guide nevada through a critical time in our state's history. i'm mitch fox from las vegas. joining me this evening is the republican candidate for governor, judge brian sandoval. standing next to judge sandoval is the democratic candidate for governor, rory reid. we want to thank those who are providing this one-hour block of time. the form at we will follow has been accepted. each candidate will give a two-minute opening statement and the candidates will be asked a series of questions, some of which has been submitted by the citizens of nevada. each candidate will be given one minute to respond to the

question, followed by a 30-second rebuttal from the first candidate. if i believe a followup question is necessary, the candidate will have a minute to respond. the program concludes with one-minute closing statements from each candidate. . .

only one of us have stood up to special interests and done what is in our own entrance. only one of us has offered a detailed plan to save jobs, diversify our economy, and strengthen education. nobody knows how brian sandoval would do this job because he has never done anything like it before. fe does not have a plan to do it now. bryant seems like a nice person. the people behind him, the lobbyist that recruit him, the ones who write the bills and the budget that he proposes -- they are the ones i am concerned about. if the fetus not had the strength to stand up to them, how will he ever stand up to you

-- how will he ever stand up for you? one of us has offered a detailed plan to create jobs, diversify our economy, and strengthen our education system. that is what i intend to talk about tonight. i am grateful for brian's but since it's here. i look over to the conversation we are going to have. >> brian sandoval? >> i would like to thank the the bottom of broadcaster's association and my opponent, commissioner reid. nevada, yet the decision to make. we have challenges that mr. potts described in his opening. we have historical challenges that the state has to face. this is not a sound -- this is not a time for sound bites or political gimmicks. this is a time for straight

talk. you have before you two candidates standing here to service our next governor. we agree on one thing, there is a big choice to make. there are basic differences between the two of us. first is experience. i have had the privilege of serving the state as a legislator, the attorney general, chairman of the nevada gaming commission, and a federal judge. my opponent has spent $3 million lying about my record and has not spent a single dollar talking about his own. second, the integrity. we need a governor who is going to speak straight with the people of the state of nevada. it is very easy to stand in front of a group and tell them, "i am not going to raise our taxes." i will tell you, to tell

everybody what they want to hear, you are lying to someone. tonight, we will get to the bottom of it. finally, taxes. there is no bigger difference between my opponent and may with regard to taxes. my opponent will raise our taxes. i will not. with that, experience, fiscal responsibility, and integrity -- if this matter to you, i would be proud to serve as our next governor. thank you very much. >> we will start with the questions and answers. this has to do with the budget. the state budget director said that in order to raise the budget without raising taxes, we would have to eliminate all funding of state government except for k-12 and higher education. he says he does not know how to

balance and a data's budget without raising taxes. but that you have said that raising taxes is not necessary. do you know something that the state's budget director does not know? >> yes, i do. i am the only candidate that has offered a detailed plan for ally would balance the budget. brian spoke of integrity and immediately misrepresented the tact -- real -- misrepresented the facts. i propose to balance the budget. that is notwithstanding what he claims. we can do that by recreating the data's government. i believe we are indeed 16 departments in the state budget. >> i will say this. my opponent does not have a plan. if you took the time to review his plan, it includes $615

million of fantasy money that we do not have. it as another $400 million of money that will come from modernization and efficiency that is not there. you have to be straight with the people of the state of nevada. it does not add up. my opponent has also said he will balance the budget without raising taxes, yet he will not cut education or higher education. that is 55% of our state's budget. that would mean you would have to cut the rest of state government. i will be happy to talk about my plan to balance the budget. rory reid, i assure you, will raise taxes on the state of nevada. >> i had the experience and a plan. brian has neither. i have been on the clark county commission for eight years. i balance that budget every year without new taxes. i propose to balance the state budget without new taxes.

i can do it. i have experience with large budgetb. . brian cannot talk about his plan because he has not got one. -- because he does not have one. brian?s our planned , >> would you consider taking additional revenue from clark county to balance the budget? >> no. i had been opposed to that kind of diversion. a diversion is not a solution. it is a shell game that i will never play as governor. as i said, i know how to balance budgets. i have done it for years now. my plan will balance the budget without those kinds of gimmicks or games. the data's government was created in the 19th and 20th

century. if we are going to have a 21st century economy, we need a 20 per century government. it will take consolidation of some departments and elimination of others. i will create a leaner more efficient government. >> i would like to address mr. reid's discussion on balancing the budget for the clark county commission. we are required to balance the budget by law. let's be honest, there are six other commissioners on the clark county commission that are also working on the budget. most recently the budget was balanced -- why is clark county asking their employees for refunds? you cannot present a budget like that. you cannot present a budget that was presented by you. you would be laughed out of the

legislature if he presented a budget was $615 million of fantasy money and another half million dollars that contains deficiencies. >> let's move on to the next question. this is for brian sandoval. your plan has a 4% budget for teachers. if the teachers do not agree to a salary reduction, would you fire them to balance the budget and how many of them would be let go under your plan? >> that is something that was discussed earlier in this campaign. again, i want to be straight with the people of the state of nevada. we have a budget crisis. we only have $5.20 billion to spend. presence, universities, payroll, health and human services -- to balance this budget there will be reductions. we have to go back to 2007

levels. we are going to have to continue the furloughs. if we make these tough decisions, we will be able to balance the budget. i am very optimistic about the future of our state. we have to cut back. i firmly believe that if we had the discipline to do that now that our future will be right, our economy will grow. we need to attract businesses to the state of nevada. >> again, experience and a plan -- i have experience and i have a plan. brian has neither. brian just talked about the state budget more than he has throughout the st. regis at throughout this campaign. nobody knows what he will do because he has not told us. he talks about cuts. he is not describe what he would cut. he is not described what he would do with our government.

i have. it is available on my website. we can balance the budget and project -- and protect education. my balanced budget proposal would allow our state to progress. it uses mortar technology to do things more efficiently. it recognizes the importance of our university system. universities can create revenue for our state. we need to unleash the power of the great minds of the state of nevada and grow again. that is what my budget will allow us to do. not exist.get does >> let's talk about experience with the state budget. i have served two terms in the legislature. i have handled an executive branch budget as attorney general. i returned over $1 million back to the general fund. that is fiscal responsibility.

the proposed budget or the so- called plan for the budget that has been submitted by my opponent includes six interdicting dollars million of fantasy money and another $500 million of money that does not exist. >> i'm going to get back to my original question. under either one of your plans, could teachers lose their jobs? >> first and foremost, i am being very honest with the people of the state of nevada. there are going to be reductions. my plan does not call for any teacher layoffs. contains a's plan continuation of the furloughs, which means $200 million in reduction to education. are you going to hold education a hostage? are you going to remove $200 million for the education budget? we have tough decisions to make. we have to reduce spending. my apologies to be honest with

people. >> i take that as a maybe. >> absolutely not. i am not exactly sure what he said, but let me try to describe to you this proposal. my plan would not spend any less money than was spent in the last fiscal year on education. cause foroposal would teachers' salary reductions of 20%. i do not know how he could do that without firing teachers. it would eliminate at least $100 million from public education. >> think you, mr. reed. the balance the budget by taking money from the state transportation fund, something the state constitution prohibits. your plan is based on six under and $15 million on tax revenue, a figure most economists say is wildly optimistic and will never

happen. that means you are more than $700 million of your target. how did you come up with those figures? >> bryant one straight talk. here it is. there are energy projects in the state of nevada at that have either been approved or are about to. the governors' association did a study. if nevada develops soldier -- solar injury, it would lead to $1.30 million in new revenue directly to the state coffers. i put that $5 million in energy production that will come on line soon. that is where i come up with the money i call "new revenue" in the state budget. brian is asking to be your governor. he calls into question my integrity. right after the primary election

he promised to give you a state budget proposal and he still has not done it. it is october 7. it is hard for me to talk about a plant that brian has because it does not exist. >> no clarity whatsoever. you still have a $600 million whole. there is another $150 million in there for prisons. if you reduced $150 million for the state prison budget you would have to release 2000 to 3000 inmates. that is no way to balance the budget. >> would you like a rowboat? >> he misrepresents my plan. rather than just warehousing prisoners, we need to convert those who are nonviolent into drug programs so they can be their addiction and become productive citizens.

