 The first gubernatorial debate since the primary was held today at Grandview Lodge in Niswa. R. Rachel Johnson shows us how Republican nominee Jeff Johnson squared off against Democrat nominee Tim Walls, who discussed their vision for Minnesota. The Gull Lake Center in Niswa was packed today as the newly nominated candidates for Minnesota governor debated for the first time one-on-one. I'm a school teacher, a soldier, a football coach, a husband, a dad, and a proud Minnesota. I would have never imagined or never planned my life to run for office, but I think my life is prepared to be well. I want to lead a state along with Donna, where we've given the government back to the hard-working, everyday forgotten Minnesotans. The debate was put on through a partnership between the Minnesota, Brainerd, and Niswa Chambers of Commerce and the North Central State's Regional Council of Carpenters. The candidates discussed a variety of topics, from education to infrastructure, tax reform, and business. We are uncompetitive when it comes to our regulatory environment and the attitude that many of our state agencies have towards entrepreneurs and businesses with the states that surround us. And we are uncompetitive when it comes to the permitting process. We need to make sure we have a workforce and let's have a conversation about immigration and about what immigration does on the positive side of our workforce and the economy and all of those things that are going to impact you as business owners and you as taxpayers in Minnesota. Though the candidates differ on many fundamental issues, the debate was civil. Both agree that having cordial debates is important to the election process. We got another debate tonight, we got another debate tomorrow, but I think that's good. I think Minnesotans, you know, they're kind of tired of this business as usual campaign where the candidates aren't necessarily out there and you got to decide based upon TV commercials, which never mean much. So I think this is good and I'm glad we're both willing to do it. Just thankful everyone come out here. This is the way democracy is supposed to be. I think you saw two very different visions of Minnesota, but what I'm very proud of is and I think it's very important that I hope the nation watches this. This can be done with civility and dignity. And I very appreciative to Jeff for the way he debates and how the way he campaigns. The two candidates have a busy campaign ahead of them leading up to the general action on November 6th where Minnesota will choose their next governor. Reporting from Niswa, Rachel Johnson, Lakeland News. More than 300 people attended the debate, which was moderated by Tom Hauser. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.