08 news feed.

Kenny Hulshof's campaign Web site is located at http://www.kenny08.com/.