it will work here. it has worked in other states. the problem with this debate is that it is one-sided because he has no plan. i cannot criticize this plan because he does not have one. the only thing he has made clear is that he will fire teachers. >> mr. sandoval, you had the next question. i am a nevada at retiree and concerned about protecting my benefits. should funds be used only for providing retirement benefits? >> i think there are two things in this question. i appreciate the question. i think the system needs to change. we need to go from a defined benefits program to be defined

contributions program. it is approximately $8 billion under water. it is unsustainable. it is important that we get to a401k plan for new hires and in the state of nevada. that is what i would work toward it by were elected governor. >> i think there is no question that we need reform. many months ago, arizona or the first people to stand up and say that our system was unsustainable. personnel costs were unsustainable. that is why i called every labor organization to the table and. the result was the county taxpayers saved millions of dollars. it is easy to stand here and talk about the reforms that are necessary. again, i offer experience solving these difficult problems and they plan to do so.

i think that is the difference you are seeing here tonight. >> would you like a chance to rebut? >> if this is not a new issue. this issue was studied. everybody agrees that we need reforms. it has to be a priority to reform the retirement system. we should go to a defined contribution program. it is a prudent approach. it will help carry us forward in the future. >> mr. reid, you had the next question. this is from james in reno. i had a son named james in reno. [laughter] retirees have seen almost a 400% increase in their health insurance premium. deductibles could go to $1,000 a year.

did the candidates plan to continue the degradation of our once excellent health insurance program by placing more of the cost on the backs of retirees? >> absolutely not. in my budget proposal, we talk about what we must do with medicaid. over $1 billion is being spent in the data every year on medicaid. we do not do it as far as we could. that leads to reimbursements being reduced and burdens on senior citizens. my budget proposal talks about how we change that. we need to eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse. we need more managed care. when the to focus on things that will make people's lives better but will be less expensive. the data has more long-term care per capita than any other state in the country. if we move to adult care, we will save money and have a better quality of life for our people.

that is the kind of smart solution my budget is full of. it is on my website for everybody to read. >> the question has to do with the public employee's benefit system and health care for state employees. our public employees that this board recently made a decision that will save our state $120 million. it was a tough decision. it does some of the things we talked about. it increases the copiague. it makes it a little more challenging. that is what we have to come back to. we are in a budget situation and a budget crisis that we have never seen in the history of the state of nevada. people have lost their jobs. they have lost their benefits. they have lost their retirements. this is an example of what the government needs to do to reduce spending so we can balance that budget. the goal going forward should be

a stronger economy so that we can increase spending with regard to education. >> i think this is a good example of what is going on in the campaign. i agree with what he said. it sounded real nice. but what we need are some specific solutions to real problems. many of the retirees rely on medicaid. the reimbursements have gone down. the costs have gone up. it's more pressure on a retired assistant -- it puts more pressure on our retired citizens. that is why i talked about what i would do with medicaid to take the pressure of senior citizens. >> mr. sandoval, you are up. does it come from anybody's relatives? a conservative think tank has suggested a tax restructuring plan that does not fit the current budget crisis.

it also reduces the tax rate to 3.5%. i will give you a chance to outline your plans to restructure the tax system. right now, i am just asking you for a no or yes to these questions. first, at any time during the four years of your administration, would you consider a tax on services? >> no. >> mr. read it? >> no. >> would you consider increasing the mining tax? >> no. >> mr. reid? >> no. >> would you consider a cigarette or alcohol tax? >> no. >> no. >> this is going to get old real quick.

there is only one left. >> i would consider a state lottery. i think if we directed it to be used only for the benefit of education, that would be a good idea. i realize it is unconstitutional in nevada to have a lottery. i see no reason why we should not have a lottery if we can help our children and improve our schools. >> mr. sandoval, you had the first crack. what would your plan entail? >> i think it is important to point out that my opponent says no to all of these tax increases, yet when he was presented with a budget that includes a tax increase would you sign it? the response was, "i would appear "the answers at change tonight. with regards to restructuring

our tax system, i do not think we need to do that. the focus has to be on diversifying our economy, keeping new business taxes, no corporate income tax -- we have to help the businesses that exists here in the state of nevada. we have to keep our state attractive for businesses that are considering coming here. there are four to 500 companies that are looking to come to nevada to do business. they are concerned about the fact that there has been some statements by my opponent with regard to the fact that he would sign a tax increase. >> brian completely misrepresents what i said. the data needs to understand we do not have a fiscal problem, we have a economic problem. we have relied on tourism for too long. the day i announced my candidacy, i put forth my economic plan.

it describes in detail how we need a new economy in nevada. we have a high working people. we have high computer literacy. we have every renewable resources known to man. we have son. we have when. -- we have sun. we have wind. those are all the ingredients for a vibrant, the economy for in nevada. our people need jobs. they need to work and they need a new economy. my plan would provide both. >> i think it is important to emphasize that the most important thing to the people of this state at a time when we have over 15% unemployment is a job. the worst thing we could do in this economy is raise taxes. no tax ever created a job. that is why my focus is going to be to be personally involved in

recruiting new businesses to nevada. i will make the phone calls that need to be made across the country to bring business to the state of nevada. this is a great place to live in a great place to be educated. >> thank you very much. mr. ried, many people believe clark county place a disproportionate amount of taxes relative to what really -- relative to state funding. >> the first thing we need to recognize is that there are deeper reasons. we have urban areas and rural areas. we had the north and we have the south. the problems where every live on the same. you cannot have the quality of life that you do not have the job. we have too many foreclosures. we have problems with our health care delivery system. our education system is inadequate. we cannot address those problems

on a regional basis. every person in nevada shares those problems. the work community comes from a latin word which means "shared by all." i think we need to focus on solving problems. that is why i put forward a plan the size of a small novel on the economy, on jobs, on education. my plan will make our state better for anyone no matter where they live. >> be believe clark county pays a disproportionate share of taxes? >> one of the things we need to consider is fairness. we will look at that. >> mr. sandoval? >> that is something we have to look at. we have to be fair. i have had the opportunity to do

visit -- to visit communities due out nevada. we have to do something. nine counties lead the united states in unemployment. the next governor has to focus on helping each and every nevada citizen get a job. we need to bring renewable products to the state of nevada. we need to bring technology and manufacturing to the state of nevada. i will continue as governor to work every day to bring jobs to the state. >> it is interesting. we talked to dick regions in the state. north, south, urban, rural -- no matter where i go, i hear the same questions. brian sandoval promised a budget in june. where is he going to deliver it? i still did not know the answer to this question. >> let's go to the next question. it has to do with unemployment. we will look at it from a

different perspective. nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the country and the state of nevada was the country more than $500 million to maintain the state's unemployment trust fund. nevada has 56,000 companies to pay a higher tax next year to replenish the unemployment trust fund. but the deal are against raising taxes, but what do you say to those businesses who will have to replenish that find it? the have an alternative? >> i think there is an assumption that my opponent talks about the he has a plan. his plan has a hole in it in terms of balancing the budget. it is critical that we do not raise taxes. our employers are going to have to pay double for unemployment tax. their premiums are going up right now. if you were to impose a business tax or some kind of broad based

corporate tax on that, that will put them out of business. i visited businesses throughout the state of nevada. that is the one consistent theme to out that i have listened to. they ask that we do not impose any new taxes. it will put people out of work. it will require them to shut their doors. when asked the question if you were presented with a budget debt approved tax increases would you sign it? he said he would. >> had you replace the state -- at you replenish the money in the state of nevada? >> patches my point. it can only come from two places. because of the unemployment tax or the general fund. we only have $5.20 million to spend. to ask any businessman, in person who owns a business to pay increased taxes at this time would be devastating. >> mr. reid?

>> i think tonight this seems eerily familiar. brian sandoval is a note to new taxes. i agree with that. let's talk about what we would do. but we do to replenish the unemployment benefits? we need to create more jobs. my proposal would do that. we need to prioritize capital spending. every local government budget has capital money. 85000 people in the data used to work construction. they are out of work. we need to do what georgiou did. in the state of georgette they take unemployment benefits and they get them to their citizens, but they allow their citizens to work and be trained during that period.

the georgia plan would work here. we would benefit from that. >> one of the problems with my opponent's plan is that it is unconstitutional. the state of nevada at cannot loan money to employers to create jobs. it is unconstitutional. we need to diversify our economy and bring the business to the state. if i am privileged to serve as the next governor, that would be my number one priority. >> here is one of education. mr. reid led the first question. you both want to be able to fire teachers who do not do well on tests. what you say to the out-of-state teacher who was to move to las vegas, which he say to that teacher it they could lose their jobs per situations beyond their control? >> i would tell that teacher that there's more to the story.

i would tell the teacher that the next governor has a plan to transform our schools. we can take the power away from bureaucrats in carson city and washington, d.c., and give it to teachers and parents at the community level. we can have open enrollment so every parent can choose which school is best for their child. we can provide teachers with more resources so they can have better training. we give provide them with marketing incentives said that if they do their job well they can be paid more. they do not need to leave the teaching profession to make more money. i would tell that teacher that i have a plan to transform our schools and allow them to be creative and do what is in the interest of the child in front of them. they will have more responsibility. nevada will be a place where children can be educated well in my administration.

>> education is another priority for me. i have taken the time to visit almost 100 schools throughout the state. i have met with principles. i have met with teachers. i have met with parents. i would tell the teacher that we would hold them accountable, but if you show growth in your students, you'll be rewarded for that. you'll receive a merit pay. we will reward you for your hard work. we will reward you for getting the students where they need to go. our education system needs help. if we have to change the status quo. that is why i came up with a very bold education plan that calls for the end of teacher tenure and fort vouchers so every parent has a choice of where to send their children. vouchers or for everybody, not just the elite. every man and woman and child

will have the ability to choose their school and where to best educate their children. >> i agree with my opponent. we need to change the status quo. the status quo in the data is not to recognize the importance of education. we would never have a first-rate economy if we continue to except second rate school. education is a priority. our former governor did not recognize that. brian would cut education by $500 million. >> let's move on to the next question. what component of the arizona anti-illegal immigration law would you like to see enacted here in the state if any? >> i support the arizona law. i think it is a valid response by the state of arizona to a public safety issue that was a exercise of that state's rights.

whether it could be done in the state of nevada, i have taken the time to meet with law enforcement in the states. i had met with the share of clark county. i have also spoken with sheriff's throughout rural nevada. we do not need an arizona style all in the state of nevada. however, at the time came and a state -- and a bill was presented, i would talk to all the interested constituencies. always be with all enforcement. i would speak with the latin community. i would speak with the business community to see if this is a law that would work in the state of nevada. >> we need comprehension immigration reform. we need to have a federal approach. different states do different things. the problem will just move around the country and never be result. immigration needs to be tough but fair.

we need to have undocumented workers pay whenever clients they of. we need them to earn -- learn english. we need them to go to the back of the line and go to the process to become citizens. >> my opponent is not -- has not responded to the question. i do support the arizona law because it was a valid response to a public safety issue. the federal government had not been doing its job. the state of arizona made the decision to do what it had to do and incorporate the federal law. that law has been working in the state of arizona. i do not support amnesty. i do believe is very important that we keep an eye on what is going on in the state of arizona and if this is necessary to adopt some of their loss, we should do so. >> despite a pair of unfavorable

rulings by the state supreme court, the nevada water co. as a $3.50 million plan to pump water from eastern nevada and send it through 300 miles of pipeline. do you support this rural water application plan when a majority of people in rural nevada oppose it? >> as you know, there is a litigation that stopped the project. we have to wait and see what happens. what i think we need to do is recognize that this is no more important a resource in nevada than water. mark twain said, "whiskey is for drinking water is for biking." there is nothing more passionate than the water issue. again, i have experience and a plan. s clark county commissioner, we used to be in a bitter battle with lincoln county over water.

some of you may remember that. we brought people together. we collaborated to protect the rural and chest and the economic interests of lincoln county and the more rural interests of clark county. there is no longer a water war between lincoln and clark county. we need that same kind of collaboration between clark county and eastern side of the state. >> which you favor the water importation plan? >> only if we went to a process what we just described. we will have to roll up our sleeves. if we ensure that we protected the rural interests and the economic interest in that part of the state and protected the economic interests of southern nevada, i would support it just like i did in the lincoln-clark battle. >> it is an important issue. it affects people in lincoln

county and clark county. the state of nevada is fortunate to have some of the most sophisticated water laws in the united states. we are the envy of other states. this case has gone to the state water engineer. it has gone to the nevada supreme court. it has been referred back to the state water engineer. that is what the process should be. the state water engineer will consider the objections of the people in rural nevada that have concerns about the application project. i support the process. i would support the decision the state water engineer makes. i think it is important to understand that the state water engineer has to do the job for which he was appointed. we have to listen to the people who are concerned about their water interests in rural nevada

and come up with an informed decision. i support that process. >> i agree with them up to a point. the state water engineer will go to a process, but as governor in would not leave this matter in the hands of bureaucrats. i would become involved. i would try to solve the problem through negotiations, collaboration, and consensus. that is what happened with lincoln and clark county. he should become involved as i did and try to solve the problem. >> the question is about health care. there are a high percentage of uninsured residents. it costs all taxpayers' money. was solutions do you have when working people making too much for medicaid but not enough to afford insurance -- if you support health-care reform, that

you propose we paid for the costs? >> paula like to comment on the last response from my opponent. we have lost for a reason. we need to have a state water engineer who has the background and the ability to consider some of the most difficult decisions we will face. i trust the process. with regard to your question, i do support the health care -- i do not support the health care bill. i do support the litigation that is in -- that is occurring in the state of florida. a federal judge denied a motion dismissed by the state government. that suit is going to move forward. what that health care bill is doing to people in nevada, it is driving premiums up. that is why the law needs to go away. >> i agree.

there are laws, but we also need leaders in nevada. we have to solve problems. as for health care, i do not support the litigation. i think it is politically motivated. i do not think it will result of problems we have in our state. i do not deny, however, that now that at least to be vigilant on this issue. the law that was passed -- there is potential for it to put significant pressure on states because medicaid rates could go up again. it is important that we pursue the medicaid reforms that i described. we can eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse. we will be in a better position to do with the new system when it becomes enacted. >> this is one position that my opponent and i disagree. i think this all will have a

devastating affect. it will cost us -- it cost us $500 million. it violates the constitution rights of -- it violates the constitutional rights of individuals by requiring them to purchase cost -- by requiring them to purchase insurance. >> this debate is originating on pbs. what we do to aggressively push this state and find the money so it embraces renewable energy and serves as a model for the rest of the nation if not the world? >> we can become energy independent. we do not need to truck or train

trucks of coal in from wyoming. we have went, we have geothermal. week it should use all of our resources. california requires that 33% of the energy their guns from renewable resources. that is a huge market we need to take advantage of. if we do that one thing, it will change our economy forever. my plan would put into place the policies to make all of that possible. you mentioned this beautiful building and its recertification. 50% of the energy used in nevada is from the environment. my plan would allow people from nevada to finance director fritz of their homes to the energy bill. >> renewable energy is an important component for the future of the state of nevada.

i visited a geothermal energy center. i visited a similar plant. we have two obstacles. one is transmission. we may have a lot of opportunities for renewable energy. we have to get that on the grid through additional transmission to the state. we have a new transmission line that is being constructed. it will allow many of these renewable energy projects to come on line. it is a very good thing. we have an aggressive portfolio with regard to renewable energy. we can export those things. the state of nevada needs to do better. that will be a priority for me. >> the last piece of this is that this is another example where education is key to almost

anything we do. our community colleges needs to be partner with businesses to train people to retrofit all of these buildings. if we partnered with our colleges and universities, we can create jobs and put people back to work. we can move forward in this energy endeavor. my plan will allow this. brian wants to get higher education by 12%. that makes everything he has said very difficult. >> this has to do with transportation. population growth has come to a virtual standstill in nevada. so has traffic gridlock. tell me about your transportation plans for the state. in four years, what will our state transportation infrastructure look like under your management and tell you find it? >> i would like to respond to the less statement of my opponent with regard to cutting

higher education. it is back to what i talked about earlier in this debate. it is easy to stand in front of a group of university students and say you'll not cut education, but the budget he presented calls for cuts in education. it comprises 55% of our state budget. if you try to make a promise that you're not going to raise taxes, you have to eliminate the remainder of state government in order to balance the budget. it is not realistic and it is not the truth. in regard to transportation, i met the head of beef transportation division for the state of nevada. we are in line to receive federal and state money to do it transportation projects. we have to stop the gridlock in clark county. i sat on the state board of transportation along with the governor. with that experience, i will

work hard to ease the grid lot about the system. >> it is not that hard to protect education it to make a priority. get online tonight and read my budget proposal and you'll see how it is done. as for transportation, we need to take the politics out of transportation and build transportation projects where they are most needed. we also need to realize that there are hundreds of millions of dollars in washington, d.c. what ever you thought of the stimulus package, that money is there. this is an american competition. we need to roll up our sleeves and bite. as governor, i would fight for that money. that money will allow us to build the projects we need, put our people back to work, and ease the transportation burden. >> mr. sandoval? >> transportation is very

important to the people of this state. it is important that we get the federal funds that we are eligible for -- the matching funds. the department of transportation is important to me. i have taken the time to meet with the head of the department of transportation. she briefed me of what the priorities would be. >> the next question has to do with higher education, something that has not been discussed much. mr. reid gets the first answer. colleges and universities could lose hold apartments and even close their doors altogether. heidi propose that we not just maintain the system but actually improve it? secondly, do you think the millennium scholarship should be funded out of the general state budget when the fund is exceeded next year? >> higher education is not just

an expense. it is not an expense on our budget. it descend economic engine we have not utilized in nevada. the massachusetts institute of technology is responsible for creating 1.2 million jobs that have led to to under $32 billion because they recognize technology transfer. they take the bright ideas in the university and transfer them into the private sector. in a leveraged investment and create jobs. we can do that in the data. my plan would make that possible. it would connect the private sector with the bright ideas of academics. we would grow. we need to think of higher education as a revenue center, not an expense. it is an investment we make to create jobs and grow our economy. that is what i education can do. the millennium scholarship should be in doubt. >> i am a proud graduate of our

university system. i graduated from the university of nevada reno. i think the time has come to give the university system autonomy. give them the ability to break away from the state and maintain their tuition said that they had independence so that they can do what they need to do to compete with other universities. it is important to have these public, private partnerships. i want to continue that. at u.n.l.v., they have the renewable energy program to work with some of the companies in the state of nevada. we have to continue that. with regards to the millennium

scholarship, i fully support the millennium scholarship. i think it is one of the strong legacies of the former governor. >> i might cut you short of your closing statement, but it has come to that time in the debate. brian sandoval, you are up first. >> i would like to thank the people of the state of nevada, the viewers, and my opponent for having this debate. i am going to finish where i started. i think there are three important differences in this decision for your next governor. experience, integrity, and fiscal responsibility. i believe i have the right experience. i will be straight with the people of the state of nevada and i will not raise our taxes like my opponent will. i think our future is wrapped -- are a future is bright. we are going to diversify our economy. we're going to bring new businesses here. we have to make tough decisions

just like all of you have done to doubt the state of nevada. it would be a privilege to serve as our next governor. i respectfully ask for your vote. god bless you, and god bless the great state of nevada. >> i have enjoyed this evening and this conversation. i want to end where i started. we need to pick a governor that has experience and a plan. i have run a large government. a balance that budget every year for eight years without new taxes. you can read my budget proposal. it balances the budget without new taxes. i have provided a plan to transform our schools, to diversify our economy, and to create jobs. that is the kind of governor in nevada and needs. one with experience managing large organizations with fiscal responsibility and a plan for our future. brian talks about the conversations he has had with

leaders across the state. unfortunately has not submitted a plan. nobody knows what he would do. i am asking for you to help me move now about four. >> thank you to both of you. we'll come to the conclusion of the debate. albeit these individuals did not meet the criteria for participation in this debate, you can learn more from their web sites. once again, i thank you to read it and brian sandoval. thank you to nevada broadcasters. early bidding begins a week from this saturday. election day is november 2. do not forget to vote.

there be a debate next thursday with harry reid and sharon angle. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2010] >> more political coverage in a moment on c-span. we'll hear from candidates running for governor in georgia. after that, president obama campaigns in maryland with gov. martin of melanie and other democrats. later, a debate for nevada governor. health professionals and journalist participate in a form tomorrow examining the impact of capture that medicines. posted by the partnership for safe medicines, live coverage begins at 8:30 eastern on c- span2.

>> this weekend and through december, listen to landmark supreme court cases on c-span radio. >> what we are arguing is that you may not publicly desecrate a flag regardless of the motivation for your actions. >> flag-burning and freedom of speech -- texas v. johnson. saturday at 6:00 p.m. eastern time on c-span radio. >> this weekend, c-span3 takes a trip to richmond, va., for a civil war antique show. also, from the national archives, songs that up with a soldiers' spirits journey time of lincoln. help harry truman's policies led to decades of detention.

american history tv, all weekend every weekend on c-span3. >> now we will hear from the three candidates running for governor in georgia. former gov. roy barnes, nathan deal. this debate is courtesy of georgia public broadcasting. >> live from the studios of georgia public broadcasting, the 2010 georgia gubernatorial debate organized by students from georgiou's leading colleges and universities. >> good evening, everyone. welcome to the 2010 georgia gubernatorial debate. originating from the studios of georgia public broadcasting, tonight's debate was organized by the georgia tech student government association and partner universities.

we would like to welcome our college -- welcome our viewers. this is a debate among the three candidates in the general election for demonere. let's meet the candidates now.

the republicans think they can't win it. the democrats are desperate to hold onto it. they want to make sure that they will hang onto their seats. >> c-span "local content of vehicles or crossing the country.

we are looking at the contested house races. for more information of what the local content vehicles are up to, visit our website at c- span.org/lcv. >> in a moment on c-span, a debate between rory reid and brian sandoval. in about an hour, a debate between ohio gov. ted strickland and his challenger. bob woodward of the washington post will join us on "washington journal." >> the supreme court has started its new term. you can't learn more about the nation's highest court with c- span's latest book.

reporters who covered the court and attorneys to argue cases there, revealing unique insights about the court. available in hardcover where you buy books. >> hey high-school students, this is a c-span documentary competition. make a video under this year's team. tell us about an issue, event, or topic that help you better understand the role of the federal government in your life or community. download your video to see stand by january 20, 2011, and you have a chance to win the grand prize of $5,000. there are $50,000 in total prices. the competition is open to all students in grades 6 through 12. go on line to studentcam.org.

>> democrat re-enter republican brian sandoval debate each other next. rory reid is chairman of the clark county county ends commission. brian sandoval is a former u.s. district judge. the debate is hosted by the nevada broadcaster of free association and is moderated by rich fox. >> good evening and welcome to

the 2010 s nevada gubernatorial debate sponsored by the nevada broadcasters' association. tonight's debate will be carried by 40 nevada television and radio stations, reaching out to every corner and every community throughout the state. it is the mission of the nevada broadcasters' association to be the eyes and ears of nv's television and radio stations. i am mitch box. i will serve as your moderator for this important political event. joining me this evening is the republican candidate for governor, brian sandoval. standing next to him is the democratic candidate for governor, clark county commissioner rory reid. welcome to both of you. we want to thank each of the

participating in nevada television and radio stations with providing this 1 hour block of time as a public service to our community. the format has been accepted and agreed to by both can -- but candidates. each candidate will get a two minute opening statement. they will then be asked questions, some of which were submitted by nevada residents. each candidate will be given one minute to respond to the question followed by a 32nd second rebuttal. the program will conclude with one minute closing statements from each candidate. it was determined by a coin costs -- coin toss that the first opening statement would be by commissioner rory reid. >> good evening. this election is about two things. what are we more to do to move

nevada forward and which of us is more qualified to do it? we need a strong and experienced leader with a plan of action to get it done. this election is about two things. those two things will be determined tonight. bank governor is a job. tonight you have an opportunity to conduct a job interview. the three things i think you should know are the only one of us has managed a large organization, created jobs, and balanced the budget. only one of us have stood up to special interests and done what is in our own entrance. only one of us has offered a detailed plan to save jobs, diversify our economy, and strengthen education. nobody knows how brian sandoval would do this job because he has never done anything like it

before. fe does not have a plan to do it now. bryant seems like a nice person. the people behind him, the lobbyist that recruit him, the ones who write the bills and the budget that he proposes -- they are the ones i am concerned about. if the fetus not had the strength to stand up to them, how will he ever stand up for you? one of us has offered a detailed plan to create jobs, diversify our economy, and strengthen our education system. that is what i intend to talk about tonight. i am grateful for brian's but since it's here. i look over to the conversation we are going to have. >> brian sandoval? >> i would like to thank the the bottom of broadcaster's association and my opponent,

commissioner reid. nevada, yet the decision to make. we have challenges that mr. potts described in his opening. we have historical challenges that the state has to face. this is not a time for sound bites or political gimmicks. this is a time for straight talk. you have before you two candidates standing here to service our next governor. we agree on one thing, there is a big choice to make. there are basic differences between the two of us. first is experience. i have had the privilege of serving the state as a legislator, the attorney general, chairman of the nevada gaming commission, and a federal judge. my opponent has spent $3 million lying about my record and has not spent a single dollar talking about his own.

second, the integrity. we need a governor who is going to speak straight with the people of the state of nevada. it is very easy to stand in front of a group and tell them, "i am not going to raise our taxes." i will tell you, to tell everybody what they want to hear, you are lying to someone. tonight, we will get to the bottom of it. finally, taxes. there is no bigger difference between my opponent and may with regard to taxes. my opponent will raise our taxes. i will not. with that, experience, fiscal responsibility, and integrity -- if this matters to you, i would be proud to serve as our next governor. thank you very much. >> we will start with the questions and answers.

this has to do with the budget. the state budget director said that in order to raise the budget without raising taxes, we would have to eliminate all funding of state government except for k-12 and higher education. he says he does not know how to balance and a data's budget without raising taxes. but that you have said that raising taxes is not necessary. do you know something that the state's budget director does not know? >> yes, i do. i am the only candidate that has offered a detailed plan for ally would balance the budget. brian spoke of integrity and immediately misrepresented the facts. i propose to balance the budget.

that is notwithstanding what he claims. we can do that by recreating the data's government. i believe we are indeed 16 departments in the state budget. >> i will say this. my opponent does not have a plan. if you took the time to review his plan, it includes $615 million of fantasy money that we do not have. it as another $400 million of money that will come from modernization and efficiency that is not there. you have to be straight with the people of the state of nevada. it does not add up. my opponent has also said he will balance the budget without raising taxes, yet he will not cut education or higher education. that is 55% of our state's budget. that would mean you would have to cut the rest of state government.

i will be happy to talk about my plan to balance the budget. rory reid, i assure you, will raise taxes on the state of nevada. >> i had the experience and a plan. brian has neither. i have been on the clark county commission for eight years. i balance that budget every year without new taxes. i propose to balance the state budget without new taxes. i can do it. i have experience with large budget. brian cannot talk about his plan because he does not have one. where is our plan, brian? >> would you consider taking additional revenue from clark county to balance the budget? >> no. i had been opposed to that kind of diversion.

a diversion is not a solution. it is a shell game that i will never play as governor. as i said, i know how to balance budgets. i have done it for years now. my plan will balance the budget without those kinds of gimmicks or games. the data's government was created in the 19th and 20th century. if we are going to have a 21st century economy, we need a 20 per century government. it will take consolidation of some departments and elimination of others. i will create a leaner more efficient government. >> i would like to address mr. reid's discussion on balancing the budget for the clark county commission. we are required to balance the budget by law. let's be honest, there are six

other commissioners on the clark county commission that are also working on the budget. most recently the budget was balanced -- why is clark county asking their employees for refunds? you cannot present a budget like that. you cannot present a budget that was presented by you. you would be laughed out of the legislature if he presented a budget was $615 million of fantasy money and another half million dollars that contains deficiencies. >> let's move on to the next question. this is for brian sandoval. your plan has a 4% budget for teachers. if the teachers do not agree to a salary reduction, would you fire them to balance the budget and how many of them would be let go under your plan? >> that is something that was

discussed earlier in this campaign. again, i want to be straight with the people of the state of nevada. we have a budget crisis. we only have $5.20 billion to spend. presence, universities, payroll, health and human services -- to balance this budget there will be reductions. we have to go back to 2007 levels. we are going to have to continue the furloughs. if we make these tough decisions, we will be able to balance the budget. i am very optimistic about the future of our state. we have to cut back. i firmly believe that if we had the discipline to do that now that our future will be right, our economy will grow. we need to attract businesses to the state of nevada. >> again, experience and a plan

-- i have experience and i have a plan. brian has neither. brian just talked about the state budget more than he has throughout the st. regis at throughout this campaign. nobody knows what he will do because he has not told us. he talks about cuts. he is not describe what he would cut. he is not described what he would do with our government. i have. it is available on my website. we can balance the budget and protect education. my balanced budget proposal would allow our state to progress. it uses mortar technology to do things more efficiently. it recognizes the importance of our university system. universities can create revenue for our state. we need to unleash the power of the great minds of the state of nevada and grow again. that is what my budget will allow us to do. brian's budget does not exist.

>> let's talk about experience with the state budget. i have served two terms in the legislature. i have handled an executive branch budget as attorney general. i returned over $1 million back to the general fund. that is fiscal responsibility. the proposed budget or the so- called plan for the budget that has been submitted by my opponent includes six interdicting dollars million of fantasy money and another $500 million of money that does not exist. >> i'm going to get back to my original question. under either one of your plans, could teachers lose their jobs? >> first and foremost, i am being very honest with the people of the state of nevada. there are going to be reductions. my plan does not call for any

teacher layoffs. my opponent's plan contains a continuation of the furloughs, which means $200 million in reduction to education. are you going to hold education a hostage? are you going to remove $200 million for the education budget? we have tough decisions to make. we have to reduce spending. my apologies to be honest with people. >> i take that as a maybe. >> absolutely not. i am not exactly sure what he said, but let me try to describe to you this proposal. my plan would not spend any less money than was spent in the last fiscal year on education. brian's proposal would cause for teachers' salary reductions of 20%. i do not know how he could do that without firing teachers. it would eliminate at least

$100 million from public education. >> think you, mr. reed. the balance the budget by taking money from the state transportation fund, something the state constitution prohibits. your plan is based on six under and $15 million on tax revenue, a figure most economists say is wildly optimistic and will never happen. that means you are more than $700 million of your target. how did you come up with those figures? >> bryant one straight talk. here it is. there are energy projects in the state of nevada at that have either been approved or are about to. the governors' association did a study. if nevada develops a solar industry, it would lead to $1.30 million in new revenue directly to the state coffers.

i put that $5 million in energy production that will come on line soon. that is where i come up with the money i call "new revenue" in the state budget. brian is asking to be your governor. he calls into question my integrity. right after the primary election he promised to give you a state budget proposal and he still has not done it. it is october 7. it is hard for me to talk about a plant that brian has because it does not exist. >> no clarity whatsoever. you still have a $600 million whole. there is another $150 million in there for prisons. if you reduced $150 million for the state prison budget you would have to release 2000 to

3000 inmates. that is no way to balance the budget. >> would you like a rowboat? >> he misrepresents my plan. rather than just warehousing prisoners, we need to convert those who are nonviolent into drug programs so they can be their addiction and become productive citizens. it will work here. it has worked in other states. the problem with this debate is that it is one-sided because he has no plan. i cannot criticize this plan because he does not have one. the only thing he has made clear is that he will fire teachers. >> mr. sandoval, you had the next question. i am a nevada at retiree and concerned about protecting my benefits. should funds be used only for providing retirement benefits?

>> i think there are two things in this question. i appreciate the question. i think the system needs to change. we need to go from a defined benefits program to be defined contributions program. it is approximately $8 billion under water. it is unsustainable. it is important that we get to a401k plan for new hires and in the state of nevada. that is what i would work toward it by were elected governor. >> i think there is no question that we need reform. many months ago, arizona or the first people to stand up and say that our system was unsustainable. personnel costs were

unsustainable. that is why i called every labor organization to the table and. the result was the county taxpayers saved millions of dollars. it is easy to stand here and talk about the reforms that are necessary. again, i offer experience solving these difficult problems and they plan to do so. i think that is the difference you are seeing here tonight. >> would you like a chance to rebut? >> if this is not a new issue. this issue was studied. everybody agrees that we need reforms. it has to be a priority to reform the retirement system. we should go to a defined contribution program. it is a prudent approach. it will help carry us forward in the future. >> mr. reid, you had the next question. this is from james in reno.

i had a son named james in reno. [laughter] retirees have seen almost a 400% increase in their health insurance premium. deductibles could go to $1,000 a year. did the candidates plan to continue the degradation of our once excellent health insurance program by placing more of the cost on the backs of retirees? >> absolutely not. in my budget proposal, we talk about what we must do with medicaid. over $1 billion is being spent in the data every year on medicaid. we do not do it as far as we could. that leads to reimbursements being reduced and burdens on senior citizens. my budget proposal talks about how we change that. we need to eliminate the waste,

fraud, and abuse. we need more managed care. when the to focus on things that will make people's lives better but will be less expensive. the data has more long-term care per capita than any other state in the country. if we move to adult care, we will save money and have a better quality of life for our people. that is the kind of smart solution my budget is full of. it is on my website for everybody to read. >> the question has to do with the public employee's benefit system and health care for state employees. our public employees that this board recently made a decision that will save our state $120 million. it was a tough decision. it does some of the things we talked about. it increases the copiague. it makes it a little more challenging. that is what we have to come

back to. we are in a budget situation and a budget crisis that we have never seen in the history of the state of nevada. people have lost their jobs. they have lost their benefits. they have lost their retirements. this is an example of what the government needs to do to reduce spending so we can balance that budget. the goal going forward should be a stronger economy so that we can increase spending with regard to education. >> i think this is a good example of what is going on in the campaign. i agree with what he said. it sounded real nice. but what we need are some specific solutions to real problems. many of the retirees rely on medicaid. the reimbursements have gone down. the costs have gone up. it puts more pressure on our retired citizens. that is why i talked about what

i would do with medicaid to take the pressure of senior citizens. >> mr. sandoval, you are up. does it come from anybody's relatives? a conservative think tank has suggested a tax restructuring plan that does not fit the current budget crisis. it also reduces the tax rate to 3.5%. i will give you a chance to outline your plans to restructure the tax system. right now, i am just asking you for a no or yes to these questions. first, at any time during the four years of your administration, would you consider a tax on services? >> no. >> mr. read it? >> no.

>> would you consider increasing the mining tax? >> no. >> mr. reid? >> no. >> would you consider a cigarette or alcohol tax? >> no. >> no. >> the fuel tax. >> no. >> no. >> this is going to get old real quick. there is only one left. >> how about a state lottery? >> i would consider a state lottery. i think if we directed it to be used only for the benefit of education, that would be a good idea. i realize it is unconstitutional in nevada to have a lottery. i see no reason why we should not have a lottery if we can help our children and improve our schools. >> mr. sandoval, you had the first crack. what would your plan entail?

>> i think it is important to point out that my opponent says no to all of these tax increases, yet when he was presented with a budget that includes a tax increase would you sign it? the response was, "i would appear "the answers at change tonight. with regards to restructuring our tax system, i do not think we need to do that. the focus has to be on diversifying our economy, keeping new business taxes, no corporate income tax -- we have to help the businesses that exists here in the state of nevada. we have to keep our state attractive for businesses that are considering coming here. there are four to 500 companies that are looking to come to nevada to do business. they are concerned about the fact that there has been some statements by my opponent with

regard to the fact that he would sign a tax increase. >> brian completely misrepresents what i said. the data needs to understand we do not have a fiscal problem, we have a economic problem. we have relied on tourism for too long. the day i announced my candidacy, i put forth my economic plan. it describes in detail how we need a new economy in nevada. we have a high working people. we have high computer literacy. we have every renewable resources known to man. we have sun. we have wind. those are all the ingredients for a vibrant, the economy for in nevada. our people need jobs. they need to work and they need a new economy.

my plan would provide both. >> i think it is important to emphasize that the most important thing to the people of this state at a time when we have over 15% unemployment is a job. the worst thing we could do in this economy is raise taxes. no tax ever created a job. that is why my focus is going to be to be personally involved in recruiting new businesses to nevada. i will make the phone calls that need to be made across the country to bring business to the state of nevada. this is a great place to live in a great place to be educated. >> thank you very much. mr. ried, many people believe clark county place a disproportionate amount of taxes relative to state funding. if this is a problem, how would

you address it? >> the first thing we need to recognize is that there are bad deeper reasons. we have urban areas and rural areas. we had the north and we have the south. the problems where every live on the same. you cannot have the quality of life that you do not have the job. we have too many foreclosures. we have problems with our health care delivery system. our education system is inadequate. we cannot address those problems on a regional basis. every person in nevada shares those problems. the work community comes from a latin word which means "shared by all." we have to share those problems. publici think we need to focus on solving problems. that is why i put forward a plan the size of a small novel on the economy, on jobs, on education. my plan will make our state better for anyone no matter where they live.

>> be believe clark county pays a disproportionate share of taxes? >> one of the things we need to consider is fairness. we will look at that. >> mr. sandoval? >> that is something we have to look at. we have to be fair. i have had the opportunity to visit communities due out nevada. we have to do something. nine counties lead the united states in unemployment. the next governor has to focus on helping each and every nevada citizen get a job. we need to bring renewable products to the state of nevada. we need to bring technology and manufacturing to the state of nevada. i will continue as governor to work every day to bring jobs to the state. >> it is interesting.

we talked to dick regions in the state. north, south, urban, rural -- no matter where i go, i hear the same questions. brian sandoval promised a budget in june. where is he going to deliver it? i still did not know the answer to this question. >> let's go to the next question. it has to do with unemployment. we will look at it from a different perspective. nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the country and the state of nevada was the country more than $500 million to maintain the state's unemployment trust fund. nevada has 56,000 companies to pay a higher tax next year to replenish the unemployment trust fund. but the deal are against raising taxes, but what do you say to those businesses who will have to replenish that find it? the have an alternative? >> i think there is an assumption that my opponent

talks about the he has a plan. his plan has a hole in it in terms of balancing the budget. it is critical that we do not raise taxes. our employers are going to have to pay double for unemployment tax. their premiums are going up right now. if you were to impose a business tax or some kind of broad based corporate tax on that, that will put them out of business. i visited businesses throughout the state of nevada. that is the one consistent theme to out that i have listened to. they ask that we do not impose any new taxes. it will put people out of work. it will require them to shut their doors. when asked the question if you were presented with a budget debt approved tax increases would you sign it? he said he would. >> how do you replenish the money in the state of nevada?

had the bay of the federal government? >> patches my point. it can only come from two places. because of the unemployment tax or the general fund. we only have $5.20 million to spend. to ask any businessman, in person who owns a business to pay increased taxes at this time would be devastating. >> mr. reid? >> i think tonight this seems eerily familiar. brian sandoval is a note to new taxes. is saying no to new taxes. i agree with that. let's talk about what we would do. but we do to replenish the unemployment benefits? we need to create more jobs. my proposal would do that. we need to prioritize capital spending. every local government budget has capital money.

85000 people in the data used to work construction. they are out of work. we need to do what georgiou did. in the state of georgette they -- in the state of georgia they take unemployment benefits and they get them to their citizens, but they allow their citizens to work and be trained during that period. the georgia plan would work here. we would benefit from that. >> one of the problems with my opponent's plan is that it is unconstitutional. the state of nevada at cannot loan money to employers to create jobs. it is unconstitutional. we need to diversify our economy and bring the business to the state. if i am privileged to serve as the next governor, that would be my number one priority. >> here is one of education. mr. reid led the first question.

you both want to be able to fire teachers who do not do well on tests. what you say to the out-of- state teacher who was to move to las vegas, which he say to that teacher it they could lose their jobs per situations beyond their control? >> i would tell that teacher that there's more to the story. i would tell the teacher that the next governor has a plan to transform our schools. we can take the power away from bureaucrats in carson city and washington, d.c., and give it to teachers and parents at the community level. we can have open enrollment so every parent can choose which school is best for their child. we can provide teachers with more resources so they can have better training. we give provide them with marketing incentives said that if they do their job well they can be paid more. they do not need to leave the

teaching profession to make more money. i would tell that teacher that i have a plan to transform our schools and allow them to be creative and do what is in the interest of the child in front of them. they will have more responsibility. nevada will be a place where children can be educated well in my administration. >> education is another priority for me. i have taken the time to visit almost 100 schools throughout the state. i have met with principles. i have met with teachers. i have met with parents. i would tell the teacher that we would hold them accountable, but if you show growth in your students, you'll be rewarded for that. you'll receive a merit pay. we will reward you for your hard work. we will reward you for getting the students where they need to go. our education system needs help. if we have to change the status

quo. that is why i came up with a very bold education plan that calls for the end of teacher tenure and fort vouchers so every parent has a choice of where to send their children. vouchers or for everybody, not just the elite. every man and woman and child will have the ability to choose their school and where to best educate their children. >> i agree with my opponent. we need to change the status quo. the status quo in the data is not to recognize the importance of education. we would never have a first- rate economy if we continue to except second rate school. education is a priority. our former governor did not recognize that. brian would cut education by $500 million.

>> let's move on to the next question. what component of the arizona anti-illegal immigration law would you like to see enacted here in the state if any? >> i support the arizona law. i think it is a valid response by the state of arizona to a public safety issue that was a exercise of that state's rights. whether it could be done in the state of nevada, i have taken the time to meet with law enforcement in the states. i had met with the share of clark county. i have also spoken with sheriff's throughout rural nevada. we do not need an arizona style all in the state of nevada. however, at the time came and a bill was presented, i would talk to all the interested constituencies. always be with all enforcement. i would speak with the latin community. i would speak with the business community to see if this is a law that would work in the state of nevada.

>> we need comprehension immigration reform. we need to have a federal approach. different states do different things. the problem will just move around the country and never be result. immigration needs to be tough but fair. we need to have undocumented workers pay whenever clients they of. we need them to learn english. we need them to go to the back of the line and go to the process to become citizens. >> my opponent has not responded to the question. i do support the arizona law because it was a valid response to a public safety issue. the federal government had not been doing its job. the state of arizona made the decision to do what it had to do and incorporate the federal law. that law has been working in the state of arizona.

i do not support amnesty. i do believe is very important that we keep an eye on what is going on in the state of arizona and if this is necessary to adopt some of their loss, we should do so. >> despite a pair of unfavorable rulings by the state supreme court, the nevada water co. as a $3.50 million plan to pump water from eastern nevada and send it through 300 miles of pipeline. do you support this rural water application plan when a majority of people in rural nevada oppose it? >> as you know, there is a litigation that stopped the project. we have to wait and see what happens.

what i think we need to do is recognize that this is no more important a resource in nevada than water. mark twain said, "whiskey is for drinking water is for biking." there is nothing more passionate than the water issue. again, i have experience and a plan. s clark county commissioner, we used to be in a bitter battle with lincoln county over water. some of you may remember that. we brought people together. we collaborated to protect the rural and chest and the economic interests of lincoln county and the more rural interests of clark county. there is no longer a water war between lincoln and clark county. we need that same kind of collaboration between clark county and eastern side of the state. >> which you favor the water importation plan? >> only if we went to a process what we just described. we will have to roll up our

sleeves. if we ensure that we protected the rural interests and the economic interest in that part of the state and protected the economic interests of southern nevada, i would support it just like i did in the lincoln-clark battle. >> it is an important issue. it affects people in lincoln county and clark county. the state of nevada is fortunate to have some of the most sophisticated water laws in the united states. we are the envy of other states. this case has gone to the state water engineer. it has gone to the nevada supreme court. it has been referred back to the state water engineer. that is what the process should be. the state water engineer will consider the objections of the people in rural nevada that have concerns about the application project.

i support the process. i would support the decision the state water engineer makes. i think it is important to understand that the state water engineer has to do the job for which he was appointed. we have to listen to the people who are concerned about their water interests in rural nevada and come up with an informed decision. i support that process. >> i agree with them up to a point. the state water engineer will go to a process, but as governor in would not leave this matter in the hands of bureaucrats. i would become involved. i would try to solve the problem through negotiations, collaboration, and consensus. that is what happened with lincoln and clark county. he should become involved as i did and try to solve the problem.

>> the question is about health care. there are a high percentage of uninsured residents. it costs all taxpayers' money. was solutions do you have when working people making too much for medicaid but not enough to afford insurance -- if you support health-care reform, that you propose we paid for the costs? >> paula like to comment on the last response from my opponent. we have lost for a reason. we need to have a state water engineer who has the background and the ability to consider some of the most difficult decisions we will face. i trust the process. with regard to your question, i do not support the health care bill. i do support the litigation

that is occurring in the state of florida. a federal judge denied a motion dismissed by the state government. that suit is going to move forward. what that health care bill is doing to people in nevada, it is driving premiums up. that is why the law needs to go away. >> i agree. there are laws, but we also need leaders in nevada. we have to solve problems. as for health care, i do not support the litigation. i think it is politically motivated. i do not think it will result of problems we have in our state. i do not deny, however, that now that at least to be vigilant on this issue. the law that was passed -- there is potential for it to put significant pressure on states because medicaid rates could go up again.

it is important that we pursue the medicaid reforms that i described. we can eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse. we will be in a better position to do with the new system when it becomes enacted. >> this is one position that my opponent and i disagree. i think this all will have a devastating affect. it cost us $500 million. it violates the constitutional rights of individuals by requiring them to purchase insurance. >> this debate is originating on pbs.

what we do to aggressively push this state and find the money so it embraces renewable energy and serves as a model for the rest of the nation if not the world? >> we can become energy independent. we do not need to truck or train trucks of coal in from wyoming. we have went, we have geothermal. week it should use all of our resources. -- we should use all of our resources. california requires that 33% of the energy their guns from renewable resources. that is a huge market we need to take advantage of. we need to become exporters of energy. if we do that one thing, it will change our economy forever. my plan would put into place the policies to make all of that possible. you mentioned this beautiful

building and its recertification. 50% of the energy used in nevada is from the environment. my plan would allow people from nevada to finance director fritz of their homes to the energy bill. it would lead to more buildings that were as efficient as this one. >> renewable energy is an important component for the future of the state of nevada. i visited a geothermal energy center. i visited a similar plant. -- i visited eight solar plant. we have two obstacles. one is transmission. we may have a lot of opportunities for renewable energy. we have to get that on the grid through additional transmission to the state. we have a new transmission line that is being constructed. it will allow many of these renewable energy projects to come on line.

it is a very good thing. we have an aggressive portfolio with regard to renewable energy. we can export those things. the state of nevada needs to do better. that will be a priority for me. >> the last piece of this is that this is another example where education is key to almost anything we do. our community colleges needs to be partner with businesses to train people to retrofit all of these buildings. if we partnered with our colleges and universities, we can create jobs and put people back to work. we can move forward in this energy endeavor. my plan will allow this. brian wants to get higher education by 12%. -- wants to cut higher education by 12%. that makes everything he has

said very difficult. >> this has to do with transportation. population growth has come to a virtual standstill in nevada. so has traffic gridlock. tell me about your transportation plans for the state. in four years, what will our state transportation infrastructure look like under your management and tell you find it? -- and how will you find it. >> i would like to respond to the less statement of my opponent with regard to cutting higher education. it is back to what i talked about earlier in this debate. it is easy to stand in front of a group of university students and say you'll not cut education, but the budget he presented calls for cuts in education. the university system -- it comprises 55% of our state budget. if you try to make a promise that you're not going to raise taxes, you have to eliminate the remainder of state government in order to balance the budget. it is not realistic and it is

not the truth. in regard to transportation, i met the head of beef transportation division for the state of nevada. we are in line to receive federal and state money to do it transportation projects. we have to stop the gridlock in clark county. i sat on the state board of transportation along with the governor. with that experience, i will work hard to ease the grid lot about the system. >> it is not that hard to protect education it to make a priority. get online tonight and read my budget proposal and you'll see how it is done. i did it. as for transportation, we need to take the politics out of transportation and build transportation projects where they are most needed. we also need to realize that there are hundreds of millions of dollars in washington, d.c. what ever you thought of the stimulus package, that money is

there. this is an american competition. we need to roll up our sleeves and bite. -- and fight. as governor, i would fight for that money. that money will allow us to build the projects we need, put our people back to work, and ease the transportation burden. >> mr. sandoval? >> transportation is very important to the people of this state. it is important that we get the federal funds that we are eligible for -- the matching funds. the department of transportation is important to me. i have taken the time to meet with the head of the department of transportation. she briefed me of what the priorities would be. >> the next question has to do with higher education, something that has not been discussed much.

mr. reid gets the first answer. colleges and universities could lose hold apartments and even close their doors altogether. heidi propose that we not just maintain the system but actually improve it? secondly, do you think the millennium scholarship should be funded out of the general state budget when the fund is exceeded next year? >> higher education is not just an expense. it is not an expense on our budget. it descend economic engine we have not utilized in nevada. the massachusetts institute of technology is responsible for creating 1.2 million jobs that have led to to under $32 billion because they recognize technology transfer. they take the bright ideas in the university and transfer them into the private sector. in a leveraged investment and create jobs. we can do that in the data. my plan would make that

possible. it would connect the private sector with the bright ideas of academics. we would grow. we need to think of higher education as a revenue center, not an expense. it is an investment we make to create jobs and grow our economy. that is what i education can do. the millennium scholarship should be in doubt. -- should be in delta. -- and delta>> i am a proud graduate of our. university system. i graduated from the university of nevada reno. i think the time has come to give the university system autonomy. give them the ability to break away from the state and maintain their tuition said that they had independence so that they can do what they need to do to compete with other universities. it is important to have these

public, private partnerships. i want to continue that. at u.n.l.v., they have the renewable energy program to work with some of the companies in the state of nevada. we have to continue that. with regards to the millennium scholarship, i fully support the millennium scholarship. i think it is one of the strong legacies of the former governor. >> i might cut you short of your closing statement, but it has come to that time in the debate. brian sandoval, you are up first. >> i would like to thank the people of the state of nevada, the viewers, and my opponent for having this debate. i am going to finish where i started. i think there are three important differences in this decision for your next governor.

experience, integrity, and fiscal responsibility. i believe i have the right experience. i will be straight with the people of the state of nevada and i will not raise our taxes like my opponent will. i think our future is bright. we are going to diversify our economy. we're going to bring new businesses here. we are going to improve education. we have to make tough decisions just like all of you have done to doubt the state of nevada. it would be a privilege to serve as our next governor. i respectfully ask for your vote. god bless you, and god bless the great state of nevada. >> i have enjoyed this evening and this conversation. i want to end where i started. we need to pick a governor that has experience and a plan. i have run a large government. a balance that budget every year for eight years without new taxes. you can read my budget proposal. it balances the budget wut